March 17, 2017

Good Morning,
     The weather continues to be a curious thing up here.  Our temperature apex yesterday afternoon was 20 degrees, eventually dipping down into the teens overnight.  Our low was the 0 degrees at observation yesterday, as it never got any colder.  About the time we stopped seeing the stars last night is when the temps jumped up rapidly, as our recorded high for the period was 30 degrees at observation.  Currently it is 32 and we've been socked in by clouds.

Old Lodge by moonlight.

     With the park opening US 441 yesterday morning, we saw increased day hiker traffic on Alum Cave.  Expect that trail to be very slick with the snow pack and exposed ice.  As the temps continue to rise and rain moves, this mountain will turn slushy in a hurry.  Please prepare for these conditions if you choose to climb the mountain.  Traction devices, waterproof boots and shells are your friends.  Blue jeans, tennis shoes, and cotton are not.  

     Thursday turned out to be about as gorgeous of a day you could ever ask for.  Despite our delay in flying, the crew and volunteers have been stellar in finding projects to occupy themselves and get the lodge as prepared as possible.  Once the supplies land, we will eagerly perform the final checks and touch up the fine details to open for guests.  Thank you all for your continued patience.  You'll be among the first to know when we can officially open for the season, and once the 2017 "I Hiked It" shirts land, we'll excitedly share this year's design.
     Stay dry and have a good weekend!