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January 11th, 2020

1/11/2020

8 Comments

 
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Good morning all,

I am currently residing in the dining hall kitchen, listening to the wind whistle. It is 46 degrees at the moment, with fierce winds traveling angrily up the mountain and light rain. Highway 441/Newfound Gap Road is currently closed due to high winds, so Alum Cave and the Boulevard are inaccessible. Also, a "High Wind Warning" has been issued by the National Weather Service all across Eastern Tennessee. The Tennessee side of the park will get hit the hardest, especially in the higher elevations. Damaging wind gusts of 70-80 mph are expected! Downed trees, limbs, and other debris could be scattered along the trail, so proceed with caution. For my own safety, I will not be outside  during this force of nature. Extreme conditions like these are dangerous, but somewhat beautiful...

Yesterday's high temp was 37 degrees, with a low of 27. We have received 0.5" of rain in the past 24 hours, with trace amounts of snow remaining. If you are daring enough to hike the mountain today, wear a good rain jacket and bring some dry socks! Personally, I would advise against it in these conditions. During my journey to Cliff Tops the other day, I saw a large tree getting uprooted by the inhumane winds. Don't underestimate the power of Mother Nature...

01/11/2020

"I woke up to an assuring 6:30 alarm, a day of rest made getting out of bed a piece of cake. Sounds of harsh winds and rain resonated from the window, so I dressed accordingly. These conditions were inhospitable, at least the kitchen was only 30 paces away! I twisted the door knob ever so slightly, and the wind threw the door open. Howling wind made the commute a little difficult, but oddly fascinating. In my time here, I've come to respect the men that built these cabins. These sturdy pieces of history have withstood torrential downpours, high winds, hurricanes, and thieving squirrels. I'm thankful for their hard work and craftsmanship, I wouldn't be here without them..."

-Kemp


8 Comments
Jay McAnnally
1/11/2020 10:28:10 am

Kemp, grateful for your reports. Read them daily. Press on!

Reply
Nelda Leonard
1/11/2020 11:22:36 am

I very much enjoy reading your posts that keep us close t to our beautiful mountains. Thank you.

Reply
Jan Lambert
1/11/2020 12:05:58 pm

I so enjoy the words and pictures you paint of the lodge! I love it there and it always stays close to my heart until I can return. The beauty exceeds any other place for me. Stay safe and I too am grateful you are protected in that awesome space.

Reply
Shelli Kolash
1/11/2020 12:17:57 pm

Stay safe
I'd love to find the thieving squirrel's cache
Actually watched him drag a trekking pole away :-)

Reply
kihm blackwell
1/11/2020 06:04:26 pm

Hope everything goes ok through these bad weather times. Like you said those cabins have been through a lot and are still standing.

Reply
Connie Sharpe
1/11/2020 06:49:49 pm

Enjoy your posts...stay safe!

Reply
Tarver Spivey
1/12/2020 07:50:03 am

Kemp, enjoy your comments! I have reservations for the public shelter on Sat Feb 1. Have my fingers crossed for a snowy trip but Hwy 441 open. Do you need us to bring you anything? We hiked Cold Mtn in Haywood County, NC on Sat 1-10....rainy and windy but nice. Keep up the the good work

Reply
Brenda Stocker
1/13/2020 09:47:41 pm

Sounds like you're stuck for awhile in a beautiful location. Just stay put and enjoy. You are making memories plus a great story to share. May God bless and keep you 🙏🙏 safe.

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