January 31st, 2016

1/31/2016

The strenuous life tastes best. William James

Morning y'all,

It is a beautiful, clear Sunday morning. The high yesterday reached 48 degrees. The overnight low was 32 degrees. It was 40 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is only about 6 inches of snow remaining up top. There are deeper drifts, but yesterday's foot traffic has packed down much of the snow on trails. I'd expect Alum to be a breeze in these conditions. It looks as though it is shaping up to be a beautiful day, get out and enjoy it!

16 Comments

lisa

1/31/2016 12:17:09 pm

What is the best trail to climb right now? I plan on hiking Tuesday to Le conte for the first time.

phillip

1/31/2016 03:34:04 pm

There is NO one best trail among the six available. Pick one and try it.

tomk in SC

1/31/2016 03:51:15 pm

I like Rainbow UP and Bullhead DOWN. Alum is a shorter option but I don't know about the danger factor with snow near the top. I've done Rainbow/Bullhead in the winter and it is beautiful.

phillip

2/1/2016 08:53:56 am

Alum is the shortest, but possibly the most rugged, and has spectacular views. Rainbow. Bullhead, and Trillium are good trails. Boulevard is the longest.

2/1/2016 10:07:45 am

Lisa,

I would expect Alum to be in the best shape. It had a lot of traffic this weekend and is entirely packed down. The snow is melting fast!

Judy

1/31/2016 02:21:06 pm

To Gulf Coast Doug, I certainly agree with your comments yesterday and would add that my favorite Beston book continues to be the Outermost House. You might wish to check it out after Farm book. As you said, the style of writing is very much like JP's, almost poetic. I also find it interesting that a book written by hand in the mid 20's, can still resonate with us today.

JP we appreciate all you share with us - photos, words, adventures.

Gulf Coast Doug

1/31/2016 04:16:15 pm

Glad you can relate. I did read Outermost House and enjoyed also. Timeless nature writing.

Jerry

1/31/2016 06:01:35 pm

JUDY WOULD U PLEASE SHARE THE AUTHORS FULL NAME WITH US ? thks

2/1/2016 10:11:21 am

I just gave a copy of that book to my lady friend... It's so phenomenal. It's wildly flattering to be mentioned in the same sentence as Mr. Beston. He's definitely on the list of the ten writers who have influence my thought and style the most.

2/1/2016 10:12:30 am

Also, for Jerry...

http://www.henrybeston.com/outermost.html

Dan H

1/31/2016 07:38:29 pm

JP,
I'm looking to make a hike to the top one day this week depending on weather. Is there anything you need or want? Dry cranberries? Tea of any particular kind? Anything else?

Dan H

2/1/2016 08:33:07 am

JP,
Not sure if my note from yesterday got through. I plan to come to the summit on Tuesday via the Boulevard. What sort of stuff do you need? I have a large daypack and only need a little space for my own stuff. Do you still like dried cranberries? Tea (what kind?)? Anything else? I'll bring what I can fit. Just let me know.

2/1/2016 10:13:29 am

Dan,

Thank you for the generous offer. I am well stocked on tea, but would love some craisins. If you could find a Bolthouse smoothie or Naked Juice I'd be over the moon!

Dan

2/2/2016 05:55:48 am

Heading up rainbow falls this morning. Will be there before lunch. I found the smoothies and they need refrigerated so I probably shouldn't leave them on the porch.
See you soon.

Dan

2/3/2016 09:43:28 am

JP,
You were out on a water run but Rodney showed me where you lived. Just wanted to make sure you got the trail magic. Cranberries on the kitchen counter. Smoothies, naked juice, and beers in the left refrigerator.
It took me longer than expected to reach the top in the snow so I didn't have time to linger. I hope you have a good rest of the winter.
Dan

2/3/2016 11:18:10 am

Dan,

Thank you so much! I am so appreciative of all the goodies you hiked up! Wish we could've met, sorry for the inconvenience! Stay well and thanks again for making my winter days a little more luxurious!

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

January 31st, 2016

Leave a Reply.

LeConte Lodge

Archives