March 03rd, 2016

3/3/2016

No man should go through life without once experiencing healthy, even bored solitude in the wilderness, finding himself depending solely on himself and thereby learning his true and hidden strength. Kerouac

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, clear day up top. The high yesterday reached 29 degrees. The overnight low was 12 degrees. It was 27 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is still about 2 inches of snow remaining up top. The forecast is calling for some more snow throughout the day today, but for now it is beautiful out. The trails are sure to be a bit slick, I would definitely recommend traction devices for the trickier sections. Get out and enjoy this beautiful day!

I spent yesterday enjoying one of my last long cabin days of the season. I hike down in a week and I'll be trying to fit in some big runs before I take off, so it was the perfect day to rest up and enjoy the quietude. I read all day, scribbled a little and just savored the way my cabin seems to fit me like a hermit crabs' hermit crabshell. I wish I could take it with me. I can't get too nostalgic, I am too excited for all that is to come. Carter Notch is another of my blessed places and my hiking exploits this summer will satisfy my wanderlust (or fuel it further like any other addiction?) for some time... I will be posting a link to my new Instagram account sometime next week so that blog readers can keep track of Billy and I on our journey.

9 Comments

Barbara

3/3/2016 09:00:42 am

Will you return to LeConte next year?

3/3/2016 09:45:48 am

Barbara,

As of right now, my 'life plan' extends to late August. We shall see!

Clarkson Jones

3/3/2016 09:21:28 am

Just a question - not a comment, please. I'd appreciate an email back.

We're planning to backpack Newfound to Big Creek and would like a recommendation on traction devices. Do you think Yak Traks would be enough or should we go with Microspikes? Another recommendation? Thanks and I enjoy the blog.

3/3/2016 09:47:23 am

Clarkson,

If you go with Yak Traks, they may work... but they also might break. I've learnt my lesson. They're not as durable. Microspikes are worth the investment.

Helen B. link

3/3/2016 12:37:34 pm

Just to piggyback JP's suggestion, we first purchased Yak Traks and had to turn around, return those and purchase the Microspikes on our winter hike last year. It saved our lives as we had to hike up and down on a new trail we had never been on and were caught on the icy mountain at night. I would NOT recommend the Yak Traks for any LeConte trails in winter.

Steve D

3/3/2016 06:22:52 pm

Yes I agree with JP! Since he recommended them to me several years ago I have used them about 50 times. They are literally life savers on the snow and ice.

Joe

3/3/2016 10:28:29 am

From your writings I get the impression that your time on the mountain is like a religious experience. This really jumped out in yesterday's posting about your returned.

Ron

3/3/2016 10:50:29 am

JP I agree 100 per. Had mine for a long time they are still great worth every penny

TGB link

3/4/2016 09:47:14 am

CLARKSON WHEN J.P.ADVISES WHAT TRACTION DEVICES TO GET GO TO TH E OUTDOOR PLACE IN GATLINBURG,WHERE OPEN HEARTH REST.USE TO BE AND GET FROM JOHN THAT WAS AT MT.LECONTE FOR 3 OR 4 YRS.AND IS A RUNNER UP TO J.P.I WOULD LIKE TO GET THEM ON A RACE DOWN FROM THE LODGE ETC.AND IT WOULD BE CLOSE ,WHEN I MET JOHN IN NOV.2015 WE HAD A LONG CHAT AND HE IS SO NICE AND HE SAID,J.P.WAS A NICE GUY AND WISH I COULD MEET HIM.IT TOOK 2YRS.TO MEET JOHN BUT SO GLAD I DID .WE WILL BE IN P.F.3-6-2016 AND J.P.IF YOU ARE READING THIS IF WE GO PART THE WAY UP TO ALUM DO YOU THINK WE WOULD BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO RUN INTO YOU?ALUM MAY STILL BE CLOSED MON.-THUR.BUT YOU COULD LET ME KNOW.WE WENT AS FAR AS ALUM N0,2015 AND IT IS SOOOOOOOOMUCH EASIER.HAGD

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March 03rd, 2016

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