June 29, 2020

Good Morning,

As we approach the holiday famous for pyrotechnics, the skies are echoing with the sights and sounds of their own fireworks of late. The flashes of lightning, rumbles of thunder, roaring wind, and crackling of rain are just Mother Nature showcasing her strength and might. The mountain has spent a great deal of time in the clouds these past few days, and that appears to be the case going forward for a while. Rainfalls range from fast and heavy to light and drawn out. Protective gear intended to keep you dry is something you’ll want to have on the trails.

​With this much consistent saturation, areas can get muddy and slick for long periods of time. Wet weather creek crossings can appear out of nowhere as well. Folks nervous about getting their feet wet or maintaining stability while navigating swollen creeks will attest to the benefits of using a walking stick or a pair of trekking poles. It’s always smart to assess your hiking gear before setting out on an adventure as big as Mt. LeConte, especially if it’s a new experience.

Day time temps continue to hang around in the 50s. It has been fortunate that late spring and early summer above 6,000’ in 2020 has been a cool one. If there is a group that appreciates the seasonably mild weather, it’s our awesome llamas. Hats off to our load luggers and team of wranglers for cranking out a bunch of pack trips this past weekend to keep the lodge stocked and in good shape to host our guests!

​Have a great start to the week.