Good Morning,

Hard to believe we’re already a week into the New Year! This string of days without any precipitation has been a nice change. Today should continue that theme for us up top, although clouds are expected to thicken as the afternoon progresses. We tallied 38 degrees at observation time, with high wispy clouds lingering overhead and breezy conditions. Remaining snow on the ground is thin and patchy.

​24 hour temperature range | High: 45 Low: 30

One couldn’t conjur up a more pleasant winter Sunday to visit the high country. The sun was broadcasting its radiance in relentless abundance. Basking in its warmth on a wide rock slab made for a great opportunity to recharge all the cells. Few spectacles in the Smokies rival what the nearby Charlie’s Bunion can afford beneath clear skies. Mounts LeConte and Kephart, proudly towering above the western landscape as ravens casually drift over surrounding ridges, remind one to savor the moment as inevitable uphill tasks await. With plenty of daylight hours remaining, there was no hurry to get heading back.

One last escape through Ben’s words. This piece speaks more to autumn scenes on the mountain, but is nonetheless a mesmerizing read any time of year. Enjoy.

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Stained Glass Windows
By Benjamin J Spicer

Stained glass windows for my feet
Much like Heaven's golden streets
Fallen leaves of red and gold
Orange and yellow, vibrant, bold
On they wind through wood and vales
In endless colored glorious trails

As I stroll this forest bed
Confetti leaves swirl round my head
Adding to this wondrous scene
Like a swirling endless dream
Mountain sides of painted hue
Cathedral walls of azure blue

Here I lift my grateful praise
As I behold it's vast array
This sanctuary rich and old
Fills my very heart and soul
Stained glass windows for my feet
Ceaseless beauty onward lead

Good Morning,

Shaping up to be another gorgeous day on the mountain. Sunshine goes a long way in energizing the spirit this time of year, and it certainly makes the solar panels happy. We’re still looking at about 1” of snow on the ground, and our early morning temp is nearing the freezing mark.

24 hour temperature range | High: 30 Low: 20

As promised, more inspiring words from the poetic and talented Ben Spicer. This particular piece certainly speaks to challenges some face while tackling this giant of a mountain. May it serve as motivation for your next adventure.

——————————————————--
Mountain
By Benjamin J Spicer

Mountain you have yet to see
The day that you have bested me
I am still a worthy foe
Though breathe comes quick and progress slow

Mountain you may think you've won
Watching this exhausted one
But I will stand upon your head
And you will suffer loss Instead

Mountain you can laugh away
I will conquer you today
And when I rise and suffer through
Tis I who'll smile and laugh at you

Mountain go ahead and vow
That someday you will take me down
This my friend shall never be
You will never vanquish me

Mountain go ahead and glare
I have water yet to spare
For you my Sweet are just a hill
And I am stronger better still

Good Morning,

Skies were cloudy pre-dawn but quickly broke as both sun and caretaker prepared to greet the day. It was 22 degrees at observation and coffee prep. The winds were up and down throughout the evening, and the rain squalls teased the lodge with intermittent flurries. The liquid precip mostly prevailed, leaving us with 0.71” of rainfall but not without a light layer of powder and frost.

​24 hour temperature range | High: 43 Low: 22

The forecast these next several days looks quite favorable for getting outside and enjoying nature. Between a steady mix of sun and seasonably mild temps, what snow remains along higher elevations should eventually disappear. A cool down does appear to be on the horizon sometime Wednesday.

If you are planning a trip to the Smokies now or later, it’s important to make note of which facilities and amenities found in the park are currently inaccessible during the shutdown. LeConte Lodge already being closed during the winter months, our situation and what’s expected of day hikers doesn’t change, but it’s still a responsible idea to find out what is happening elsewhere in the park as you visit.

Here is a helpful link with tips for following Leave No Trace practices if visiting during the government shutdown.
https://lnt.org/blog/5-tips-visiting-parks-shutdown?fbclid=IwAR38ysNhQ6vqc_fDkRsTut1UOMxp8nb_dQPY5tEeVR0GSrFM8HK38IiAJWY

These next couple posts we’ll take the opportunity to feature some poetry from lodge friend Ben Spicer. Like many of us, Ben finds unequaled inspiration when ascending the mountain. Enjoy his observations put into words!
​
——————————————--
I Will Not Stop
By Benjamin J Spicer

I will not stop I will not sleep
Until I top this mountain's peak
Where friend with friend can laugh away
Telling stories of the day

I will not slow I will not rest
Until I reach the mighty crest
Where cabins wait with restful sleep
And purest air restores me deep

I will not let my foot be turned
Away from where my heart has yearned
I know well what lies at stead
Here upon this mountain's head

I will not stop I will not sleep
This is my vow and thus I'll keep
For there my soul shall be refreshed
With every step thus double blessed

Good Morning,

It’s wet and foggy up top this morning - currently 42 degrees. We received .35 inches of precipitation overnight. Conditions at 7:30AM are moderate winds and intermittent rain.

24 hour temperature range | High: 44 Low: 35

NOAA 7-Day Forecast 

Mountain - Forecast Weather

--

Each piece of gear slid on slower than usual; a departure was at hand. Though I’d only be off the mountain for a few days - the beautiful routine of Mount LeConte living was already calling me back. Knotting the laces on my boots, I stood up, slung my backpack over my shoulder and walked out into the rain. After coffee and the blog, I’d be on my way down the mountain.

I’ll meet my replacement at the trailhead to swap out keys, etc. - It won’t be known that I left a small collection of chocolate truffles on their pillow or a cast-iron overflowing with cornbread in the kitchen. These small thank you’s should quench hunger for a couple days.

The last sip of coffee disappeared just as I finished the blog. There was nothing left to do. I put-on my backpack and hit the trail.

Onward,
Seth

P.S. - These two photos are from the snow we received before Christmas - I thought I’d share!

Good Morning,

It’s wet and foggy up top this morning - currently 43 degrees. We received .95 inches of precipitation last night. It’s still drizzling on the mountain. Plan ahead and prepare for wet conditions if you’re making the trek up.

24 hour temperature range | High: 44 Low: 35

NOAA 7-Day Forecast 

Mountain - Forecast Weather

--

The clouds gurgled beneath West Point as the sun faded into a cloud smothered horizon. When would it start? The mountains were dark and moody, ready for what appeared to be on its way - rain. The colors began to fade. The world took on a deep blue hue - the clouds kept bubbling in the distance.

I woke to gusts of rain and wind pelting the flat walls of the cabin. My alarm rang but I was already awake. I threw on my gear and shortened the distance between me and the coffee beans. Hovering over the ceramic mug, I couldn’t help but to marvel at the rainy day. Mount LeConte always took on a magical character when clouds and rain cloaked the mountain. The smell of damp grounds brought my attention to the brewed beverage.

Today, I’d enjoy coffee in Middle Earth.

Onward,
Seth

Good Morning,

It’s currently 43 degrees and cloudy up top. The mountain is experiencing moderate winds and the trails are free of ice; though, I would expect some down tree debris from recent gale force winds.

24 hour temperature range | High: 44 Low: 35

NOAA 7-Day Forecast 

Mountain - Forecast Weather

--

Hesitating on my way up the trail, I double checked my watch. A nearby spruce waved gently in the morning breeze. Jumbling the morning math I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to Myrtle Point on time for the sun’s daily appointment. I though about the option that made me the most uncomfortable and went with that direction. Plus, it had been a few days since I’d visited the point.

Myrtle Point came into view. The speckled sky was burning with excitement. Mesmerized by the scene my eyes followed upward until the ground seemed to disappear underneath me. I steadied myself and then anchored my tripod just in time for the rising sun.

Onward,
​Seth

Happy New Year,

It’s currently 40 degrees and partly cloudy up top. The winds have died down dramatically since last night.

24 hour temperature range | High: 47 Low: 37

7-Day Forecast | Click Here

December Weather Data Total
Rain: 10.7”
Snow: 25.5”
Max: 50.0°F
Min: 8.0°F

2018 Weather Data Total
​Rain: 115.57”
Snow: 75.25”
Max: 75.4°F
Min: -8.3°F
--

Settled into my warm loft, I closed my eyes and let sleep pull me into the new year. Almost lost in a dream, I squinted down at my watch. It read 8:30PM. Perfect. It would be a  New Year somewhere.

Sleep brought me into the New Year - well rested.

The mountain was quiet. I replicated the silence moving stealthily through the cool Smoky Mountain evergreens. Approaching the viewpoint, I wondered how the New Year would unfold. The sky paused the thought. Before me was a fluffy layer cake of clouds. Overcast and undercast, I was sandwiched in between the bustling atmospheres. Each layer a different spectacle all its own.

Stepping back, I saw my answer.

This year would be filled with many layers, each moving in their own wild direction. It would be important for me to remember and appreciate the beauty of the process - appreciate the simplicity of each moving part. When things get tough, as they do, I could always zoom out and view the beautiful madness from a distance - see it for what it is...

The sky exploded with color - celebrating the New Year.

Onward,
​Seth

Good Morning,

It’s currently 47 degrees and socked-in up top with gale force winds. Trace amounts of snow are still lingering around the mountain.

24 hour temperature range | High: 47 Low: 37

7-Day Forecast | Click Here

--

The clarity was gone; the lights down in the valley remained hidden behind a wall of slate colored fog. I wasn’t upset. Last night’s clarity still lingered happily on my heart. The winds growled aggressively through camp. I laughed at how excited Mount Le Conte was for the New Year.

Sipping coffee, I stood quietly on the porch and watched the world shake and wave. I waved back and asked the trees to hold still for a picture. They were too excited; I couldn’t blame them. With the New Year on the forefront I found myself getting excited too. Tomorrow would be just another day, but it would be another day on Mount Le Conte - another day in a windblown paradise.

Onward,
Seth

Good Morning,

It’s currently 38 degrees and socked-in up top. We received trace amounts of precipitation last night. Trace amounts of snow are still lingering around the mountain.

24 hour temperature range | High: 43 Low: 34

--

The night sky shimmered hazily through the sheet of clouds. I attempted to be the moon, illuminating the heavens for no reason at all. The cityscape assisted more than my flashlight, creating a soft warm glow. It was a beautiful moment - one you could feel just as much as see.

The aroma of fresh ground coffee brought me back to the here and now. Outside the mountain was buried in a cloud; I couldn’t complain with the sentiment. I took a long sip of coffee…

Excited for fresh baked shortbread cookies and a proper Mount Le Conte snooze.

Onward,
Seth

Good Morning,

It’s currently 36 degrees and partly cloud with an inversion up top. We received .72” inches of precipitation yesterday. There are still trace amounts of snow on the ground. Expect some ice on the trails if you're coming up top today.

24 hour temperature range | High: 45 Low: 35

7-day Forecast | Click Here
--

Suddenly the weather changed its mind. Half of the clouds ascended toward heaven; the others decided to dwell down in the valley. In the middle, Mount Le Conte smiled happily with clear skies.

Grinning, I watched as yesterday’s cumulus clouds transformed into wispy tails high in the atmosphere. The last the of the evening stars twinkled good morning as they disappeared for the day. Wind growled in the distance - the mountain worked in my defense, leaving Apollo Overlook quiet and calm. What else would the mountain show me this year? There wasn’t much time; yet, I had all the time in the world…

Onward,
Seth