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Good morning from the Great White South??? We are huddled around the heaters and drinking up all of the hot chocolate. It is a balmy 10º at the moment. The low last night was 9º with a high of 12º. We currently have about 12" of powder and drifts of even greater amounts. We had 24 guests show last night, even some kids. No one had problems. They all had great gear and were very well prepared. Rainbow will be well traveled today. Hwy 441 is still closed. This closure is only until they can get the road cleared of ice and snow. Rainbow is going to be your best bet again for travel to and from the lodge. 
John Mallon, Chrissy Mann, Chester the llama, John's granddaughter, Amanda, and Alan Householder enjoying a nice day at the llama farm.
The LeConte Lodge llama farm had an exciting visit from the west coast. One of the nation's leading llama trainers, or llama guru as we like to refer to him, John Mallon paid them a visit. He was in the area for a conference and stopped by to take a look at our operations. He was extremely helpful and full of knowledge. I am sure you all remember Chrissy and Alan from seasons passed. They are the new llama wranglers for this season. They were super excited to soak up all of the knowledge John had to offer. He gave them the "thumbs up" for the season and they are ready to get these llamas on the trail, after the snow melts a little, that is. 
Chrissy and Alan soaking up all of the information John can throw at them.
doug y
3/26/2013 01:29:36 am
Very glad to hear that those guests made it up safely ! Perhaps it won't be too long before the llamas will be able to begin their duties. Good morning.
Tanya
3/26/2013 01:40:22 am
So glad to hear the guests made it up safely and were well prepared. I always worry so much about the clearly unprepared people I pass on the trail. Sure wish I was there enjoying that hot chocolate with y'all!!
Ronnie Tn
3/26/2013 02:24:21 am
I stressed that same thing yesterday Tanya. Glad they all made it to the lodge and the kids will never forget the experience. Hoping 441 opens today and I will hit Alum trail tomorrow if possible.
Kathy
3/26/2013 01:49:58 am
Hope you have a great year Chrissy working with the llamas, enjoyed talking to you at the lodge over the last two years. All of us in Cincinnati are wishing you much happiness in your new job.
Debi
3/26/2013 02:02:08 am
Its cold all over. Now I don't feell so bad having 60 in Florida. Not many guest. Bet they enjoyed those warm cabins. 3/26/2013 02:08:30 am
Grateful for your posts! I remember a trip I made up about 32 years ago when the top o LeConte had 36 inches. Was something ill never forget. 3/26/2013 02:24:42 am
Looking forward to our stay on April 11th. When each of my eleven children turn 11 they get a big Smokies trip alone with Dad. For the last 10 years it has included a night at the Lodge. This year, child #11 has turned 11. The end of an era is approaching.
Ken T
3/26/2013 02:54:39 am
But, I know the rewards of Grandkids !!!!! You will have maybe a 100 trips ahead of you, in the Grand Era
Mike
3/26/2013 03:45:04 am
Alan Householder? That just does not look like the Alan I know. I guess no whiskers makes a big difference. 3/26/2013 03:54:11 am
We have a group of guys hoping to hike up Friday (day hikers). I'm sure hoping that some of that snow is melted by then, I'm not sure we all have gear for snow. I'll keep my eyes tuned to this page and I guess we'll cross our fingers and toes!
Shane S
3/26/2013 04:03:27 am
So nice to have you back on the mountain Allyson. It was a LONG winter without you. Waiting anxiously for you to introduce the new crew members this year. Is it true that John and Bonnie are no longer with you? If so, they will be missed but I wish them luck in their new endeavors. I will see you when it gets a little warmer:)
Pat N.
3/26/2013 06:00:39 am
I will miss them, too! (Why not...I'm John's mom!) Can't wait to meet a new, terrific crew.
Debnfl
3/26/2013 05:12:49 am
Glad everyone has made the hike up safely so far. Some brave souls out there to hike in that kind of weather! It's windy, sunny and a little cool here in North Florida. Compared to LeConte... ahhh, I'd still love to be hiking somewhere besides flat land Florida! My daily hike consist of a 2 mile jaunt on a local trail in the woods. At least there are woods and I can dream of mountains. Looking forward to the beautiful Smokey mountains in May!!!
Eileen Hopkins
3/26/2013 07:54:15 am
Okay I have finally given into the urge! I just booked a long weekend in the Smoky's. Coming down from Cincinnati in 2 weeks. Checking out this blog daily has given me the itch! Not to mention it has been over 5 months since my last "fix" of the beauty of the park. Hope to make a day hike up to the top!
Chris
3/26/2013 12:51:51 pm
Thanks to all the crew for making our night (cold journey) a wonderful warm trip. The food and company was amazing. Hats off to all you guys. Thanks for everything.
Susan
3/26/2013 02:56:37 pm
Crissy, you look so happy! Enjoy your new experience. You just never know what life has in store for you next! You go girl. Alan, you look like you are feeling so much better with your new knee, you look great! Glad you are back to doing what you really love. Comments are closed.
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LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
April 2025
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