May 25, 2020

Good Morning,

Those of us at LeConte Lodge join the rest of the nation in observance of Memorial Day, as we honor those who gave their lives in service of our country. We remember the fallen men and women in uniform, who so proudly and bravely wore our nation’s colors. Thank you to those who we have lost, standing up for so much in the name of freedom.

Sunday was something else, a bit like the inside of a washing machine one could imagine. An afternoon wash cycle of rain, hail, sun...and repeat. Whenever there were breaks, the skies were dramatic and stunning. The varying cloud types throughout the atmosphere, the waning sun’s rays, intermittent streaks of rain showers on the horizon. Such sights just add an entirely different level to the magic of being atop Mt. LeConte. The weather finally made up its mind halfway through dinner service, giving way to breathtaking skies and an inspiring sunset. The crew took the opportunity to unwind with a friendly, albeit competitive, game of baseball using what creative sports equipment was available to them.

Yesterday’s high was 65° and the low was 48°. Our final tally for rainfall came in at 1.2”. The strongest chance for storms today occurs from lunch to dinner time, so an early start for a hike will help one avoid the downpours and rumbles of thunder.