my arms are missin' you, my lips feel the same way too.

2/13/2012

To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically. . . . When he has obtained those things which are necessary to life, there is another alternative than to obtain the superfluities; and that is, to adventure on life now, his vacation from humbler toil having commenced. Thoreau

Morning,

We had a beautiful, albeit cold day up top yesterday. The high was 13 degrees. The low was -4 degrees. It was 12 degrees & clear at observation. It looks like we'll have another wonderful, clear day. There is still plenty of snow on the trails, so be prepared. Do not wear cotton (including jeans), have some sort of waterproof footwear and consider gaiters & traction devices.

When I headed to Cliff Tops for sunset last night, some folks in the shelter wondered whether I ever get used to the beauty up here and end up taking it for granted. This question caught me off guard, and I recalled the times I didn't bother to go to sunset. Initially, this makes me regret how I've spent my time up here, as if I'm not living well enough to justify being in such a fortunate situation.

However, thankfully enough, I think I am less habituated to the scenery here than my initial concerns would indicate. There are some strokes of nature more subtle than the beauty at sunrise and sunset. My time up here has taught me to appreciate the way the sunlight plays in the trees at 4:36pm, rather than just the overt grandeur of something as magnificent as a sunrise or sunset. It's been a gift in it's own way, to be fortunate enough to have my eyes opened to the constant beauty and majesty one can gain only by a full immersion into Nature.

Top photo: View from Cliff Tops yesterday morning. Above: Snow & sunlight in the trees along Alum Cave trail.

Looking up.

Chris

2/13/2012 02:47:00 am

JP gland to hear you make note of the fact not to wear blue jeans (cotton). Over the years i've seen some very inadequate winter hiking clothing on LeConte. Regarding the topic of sun rise/set: it always amazes me how many folks hike to the lodge and then once there never venture out, they miss so much. JP have you down to the falls below the lodge yet?

Jeanie & Pat Lawley

2/13/2012 02:53:54 am

Good morning!!! We want to congratulate Allyson and Chris for sucessfully completing the Mercedes FULL Marathon yesterday!!! Great job!!! It was bitter cold, but they persevered and got their medal and of course the T Shirt!! It was so good to see you and we can't wait to see you in the Spring! Take care and JP we've enjoyed your blog through this winter. Sorry you haven't had more snow to play in!

Tony Ga

2/13/2012 04:15:14 am

Congrats Allyson and Chris!!! Having completed a marathon myself, I know how hard it is to run and how much training it takes to complete a marathon. Way to go!!!

Randy

2/13/2012 03:07:01 am

JP,

Love your postings! Many times we are indeed struck by the macro grandeur of things and fail to see the miracles in the microcosm of life. Glad to hear that you see miracles in both areas! Keep up the great postings!

Raz Teho

2/13/2012 07:21:55 am

J.P.
I know your time topside is nigh and I wanted take this opportunity to let you know that you will be sorely missed. I was totally unaware that hero-worship was present in my DNA. So I hope you will have compiled an address book of all of us who comprise, essentially, your fan club - and then will be disposed to keeping us informed of your wanderings, be they pedestrian or poetic.
Or at the very least, crank up your own blog.
Many many thanks,
Raz Theo
Nashville

2/14/2012 12:58:48 am

Thanks for the kind worlds, Raz. I really appreciate everyone's comments and well wishes.

Debi link

2/13/2012 08:59:05 am

Well, I guess I'm in the fan club. Since I always have something to comment on. How can you not? With your awsome pics and words everyday!!! If people have not been to the top, I'm sure they would want to now.
Yes we get so accustumed to our surroundings, all we want to have is a new place to look at. I am surrounded by hills and water in Ludington, MIchigan. And the lake to me at times is just so boring to look at. Which it is not, its very beautiful with its sand, water and sunsets. There are just times we need someplace away from where were at all the time to reallly appreciate what we have when when we have it. Because we are truly blessed to live in such beatiful places. Thank you JP for all you do for us and the pictures of beauty when we can't be there to take it all in.

2/13/2012 09:00:52 am

Sorry about the spelling. I got away from myself and didn't check back on things. Please forgive me.

Ziggy

2/13/2012 10:45:32 am

Ah...We all have regrets in life of varying degree. Mid February last year we did a day hike up Alum Cave trail to the lodge, foot or two of snow up top, a perfectly clear day, very little wind and temps in the low 20's - could not have asked for better winter hiking weather. Took some time out to make some hot soup for lunch on a cabin bench, then we decided to start back down. Looking back at that day, I kick myself for not taking the extra time to proceed on to Myrtle Point or Cliff Tops and get a picture like the one above of Clingsman Dome and the AT ridge. Can't miss where the Chimney Tops are located in that shot!
JP - you have removed that regret from my mind with that stunning picture. Grazie mille.

Paul B

2/13/2012 11:42:42 pm

OK, fill me in with my lack of geography from Cliff Tops. The AT ridge and Clingman's Dome are the dominant features in the center, correct? Where is Chimney Tops? The peak to the right of the AT ridge on the right side of the picture?

Gary Wilson

2/14/2012 01:18:23 am

If you look at the far right of the photo and look at that little pyramid that is forming just under the main ridgeline that is the chimeny tops.

DannyH

2/13/2012 01:00:07 pm

J.P, wintry weather headed your way tonight also winter advisory for S.E. Tn. Clifftop picture is breathtaking. Congradulation to Allyson an Chris completin 26.2 mile run. I ran Chickamauga marathon back in the 80's and run short distance on and off since.

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my arms are missin' you, my lips feel the same way too.

LeConte Lodge

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