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Mountain Memories

9/5/2014

 
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Whenever the jewelweed starts blooming on the mountain it brings back a childhood memory that I will always cherish. My family used to take our family vacations to western North Carolina and east Tennessee. I spent many days on the Nantahala River, tubing Deep Creek, and hiking in the Smokies. My dad was particularly interested in geology and the geodes that could be found in the mountains in the area. He would take us to Franklin to the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum. While there, he struck up a conversation with a real mountain man named Mr. Gormley. It didn't take long before our family was loaded in our in 1971 orange VW bus and following Mr. Gormley to his favorite geode hunting grounds. After tramping around the woods and finding some great geode specimens, he started pointing out wild flowers. He proceeded to tell us, in his true southern/mountain man accent, about "tach- me- nawt", or as we call it touch-me-not. He explained how the mountain folks would use it to ease a reaction to poison ivy or any other skin irritations. Poultices and salves were made from the clear liquid from the stem and the leaves and spread over the affected area. I can tell you from personal experience, it works wonders. So, every time I see a beautiful jewelweed plant blooming, I think of Mr. Gormley and the things he taught us in years to come. Of course, we stayed in touch and visited him often. I like to think there are children out there who will one day have a memory of their trips up LeConte the interesting people they met while staying at the Lodge. Maybe one day, they will write a blog post about their favorite memory while visiting this glorious mountain top.

We are starting out with another splendid day. The high yesterday was 66º with a low of 53º. The days have been a little humid, but the evenings cool off a bit. This weekend is going to be the perfect weekend to escape the madness in the low lands and take a hike. Who knows what kind of wonderful memories you will create while sipping hot chocolate and swapping tales of your hike.
Dawn
9/5/2014 01:01:36 am

For this "young at heart kid" who just made her first leconte visit, the stories, people met, wildflowers discovered, and lifelong memories abound.... What a beautiful morning sharing, what a beautiful place.... leconte! Happy Friday!

Melissa
9/5/2014 01:23:04 am

A lovely memory! We will see you Sunday night! A bunch of us just turned 50 and wanted to do something special together and we picked staying at the lodge. Looking forward to it! :)

Marilyn
9/5/2014 01:53:25 am

Great story and great vibrant picture, Allison. I miss that heavenly place. Will be there next year.

Jarrett Morgan link
9/5/2014 04:15:06 am

Thank you for sharing the wonderful memory. It is always about the things we have done, not the things we owned. So keep making great memories.

ChuckP link
9/5/2014 06:17:07 am

Can't wait to hike up next Tuesday! It'll be three of us, all very, shall we say, "mature". Not sure if we'll do Alum or Trillium. But completely sure it will be beautiful. Because it always is! See y'all soon!

Ruth Atkinson
9/5/2014 02:44:52 pm

We're heading up there on Monday! I'm more excited than a 6 yr old going to Disney World! This is a dream of a lifetime, thanks for sharing all these wonderful words!

tomk in SC
9/5/2014 03:20:16 pm

A six year old going to Disney World? That just about pegs every life experience needle there is! Have a GREAT hike. Are you spending the night?
It's a hike of climbing, a hike of sweat
It's a great experience you won't soon forget
There's so much there to see
And it's almost for free
It's a great hike after all

It's a great hike after all
It's a great hike after all
It's a great hike after all
And it's all at Mount LeConte

Karen
9/5/2014 03:28:42 pm

That is so funny!! Now I have to play some other music for a while to get this song out of my head!! haha- thanks
I'm looking forward to our night scheduled in Nov, Gives us ALL YEAR to look forward to it (and extra time to get in shape).

norman
9/5/2014 03:37:50 pm

Tom, are you O K ?

tomk in SC
9/6/2014 01:53:13 am

Someone help me, help me, help me pleeee ee ee ese.
I know the answer's up above
I just miss that mountain's breeee ee ee eze,
And they call this LeConte Lo ove.

Norman: Probably not! :) Thanks for asking.

elaine
9/5/2014 05:02:40 pm

Thanks, Allyson, for sharing the warm memories of your childhood summer trips. Being a resident of Highlands in WNC, you wrote of places I am familiar with. And I second your comment on the effectiveness of jewelweed on poison ivy, unfortunately, also from personal experience!

Sherleen
9/6/2014 03:13:08 am

Thank you for sharing a cihldhood memory and advice on plantlife.Thank YOU Norman for sharing your ability of being a poet....I loved it.....just hope I can get the Disney tune out of my head before ball game time. Happy trails to all ! :-)

Glenda
9/6/2014 06:18:27 am

Hiked up Wednesday which was a milestone. Age 66 hiking in my world 6600 to the top! Met great hikers, great food and amazing views. Thanks you for another Mt. LeConte first. Same time next year!
Glenda

Glenda Coker
9/6/2014 06:19:50 am

Addendum! Got the t-shirt but need a few more from the past and hopefully burn the legs for future ones. Crazy or what!
Glenda

Ruth Atkinson
9/7/2014 02:51:24 am

Thanks for the earworm Tom! This will be my mantra as I'm holding on to the cable trying not to look down. :)


Comments are closed.
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