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November 25th, 2015

11/25/2015

35 Comments

 
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Everything through which you are bettered is true. Emerson
Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, blustery day up top. The high yesterday reached 40 degrees. The overnight low was 22 degrees. It was 29 degrees and partly cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation yesterday. It looks as though we are in store for a few nice, clear days for the holiday weekend. I ran down Alum yesterday and there are only a few patches of ice along the trail, I don't think traction is required quite yet. Have fun out there!
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Top photo: Morning view from the office porch. Above: My man Guy takes in some late afternoon views at Cliff Tops.
I am thrilled to return for yet another season of sublime sunsets, majestic snow capped firs, bitter cold cheeks and hot tea, ecstatic day hikes, full moon wanderings in search of the bobcat, and all the associated glories that come with being the only man lucky enough to live in a national park all winter. I look forward to few rituals as much as my first pack of the season, with way too much gear strapped to my trusty Granite Gear, bones weary and head foggy from a longgggg bus trip... but so thrilled by what is around each familiar corner of the Alum Cave trail that I simply float. It isn't a normal hike, with things like exertion or time. I can't wait to reacquaint myself with all the million little pleasures up here and to share them with dear friends who are smart enough to visit me. It is going to be a great winter.
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Enchanted.
I say something to this effect at the start of every winter season, but the lodge is CLOSED for the season. There are no day hiker services available. No coffee, no hot chocolate, no warming up next to the fire, no overnight stays... just about all you can do is admire the beauty the winter months bring and relish in the joys of your self-sufficiency. The gift of winter hiking lies in the fact that with greater risk comes greater rewards. If you plan to hike in the park this winter, use all the resources available to make it the pleasant experience for yourself and others. Winter hiking can be a transcendent experience when done well - no bugs, fewer bears, no crowds, crisp air, clearer skies, seemingly infinite peace, pure comfort in a remote setting... but it can also be a time for wet boots, endless shivering nights, hands that no longer feel like hands but strange foreign pieces of rubber, frozen jeans and sweatshirts, desperation where outside help is unlikely... so please, for everyone's sake, be safe and stay within your limits. Turn around if you feel uncomfortable. The mountains will be here longer than you will. Be safe out there, folks!
35 Comments
Allyson
11/25/2015 09:41:19 am

Welcome home, JP! Enjoy your winter on top of our favorite mountain.

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JP
11/25/2015 10:10:50 am

Thanks Allyson! Hope to see you two SOON!

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Andrea
11/25/2015 12:58:42 pm

JP, so glad you are back. Allyson, miss you! Thanks to you both for all the years you've kept my family up to date on our favorite mountain.

TDEB
11/25/2015 10:16:28 am

LIKE!!! Welcome back JP! Your posts and pictures make my day!

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Tammy ( Tx )
11/25/2015 09:51:51 am

Hellooooo, JP! Welcome back!

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TracyG
11/25/2015 09:51:55 am

Welcome back JP. Have a great winter up top!

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Moose
11/25/2015 09:53:01 am

Welcome Back JP!
I always look forward to your insightful blog posts- you keep things interesting up on that mountain. Happy Thanskgiving!

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L
11/25/2015 09:53:04 am

Welcome back, JP! Just as you love returning to the mountain each winter, we readers love your return so we can follow along with your adventure. Have fun!

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doug y link
11/25/2015 09:55:23 am

Welcome back. Your most eloquent and pleasant greeting was very refreshing to read, and the photos are always a welcome addition. The transition to the daily routines on the mountain will surely bring you plenty of activities, rituals as you described them, to return to and chances to reinvigorate your soul. I hope that you find all of your past delights and that these continue to inspire you.
I thought that your advice to those individuals who will certainly be hiking up the mountain to the lodge, even though it is totally closed, was about as clear and concise as it could be. I hope that people follow your much needed suggestions and are safe in their treks. The winter is a magnificent time to hike, as long as one exercises and follows the proper precautions and planning. I wish everyone well in the following weeks. All who enter the mountains will find what it is that they seek. And as I always say: No matter where you go, there you are.

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TwistyP
11/25/2015 09:56:28 am

Welcome back, JP! I look forward to the blog returning to it's former glory.

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Tammy ( Tx )
11/25/2015 10:00:11 am

I forgot (something that's been occurring a lot lately) to say I knew it had to be JP when I saw "Morning y'all" and a quote from Emerson! Have a great day! Peace.

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Connie Houk
11/25/2015 10:05:53 am

Welcome back JP! Looking forward to reading your post each day!

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Scott
11/25/2015 10:06:41 am

Welcome back.

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Paul B
11/25/2015 10:14:54 am

JP, Glad to have your return to the mountain and to spend another winter viewing the adventure through your lens and insightful writings.
In the spring i followed a couple thru hiking the AT with trail names "The Hiking Vikings". In one post they mentioned sharing ice cream with someone that sounded much like you. Do you recall them? How was was the journey to your summer job?

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JP
11/28/2015 08:32:39 am

Paul,

I did hike with them! I shared a half gallon of ice cream with them in Erwin, TN @ Uncle Johnny's... I was happy to hear they completed the trail!

I had a fantastic hike up to Harper's Ferry. I wish I could have finished the trail this year, but it'll be there...

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Denise Sarna
11/25/2015 10:55:58 am

welcome back JP! I love reading your blog and looking at the pics all winter long as I plan and dream of the next seasons hikes, be safe and enjoy.

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Patty Stevens
11/25/2015 11:32:08 am

Welcome home JP, always an interesting read when you are there. We all love your winter home.... :+)

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Terry
11/25/2015 11:38:25 am

Welcome back J. P. I enjoy the quotes almost as much as the pics! Well, maybe not!

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Welcome to your winter home, JP!
11/25/2015 12:05:48 pm

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Bob
11/25/2015 12:06:00 pm

Welcome back

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pam
11/25/2015 12:35:36 pm

Welcome back!!!! Great reading today!!! Enjoy the mountains.

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Woody
11/25/2015 01:03:38 pm

Welcome back JP. Don't let your cheeks get too cold!

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Scott A
11/25/2015 02:54:16 pm

Welcome back JP. Hope you have a great winter up there. Might even come see you before the weather gets too cold

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Lynn
11/25/2015 03:19:06 pm

Yeay! So glad you are back. Was just on the mountain two weeks ago and it was as beautiful as ever. Your pictures and comments make my mornings.

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Sandra
11/25/2015 03:41:15 pm

Welcome home, JP! No one expresses the beauty and joy of living in the mountains better than you. I wish you lots of snow! Happy Thanksgiving!

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Tanya
11/25/2015 06:28:48 pm

Welcome back, JP!! Looking forward to your posts and pics!

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Paddle
11/25/2015 08:16:34 pm

JP, I have never met you, but yo sound like my kinda hiker/survivalist! My wife and I are hiking up Alum Cave to the cairn at the very top on Dec 11th to celebrate 32 wonderful years together. I hope to get to meet you while we are up there. We are taking all the precautions necessary.. Any advice from you would be great. This will be our first trip up the ML. Can't wait!

Jeff

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Rick
11/25/2015 08:28:46 pm

Good to here your back JP enjoy.

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Shelia
11/25/2015 08:39:59 pm

Welcome back ! I love reading your daily posts and look forward to it every year .

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Sherleen
11/25/2015 11:04:35 pm

Welcome back JP.I will look forward to your posts as always. Be safe
.:-)

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David
11/26/2015 08:26:06 am

Hello. Nice to have you back on the blog.

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Carol
11/26/2015 10:44:23 am

Welcome back JP!! I was so looking forward to your return with descriptions of your experiences up on top of that magical mountain! You always seem to describe the beauty and peace so well, that in reading your words.......I actually feel like I am back in that sacred place we all know and love. Be safe and be happy.

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Joe
11/26/2015 01:46:55 pm

YOUR ARE BACK!! YOU ARE BACK!! All is now well with the world!

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Ann
11/27/2015 08:15:32 pm

AND BOBKITTEN FOOTPRINTS! So happy you're back, JP.

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Renee Ryan
11/29/2015 12:15:57 am

Yay!! JP's back on the mountain!! I am so excited! I love reading your posts and seeing your photos as well. Your words give me inspiration and encourage me to get out there in the woods and experience life! So glad that your back again!

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