Good afternoon!

Even though all the snow has melted as of late last night, we awoke to a little ice on the ground where the sun had not reached the ground yet. We are excited for a warm up tomorrow as we reach the mid 40s to lower 50s (heat wave!!). 

Roaring Fork is currently open if you would like to reach us via Trillium Gap trail. Please remember that the llamas use this trail three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and the wranglers may give you directions as they are on the trail. These are for the safety of the llamas as well as your own safety. 

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Greetings,

This morning we awoke to a light dusting of snow and temps in the upper 20s. Throughout the day we are expected to stay around the mid 30s but could get below freezing again overnight. We are excited for the predicted warm up later in the week! 441 (Newfound Gap Rd.) and Cherokee Orchard Rd. remain open, but Roaring Fork Rd.  remains closed due to down trees. Unfortunately, our llamas weren't able to visit us today due to the road closure, but plan on coming up Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of this week. Remember those traction devices over the next couple of days!

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Good afternoon!

It seems as if the wintery weather we were expecting barely missed us. Waking up to a clear sky and ground was unexpected to say the least. We only received .03" of rain/flurry mixture overnight but the ground is covered in a light frost while we hover around 30 degrees. After discussing trail conditions with a few day hikers, there is snow/ice on the trails leading up to camp. Those traction devices will be very useful today! 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is open again as of around 10 this morning but remember to watch for snow/ice on the road. 

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Greetings,

With cloudy skies, a wet ground, almost freezing temps and predicted snow for the afternoon, we are preparing for another cold wet night. Temps tonight will continue to drop into the low 20s. 441 is currently closed but Cherokee Orchard Rd is open; Use Rainbow Falls Trailhead to reach us.

​While there isn't any ice currently, remember those traction devices as a precaution for the next few days. 

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

It's finally Friday!

This morning, we awoke to a crystal clear sky and chilly temps as promised. After lunch, thick snow flakes began falling around us melting as they hit the ground. While the snow only lasted about five minutes, we are expecting more rain/snow mixtures through the afternoon, overnight and tomorrow as rain clouds move in.

The beautiful fog creates an almost eerie effect on the world around us. Causing one to keep moving forward into the unknown. One of my favorite recent encounters was with a small doe. As I walked from Myrtle Point to the lodge, she was standing about 50 feet into the woods without a worry about me or the work I was doing. She never looked up or startled. Its amazing to see how acclimated wildlife have become to us.

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Happy Friday Eve!

Its been a busy day at camp with a plethora of spring breakers visiting the smokies and we couldn't be happier! We love getting to see everyone having fun with their friends and family. Temps overnight dropped to the teens, as promised but after a beautiful sunrise we started warming up again. While we are currently at a warm 42, we are expecting a drop again with temps in the low 30s. Come up and enjoy our warm heaters! 

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Good afternoon!

Last night was a wet one as storms moved in bringing in cold winds. Temps this morning were at 41 degrees and have only continued to plummet. While currently at 27 degrees, there are high hopes that the sun will warm us up soon. The next 24 hours are expected to be cool and clear with temps reaching the mid 30s. Bundle up!

Today we have another crew spotlight! This time we are focusing on our head cook (for a second season), Heather Barker. Anyone that knows Heather can tell you, she lights up a room like no other. Constantly singing and sharing her happy smile, she turns any off day into a good one. She loves singing, reading, writing and appreciates the ability to remove herself from her phone and use snail mail to keep in contact with her family. Prior to LeConte, Heather attended Covenant College in Georgia and earned her bachelors in English. While she loves the english language, her true passion is in violin instruction. In the fall of this year, she will be returning to school to complete her masters to become a violin teacher. On a more work related note, Heathers favorite days of the week are llama days. She loves getting to feed her furry friends pancakes and biscuits but more importantly, enjoys the company of our wranglers. There are many afternoons where you can sit on the back porch of the dining hall and listen to Heather and Chrissy play their ukuleles while singing to the llamas. In her spare time (when not playing her viola), Heather enjoys walking out to Myrtle Point. She enjoys it because there are rarely other people there but, she is always greeted by a spectacular view of the park with no city lights in sight. She's a joy to have as a part of our crew!

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Greetings,

While we started with a warm but windy morning, its been a relatively warm and sunny day here with temps in the mid 50s. Even though we are basking in the sun today, temps are about to take a turn. Overnight, we are expecting scattered rain showers and freezing temperatures. Remember those layers!

Happy llama Tuesday!! In preparation for the bad weather, one of our wranglers made the trek with seven companions to ensure we receive our food, linens and crew mail a day early. One of the items brought up was a late Easter basket from a crew members grandmother. In the box, was a stuffed bunny (Ester). In true crew fashion, Ester was placed promptly on Little Deer's back. We are so thankful for our llama friends and can't wait to see them on Friday!

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Good Afternoon!

It has been a gorgeous day thus far in camp. Temps are touching the upper 40s and the sun is intermittently peeking through the clouds. We are expecting rain showers and thunderstorms to hit us this afternoon and continue through the day tomorrow (Stay dry!), but temps are predicted to remain in the 40s throughout tonight and into tomorrow. 

Today, we would like to showcase one of our crew members! Jacob Line has been visiting LeConte Lodge with his family since he was a child. After graduating high school, Jacob went to the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a major in Cinema Studies. While LeConte isn't exactly "movie friendly" he does get the crew together to have movie nights on his laptop. When not working, Jacob enjoys reading books and taking off to Myrtle Point to enjoy the peaceful view. He is also trying to grow a "full beard" and has entertained the crew daily with his antics (shown below). He has a never ending love for this mountain and the people here and we can't wait to see the impact he makes this year!

Good Morning,

Crew and guests woke this morning to a wonderful surprise found on their  doorsteps, the Easter Bunny made it to the summit early with a basket full of treats! After a delicious easter candy treat and a warm breakfast with hot coffee, guests took full advantage of the clear skies and cool breeze with an early descent. Truly a perfect day for a hike with temperatures in the low 40s and 100 mile views.
The crew is wishing everyone a happy easter and a safe hike for those getting out on the trails today!

​

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)