November 16, 2017

Good Morning,
     We're off to a chilly and windy start this Thursday, with the thermometer showing 29 degrees but feeling much colder outside in the elements.  Despite starting the day out in a fog, the intermittent puffs of gray and white are gradually thinning out, giving way to sunny skies.  Last night's passing showers didn't amount to much in the rain gauge, but enough fell to create some slick places around camp and on trail.  Please use caution, particularly on the exposed log water bars, as they tend to freeze up first without appearing so.  Yesterday's high temperature registered at 48 degrees, with a low of 28.
     Let's wrap up our recollection of the year in pictures with this third and final installment.  Enjoy some of the sights and stories from the months of August through November.

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2017 Season in Pictures - Part III

As July passes into August, summer scenery around Mt. LeConte shifts into high gear. The mountain is enveloped in mesmerizing magic, and various trails sport rare and intricate wildflowers like the Grass of Parnassus.

In a historic first, fans of our favorite fuzzy friends help with the naming of one of our newest packing llama recruits. After 1,000+ responses, the name Wiley is selected among so many fantastic submissions. The wranglers will look to train Wiley spring of 2018.

The All-American Total Solar Eclipse phenomenon strikes the Smokies and surrounding region by storm in late August. The above photo, taken just to the south of Mt. LeConte in the Nantahala National Forest, shows totality while here at the lodge a partial occurs.

Hurricane Irma, after ripping through the Caribbean and state of Florida, eventually sets its sights on the Smokies, invoking road, trail, and even backcountry closures for several days. The decision was a wise one, as the upper reaches of Mt. LeConte's most popular trail were bashed and beaten, with mature Red Spruces being tossed like toothpicks and the earth getting stretched like putty.

September on Mt. LeConte still presents the appeal of summer, as the lodge experiences warm to moderate temperatures and mountainsides still don their lush greenery. The potential for thunderstorms remains, and on occasion impressive electrical storms can be seen in the distance.

Autumn on Mt. LeConte rolls into action from late September into early October, with Mountain Ash and Beech trees offering up shades of gold. The colorful show cascades down the mountainside in the following weeks giving hikers a grand spectacle during their ascents.

Conditions on Mt. LeConte remained moderate through much of summer and into autumn, as temperatures were consistently in the 60's during the day, and 40's at night. A decent balance of rain and sun also kept the earth happy, without sacrificing opportunities for visitors to enjoy the views from the top.

With a great deal of anticipation, the first snow of autumn finally arrived on October 29th. Even at just a few inches of accumulation, it was enough to cause road and trail closures. Crew member, Allison Mayes, won bragging rights for the year as winner of the annual first snowfall prediction.

Another great tradition at LeConte Lodge, the crew puts their carving creativity on display for visitors to enjoy over Halloween. Overnight guests vote on a favorite, with Heather Barker's design of a llama taking the 2017 crown.

This year's fall color display extended later into November than the average season, giving Smokies' visitors this time of year an awesome treat. By that time, the season is winding down, while crew and guests alike excitedly await the coming of winter and the holiday season.