July 3, 2017

This mother doe scouts for her recently born fawns, hidden in fields of Coneflower.

Good Afternoon,
     After what started out as a pleasant Monday morning on the mountain, has since been thwarted by intermittent rain showers.  The rainfall that was more like a sneeze yesterday around supper time was barely measurable, coming in at 0.02". We've already received significantly more today, with having to unload and reload llamas in between squalls. Our high temperature Sunday managed to reach 66 degrees, and our overnight low fell to 51. Despite the clouds and rain, we're hovering around 60 degrees for the moment.  We're seeing droves of people hiking up sopping wet, unprepared for the rain.  I have little doubt anyone reading this blog would fall into that category, but I'll say it anyways.  Please take advantage of the wealth of weather related information available before visiting the mountain.  Simply packing a poncho or umbrella can make or break your experience.

The Wood Sorrel, an upper elevation flower, grows profusely in the cooler damp forests atop Mt. LeConte.

     Before the rain showers took control, it seemed like camp was being overtaken with wildlife (the non-bear variety).  The squirrels are as raucous as ever.  The snails are climbing around everything.  We're beginning to see greater variety among the ornithological species, with red Crossbill Finches darting around.  The Dark-Eyed Juncos and Robins are ever present, and the cute couple of Golden-Crowned Kinglets are still entertaining to watch outside the back souvenir shop window.  The deer have really made themselves comfortable with their lodge surroundings as well.  We have several families taking advantage of the endless buffet of greenery.  One doe has two tiny fawns, and another doe has been leading a single fawn. Shortly after observing the aforementioned deer, I surprised a doe accompanied by a velvety 4-point buck up by our water collection tanks.  The mountain is alive with endless beauty!

Captivating skies seen from a famous corner along the higher reaches of Alum Cave Trail.

     Thanks to Bonnie for some great captures along Alum Cave Trail yesterday, namely the Wood Sorrel, trail scene, and Boomer.  Enjoy!  Have a great July 4th!

"I am Squirrel, watch me nibble." (But please don't feed me!)