July 10, 2017

Good Afternoon,
     Here we are, a third of the way through July already (WHAT?), and today marks the first day of the month without witnessing any liquid precipitation...so far.  But no complaints on our end.  Yesterday's measurement squeaked in a skimpy 0.02" of rainfall.  Our high temperature on Sunday was 60 degrees, accompanied by a low of 46.  It has been pleasantly sunny much of today, and a bit warmer at that.  Certainly an ideal day for some loyal packing llamas to tackle the mountain!  Way to go, Chrissy and Co.!

     It was a pleasure catching up with Jim Huff this afternoon, up visiting the mountain on a day hike.  For those of you who may not know, Jim is a nephew of renowned lodge founders and grand architects, Jack and Pauline Huff.  He also spent fifteen years sharing ownership of the lodge concession from around 1975 - 1990.  A great deal of the lodge configuration and its performing of operations we've come to know today are due in part to the work of Jim Huff, Tim Line, and others in conjunction with numerous GSMNP administrations beginning in the late 1970's. Helping to ensure our favorite lodge's continued existence while also embracing the importance of ecological responsibility, Jim and other's impacts can still be felt today, and for that we are thankful.  Another interesting informational tidbit, it was during Jim's tenure that a certain farm was purchased and llamas became the means of hauling certain supplies to and from the mountain.  It was a little more meaningful having our awesome load luggers up here today with Jim present more than 30+ years after the fact; although, he had no qualms about leaving the dispersing of pancakes and biscuits to our veteran wrangler, Chrissy.
     Have a great start to the week everyone!