January 28th, 2016

1/28/2016

This was how our parents taught us to love the mountains: They made us feel like part of them. Because, in essence, mountains are like people: To love them, you must first get to know them, and when you do, you can tell when they are angry and when they are happy, how you should handle them, play with them, care for them when people hurt them, when it is better not to annoy them. But unlike any person, the mountains, nature, and the earth are much, much bigger than you are. You must never forget that you are a speck, a speck in space, within the infinite, and they can decide at any moment whether they want to erase that speck or not. Kilian Jornet

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, clear morning up top. The high yesterday reached 34 degrees. The overnight low was 20 degrees. It was 27 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is still around 8 inches of snow remaining, though there are still some deep drifts remaining. The mountain is in a beautiful inversion right now, I suppose it's the time of the season. The trails are rather rugged right now - the snow has frozen over again, so if you posthole in shorts (I might be speaking from experience) you'll cut up your shins and look really cool but be quite uncomfortable. I'd still recommend some sort of traction devices and snowshoes if you intend to reach the top with the least amount of frustration. Get out and enjoy winter's joys!

I went out for a little sunset adventure last night. I'm supposed to be resting up, but I have a new pair of shoes and the air was calm... the trails were calling. I left just in time to dance through the snow and get to Cliff Tops to catch the show. It's always special when there is an inversion (we haven't had nearly as many as last season)... I haven't seen another hiker in days, which adds something to it as well. It's just my life and undisturbed nature and that show of colours.

9 Comments

1/28/2016 08:37:48 am

Goood morning JP! looks nice up there i just wish we could get another day in this winter up there dont know yet! we stayed two nights in Nov and spoke with you New Yrs day! we also purchased some new rugs for your dining room!, i know you wont get to see them until March! but they were shipped yesterday!Hope to visit soon!!

Sharon S

1/28/2016 08:42:13 am

Today's quote has reminded me again how blessed I have been to be raised around these mountains and to have raised my children around them, too. But, I suppose it's not simply to be raised around them, but to be brought up loving them that is so special. There's something deeply freeing about the constant reminder of how big God is and how small I am. Enjoy your precious, peaceful time alone with His creation.

Chip Saxton

1/28/2016 09:34:44 am

Wouldn't mind a week of what you are doing. I spent two years in Anchorage while in the service and actually enjoyed walking around the base during snowfalls in January, by myself. The cold, quiet solitary walks were very helpful in clearing my mind. You also have a benefit of awesome views. We stayed one night at LeConte about 8 yrs ago. Beautiful !!

John I Reese

1/28/2016 09:35:49 am

What does ''the mountain is in a beautiful inversion"mean or what does that look like? I enjoy your posts.

tomk in SC

1/28/2016 11:08:25 am

Inversions are times when the clouds are below you (and it is clear or cloudy above) The mountain and all of the ridges visible below look more like islands in a Smoky Mountain Ocean a Sea of Clouds,

phillip

1/29/2016 07:41:56 am

You're right, and temperature is a primary variable in an inversion.

elktonbrant

1/28/2016 04:16:03 pm

It means that there are clouds that have covered the land below the mountain... but the peaks and above are clear. It looks like you are at the beach looking at distant islands, but it is really clouds with mountain peaks. It is very awesome to see in person!

John I Reese

1/29/2016 09:20:45 am

Thankyou ,Tomk, Phillip,Elktonbrant for explaining what inversion is.

Tammy ( Tx )

1/29/2016 11:07:31 am

The first time we got to see an inversion was in the GSMNP. My two daughters were little girls at the time and the excitement on their faces, on my and my husband's face, was priceless. None of us had ever been actually standing on solid ground above the clouds. It was a fun first of many first experiences with the girls; now adults! Maybe the grandkids someday?

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January 28th, 2016

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