our lives like water that runs through our hands, leaving us unloved and alone.

12/16/2011

“I personally want to ‘do’ death in the active and not the passive, and to be there to look it in the eye and be doing something when it comes for me.” Christopher Hitchens

Morning,

It was another mild day yesterday. The high was 45. The low was 38. It was 40 and cloudy at observation. There's a near 100% chance of rain, so be prepared for some storms.

I had a great hike down Alum yesterday. I'm really starting to notice a difference in my ability to get into a good place mentally and get these big miles covered without effort. I was in a rush to beat what looked like a brewing storm and was able to make it up in 2 hours. I hauled water and plan on spending today primarily catching up on my inside activities after a big week of hiking. Be careful in the rain today!

Top photo: Stairs on Alum Cave trail. Above: Mt. LeConte from Douglas Lake. Photo by John Fisher.

Debi link

12/16/2011 12:30:37 am

Batton down the hatches, rain is on its way. I love those Alum trail stairs. I too need to get in that mental state while hiking. We always try and beat our time getting up the mountain. 2 hours is great. I'm lucky to get 3. I think ours is 3 hours and 12 min. on Alum but thats with alot of stopping. Got to enjoy the sights,thats what its all about.

Pam

12/16/2011 12:40:06 am

I loved Alum hiking up and down it this summer. The steps going up- a piece of cake but those steps coming down NASTY!! That's part of the fun of hiking though. I would hike it again! Can't wait to be back on the trails again this coming summer. Please keep the pics coming they are great! Thanks and stay safe! By the way 2 hrs going up super!! But then you are a little younger than I!! LOL

tomk

12/16/2011 12:47:17 am

In our grup of hikers there are two kinds of hikers: The folks that see the climb as a workout in an awesome setting, and the folks that see the hike as an awesome setting for socializing and observing along the way. I am in the former group, stopping at places with a view, but otherwise getting into the rhythm of the climb, the roar of my own breath and the occasional conversation during a break or a slake. By wife is in the latter group, barely breaking a sweat and chit chatting along the way, catching up with friends we see but once a year.
Either way, a hike to LeConte is nothing short of awesome.

Ross

12/16/2011 01:20:03 am

Greetings JP!

I love the Hitchens quote.

While weekend hiking in Shenandoah in 2007, I met some through-hikers on the AT. While staying overnight at the campsite, those folks regaled me with the wonders of the Smokies and LeConte Lodge. I had hiked in Pisgah, liked it, and decided to try the Smokies and check out LeConte Lodge in 2008. Never got the chance.

About a month after meeting those folks on the AT, I was bicycling and got hit by a car. The accident did a major big number on my pelvis.

With time and countless hours of physical terrorism, I do believe this upcoming summer I'll make the hike to LeConte. I have missed the mountains!

Your posts and pictures are additional inspiration for me to 'get er done!' Thank you.

Take care, be safe, and Happy Holidays!

Tony Ga

12/16/2011 02:30:37 am

Really like the Hitchens quote. I always tell my wife if I go (death) while we are hiking, riding our mountain bikes, or running know that I went happy.

sandee link

12/16/2011 05:46:56 am

tomk...actually there is a third group....although this group also considers chocolate as a food group... the novice,inexperienced wanna be hikers! Yep, that me....I stroll....I meander...I stop and take tons of pictures...lol I am no where in the same league as 99 per cent here...but then that's why I come here, to live through you guys! I don't even own hiking boots..::gasp::..right? ;)

elktonbrant

12/16/2011 06:09:41 am

JP,

Evaporated milk is on its way to you tomorrow. We should be arriving at the Lodge somewhere between 12 and 1 (depending on the number of equipment adjustments and snack breaks we take). We'll be easy to recognize. I'm the goofy guy hiking with a beautiful blonde.
Where is the best place to try and find you at that time of day?
We are looking forward to meeting you tomorrow!

12/16/2011 07:52:05 am

elktonbrant,
That sounds great. I'm running down Alum tomorrow AM and should be back around 11. I'll either be in kitchen listening to the oldies' station or reading in my cabin. I should hear you guys if you wander into camp.
Thanks again!

TimL

12/16/2011 12:02:15 pm

I really appreciate this blog. It brings me into the Mt. LeConte experience of which I cannot get enough. Once my knee heals up I will be back that way again hopefully while it is snowing or right after.Thanks again for sharing the photos and your daily experiences up there on that addictive mount.

Doug Y.

12/16/2011 08:19:40 pm

In my 54 years of hiking in the Smokies it's always been the journey that was the destination.

Doug Y.

12/17/2011 05:30:53 pm

Tony GA: Like you, if I "go" while hiking it will be with a smile on my face; I want my ashes tossed into the sunset from Cliff Tops !
JP: good photo of the Arch on Alum trail, and I also enjoyed the one from Douglas lake of Leconte; haven't seen that view often.
Debi: Your comment about your mental state reminded me that whenever I come within sight of the Smokies they "call to me" ! I drove a tractor trailer rig for a year just for the experience and whenever I drove out I40 in either direction and passed by Exit 407 where I could always see Leconte I had difficulty NOT taking that ramp and heading to the mountains !
tomk: your comments speak for themselves !! so very true.

Jennifer link

12/20/2011 06:42:44 am

I must say the writer has changed. I L O V E the titles and poetic quotes you are now producing in this blog. The world, hurting and confused, can find rest in the wisdom of these words. Please don't stop.

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our lives like water that runs through our hands, leaving us unloved and alone.

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R.

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our lives like water that runs through our hands, leaving us unloved and alone.

RynR.

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Ryn
R.