November 24, 2020

Good Morning,

We’re entering our final day of hosting guests for the 2020 season, and what a season it has been. Shaping up to be a picturesque day on the mountain as the pink hues of sunrise streak across the pre-dawn sky. Conditions are expected to be fairly decent throughout the day with the potential for increasing cloudiness. Temps will remain mild, already in the mid 30s, and could see us climb well into the 40s in the afternoon. Winds out of the south are going to be a bit breezy today and then pick up for Wednesday, especially once the rain moves in tomorrow afternoon. It would appear we will escape seeing any autumn snowfall before the lodge closes, but current forecasts show a chance by the end of this month. Today is the last llama trip of the year, so if you happen to catch them up top or in passing on Trillium Gap, give them a big thank you and wish them a prosperous winter slumber.

In the spirit of the coming holiday, it’s only appropriate we start doling out thanks to the numerous groups and individuals who help in making this entire backcountry experience possible. Since there are so many and simply too many to list here, we’ll break it up and use this time to thank our park and business partners first. Each of them have had to overcome great and unforeseen obstacles, just like this lodge, to be able to continue to operate and provide services in spite of the pandemic. Despite setbacks and inconveniences, their commitment to our operation has remained steadfast, and for that they should all be commended.

To the fine people donning the green and gray uniforms on behalf of GSMNP - from administration, law enforcement, medical, interpretative, resources, maintenance, and volunteers to name a few - thank you! To the countless business partners who provide our expanse of provisions - from food to merchandise, to cleaning supplies and laundry services, to hiking gear and llama tack, to furniture and DIY fixer-upper parts, and of course flying a big helicopter - thank you! To the behind the scenes folks who make “house calls” to a place not accessible by road or in close proximity to a home improvement store - from mechanical to plumbing, from electrical to carpentry, and any other obscure trade necessary for maintaining a unique backcountry lodge - thank you! And lastly the hardworking team of people who took time away from their own jobs and families to help us get the season kickstarted back in March, both on the mountain and at our airlift staging sight, even in the face of the pending pandemic - thank you!

Again, there are surely folks not mentioned here equally deserving of thanks for providing us with the goods and services to keep this train rolling. Know that you all are appreciated and we look forward to doing it all again in 2021!

​Have a great day.