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May 1, 2014

5/1/2014

 
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Good afternoon to you.  This is Nathan again writing from the top of LeConte.  Today we turn the calendar a page into May and focus our sights on some of the gifts of the mountain.  First of all, it's turned out to be a beautiful day.  For the first time in a while I was able to give a "mostly sunny" forecast for our guests' hike down.

We received some rain last night, measuring 0.41 inches.  We charted rain for three consecutive days, but it didn't always fall in torrents and caused us little problem at the lodge.  Wednesday was also a little cooler with a high-low temperature of 52 and 38.

In her book Traveling Mercies, Anne Lamott wrote: "Here are the two best prayers I know: 'Help me, help me, help me' and 'Thank you, thank you, thank you.'"  In Thursday's update, I focus on the latter.  I've said it before and still firmly believe LeConte Lodge boasts the best guests in the Smokies.

Two of the nicest people in Ohio hiked down this morning after another delightful (from our perspective) stay at LeConte.  A couple of years ago, the Parkisons wanted my advice on helping plan a trip to Yellowstone, where I worked one summer as a horse wrangler and a winter as a guide.  They're friendly folks, always so joyous and appreciative of the spirit of LeConte Lodge, and I was happy to give my advice on things to see.  I told them that, yes it's touristy, but you absolutely must go see Old Faithful.  Not only that, but it's good luck tradition to eat the local specialty, made-in-Montana Wilcoxson's Huckleberry ice cream while taking in Old Faithful.

When the Parkisons returned to LeConte last September, their son did so with a bag in tow.  He told me to be careful opening it.  I upzipped the bag and the telltale white wisps of dry ice escaped.  Carol and Gene bought the LeConte Lodge crew two pints of Wilcoxson's Huckleberry ice cream in Yellowstone, hauled it across 90-degree heat in the
Great Plains and safely secured it in their Ohio freezer until they could hike it up to the crown of the Smokies.  It was just one of a plethora of extravagant gestures of kindness we witness living on LeConte.

Frequent day hiker (and High on LeConte commenter) Larry hiked up an Easter ham and pineapple cake mix for the LeConte crew--neither of which made for a light pack for him.  People have sent fruit, Swiss army knives, ribs, books, beignet mix, soft drinks and all matter of luxuries to us up top.  Please understand this is NOT a request or a plea.  We don't NEED ANYTHING here at the lodge except a continual stream of friendly people who appreciate the mountain as much as we do.  I hope there's never a shortage of such people because they constantly make this a happier place to live and protect.

Additionally
, David Scanlon came up today for his 962nd hike to LeConte Lodge.  David never has a bad day up here, and is quick with a smile for all the crew and dayhikers he visits.  Without prompting, I noticed David emptying out the collected rainwater from the llama troughs--helping out a certain lodge assistant manager on a very busy morning.  David was just happy to make sure the llamas wouldn't have soggy food to eat on their special Thursday trip.  Continuing the thanks, the park service trail crew hauled heavy chainsaws up Trillium Gap Trail to remove the fallen tree, helping out hikers and allowing our llamas access to the lodge.  There's nothing easy about a trail crew job.

We were also pleased to welcome Katie and Dean Davis of Georgia.  Their son bought them a stay on LeConte for a Christmas gift (and we're glad he did).  "He always gets us something where we have to walk," Katie said.  "I think he's trying to tell us something."  Katie told me she was raised with wood stoves and kerosene lamps, so LeConte (even though we now have replaced wood and kerosene heat with propane) is right up her alley.

Again, this isn't a request for anything--just an acknowledgement that we wouldn't be here without such fine guests.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Happy trails.
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The Parkisons, great ambassadors for Ohio and friends to LeConte Lodge, hand-delivered two pints of Wilcoxson's Huckleberry ice cream from Yellowstone to the Smokies.
Ellen
5/1/2014 10:16:31 am

How sweet! You guys deserve the best for all that you do to make our stays up there so special. Thanks for all that you guys do! Hope to see you again next season!

doug y link
5/1/2014 10:41:16 am

I always enjoy your commentary Nathan. They are certainly a strong point for this site. The items you mentioned that people have brought up make those Cadbury chocolate eggs I once brought up pale to insignificance. The ice cream delivery was especially interesting and nice to read about. I don't know exactly how many times I've hiked up to the lodge, nor exactly how many nights I've enjoyed staying in one of the cabins, delighting in the magical atmosphere that for me is the pure essence of the place, but I do know that it's not enough ! If only I lived much closer to the Smokies I would probably never be seen at home. Despite coming to hike in the Park since 1957 I never enjoyed staying at the lodge until 2004, but as so many others have, I was instantly hooked. I envy those who live close by and have made the hike so many times. That is simply wonderful. Good evening.

Missy
5/1/2014 11:02:40 am

I know, right?!

Missy
5/1/2014 11:01:52 am

Yay! Swiss Army Knives. They don't taste near as good as ice cream, nor are they as creative, but the mention is appreciated.

You don't have to post this - just saying thanks and can't wait to see everyone this fall. =^)

Missy
5/1/2014 11:06:21 am

Oops! I didn't know the pre-screen had been removed. =^/

Kent link
5/1/2014 11:28:59 am

Well, I have seven hikes to LeConte under my belt, and I'm quite certain I'll never make it to 962. That's impressive!

RJnLA
5/1/2014 02:33:50 pm

Just curious, over what time frame has it taken for Mr. Scanlon to make 962 trips and if that is not the record, what is it.

High on LeConte
5/2/2014 01:16:04 pm

RJnLA,

The short answer is no one really knows for sure about the record for hiking LeConte. We know Ed Wright has more than 1,300 trips to LeConte Lodge. However, there are those who think the record may be even higher. Perhaps we can delve into it in a future post. Thanks for reading.

Nathan

Tom S
5/1/2014 02:53:01 pm

Nathan, You may not need or ask for any of these gifts, but the appreciation you openly and graciously express shows you deserving of them, making your guests want to do it all the more. We need more people like you in this world! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Jenny B. link
5/1/2014 03:06:52 pm

Just on the off chance Dave Scanlon looks back at this blog post, I say hello! Dave was one of the first dedicated hikers I met in the early 80s, I think in 1983. So glad you're still hiking up there, Dave!

Barbara
5/2/2014 12:50:34 am

Nathan - love your commentary and your photos sans filters! LeConte does not need any enhancement - such natural beauty.

TracyG
5/2/2014 05:04:04 am

I believe this is the gentleman that I was introduced to last year on my first (and only so far) hike up to the Lodge. I was so worn out, and he stop and spoke with me. Smiling the entire time. He gave such encouragement and was a joy to meet and spend a few moments talking to. Thank you Mr. Dave, and many more hikes in your future! Really enjoyed this post. Thank you.

Courtney and Beau Belmont
5/2/2014 05:45:40 am

I can say from experience that Leconte Lodge is blessed to have the guests and weekly visitors, like Larry and Dave, who put a smile on our faces and help out in the most simple of ways. We miss the mountain.. and of course you Nathan! Please tell Dave and Larry hello from Colorado the next time you see them.

Larry O
5/2/2014 08:44:17 am

Hey Courtney & Beau, great to here from you two. How is ranch life in Colorado? miss seeing y'all.

Larry O
5/2/2014 09:09:04 am

oops, hear not here

Pat N
5/2/2014 08:09:14 am

Those sure are some fine folks that brought you the ice cream. All of the surprises received by the crew are well deserved. The hikers bringing up the mountain have such great feelings while hiking them up. I couldn't wait until we unloaded tang, bacon, grapefruit, strawberries, and Dr. Enuf beverage a few years ago...as that was a relief to get them out of our day packs. What a joy to bring fun goodies to y'all. I will personally cherish hiking up "The Engagement Ring" for my son ( former crew member ) to give to his bride-to-be (also a former crew member). Ahhhhh...the wonderful stories and memories of the mountains...

Pat N
5/2/2014 08:12:11 am

Oops...pardon the typo... I meant The hikers bringing them up the mountain...


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