Rain on the way

2/23/2011

Alex is off the mountain, he stopped by the office to get his mail. The high was 32, low 24. There is still about 4 inches of snow around camp. Along Alum Cave trail it is still icy around the cables and in shady areas, but many parts of the trail are free from ice. If we get the amount of rain forecast later this week, most of the snow and ice should be gone by the weekend. I will try to get updates from Alex's relief and keep the site updated.

2/23/2011 04:34:53 am

Thanks for the update! I really enjoy this blog! My thanks go out to all the people that make this possible!!!!

Wanda

2/23/2011 04:53:13 am

Thanks for the updates! Enjoy this site.

Ryan

2/23/2011 04:55:47 am

That is unbelievable. It is late Feb and everything is clearing out. There could still be a snowstorm or two left, but it is encouraging that the trails are becoming ice free and not a lot of snow left on top. I am thinking my hike in late March could be ice/snow free. Can't wait

Dana P

2/23/2011 05:06:25 am

Snow, sleet, freezing rain, damaging winds, hail and possibly TORNADOS all in the same month.....living in west Tennessee is never dull!!!!

Juanita

2/23/2011 06:11:39 am

Oh thank you Alex for helping me pass the time through a cold, difficult winter! Your daily posts have inspired me to try and hike LeConte later this spring. I've just had a hip replacement and I'm eager to become active again. I'm going to buy a pair of hiking boots so I'll fit in with everyone else on LeConte. Which trail would anyone recommend for a first timer? Are they too rugged and are there any rest benches? Will it take more than two hours? I'm inspired and excited by your posts.

PoshCamper

2/23/2011 06:56:51 am

I think Juanita should take the Boulevard trail as a first timer. Much less elevation gain than the other trails. This site has moved me to dig out my boots as well. I might see you high on Leconte this spring Juanita.

Allyson

2/23/2011 07:43:55 am

Juanita, I would recommend you reading the trail descriptions on the fact page. I would not recommend the Boulevard. It is the longest. It may look like it goes along a ridge line, but it has a lot of elevation gain and loss. It is 8 miles. Having worked on the mountain for the last 8 years, we do more rescues on Boulevard than any other trail. I would recommend Trillium. You can read the descriptions and see what you think. I am sure others will post their views on this topic. Good luck and we look forward to seeing you up top.

val

2/23/2011 07:48:48 am

I have really enjoyed this site this past winter, I love the smokies and now I wanna go to lodge. I am gonna get a gang of girls together and tackle it this fall! Thanks again for the blog!!

2/23/2011 07:56:34 am

Allyson
Thank you for all of your very helpful info! We are not very experienced hikers (we have only hiked about 75 miles in the park so far) and your info has been very helpful!! We hope to see you at the top this summer!!!

vicky

2/23/2011 08:20:14 am

I love LeConte and now I can visit every day! Thanks for the daily mountaintop experience!

Juanita

2/23/2011 08:31:53 am

Oh my! From your advice it looks like LeConte may be a difficult challenge for a mature woman. I'm getting back into walking shape by spending two hours each day walking at the mall, but I still use my cane. Are the trails well maintained and free of large rocks or do I need to look for a more mighty hiking stick? Sorry for all the questions but I am a newbie.

Keith

2/23/2011 09:00:26 am

Jaunita, I hiked Alum for the first time last October. I had a hip replacement done the previous October.I was not in the best shape but I made the hike in a little up in a little over four hours and another four hours down. I am 58 years old and wish I had been in better shape and will be the next time. My hip was not an issue but hydration was, drink plenty of water on the hike!

Allyson

2/23/2011 09:04:31 am

Juanita,
The trails are maintained, but there are rocks and roots. If you need a cane to get around, you will not be able to hike these trails. Walking 2 hours a day is a start. In order to hike up these trails, you will need to do some walking on hills and different terrain. The average hiking time for the 6.5 mile trail is around 4 1/2 hours. That is a steady pace. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need to make an informed decision. Good luck with your training.

Wanda

2/23/2011 09:09:24 am

Juanita: I would agree with Allyson that the Trillium Gap trail would be the "easiest". I hiked it my first time up in '96. There are no rest benches to my knowlege; but you can stop and rest frequently---just takes you longer to get on top. Its the trail the llamas take.
I'm looking for some tips from those age 65 and older.

Juanita

2/23/2011 09:09:52 am

Thank you Keith. It's great to hear a testimony from another "hipster" LOL! Did you get titanium or stainless steel? I got titanium because medicare paid for it. I had no idea it would take SO long to hike LeConte! Are ther designated rest areas on these trails? I will bring lots of water, but I also like to have a nip once I triumph... if you know what I mean. Thank you everyone.

tomk

2/23/2011 09:11:42 am

Juanita,
The trail IS rocky, and it takes a fit hiker three to four hours depending on the trail. First timers in our group prefer the Alum Cave trail, but Trillium Gap is a good choice as we.
Talk to your doctor. I don't know how strong your hip joint is.
Forget the cane. Start mall walking with hiking poles. A good set.
From there, find some lousy footing and walk it. All the trails are ankle twisters, so you need to build ankle strength. Do do that you need to find some bad lawn and work those ankles.
Next up is find some slope. In a perfect world there would be some slope near you so you can begin to build the strength to climb up AND down.
Add some stairs to your mall walking, but don't use the poles on the stairs. Use the handrail, but not to brake or propel, but to catch yourself if you fall.
Your first trip to LeConte, given your description, ought to be half a hike. Either Alum Cave to the Bluffs or Rainbow to the Falls. The last thing you want to do is commit to the whole trip and find you cannot safely complete it before sundown.
Never hike alone.
LeConte is an awesome place, but the hike is not to be taken lightly, especially someone that walks with a cane. One of the folks in our group is over 70, but fit as a fiddle and an experienced hiker.
Good luck!

Dana P

2/23/2011 10:44:53 am

Having worked for the NPS in the GRSMNP for veg management, I was often up on LeConte collecting data on my research plots and I will tell you that you don't want to take the Blvd trail via the AT. It is a very long hike and does have some steep elevation gains at points..especially the last few miles to LeConte. The worst part of this route is the AT...extremely rocky and steep in some sections for an individual who has mobility problems. Also, in my opinion, Alum would NOT be recommended. To get conditioned for a hike to LeConte you really want to do something other than just flat terrain walking...maybe using a tread mill that allows you to adjust the pitch of the tread. Just a suggestion.

Ken T

2/23/2011 11:04:27 am

My wife and I made our first hike to the lodge (overnight) last nov. at age 70. I have a model 1992 total hip replacement.....probably cast iron...it caused no problems on the hike. Tomk is giving good advice to Juanita, we hike locally to stay in shape and we also hiked to the bluffs and
back. That gave us the confidence that we could take our time and enjoy our hike to the top, which we did. Glad to see the helpful concern from the leconte groupies and Allyson. Can't wait for our trip in April.

Oam

2/23/2011 11:47:17 am

Juanita I realize you really want to hike LeConte but maybe this yr. a paved trail would be a better choice. We hiked Laurel Falls last yr because I had foot surgery 2 months before. Since it's paved I didn't have to watch for roots and rocks. It's only a mile up and very nice once you get there. Good luck and look on line for some leg and ankle exercises. Just take it easy.

Paul B

2/23/2011 02:06:11 pm

Juanita I think it is great that you are inspired to do LaConte. With lots of training and advice from trusted medical source I hope to see you at Cliff Tops watching an incredible sunset. Lots of great advice here that I agree with. I am 40-40, (mid 40's w extra 40 pds) with a mild case of MD. Rainbow falls took us 6+ hrs on a hot and humid August day this past year. But so worth the view and accomplishment!
I recommend a book that I just read called "The Summit, Faith Above Everest's Death Zone". Not just a book about climbing, the author helped lead his friend who happens to be blind to the top. He has also lead other groups w disabilities on climbs. If you want inspiration to keep you going, I found this to be it!

kejth

2/23/2011 02:26:17 pm

Juanita, Everyone is giving you good advice. I only used the cane for a week after my surgery, so I guess I recovered fast. It is titanium, the training advice Tom K gives is good. I live in Florida so not many slopes here. wait for warmer weather and you will be fine but save the nip for after the hike.

Karen

2/23/2011 02:41:54 pm

Some advice for a first-timer: When I am preparing for LeConte, not only do I go to a local state park and repeatedly hike the steepest trails I can find, I also go to the local high school stadium and walk up and down stadium steps many, many times (holding on to the rail to keep from falling). This seems to help strengthen certain leg & hip muscles. You also need sturdy boots or hiking shoes. It is absolutely essential that they are completely broken in. I strongly recommend hiking poles, especially to anyone who has had anything like ACL surgery or hip surgery. They help take some weight off each step. It is a good idea to just go as far as Alum Bluff the first time. And start as early in the day as you can! Good luck!

Ernest Lancaster

2/23/2011 03:12:49 pm

Marilyn, I will be going up Le Conte on 12 September. Maybe we can high-five as we pass one another!
Last September I went up the Boulevard Trail. It was a long haul, and as has been mentioned, steep at the AT and dishearteningly steep the last mile or so. On the plus side, it offered some spectacular views.
This year I will probably go up Rainbow Falls and back down the Bullhead trail.
Ernie

Wanda

2/24/2011 01:11:23 am

Juanita: When I prepare to go up, I hike 6 miles daily with a backpack and my hiking boots. My backpack has in it whatever I would carry up to leConte.Then I go to local stadium outdoors and go up and down and up and down the steps. Preparation is the key!
I recently had a spinal fusion, so my back does not bend normally now, Has anyone else out there had this problem?

Josh C

2/24/2011 02:03:35 am

Juanita: I prepare for leconte by doing squat thrust and lunges. For squats I choose a weight that is 85% of my maximum. Do 3 sets of 8 four times a week. On the last set, go until muscle failure. of course you will need a spotter. On alternate days I do lunges with two 25 pound bags of dog food under my arms. You will really benefit from the increased leg strength on those steep climbs up to the lodge.

Doug from Ohio

2/24/2011 02:28:01 am

Juanita, do not be discouraged if you don't go to the top of LeConte right away. Go to Park Office and buy the pocket handbook of all the trails in GSMNP and start with some easier trails. This wonderful park has so many good trails, see all the different falls, hike out to Andrews Bald or Charlies Bunyan and get a good view of LeConte, hike to top of Rich Mountain out in Cades Cove, or go East to Mt Camerer to the fire lookout, and enjoy the park while you build up to the trip to LeConte. Happy hiking!

Pat W

2/24/2011 03:33:02 am

Good luck to you Juanita. It just takes time and moderate exercise and you'll make it, if not this year it's something to work for with next year as your goal. Just be sure to check with your doctor before taking on any strenous exercises.

Marilyn

2/24/2011 03:49:06 am

Juanita, you've gotten good advice from several seasoned hikers on this site. I'd suggest you take an easier hike first time out too. Admire you for your desire to have the LeConte experience. You will certainly enjoy it! I took about 4 other gals up LeConte on Trillium one year...their first trip up...and it was difficult for them and they were in their late thirties. Their biggest complaint was how heavy their packs were and I discovered later one of them took her battery operated curling iron!! Needless to say we laugh about their lack of knowledge then and perhaps I should have examined their packs since I'd been up there a few times prior. But we did have a great time! Once you hike there you'll want to do it again and again.

Ernie...I'm not sure which trail I'll be going up. Normally I do Alum but since my brother will be with me he might like to get two different trail experiences. We'll probably have only one car so trillium/rainbow is a good one to do under those circumstances. So maybe we'll pass each other. September seems like such a long time doesn't it? I'm ready now!

Juanita

2/24/2011 03:50:06 am

Oh gracious! Everybody on this wonderful blog is so helpful. I am so grateful for the sage advise and wisdom, especially the training tips. I can't prepare on rugged terrain right now because I'm still in Coral Gables, but I will be traveling to our home in Asheville for the summer in a few weeks and I will have lots of hills to walk- it gets too hot in FL during the summer months. I have not had a spinal fusion, but in addition to my new hip I had a double knee replacement in 1998. I healed much quicker then, but I was only a spry 60 years old. Someone mentioned training with all items I'll carry in a backpack. I know I'll need water (thanks to a tip yesterday), but can you all give me some advice on other items I may need? Well, off now for some training laps around the mall.

Juanita

2/24/2011 03:56:59 am

Oh I almost forgot. I think the Trillium Gap trail is for me. I sure hope to meet some of you on my hike. I feel like I know so many of you already. I'm thinking I should have a shirt made that says, "Hi, I'm Juanita! Do you know me?" LOL!

Keith

2/24/2011 04:23:44 am

Juanita, I forgot to mention that in addition to the hip replacement I also had spinal fusion done in July of 09 prior to my hip replacement. Neither surgery caused any problems on the hike. You will need a backpack that also serves as your water supply and good hiking boots that are broke in are a must. If you are still using a cane you have therapy to go through yet, the hip will get much stronger. Go with someone who has done the trail before , start early in the morning and take your time, the views are wonderful. If possible try to get a reservation to stay overnight. Doing this will mean you don't have to go up and down all in the same day, this makes the hike much easier. Good luck!

Galen

2/24/2011 04:33:50 am

Juanita, If I may add my two cents worth. Perhaps hiking Alum Cave Trail just out to Arch Rock. It is the easiest part of the trail but also has roots and rocks without the steep incline. It is about one mile. As others have said there are plenty of trails in the park that are easier and would be great for training for LeConte. If it takes you another year before you make it to the top don't be discouraged. It will be worth it to make it to the top without being completely worn out. You still have another half mile up to Cliff Tops once you get to the lodge area. And you won't want to miss the view from there.
Your pack will depend on if you are doing a day hike or staying overnight.
Water and snacks are a must. You can take a light lunch with you or the lodge now offers a box lunch. Go to
www.leconte-lodge.com for more information. Good luck for whenever you make it to the top. The mountaintop experience is great but as you can tell from this site so are the people that hike and love LeConte. One of the best parts of the hike for me now is stopping and talking with other hikers.

kelly

2/24/2011 05:05:43 am

This is what I love so much about this little hiking community we have here. Everyone is so helpful and full of good, usable advice. I can't wait for my own first time hike in early summer. Hope I get to meet some of you in person!

Tony

2/24/2011 07:06:40 am

Planning our day hike for April 7 or 8. Up Alum. Did it twice last fall. Can't wait.

Andy

2/24/2011 11:31:10 am

Galen - the Alum cave bluffs is not a mile... closer to 2-1/2 miles if I recall but not looking at my trail map right now.

Anyone hear of reports of how the upper portion of the Boulevard at the north facing cliffs is looking? Came through there last year in March and the snow / ice was above the cables... was pretty precarious but the crampons made it OK.. Going up Boulevard in a couple weeks and hoping it is a little better condition this time around.

Andy

2/24/2011 11:51:38 am

Galen - sorry, just re-read your post... you said it was one mile to arch rock, not the bluffs - ignore my comment above.

Galen

2/24/2011 01:11:32 pm

Andy, np. Have a safe hike. I doubt if it will be as bad as last year. I hope to do the Boulevard this year. Also Trillum. These are the only two to LeConte that I haven't done. Will be staying overnight in May but will go up Alum with friends. Their first time up.

Andy

2/24/2011 02:48:16 pm

Galen - that is funny because those are the two trails I am doing second weekend of March. Going up Boulevard starting from Icewater Springs shelter the night before, staying at LeConte shelter and then going down Trillium Gap next day.

tomk

2/24/2011 11:14:25 pm

Andy,
If you are starting at Icewater Spring Shelter, then you really ought to drop your gear there on arrival day and spend late afternoon at Charlies Bunion. The view on a clear day is awesome. There is fine space for three in wide bucket seats on the bunion. Next day, just after joining the Boulevard off the AT, take the side trail to the right to the Jump Off. That is an exceptional view as well. You might want to eat breakfast there so you can spend some time.
Our group swore off the Boulevard after we bought into the "least elevation change" myth, and didn't hike it again for fifteen years. Then we did the Jump Off on the Boulevard and it is my favorite trail in clear weather. Last year a few of us managed to catch some time at Charlies Bunion. Fantastic places both. Both are dangerous in that there are no guardrails and it is a long way down.

Melissa Armour

2/25/2011 03:32:20 am

Tomk, your post above made me laugh. We've done Leconte in ice and snow three times in the past three months...but... We hiked out to Charlies for the first timie this past weekend (didn't take our spikes, like dummies!) and it was slick and snowy on the trail. In fact, I got freaked out enough on the last "ridge line" right before CB, that i almost made us turn around and go back due to the icy conditions and drop offs (had my son and his buddy with us)! We made it to CB and boy, am I glad. It was the most beautiful view I have ever seen. I could see Douglas Lake, English Mt...trult a fabulous site to behold. Luckily we had our poles with ice tips and took our time and made it safely back. Will do the Jump Off next time...lesson learned. ALWAYS take your spikes on any high altitude hike before May! The weather was in the 50's...and while I expected SOME ice and snow, the trail was probably ice and snow for 6 - 7 miles of the 8 mile trip. I haven't been up the BLVD, but would imagine that if it's a ridgeline trail like I've heard, then there are some precarious spots on that trail, too... But those ridgelines do make for some incredible views.

tomk

2/27/2011 04:27:57 am

Hi,

Since this thread is still hanging on, I thought I would counter one position taken here.

I do not recommend training with a loaded backpack. The cost to knees and hips is way too high to train that way.

The formula we have worked out is getting to climbing 1500' of real stairs, (not a stepper!) starting at just 250' and increasing in blocks of 250' when no soreness results. Three times/week max. No less than once/week or you may have to decrease 250' when you restart. If you peak about a week before your hike, take it very light the week of. Put on your pack and hike LeConte. Nobody that has done that has complained of post hike soreness aside from some sort of twist/fall/injury.

sandee link

2/27/2011 07:32:56 am

I miss Alex.

Rose

2/27/2011 07:56:13 am

Me too.

Tony

2/27/2011 08:52:26 am

Where oh where is Alex???

Mary

2/28/2011 12:41:48 pm

Me three, we miss you Alex!!

rebecca

2/28/2011 01:08:31 pm

Has Alex "left the building"??

Tony

2/28/2011 10:02:06 pm

Alex?

Tony

2/28/2011 10:05:14 pm

Wouldn't it be like Alex to just slip out in the middle of the night. To never be heard from again. His brush with civilization just too much for him. Happy Trails Alex.

Michael

2/28/2011 11:19:11 pm

I guess winter is officially over! This was a fun blog to read - and I hope it picks up again next winter! In the meantime, I plan on hiking Mt. LeConte myself this year so I have a better understanding of what everything looks like up there.

Allyson

2/28/2011 11:52:44 pm

Folks, Alex has just gone on days off for a week. He will be back in a couple of days. As for the blog, his last day of posting is around March 9th. I will be back on March 11th for the season. The posting will continue through the season. I hope you will continue to check in and see what happens during the season.

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Rain on the way

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