Oct. 3, 2014

Rachel and Matt.

Good afternoon to you all.  Today I'll update you on our weather conditions and then reintroduce you to Matt Lowell, who is finishing up his second season on the LeConte Lodge crew.

Thursday's weather turned out to be pretty nice, though the clouds swallowed us last night.  The winds began to howl overnight.  The wind velocity was not uncommon for LeConte, but, with a couple of exceptions, we haven't had a whole lot of wind since the spring.  The wind raised its voice to you as it rounded every cabin corner.  Thursday's high was 62 with a low of 47.  We had no precipitation at observation time early this morning, though that changed by breakfast.

Yesterday we hit a season countdown milestone I watch for every year on LeConte.  Some people begin to count down from midseason.  Others begin at 100 days left to start their countdown.  I know we're in the homestretch when the number of guests we host equals or surpasses the number of nights left in the season.  Last night we hosted 56 guests, equal to the 56 days left in the season.

When I offer the crew members a chance to introduce themselves, I give them some latitude to write their profile.  Matt decided to take quite a bit of latitude, but I think you'll enjoy it.  I'll turn the update over to Matt.
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Dearest High on LeConte readers,

This is my second season on our beloved Mt. LeConte, and my time here is rapidly drawing to a close.  It has been a remarkable experience, but I will spare you all from too much remarking.

Instead, seeing as how this is my five minutes on the blog, I thought I would take some time to shamelessly self-promote as I look forward to the future.  In a few short months I will be hunched over a computer with a $2 cup of coffee by my side, mooching wi-fi and working tirelessly to fill out applications.  No kerosene lanterns, no propane heaters, just the sleet-wet streets of Nashville and the steadfast resolve of a tender-hearted, hard-working, mountain man trying to find a job in the big city.

I know this blog is read by people all over the world and from many different backgrounds.  So if this bores you, I will take no offense if you minimize your browser window, turn back to that spreadsheet and try HighonLeConte.com another day.  I assure you that there will be enough lodges, llamas and lanterns to get you through the week.

However, if you happen to be an HR person, hiring manager or owner of a business in the Nashville, Tenn., area, please read on.

My name is Matthew Lee Lowell.  I am 28 years old, well traveled, easy going, hard working and, starting February 2015, on the prowl for employment.

I have a degree in public relations.  Aside from all the specific classes and clubs and campaigns, what that means is I am a communicator.  I like taking an idea or information and packaging it in a way that is concise, thorough and achieves a desired purpose.

I have worked successfully in sales.  I am currently working on a Kickstarter campaign for some friends, and I have written compelling letters to companies who, in return sent me a lot of really nice free stuff.  On Mt. LeConte I regularly communicate how to NOT turn a pilot light off on a propane heater.  Admittedly, I am not always successful in this endeavor.  LeConte's pilot lights tend to be a little tricky, as many of you can attest.

I love being out of doors, and my experience here on the mountain has really scratched that itch for me.  I'm not scared to scrub toilets and sweep floors.  I will look for lost hikers in the dark.  I will help carry a stretcher.  I will not shave my beard.  Trim, maybe.

I value humor in the workplace, and I like to feel good about what I do.  I have a passion for homebrew, writing, hiking and travel.  If you think I could fill a niche' in your business let's talk.  My Internet access is limited up here, but I will respond as soon as possible.  References, writing samples and resume available upon request.  No pyramid schemes, please.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Matt Lowell
matt[dot]lee[dot]lowell[at]gmail[dot]com
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Thanks to Matt for providing his profile.  Allyson should return to the mountain from off days this afternoon and will take over updates.  Thanks for reading and come see us.  Happy trails.

Matt at the Jumpoff.