May 19, 2020

Sunshine and blue skies could be hard to come by this week at 6,593’

Good Afternoon,

We’re officially a full day’s cycle into the new season now. Certainly want to give a shout out to our first night’s guests, whose understanding, patience, and flexibility was greatly appreciated by our staff as they put theory into practice. Not to mention, a great deal of it got underway just as torrential downpours decided to lambaste the mountain. So kudos to our crew as well!

When we do catch glimpses of the sun, skies are dramatic.

Temps have been fairly mild, hovering in the upper 40s and lower 50s both day and night. We seem to have a stretch going where conditions are windy during the night, but subside once the sun lights up the sky. At recording time we had 1.45” of rainfall. That much, if not more, has fallen since then.

​There has been a lot of water rolling off the mountain these last few hours and trails are sure to be soggy. Keep that mind if you are considering Rainbow Falls, whose crossing of LeConte Creek a few tenths above the falls can become quite treacherous in high water. Bull Head has the potential for some wet crossings as it circumnavigates the slopes below Balsam Point, as does Trillium Gap both above and below the namesake gap. Both Bull Head and The Boulevard have trees down. The NPS has announced that Alum Cave and Greenbrier (Brushy Mountain) will officially reopen to the public starting this coming Saturday, May 23.

Men’s Trucker Hats in colors Navy, Burgundy, and Dark Green.

If there’s an item we are excited to see on hiker’s noggin’s, it’s our brand new Trucker Hats! Coming in a variety of colors, and in two styles, these hats are available in both women’s and men’s fits. Plus they are adjustable! Artwork concepts drawn up by our own GM, John Northrup, put into reality by the fine folks at Legacy Brand Hats. So you know you’re getting a quality cap by a reputable brand, and they look even better in person. There’s our vivid mountain profile with sunset look for those who prefer loud and proud, and our single-tone hiker beneath tree for something that’s subtle. Enough talking about them, come see them for yourself!

Women’s Trucker Hats in colors Light Blue and Cardinal Red.