March 8th, 2018

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Good morning,

It’s currently 9 degrees and socked in up top. There is currently 4” inches of snow on the ground.

24 hour temperature range: High 16 Low 9

*US Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Rd from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC is temporarily closed due to snow/ice.

Stay up to date on road conditions here: https://goo.gl/HikrMr

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The mountain was exceptionally calm as I made my morning rounds. If my watch didn’t remind me that it was March, I would have mistaken the scene for those cold days of deep December. In only a couple days this barren lodge would be teeming with activity. Soon after, guests will be free to indulge in the beauty of Le Conte Lodge.

Kicking through the snow drifts, I wandered through the same areas I’d seen every morning; and yet, this familiar landscape always showed me something new. It was always different in some way. I’ve walked into buildings that look the same as the day I was born - but out here in nature, the same place is always a little different, changed in some way….I liked that.

Back in the kitchen, warm kerosene lamps gave the room a comfortable glow. The ancient kettle creaked and moaned from flame roaring on its haunches. I settled into my nook. The same nondescript corner of the kitchen JP would huddle towards - it didn’t take me long to find out why. As the propane heater warmed my back, I opened my computer and began the days blog. A hot cup of Lady Grey tea would soon aid in the thawing process.

Spring was coming.

Onward,
Seth​

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No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.
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—Hal Borland