January 5, 2019

Good Morning,

Skies were cloudy pre-dawn but quickly broke as both sun and caretaker prepared to greet the day. It was 22 degrees at observation and coffee prep. The winds were up and down throughout the evening, and the rain squalls teased the lodge with intermittent flurries. The liquid precip mostly prevailed, leaving us with 0.71” of rainfall but not without a light layer of powder and frost.

​24 hour temperature range | High: 43 Low: 22

The forecast these next several days looks quite favorable for getting outside and enjoying nature. Between a steady mix of sun and seasonably mild temps, what snow remains along higher elevations should eventually disappear. A cool down does appear to be on the horizon sometime Wednesday.

If you are planning a trip to the Smokies now or later, it’s important to make note of which facilities and amenities found in the park are currently inaccessible during the shutdown. LeConte Lodge already being closed during the winter months, our situation and what’s expected of day hikers doesn’t change, but it’s still a responsible idea to find out what is happening elsewhere in the park as you visit.

Here is a helpful link with tips for following Leave No Trace practices if visiting during the government shutdown.
https://lnt.org/blog/5-tips-visiting-parks-shutdown?fbclid=IwAR38ysNhQ6vqc_fDkRsTut1UOMxp8nb_dQPY5tEeVR0GSrFM8HK38IiAJWY

These next couple posts we’ll take the opportunity to feature some poetry from lodge friend Ben Spicer. Like many of us, Ben finds unequaled inspiration when ascending the mountain. Enjoy his observations put into words!
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I Will Not Stop
By Benjamin J Spicer

I will not stop I will not sleep
Until I top this mountain's peak
Where friend with friend can laugh away
Telling stories of the day

I will not slow I will not rest
Until I reach the mighty crest
Where cabins wait with restful sleep
And purest air restores me deep

I will not let my foot be turned
Away from where my heart has yearned
I know well what lies at stead
Here upon this mountain's head

I will not stop I will not sleep
This is my vow and thus I'll keep
For there my soul shall be refreshed
With every step thus double blessed