The last week of the season is proving to be an outstanding one. The weather is holding out. The high yesterday was 48 with a low of 29. If this keeps up, we won't have any proof of the snow by the time JP makes it up the mountain. That's ok. I took pictures for him. The crew has kept the tradition alive of, " this is my last office shift. This is the last time I will have to mop. etc. ". Then I like to tell those who are returning, " Until next season." We are starting to talk about the things we look forward to while having the winter off. I treat myself to one day of staying in my pajamas all day. I build a fire, watch old movies, and stay curled up on my couch all day. I only do this one time a year so it makes it extra special. One of the crew said they were so excited to do their laundry in a real washing machine. It makes a difference when you are used to using a sink and wash board. I am also excited to have a bathroom under the same roof. Oh, the little things in life that bring us joy.
Some one asked about probabilities of fires on the mountain. I will say this is one benefit to living in a temperate rain forest. The ground is to saturated to burn. Mt. LeConte receives, on average, around 81 inches of rain a year. Some years are more some are less. We are the wettest place in Tennessee. The moisture makes it a really hard place for something to catch fire and spread. Trail conditions are improving day to day. The Boulevard trail is still closed due to downed trees and broken cables. The other trails should be in good condition. They may be wet with snow melt, but they are passable. I have seen a lot of hikers without traction devices. I think the ice has melted enough to make it safe. Allyson, Can't believe the season is about over and we didn't make it up there this year...such is life but we did get to live from the top of the mountain via this website...Thank you. You and Chris, catch up with us while you are off the mountain this time...We'll catch a movie...(another thing you can't do while up there)....Maybe we can get out and take a hike somewhere. Love todays photo.
doug
11/14/2012 11:59:38 pm
Allyson: I, too, have enjoyed this year's photos and comments from everyone. It's understandable how the crew feels about getting to do things "down below" that cannot be accomplished up at the lodge. Personally, I would love for the lodge to be open all year, but, of course, that's impractical and, more so, unsafe, during the winter season. There are hikers that get up there in ice and snow, but not enough from a business point of view. Regardless, I'll be reading JP's posts and photos while already looking forward to next season and enjoying the comments that he elicits ! I hope that you, Chris, and all the crew have a great off-season. I would imagine that you're really anticipating with much curiosity your trip to Africa and getting up Kilimanjaro. Like I said before, I've been up there, some years back and should you wish to hear some of my comments on that trip, I believe you have my email address and feel free to contact me, although knowing that you two are seasoned travelers you will have a great trip. Be safe and enjoy !!
j workman
11/15/2012 12:40:26 am
Hate to see you guys go its been great and enjoyed our two nights the week before the snow! looking forward to JP. and making another reservation for next fall! also awoke this am to a beautiful picture my sister painted from a pic I took going down boulevard last Nov! for my birthday present today!! Life IS good!
Susan B
11/15/2012 01:39:27 am
Yes, I too can't believe the season is over. If we lived closer, we could visit more than once a year. This is our favorite place. Thank you for everything - the crew is wonderful and is our second family when we're up top. Thank you to our fellow hikers who helped me when we hiked up. To the crew enjoy the time off! And yes, I am excited to have JP again. Blessings to all!
Debi
11/15/2012 03:35:39 am
Love the picture today, so clear. Washing clothes and then trying to get them to dry in all that rain is also probably a challenge. I may hate washing, but yes, I freak when it breaks. We have it made with electricity and a ice machine to keep our drinks cold.
Brian N bama
11/15/2012 09:37:17 am
Only 177 more days until my next night at the lodge. Hopefully their will be a shelter visit or day hike before then.
Marilyn
11/15/2012 12:11:20 pm
First, J. Workman...Happy Birthday! I can relate to having a pic..My daughter worked up there in '96 and she painted me a picture looking out from behind the mess hall toward' the gatlinburg side of the mountain. Have it hanging in my family room and love the reminder of my favorite place.
Barbara
11/15/2012 12:57:27 pm
Kilimanjaro! What a great adventure to look forward to! Can't wait to hear about it. Will miss your pictures and stories from up top as well as Nathan's views and entertaining stand ins. Good job all of you up there and enjoy a well earned rest. Happy Thanksgiving and safe hike off the mountain. I look forward to next March when you all return. JP will take good care of us while you're gone.
Karen Swabe
11/15/2012 03:55:51 pm
Hiked down bull head trail today. There were 15 large trees down blocking the trail that required us to climb over or crawl under. Several were quite difficult. There were several other small trees that were easy to get around. We would not recommend using this trail! We had a great stay and hope to return next season.
Scott Hayden
11/16/2012 01:25:39 am
He's not the only one addicted to this site. Comments are closed.
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LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
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