November 17, 2017

Good Morning,
     We're all waking up to clear skies, and temperatures are expected to be fairly mild for this time of year.  Today be should gloriously sunny, and Saturday should start that way before souring later on.  Rain is expected much later in the day, and could possibly transition over to snow and ice here in the upper elevations.  Temps on Sunday should then drop significantly, even as skies clear.  We'll try and keep everyone up to speed as things change.  Yesterday's high temperature was tallied at 40 degrees, and our overnight low dipped to 27.  It can feel nice in the mid-day sun, but expect a chill in the shade.

     The NPS trail crew performed some maintenance work on cables along Alum Cave Trail yesterday, which is important once paths get coated in snow and ice.  It's good to have one more option for hand holds, especially if you lack traction devices or trekking poles during your climb.  We're honored to work alongside so many amazing people representing GSMNP.  The maintenance crews for park roads/trails, medical personnel, law enforcement, dispatch, interpretive rangers, volunteers, and those in the administrative offices are all doing wonderful things at different times of the year to ensure our visitors' needs are met.  Those needs range from keeping trails safe and accessible (for people and llamas), responding promptly to hikers in distress,  maintaining a natural wilderness appearance by cleaning up trash around the shelter and trails, and working in harmony with the lodge to promote a environmentally responsible and hospitable backcountry lodging experience for our visitors.  And there are many more.  So a big thanks to our friends and colleagues wearing the green and gray here in the Smokies!
​     Have a great start to the weekend.