July 4, 2017

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Good Morning and Happy 241st Birthday, America!
     It’s shaping up to be a soggy start to the national holiday.  We were spoiled with a spectacular sunrise this morning, but it didn’t take long for the skies to cloud over and gray up.  It’s already started to sprinkle.  They’re calling for strong rain chances again today, but hopefully we’ll witness a repeat performance of yesterday where conditions cleared in time for sunset and clear views over the valley.  There are firework displays to watch, and the crew would prefer to enjoy its traditional July 4th cookout on the back porch and not indoors.  Either way, the food Matt’s preparing should taste delicious.  We shall see.
     Yesterday’s high temperature managed to tag 66 degrees, and our low of 49 was from the morning prior.  It was certainly warmer this morning, hovering in the mid 50’s.  We also tallied 0.68” of rainfall.  Keep packing that rain gear if you intend to summit over the coming days, you’ll thank yourself for staying as dry as possible.  And even though there isn’t ice this time of year, wet surfaces can be plenty slick, namely the log water bars.  Better to step over than on them.

     Now for a special treat, I would like to share a fantastic poem written by one gentleman who's been assisting us with our construction efforts.  Ben thoroughly enjoys his time on the mountain, and is sure to take those precious moments to 'stop and smell the roses.'  Much of the following composition was written during his latest ascent up Alum Cave.  Thank you, Ben, for putting into words what many of us have felt, heard, and thought while visiting this magical place.  Enjoy!

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"To LeConte"
By Ben Spicer

Below a canopy of trees
I walk in utter luxury
Silver stones beneath my feet
Through a path of emerald green
Dew, like diamonds on each leaf
Sparkle in the morning breeze

Floral carpets span in waves
Infusing wooded knolls and banks
Painted in their jeweled shades
Like rouge upon a lovely face
Waters laugh at child like pace
Over rocks and winding ways

Mountain air of earth and pine
Refresh me as I upward climb
Wisps of cloud in smoky rise
Dance upon the mountainside
Epics scapes of grand design
Fill my unbelieving mind

Who forged this awe inspiring trail?
What haven lies at utmost scale?
Dwelling over peak and vale
At summit I now join the tale
Of kindred folk who too prevail
​To LeConte and summit hail!