May 8, 2017

Good Afternoon,
     The warming trend continues! We started with 2" of snow remaining this morning and the green of the grass is appearing in more places with every passing minute.  With these blue bell skies, we're currently hanging out in the mid 40's.  Yesterday's high temperature came out to be 38 degrees, and our low was the previously mentioned dip to 20 during breakfast.  The sun looks like it'll be persisting the next couple of days accompanied by rising temps. Looking forward to cutting the lawn again without the interruptions of having to shovel snow!

     We've received word that Cherokee Orchard Road is now open, so kudos to the NPS maintenance crews for knocking that out!  A trail crew already came up Alum Cave this morning, so that popular foot path is once again clear of debris.  Trillium Gap is in the process of being cleared, so we'll be sure and let you know when it's completed and open to the public.  For obvious reasons, the events of the last few days have thrown our llama schedule out of whack.  They excitedly await news of Trillium Gap's reopening as well.  Even as the snow melts, there are sure to be a few slick places in the shade, especially if refreezing occurs during the night.  If you're an early riser, just use caution around those areas and the water bars until we see some warm temperature stability.
     The Trails Forever project on Rainbow Falls goes live today, so be sure and take advantage of Mt. LeConte's other wondrous trails Mondays-Thursdays. They are the newly renovated Alum Cave (5.0 miles), the roller coaster ridge walk of The Boulevard (8.1 miles), the forested and friendly climb up Trillium Gap (6.7 miles), or change it up and take Brushy Mountain out of Greenbrier (9.1 miles).
     Have a great start to the week!