March 23rd, 2023

Good Afternoon,

There comes a point during such a long and deep freeze where no amount of blow torches, space heaters, pick axes, or chisels can match the fury of an ice-encased mountain. And when that point is reached, despite all other attempts at countering, the only solution becomes patience. That is the story of the past 72 hours that shall be known as the Great Ground Freeze of March 2023 on Mt. LeConte, of which a book could surely be written, even in the moment’s brevity. Many lodge enthusiasts fantasize about the solitude and simplicity of a life on the mountain during the winter months. Granted, it takes a special kind of person to embrace the lack in a number of common living conveniences, namely running water. And as a bonus, warm water at that. When such a convenience is not an expectation, then there are no surprises. There are multiple reasons the lodge is closed during the winter, the challenges with providing running water in such a remote and fierce location being chief among them.

March on Mt. LeConte has a long history of taking no prisoners when it comes to the turbulent transition of the seasons, and this has been just the latest in a long line of episodes. So how does a crew overcome such a challenge, when doors are open and “modern” conveniences, even in one of the last truly rustic holdouts in the USA, become expectations?

Patience. Perseverance. Then throw in an inspiring dose of teamwork.

You’re going to dig up every last pipe and valve to thaw that last blockage even if it takes all night. You’re going to sweet talk those precious little flames to give it all they’ve got to warm up what feels like liquid straight from arctic ice. And you’re going to amass an army of brawn and bravery to carve out a safe path for courageous llamas and wranglers bringing much needed provisions. Mother Nature and the Winter Warlock may be looking to win some battles, but this crew is committed to winning the war.

And now that all the water is flowing like it should be, a summer-like surge is inbound. Temps are near 50° this afternoon with partly cloudy skies, and we could even creep close to 60° over the coming days. Trails will continue to be a slog as rainfall and melting ice make their way down the slopes. Best to keep those traction devices handy just in case. And a shoutout to the NPS trail crews who clearedTrillium Gap and Rainbow Falls trails of downed trees earlier this week.

Have a great rest of the day, and raise a glass of Tang in honor of every plumber everywhere keeping the water flowing in winter!