May 17, 2013

5/17/2013

Good afternoon to all of you. I hope you all have exciting weekend plans in store. It seems like a journey to LeConte is in the datebook for many folks. We've been plenty busy lately, which keeps the paychecks coming.

We had light sprinkles of rain this morning, but not enough to amount to anything yet. The sun has made its appearance occasionally through the cloud cover. The forecast is for increasing chances of rain later today with the possibility of a soggy Saturday. We shall see.

Last night we were pleased to welcome Cookie Bowling's group, mostly from the greater Gatlinburg metroplex. It's one of the few nights of the season in which a single group occupies the lodge. Being a history buff, I particularly enjoy when Cookie comes up and shares her LeConte stories, which are particularly good because she springs from the First Family of LeConte Lodge--the Huffs. While Paul Adams also played an integral role in the early history of the camp on top of LeConte, the Huffs are recognized as the founders of LeConte Lodge.

Cookie dropped by the dining room yesterday afternoon to share some tales about her youth spent on the mountain. Cookie made her first trip up LeConte at three months. She worked at the lodge until she was 15 years old--heading up to open the season in April and shutting down in November.

Helping cook was Cookie's favorite job at the lodge (keep in mind she was cooking on a wood-fired stove in those days). Cookie's cole slaw recipe was a perennial favorite. She also didn't mind washing dishes and carrying firewood. She, however, never grew to be a fan of making beds--a sentiment she shares with current general manager Tim Line.

It was a treat to have so many decades of LeConte stories on tap with Cookie and Tim (whose employment with the lodge dates to 1977) both up at the same time.

There are too many stories to include today, so I'll offer you a hint at a Cookie Bowling story to come Saturday on High on LeConte--a kitchen, a bear, a problem. Have a fine afternoon. Happy trails.

Sherleen Cardwell

5/17/2013 08:05:41 am

Eager to hear more about the 'Huff stories." Hope you end up having a sunny,smiley face weekend .:-)

Kaye

5/17/2013 08:36:04 am

Wow. I would love to hear many more stories about that family. I have read many books about the families who resided in this area and had and still have such a big part in making this place so special. I have the priviledge to meet two Whaley men on a recent hike. They are descendents of those numerous Whaley's who resided in the Greenbriar area prior to the creation of this beautiful park. They know these trails like the back of their hands. Please share more stories for us. Thank you so much.

doug y

5/17/2013 08:39:34 am

The account of Terry Tinnell was the stuff of inspiration; I don't collect autographs but I would like to have his in one of my trail journals and I'd be honored to shake his hand. What a tremendously great story, and feat. The reason they had to bring along the dog was that the dog knew the way up !
It's a pleasure every day to read the comments of people preparing to visit the lodge and their questions about what to bring, what gear to pack, and so forth. These are not trivial concerns and worries that can try and tend to dominate one's thoughts, filling the horizons of our tight little worlds. Ok, but one must prepare for a trip, whether it be a short day hike or an extended overnighter, so the trivial, or perhaps it should be said, the less important things are always there. So acknowledge them, don't underrate them, but neither allow them to subdue you and possibly ruin your journey. A single blister can blacken the most shining day, for example, if you're not prepared for it. If you are miles from anywhere, soaked through and shivering and with no confidence in your ability to contrive a warm dry shelter for the night, you will deaf to the music of raindrops drumming against your poncho and blind to the beauty of clouds swirling around the mountain peaks. Your outdoor endeavors are like a tight little economy and the important thing is that it must not run you. You must learn to deal with the practical details so efficiently that they become second nature. Then after a period of planniing, consideration, and preparation you leave yourself free to get on with the imnportant things: watching cloud shadows race across the mountainsides or passing the time of day with a soaring raven or discovering small plant and animal life around you or perhaps sitting on a promontory thinking of nothing at all except that it is a wonderful thing to sit on a promontory and think of nothing at all !
I enjoyed the account of Cookie Bowling - - that is the sort of history on the lodge I never tire of and am looking forward to more of the same. Good evening all.

Steve D

5/18/2013 01:19:01 am

Doug Y-exceedingly well put my good man! Have a great day!

Debi

5/17/2013 11:13:00 pm

We learn so much from the people who lived and worked up there. Very lucky family.

Donnie R.

5/18/2013 01:12:41 am

My family will be staying with the Huff's in June. Very nice establishment in the "Burg" Can't wait for my hike up Trillum this yr. It will be my first time up Leconte that's not via Alum Cave. Thanks for all you do up top, and God Bless ;)

5/18/2013 02:54:59 am

Donnie R: You should enjoy the Trilliium trail; it happens to be my personal favorite for several reasons. Good hiking !

Glenn OH

5/18/2013 02:19:41 am

Good morning Nathan, they have a interesting story in my latest issue of AT trail news, about (I think maybe Jack Huffs son and great grandson) they section hiked the whole trail,grandfather started out carrying most the weight, grandson finished carrying most the weight,and a lifetime of memories!!!

5/18/2013 02:24:06 am

Maybe its Jack Huffs grandson and great great grandson???

Gulf Coast Doug

5/18/2013 03:16:18 am

Sitting on a promontary and thinking of nothing at all...nicely stated Doug Y, I'm there:)

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May 17, 2013

LeConte Lodge

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