November 15, 2017

Good Morning,
     It was just another blue bell kind of day atop Mt LeConte.  Once again the skies were calm and clear, the sun stretching its rays across the mountain from its point in the southern sky.  Temperatures were a little milder yesterday, as our high came in at 46 degrees.  Our low dipped down to 20.  Once that sun drops behind the horizon, it doesn't take long for it get chilly this time of year.  We're under partly cloudy skies currently.
     Without further ado, we resume this year's photo-graphical review.  Enjoy some memories from the months of May through July on the mountain.

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2017 Season in Pictures - Part II

The month of May came in like a lion. The first week saw heavy rains and powerful winds, with gusts near 90 mph rocketing over the mountain and blasting the tree line along the crest.

As if the winds and rain weren't enough, on May 6th the mountain received a late season snowfall. The picturesque landscape under a blanket of 7" of powder drew a great deal of attention in the news and across social media.

Henry tends to clearing the grand staircase after the early May snowfall. For a couple days roadways into the park were closed to visitors as the NPS crews worked frenetically to clear them of snow, ice, and debris.

Just as the last snowfall of the spring began to melt away, work was beginning on Rainbow Falls Trail. As part of the next Trails Forever project in the Smokies, Rainbow Falls will be seeing maintenance work done across two years, the lower half due to wrap this week. Work on the upper half will resume next May.

2017 will definitely go down in the history books as the year of the Red Squirrel on Mt. LeConte. The "Boomers," as they are popularly known, seemed to be everywhere in camp this season, their boisterous chattering and knack for mischief a daily occurrence. As cute as they are, please remember not to feed them, as it only encourages bad habits!

Mid-May is when the mountain comes to life, as the green wave of vegetation makes its ascent up all Smokies' slopes. The Mountain Myrtle is this peak's first real piece of eye-candy that signals the start of spring.

May came in like a lion and left like a snail, but not after proving to be the most turbulent month in terms of weather. Temperatures ranged from 71 to 20 degrees, rainfall totaled nearly 9.5" falling on 17 of 31 days, winds were as high 90 mph, and greenery quickly replaced 7" of snow. You never quite know what to expect during the spring in the Smokies. With all of that moisture, the snails were just as numerous as the squirrels!

With June's arrival, it finally meant it was warm enough to tackle some of the outdoor projects. We flew up a great deal of construction materials in March, as many visitors have noticed strategically placed around camp. The buildings up here have stood the test of time and weather, but it's important to give them a little TLC every once in a while. Special thanks to the team from Crowder Construction.

With an appreciated balance of sun and rain this year, one can really witness the results in the vegetation. The Frasier Firs continue to show remarkable resiliency after the Balsam Woolly Adelgid massacred their mature population so many years ago. Mt. LeConte is one of those unique "islands in the sky" where such trees can be found here in the south.

July saw our highest temperature reading of the year, as we surpassed 75 degrees late in the month. It's also the time of year when summer really makes its presence known on the mountain. Buildings are interwoven with dense and diverse vegetation that offers a kaleidoscope of colors.

Sunsets from Cliff Tops provide that cherry-on-top moment for our overnight guests, weather pending of course. Whereas the winter months offer the clearest visibility, the summer months create the most dynamic evening solar spectacles, courtesy of the waning rays mixing with the layers of the atmosphere.

     Next up, the end of summer gives way to a mild autumn as we march toward the culmination of the 2017 season.  Have a great afternoon.