November 26th, 2018

11/26/2018

Good morning,

It’s currently 22 degrees and socked-in up top. We received .1” inches of precipitation. Since checking the instruments this morning, the temperature has dropped 6 degrees.

24 hour temperature range: High 44 Low 28

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Moving further down the dingy trail, my imagination slowly took over. I stopped and listened to the mountain. The howl of the wind took me even further down the rabbit hole. I was back in Tolkien’s Middle Earth. I was in the land of elves and hobbits. Wary but curious, I persisted deeper and deeper into the magical world on Mt. LeConte. Slivers of light crept through the canopy above, giving the moss below an ethereal glow. I continued on…

What was I looking for?
What might I find?

The journey eventually brought me back to the lodge. The warm glow of my lantern illuminated the kitchen as I peeled off my warm layers. Sitting down on the round chair next to the heater, I found myself smiling. I had found nothing; and yet, I had found everything wandering aimlessly atop Mt. LeConte.

Onward,
Seth

All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.

Gandalf

14 Comments

Bruce E. link

11/26/2018 10:21:54 am

Second picture reminds me of a horror movie scene.

Rick Satterwhite

11/26/2018 10:30:04 am

Seth, we are at Westgate Resort with a view of Mt LeConte. We have a great view of you being socked in right now. Wish I could send you a picture!

Marilyn

11/26/2018 11:36:10 am

Super great awesome pictures today! Indeed Tolkienese!

alan

11/26/2018 12:23:50 pm

i enjoy following high on leconte and will be thru the winter as well. the picture and the quote from Gandalf were excellent. stay warm.

Nicole Mauriocourt

11/26/2018 01:30:04 pm

DITTO
I love this mountain. I’ve climbed in the heat, the rain, the snow, and the sleet. Like so many others, it pulls me back again and again. I leave the mountain with a smile on my face every single time.
This part of the trail is my favorite! I often find my mind pulled into thoughts of Middle Earth. Thanks so much for sharing!

Brian

11/26/2018 04:11:21 pm

Welcome back. You were missed.

T Mack

11/26/2018 04:28:45 pm

It may look like Caradhras Pass up there tomorrow night. It is supposed to be 20 degrees in Hobbiton.

P.A. Wright

11/26/2018 04:42:28 pm

Seth...good to see you're back! My husband and I truly enjoy your reports and observations from atop the world on Mt. LeConte! Thank you for the beautiful pictures and writings that draw us into that place! We are looking forward to the winter with you from snowy Michigan on our end until we venture forth again....soon...to our beloved Smokies! Oh....hope your bear stays far enough away to enjoy, but not close enough to worry about!!

Paula Bridges

11/26/2018 05:06:05 pm

I lo e your pictures and your writing. So glad to have you back on the mountain. Enjoy!
Paula B.

joyce moore

11/26/2018 07:36:25 pm

Seth, I want you to know that we thoroughly your posts and pictures.
You are truly a gifted person. Thanks for sharing

Jeff Howell

11/26/2018 08:20:20 pm

“He loved mountains, or he had loved the thought of them marching on the edge of stories brought from far away; but now he was borne down by the insupportable weight of Middle-earth. He longed to shut out the immensity in a quiet room by a fire.”
J.R.R. Tolkien

Deborah

11/26/2018 10:48:09 pm

So happy I found your blog. It’s been many years since I’ve been up the mountain. My visits are etched into my memory and my soul. I loved it the most in the colder months . I saw the comet Haile bop from the lodge one year. Your words bring it to life. Thanks for posting and bringing the magical adventure to us all. Stay warm up there. I’m coming back again .

Deborah

11/27/2018 09:43:28 am

Looking forward to the next weather report! It’s nice , cold, crisp, and blue sky clear here in The foothills.

jeand

11/27/2018 05:12:55 pm

Love your prose. And the pics with the lantern are the best. Have made the pic of you with the lantern on the trail my wallpaper for a while til another picture that suits my fancy appears. My Dad introduced me to LeConte many years ago and it has been special to me since them. Have pulled up the blog every day for about the last 5 years, Your comments are about my favorites!!!!

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November 26th, 2018

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