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Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

10/22/2014

9 Comments

 
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It was certainly a different trip up the mountain than Nathan had a week ago. It was gorgeous in the lower elevations. It wasn't until we reached a quarter of a mile to the lodge that we started hiking in the clouds. What a difference the clouds make. It was a bit cold up top. If you are hiking up, please remember to bring dry layers to put on. I started out in a t-shirt and had to put on my jacket for the last section in the clouds. The high yesterday was 40º with a chilling low of 26º.

This is the time of year when the weather can change on a dime. I start carrying my ice traction up and down the mountain. I know you have been reading about it a lot lately, that is only because we feel being prepared can make a huge difference between life and death, especially this time of year. Please be careful and always let someone know where you are going and when you return from your hike. If you are not an avid hiker, research the trails you are planning on hiking. Have a general knowledge of what you should expect. Preparedness will go a long way in making your trip a success. Happy and safe hiking. See you at the top.
9 Comments
norman
10/22/2014 01:45:38 am

Beautiful picture and glad to have you back, Allyson!!

Reply
Missy
10/22/2014 04:39:38 am

About what time do Chrissy, or Alan and the Llamas start up the mountain? We are taking Trillium up for our stay and hope to see them on the trail.
Also, if anyone has any tips or pointers about Trillium Gap trail or Bullhead (considering taking it down) - please share your knowledge or experience. It's our first time on both trails. We hiked up/down Alum last year.
Has their been much bear activity on either trail? I don't know why, but I feel like we are going to encounter a bear on this hike. I've read up on bear encounters, but would appreciate your advice too.
Thanks!

Reply
ric
10/22/2014 04:55:22 am

trillum is a nice trail. grotto falls is really good. its the trail the llamas use - so watch where you step... from what i remember about bullhead, its a little hard on the knees going down but has some good views. worth the trip. there has been mention on here of increased bear activity on bullhead. nothing alarming, just be observant and vilagent. bear sightings = good. bear encounters = bad. taking 2 vehicles or doing a complete trail loop?

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Peppermint Pattie
10/22/2014 05:39:44 am

Missy, my best advice would be to carry bear spray for peace of mind. It's worth the little bit of extra weight. Do not turn your back to a bear. Do not run. Make yourself look big, stand your ground, throw rocks, blow your whistle, bang your hiking poles together, make noise. Say " go on bear" " move along bear" whatever it takes. If you see a bear swatting the ground or snapping its jaws, you are to close. Back away slowly. Give the bear space. Enjoy the trails.

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Jarrett link
10/22/2014 06:24:06 am

It's getting chilly up there, which is crazy to me. Rode one of the urban trails in town yesterday and all of the plants are still in bloom. Also, be careful on those icy trails. I've tumbled more than once walking on those icy trails.

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Toby
10/22/2014 09:20:25 am

Hiked up and down Bullhead last summer. Not a bad hike, some nice views and water stream crossing. Lots of loose rock so be careful but worth the hike down.

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gwen
10/22/2014 10:22:27 am

Just curious but I thought the Trillium Gap trail is closed. I know that I read that somewhere. It's the trail we wanted to hike up but are having to review the others. I believe the park service is doing some work or something

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Brian N bama
10/22/2014 10:38:55 am

Trillium is not closed ....the roaring fork road will be closed beginning November 1st to repair the bridges. Leconte Lodge and the park service probably have an arrangement to let the llama train up so that they can still supply the lodge until the season closes (Nov 25th I believe).

Reply
Donna
10/22/2014 12:54:56 pm

Just read in our local Smoky Mountain News about the family that was rescued this past weekend hiking up Rainbow Falls. Apparently they had 4 young children with them planned to hike up Rainbow and down Bullhead. Somehow they got lost and made a call at 2 or so in the a.m. (Luckily they had service). They were found all ok in the early morning by rangers and taken a short distance to the lodge, cold, wet but all ok. Just goes to show everyone to never take a hike unprepared! Glad all are ok and hats off to the rangers who rescued them and the crew at LeConte for warming them up!

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