November 12, 2017

Good Afternoon,
     We've been sitting in a cloud since well before daybreak, and that forecast seems like it should stick the rest of the day.  The overcast is also producing an ever-so-slight mist that is wetting all of the exposed surfaces, so a waterproof shell will actually do some good.  Yesterday's high temperature was 46 degrees, and our low ended down at 30.  We've been hovering at 37 for the past several hours.  The cloudiness and slight chance of showers will linger through tomorrow morning before supposedly clearing off Monday afternoon.  We'll see what comes of it, but the weather looks like it'll be throwing varying conditions at us these final ten days of the season.

     On our penultimate Sunday of the season, I'd like to give a special shout-out to our outstanding chaplain this year, Chad Long.  Most years, some of the local ministries are able to provide chaplains for the Smokies, which includes campgrounds as well as our lodge.  He is a realtor by trade, but takes the time out of his weekend and away from his family to provide services for guests and crew here on the mountain.  More often than not, that's meant getting up very early to lead groups out to Myrtle Point for sunrise, sometimes under blustery or chilly conditions.  He's also been a tremendous help to the crew whenever present, and is an even better person.  If you've been guests of ours on Saturday nights at all this year, perhaps you've had the pleasure of meeting Chad and attending one of his services the following morning.  Thanks, Chad, for being a great member of the team and helping to provide a positive experience for our guests!
​     Have a great conclusion to the weekend.

Our 2017 LeConte Chaplain, Chad Long.