Meet the Winter Caretaker

11/22/2010

Meet Alex. He is going to be the winter caretaker for the next 3 1/2 months. The crew will hike down Wednesday and Alex will begin sharing the mountain with you on Friday. Alex worked as crew in 2008 and part of 2009. He has spent the last 2 years on the seasonal staff for Camp Denali in Denali National Park. He is looking forward to his time at LeConte this winter.

Yesterdays weather was excellent. The high was 43 with a low of 37. It looks like we will be getting another nice day today. We are hoping this weather will last long enough to get us down the mountain on Wednesday.

Bill Yeadon

11/22/2010 12:32:36 am

Welcome Alex,
Alyson has set the bar very high for picture taking. Hope you enjoy the winter.Try not to think of Jack Nicholson in the Shining.

Bill

Dwight

11/22/2010 12:55:15 am

Allyson,
I am very curious how Alex is going to stay supplied with food and gas for heat. Could you please tell us?

Joyce R.

11/22/2010 01:44:10 am

To the departing crew, thank you for your hard work this year. You've done a great job! I wish you all Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

To Alex, welcome! You will not be alone the next 3 1/2 months thanks to this post and all of us who visit LeConte on a daily basis. Happy Thanksgiving!

Marilyn

11/22/2010 02:17:15 am

First, to the crew...Thanksgiving dinner looks excellent! Enjoy. Thanks to all of you for the work you do for us LeConte groupies. It is surely appreciated. A special thanks Allyson for the daily updates and comments. I also enjoy the comments from other hikers. Wishing you all a safe trip down the mountain and to whatever part of the world you are "wintering". Enjoy all the holidays between now and March. I'll look forward to next year for my trip up and your daily pics/blogs. To Alex..welcome back to the lower 48. Will look forward to your perspective throughout the winter and to pics and commentaries on what a winter keeper does to occupy himself during the long winter days and nights. Stay warm!

Patrick

11/22/2010 02:25:30 am

Scary.

Pat N.

11/22/2010 02:27:02 am

Welcome, Alex...and thank you for taking care of one of the most beautiful areas of the world. We wish you the very best and look forward to your blog/pics.

Joe Penland

11/22/2010 03:38:05 am

Thanks for all of the great photos and info this season. I look forward to another winter of beautiful photos.

Thanks to all. Hava a great rest of the year.

Kay

11/22/2010 11:05:00 am

Will Alex's post/blog have the same URL?

Tina

11/22/2010 03:13:42 pm

Welcome Alex, can't wait to stay in touch this winter. Look forward to all the reports. Welcome to the most awesome and beautiful place. God be with you.

gigi

11/22/2010 03:22:01 pm

Look forward to the winter pics!

msjane

11/22/2010 10:09:11 pm

very happy to see some beautiful pics this winter

Aaron

11/22/2010 11:50:09 pm

Glad to hear we will have updates this winter on one of the East's great mountains!

Wanda

11/23/2010 12:53:10 am

Welcome to one of the most beautiful places on earth; and happy Thanksgiving.

TitanTownTom

11/23/2010 01:24:11 pm

Allyson, my first trip up LeConte was in late October and I must admit that, shortly before my 70th birthday, Bullhead about killed me. But your hospitality, great eats, a good night sleep and a spirited trip back down the mountain has me getting in better shape and planning TWO trips next year. Thanks and take care.
Alex, really, really take care - and keep us posted on anything and everything. You have a captive and addicted audience.

Casey

12/14/2010 04:36:04 am

Coolest job ever? Alex has it.

sandee link

12/14/2010 04:38:47 am

Good luck on your winter adventures!

MaryRuth

12/14/2010 04:43:41 am

MaryRuth

12/14/2010 04:48:11 am

Hi Alex,
How fortunate you are to have this opportunity to take care of the wonderful LeConte Lodge. Kudos; I've stayed there 3 times and unfortunately had to bail out last month for the 4th time. Enjoy and remember those of us who relish your position.

M. Scott

12/14/2010 05:00:59 am

Oh wow, be careful up there and hope everything goes smoothly for you!

Quick question-how do you get supplies up there after the snow and ice set in?

Vicki Towe

12/14/2010 05:01:38 am

Hey Alex gald you are back with us I know I have met you in past years.Welcome home and have a great winter, Keep us posted.
Vicki

Ponydriver link

12/14/2010 05:10:32 am

If I could stand the cold I would love to have a job like that, you're a lucky man Alex! How wonderful it must be to live high up in the hills and care for such a beautiful place. Stay safe Alex and, like others have posted, I look forward to seeing your pictures!

StormiEssence

12/14/2010 05:12:20 am

Interesting job! Never heard of a winter caretaker for a lodge....but I am curious like others. Once you are snowed in.....how do U get supplies?

Jennifer Brady

12/14/2010 06:11:47 am

WOW, of all the times (which is ALOT) that I have been up to pigeon forge and gattlinburg, I dont think I have EVER been here. I need to check out this place, next time I go up, and it is opened...looks beautiful

Yvonne Ballard

12/14/2010 06:24:10 am

I would imagine the supplies are stocked up before the lodge closes for the winter months. So they more than likely took up everything one person could need for that many months and a little more I am sure.

Alex, I envy you and your job. What a beautiful place to get to have all to yourself for 3 and a half months. Enjoy that time and take good care of the lodge. STAY WARM!

Dania Oliva-Pena link

12/14/2010 06:24:34 am

Have fun up there on the mountain !Make sure you have everything you need and don't need.Stay connected,be safe.Don't try any crazy thing's like going out barefoot for just a second.Have whole lot of firewood and hot chocolate and some toast sock's and a thick blanket.Merry Christmas and have an awesome New Year.

Carita b

12/14/2010 06:33:34 am

Tracy S

12/14/2010 06:42:10 am

You are a lucky fella! Stay as warm as possible. I will keep checking your progress. Very interesting. Mountains are my favorite place. Ever been to Mt. Rainer? I went in August of 2009 and I am in love with the mountains ever since...any mountain....anywhere! God Bless!

Tana

12/14/2010 06:44:35 am

Welcome back to God's country.... Mt. Leconte is such a beautiful place and i can't imagine living there in the winter and taking care of everything..It takes one with special talent. Stay warm and enjoy the quiet time, and Merry Christmas!!!!

Tess

12/14/2010 06:47:36 am

Welcome to the winter world of the Smokey Mountains. Hope you have a safe and comfortable winter high atop the LeConte Mountain. Stay warm and keep intouch with us fans. And Merry Christmas to you.

Paulette Bledsoe

12/14/2010 07:04:18 am

Beatiful place. Never been there, but would love to go. Pictures are awsome, as are you.

Terry Haney

12/14/2010 07:54:52 am

Wow. I was glad to come across this website. I look forward to your postings. Seems like it would be a fabulous thing to stay there for 3 1/2 months. I know, no people, but what an adventure. Best to you.

Eve forcinel

12/14/2010 08:29:20 am

This is exciting and I am looking forward to sharing your adventure. I cannot promise not to think about The Shining. Hopefuly your friends here will keep your brain occupied during your cold lonely time.Best of luck.

James

12/14/2010 09:08:43 am

I envy you Alex, because you have a great job at an incredible place surrounded by such beauty and solitude! I only have one question. Where can i sign up to volunteer next year?

David

12/14/2010 10:36:22 am

Take lots of pictures and post them if you can Alex. Enjoy.

David

12/14/2010 11:12:49 am

Solitude sounds like a cool time.

Susan

12/14/2010 12:13:28 pm

He ain't fat enough, he'll freeze!!!!

....just joking!!! me,in the middle of this Christmas frenzy - longs for the solitude of the "mother"!!!!!

Enjoy and stay warm, and contemplate your belly-button!!!! - please blog to us or something.....ha ha!!!

Jean

12/14/2010 01:12:45 pm

Looking forward to seeing some pictures. Good luck, stay healthy and warm.

Edgewood cabin Gatlinburg link

12/14/2010 09:21:32 pm

I am now in my mid 60's but have been coming to Le Conte since I was a child. It is truly a very special place and unique in the park system. I hope you will be keeping journal entries and share some with us down the mountain.

David Hayes

12/16/2010 05:04:51 am

I hope you have a great time and please post as many pictures as you can.

scott whaley

12/16/2010 01:55:53 pm

Living off Denali Drive in Sevier county, that i named makes it only fitting that i do another solo winter ascent of the boulevard trail and meet the man from denali!

Sid Taylor

12/29/2010 03:03:40 am

The most amazing thing, no one mentioned, you have internet reception on top of LeConte! Wow! 21st century comes to the mountains!

Brian Aylward

12/29/2010 03:14:41 am

First time here but I have to say I am really looking forward it. Have grabbed your RSS Feeds and will try to stay current! Enjoy yourself and best of luck to you!

Brian

Janet Weidemann link

12/29/2010 03:25:24 am

Am now living in CO & enjoying it's beauty BUT do miss the more than wonderful Smokies. Have many fond memories of hiking & camping in the Smokies with 2 unforgettable trips to Mt. LeConte. Hope to return & do at least 1 more in my lifetime. Will be enjoying the Smokies & especially LeConte vicariously by your blog & pictures, Alex. Thanks,

Janet

Sharon Gibson

12/29/2010 03:46:13 am

Have stayed at LeConte Lodge twice and tremendously enjoyed each visit! I would consider the hike with my family one of my favorite memories! What an experience to share with those you love the most. God bless you and keep you safe. You are a lucky man to have such a beautiful view every day. Treasure your time on the mountain!

Judy Kirkland

12/29/2010 12:52:23 pm

What a wonderful experience you must be having. You are truly blessed to enjoy and witness the beauty of the mountain. Be safe and take care.

Joyce

12/30/2010 03:03:45 pm

Thanks for the great pics. Loved my hike up to the top, great friends and a great time on the mountain.

Wayne

1/24/2011 08:37:21 am

I hope all is well with you. We own a property off Rocky Flatts and can see the lodge with binoculars. Take care and God bless!

for details link

7/24/2013 07:55:19 pm

Welcome Alex as the new caretaker of LeConte Lodge. Good to hear he will be the caretaker for next three and a half months. I hope his experience as a seasonal staff for Camp Denali in Denali National Park will help LeConte better and better. All the best Alex.

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