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May 23, 2017

5/23/2017

6 Comments

 
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A scene that's always easy on the eyes.
Good day to you!
     We continue to sit around in a soaker.  The mountain collected another 0.5" of rain yesterday, and we'll see what else gets added by measurement tomorrow.  Conditions remain misty and mild, with temps in the low 50's. Monday's high reached a solid 61 degrees, and our low reading came in at 44.  Our overnight guests were treated to another lovely light show in the sky after a mostly dreary day on the trail.  Every once in a while, the clouds overhead would break enough for us to look out over the inversion layer that had socked in the valley.  The occasional views north, or from the famous vistas around the mountain were greatly appreciated by all who ventured out.
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Clouds collide at all elevations around Newfound Gap.
     After getting sidetracked on our weekly llama highlights, we'll have to pull at least a double feature this week to get back on schedule.  So without any further hesitation, let's make mention of a well know regular on the supply train, our very own...CLIFF! (aka Clifford Cliff Tops).  Dear Cliff is our most senior llama, in both age and experience with the team.  He even out dates Mr. Householder when it comes to years of service with the hauling herd.  That connection is likely why the two of them are basically best buds, although Cliff tends to be a favorite of many which maybe lends to his receiving of the occasional extra treat!  Words that describe this particular llama include cool, calm, collected, and consistent.  We can always rely on Clifford to get the job done, with an expression that simply says, "I got this."  Plus he's always been so great with people.  This particular packer has been a fantastic lead llama for his team, getting his squad to wherever they need to go, a task greatly appreciated by whichever wrangler is hiking that trip.  2017 will be Clifford's retirement tour, and we are all so very proud of his accomplishments.  Years of grazing and sweet treats are in his future, and well deserved.  Be sure and thank Cliff for his service if you are fortunate enough to see him leading his team up Trillium.  He may even flash that humble smile of his!
     Stay dry out there and have a great day.
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You da' man, Cliff. You da' man.
6 Comments
Peppermint Pattie
5/23/2017 05:17:23 pm

Cliff, I LOVE YOU LLAMA ! I met you last September on Trillium. You were with Chrissy and the gang. You were leading. You are so adorable. Thank you for all you do for all of us. You rock Cliff ! We will miss you. Enjoy your retirement. Hugs and kisses.

Reply
Tammy (Tx)
5/23/2017 11:57:21 pm

Oh, I hope I get a chance to see Clifford Cliff Tops this year! I was shopping for a few things for our new condo in Gatlinburg, and I found a small canvas picture of a llama that looked just like Cliff. And, it was wearing a pair of glasses! I just had to buy it, as it reminded me of the LeConte llamas. I will try to remember to hike up with it in October. If y'all would like to hang it somewhere in the lodge, I would be happy for you to have it! But, I imagine you have many photos of the REAL Clifford Cliff Tops!

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doug y link
5/24/2017 10:31:47 am

I enjoyed your account of your first hike to the Lodge, Tammy, and such comments are what this blog site is all about, in addition to the excellent comments and photos that are posted. I'm sure that there are many other stories about "first hikes and visits". I have my own, mentioned on my site, but it pales in comparison to yours. I hope to read the accounts of others here, too. The crews do such a great job taking care of the guests, too.

Reply
Tammy (Tx)
5/24/2017 10:37:08 pm

Enjoyed reading about your first hike up to the lodge, Doug! The fact that many folks 10, 15, even 20 years older than me handedly hike their way up to the lodge is hard to swallow. At least for me it is, because I used to be so athletic. But, more power to them! I'm happy to see them continuing to make the climb up to the lodge! I bet if everyone told the story of their first trip to the lodge, a good many of us had SOMEONE somewhere encouraging us to push on.....keep going!

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sherleen
5/24/2017 01:32:52 pm

Another great blog. :-)

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Barbara "Mamaw B" link
5/25/2017 10:27:29 am

Thank you crew for being such great hosts to such a large crowd of women. I had not stayed at the lodge in a long time and it was a blast with all the hiking women. So much experience in that group. I appreciate all the staff and crew up there. Thanks again!!

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