January 17th, 2018

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Good morning,
 
It’s currently 4 degrees and above the clouds atop Mt. Le Conte. Yesterday’s high was 25 degrees with an overnight low of 4 degrees. We received 1” inch of snow last night.
 
US Hwy 441/ Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is temporarily closed due to snow and ice.

Cherokee Orchard Road with access to the Rainbow Falls Trailhead is also closed due to snow and ice. Follow the link below for updates on road closures.
 
(Link)
 
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The world was still dark when I emerged from my den. The glow of Pigeon Forge could be seen through the thick cloud inversion. The mountain was noticeably calm. Mt. Le Conte had settled into a deep quiet. I’ve yet to experience quiet as intense as that of a cold snow-covered landscape. With most of the roads closed due to snow and ice. I was truly alone in this mountain wilderness. I smiled at the thought and made for sunrise.
 
A dark mass in the distance obscured the sun. Unworried, I watched the incredible cloud activity below. Like a spilled bowl of cream, the clouds filled in the valleys and splashed about. This had to be one of the truest representations of the Smoky Mountain's namesake. Impressed, I continued trudging down the silent mountain.
 
Onward,
Seth

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“I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least – and it is commonly more than that – sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.” 

​-Henry David Thoreau