January 12th, 2020

Good afternoon fellow mountaineers,

Conditions have drastically changed up top! Currently, it is 49 degrees out with moderate winds and clear skies! No clouds above, and a sea of clouds below; my favorite combo. We received a whopping 2.75 inches of rain yesterday! According to the forecast, clear skies and moderate winds should continue through Monday, with rain/thunderstorms moving in again on Tuesday. That being said, go out and take advantage of this beautiful day! It might be awhile until the next one. If you plan on climbing the mountain today, be on the lookout for limbs, trees, and debris along the path. During my short stroll around the summit, I discovered copious branches spread across the trail. Stay alert and, most importantly, stay jolly...

Yesterday's high was an unusual 50 degrees, with a low temp of 31. Rain, thunder, lightning, and fierce winds continued through the next and early into this morning. Not your ideal hiking day... To my surprise, I saw a decent amount of folks up here before lunchtime. Despite the nasty conditions, everyone was still in high spirits! It seems all roads around LeConte (Cherokee Orchard, Gatlinburg Bypass, Highway 441) have been opened this morning, so all trails are accessible! Have fun, burn some calories, and snap some photos!

01/11/2020

"A subtle rumble of thunder rolled through camp as I made my way into the kitchen. Creeks and cascades were circumnavigating the Dining Room, getting deeper and deeper by the hour. The winds were like no other, evergreens aggressively swayed back and forth. After reading the "High Wind Warning," it was determined that there was no worse place to be than here! I let that sink in for a brief second while gazing out the screen door. I'll admit, I was worried, but I had faith. I dried the last dish and put it back in its place, then splashed all the way to my mile-high abode. The sound of howling wind and thunder filled the room as the door opened. The conditions reminded me of a late spring storm, mild temps and angry winds. The cabin was pitch-quiet, Mother Nature hooting and hollering beyond the four walls. Content, I listened with open ears. My fears turned into comforts as the elements helped me drift into a deep sleep..."

​-Kemp