March 23, 2017

Good Morning,
     AIRLIFT OPERATIONS ARE COMPLETE!!!  We had a solid day of flying Wednesday and successfully finished the 2017 spring airlift.  On behalf of the crew, I want to extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to our volunteer staff both at the lodge and the Luftee staging area for their hard work and dedication these last two weeks.  It takes a great deal of strength, flexibility, and patience on behalf of the staff to be able to coordinate and fly in all of the supplies necessary to open.  Again, thank you!

Our friends from Construction Helicopters out of Michigan are good when it comes to slinging in supplies...real good. Thanks again for your help!

     Yesterday's high was 37, though it felt warmer in the sun as the winds were relatively calm except when standing under the helicopter wash.  Our overnight low was 26 with no new precipitation.  Conditions are partly cloudy with great sight distance to the north from our porches.  All of the snow and ice around camp has melted away.  It's possible some small, isolated patches of ice remain in the shadiest reaches of the trails ascending the mountain, but conditions should be favorable from start to finish.  Trail crews are expected to assess Alum Cave (for hikers) and Trillium Gap (for llamas) today and have those trails completely cleared of debris and blowdowns.  If you're on the trail today, be sure and tell them thanks!

     LeConte Lodge will open for the 2017 season tomorrow, March 24th.  The crew is very excited about entertaining guests once again, and are taking great pride in readying all of the guest cabins, souvenir shop, and dining hall.  We will unveil the 2017 "I Hiked It" shirt design tomorrow for those of you anxious to see it.  We'll also get our fantastic crew's photos up soon so you can start to familiarize yourselves with the great team we've assembled this year, should you meet them in person when you visit.
     Enjoy the day and happy trails!