July 5, 2020

7/5/2020

Good Afternoon,

We hope you had as pleasant a 4th of July as we did. The mountain wasn’t nearly as busy as it was Friday, but still a great deal of friendly folks excited about spending time outdoors and visiting the lodge. The holiday was a beautiful one for playing in the woods, and it never got too hot, barely reaching the mid 60s. A pop-up shower did manage to roll through and grace us with a half inch of rainfall. For a mountain that typically averages 85” of liquid precip per year, we’ve already surpassed 70”...halfway through the calendar year. Yeah.

We’re in the lower 60s currently experiencing sporadic light showers. The greatest chance was for this afternoon, and then things should calm down by tonight. Tomorrow looks like it’ll be a hot one again, but rather nice up top.

The crew made good on their annual Independemce
Day tradition of eating a grand feast done on the charcoal grill after serving our guests. The evening skies cooperated so that all the firework displays dotting the East Tennessee Valley below could be seen, albeit very small and the sound arriving nearly 30 seconds later. All in all a great day to be on the mountain.

1 Comment

Ken Eckerle

7/5/2020 09:33:38 pm

We have hiked many of the trails and many miles in the Great Smoky Mountains over the last 20 years. One of our most memorable was the hike to Mt. Leconte this time staying in one of the cabins. We were already in the Smokies so called to check on reservations and someone had just cancelled, could believe it what luck?? Was not really prepared for this hike but what a chance had to grab it.
We have hiked to Charles Bunion and the Jump off several times so decided to take a left off of the Appalachian Trail to check out the "Boulevard" Trail to Leconte,
Sun shinning and great hiking weather we parked at the Newfound Gap parking area and began our hike, We were not in a hurry so didn't worry about time but the thought was always rolling around in my head. My hiking partner and wife Carolyn was quite apprehensive on unfamiliar hikes especially concerned with getting lost or it becoming dark and forced to stay overnight in the mountains. All was well till maybe a mile and a half or so from Leconte when we ran into snow, the trail was covered almost beyond recognition with deep cliffs along the very faint pathway, both her and I became very concerned. We had gone too far to turn back and make it before dark so we had to move on. We both had good hiking boots and had trekking poles but it was quite scary. She started crying with fear and I being responsible for getting us into the mess was worried about her/our safety. We said a quick prayer asking for help. Very slowly we made it though the hazardous area and found a recognizable path with no drop offs. Made it just in time for the great meal at Leconte and great fellowship with the other hikers and voting on the best carved pumpkin.The next day we waited for the sun to warm the Alum Cave Bluffs trail which was still icy in a few spots but we made it to New Found Gap Road, hitched a ride up the Mountain to our vehicle.
The trek up the mountain was on Halloween October 31st 2011.
Lions Tigers and Bears OH MY.

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July 5, 2020

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