like smoke, i hang around in the unbalanced.

12/14/2011

Can anything be so elegant as to have few wants and to serve them one's self, so as to have somewhat left to give, instead of being always prompt to grab? It is more elegant to answer one's own needs, than to be richly served; inelegant perhaps it may look to-day, and to a few, but it is an elegance forever and to all. Emerson

Morning,

It was gorgeous yesterday and looks to be much of the same today. The snow has just about melted off. The high was 46 and the low was 36. It was 42 and a bit hazy at observation.

I had a nice hike down Alum yesterday morning. I met Tim at the trailhead and he was kind enough to help me do some chores around town before hiking back up in the afternoon. Thanks again, Tim! I relaxed all afternoon and watched the meteor shower for as long as I could stay awake. It was a very calm evening on the mountain.

I have all my winter accessories and am just waiting on the snow. I received my skis yesterday (thanks Tom!) and had my buddies hike up my snowshoes this weekend. I was looking at my photos from my trip last MLK day and can't wait for it to begin! Safe hiking!

I feel like the Summer Caretaker. C'mon, winter!!!

Rod

12/14/2011 01:30:32 am

I wish I had a larger version of that photo. It would become my dual monitor background at work. It's beautiful!

edwinnia

12/14/2011 02:14:53 am

Emerson is one of my favorites! Beautiful picture!

Danny

12/14/2011 02:38:43 am

Thanks for the updates JP...I evny your job. Want to talk east Tennessee weather?
Join our new weather forum

http://tootsweatherspot.forumotion.com/

Woody

12/14/2011 02:48:54 am

Nice skis the likes of which the Mountain has never seen. The 1942 vintage skis hanging on the wall in the dinning room are interesting to use. Too bad someone has damaged them.

sandee link

12/14/2011 04:53:17 am

lol, be careful of what you wish for, winter will be here soon!

Lyndzi

12/14/2011 05:53:49 am

Just had to tell you guys how much I enjoy the site. I live in England and visit this site every single day it fills me with both joy and inspiration. The pictures are just awesome. Oh how much I want to visit irl, one day I promise I will. The site was introduced to me by my very good friend Doug who has spent many happy days at LeConte Lodge over many years. He tells me of all the trails, sights and animals he sees there. His love of this place has rubbed off on me and I am well and truly hooked. Thank you to everyone and I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas.

Tony Ga

12/14/2011 05:58:44 am

Merry Christmas to you Ms Lyndzi!!!

Debi link

12/14/2011 07:48:27 am

No snow in Michigan either. Don't worry it will come, it always does. I on the other hand would love a green Christmas!

Carol

12/14/2011 08:54:35 am

The weather looks great. those are some fancy skis. Raining here in Illinois. I envy your job and your weather.

Greg Donahue

12/14/2011 12:41:45 pm

Hey JP this is Greg. Coming up Saturday with nephew and girlfriend. Is there anything you need?? Also they are looking at buying t-shirts do you have any left for 2011 and how much will they be?

Tom

12/14/2011 02:05:05 pm

That pesky south east ridge that has been denying us winter here in our region of America seems poised to finally give way over the next 10-14 days, and winter will be upon us.

Jean Paul

12/14/2011 09:29:06 pm

Correction Woody- The mountain sees backcountry tele skis every winter. There are several prime places within the park to "earn your turns". The slide area on the Boulevard is one of my favorites... I don't think there's anything virgin about LeConte except the snow itself.

12/14/2011 11:13:43 pm

Rod,
If you give me your email address, I'd be more than happy to send a copy of that photo your way.
Lyndzi,
I'm glad you're enjoying the site! I spent the past summer in Vermont and love New England!
Greg,
Good to hear from you. Email me at jpkrol@gmail.com. Thanks!
Jean Paul,
Where are the best spots to ski?! The best 'backcountry' I've seen is some stretches of Bullhead. I've also heard Clingman's Dome road is good, though that'll have to wait for a day off as it's too much to get there in one day. The horse trails down by Cherokee Orchard road look great too. Any other secret spots I should know about? Thanks so much!

Jean Paul

12/15/2011 02:14:50 am

JP,
Skinny ski opportunities abound, as you've heard-- Clingman's, BRPkwy, old fire roads, and less steep trails. If you're looking to link some tele turns, the slide areas and open balds offer up some opportunities. There are also several nice couloirs just off 441 between Newfound and Alum Cave parking areas. The BRPkwy is nice because it climbs for a few miles out of Smokemont... but it's all downhill on the way home. For some of the narrower trails, a stiff boot and short ski make for a fun downhill combo... Just be sure to scout now for downfall and other shinbusters.

"Free your heels, free your mind"

Bill Witherspoon

12/15/2011 02:46:30 am

Just remember.... when you ski downhill you have to carry them back uphill to your cabin ! :)

Jean Paul

12/15/2011 04:02:08 am

Bill,
Hence the phrase "earn your turns"

Doug Y.

12/16/2011 03:19:58 pm

My good friend Lyndzi is from England, not New England; big difference.

Comments are closed.

like smoke, i hang around in the unbalanced.

LeConte Lodge

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