Rain or Shine?

5/26/2013

I awoke to sleet hitting my sky light and a darkness that only cloud coverage can create. Five minutes later I was pouring my coffee and noticed the clouds lifting and the valley below. This just goes to show you never know what kind of weather you might get in the Smokies. Always come prepared. As I am typing this post, rain has started to fall again. I doubt this will deter the masses from their hike up the mountain on this Memorial Day weekend. Yesterday kept us moving at a pretty steady pace. The high yesterday was 59º with a low of 35º. The cold nights are still hanging on. Make sure you bring layers of clothing with you. If you are planning on hiking today, carry your rain gear. The weather seems to be fickle this morning.

Gina

5/26/2013 12:26:59 am

Beautiful photo

Debi

5/26/2013 12:34:55 am

That picture looks pretty nice. Crazy weather!

Ronnie

5/26/2013 12:59:32 am

If not for the masses coming up the mountain there would be no need for you.

High On LeConte

5/26/2013 01:12:12 am

Well aware, and so grateful.

Ginny

5/26/2013 01:52:31 am

She was not complaining just commenting. In other words expect company on your hike.

Larry

5/26/2013 03:10:46 am

I doubt that us day hikers pay Allison's and the rest of the staff's salary, but they welcome us and treat us the same as overnight guests.

INTony

5/26/2013 08:19:52 am

@Larry.....very true. I have spent the night twice and done numerous day hikes to the Lodge. On each trip the staff has been extremely helpful, informative and cordial.
Last August we needed to change into dry clothes for the hike down. Between the rain and sweat we were soaked. A crew member allowed us access into an unused cabin to change clothes. Very grateful for that act of kindness.

doug y

5/26/2013 01:16:48 am

My rain suit is always in my pack, I wonder how many day hikers you'll get this weekend ?

Steve D

5/26/2013 03:10:44 am

Doug Y and Jean D-haha-after further review, I see that you were correct in your observations that it was clouds in the photo yesterday and not Douglas Lake and have made the appropriate appointment with my eye doctor to get the "old" orbs checked! Also thanks to all who complimented me on my hike story yesterday-the beauty out there just seems to give inspiration sometimes doesn't it?

tomk in SC

5/26/2013 01:27:19 am

When the chit hits the can. . .
What if there was a pair coffee can or something just outside the office. Everyone who comes up, whether staying at the lodge, shelter or day hiking, would take a chit (poker chip, penny, whatever) from can1 and drop it into can2. Every morning the crew could count and log can2 and move the chits back to can1. In this way we'd have a count of how many folks come up. Almost everyone stops at the office. . .
As for Allyson's masses remark. I'm guessing it's a lot of work when many people show up, but it's like the payoff for a great house party. At the end, you are tired and ready to call it a day, but every smiling face, the memories you helped create for your guests, is a dividend that pays off forever.

Pat N.

5/26/2013 01:50:57 am

So unpredictable...That's part of the beauty of the mountains. Nice photo...Happy Memorial Day/weekend to the crew and all who hike the glorious mountains.

Glenn OH

5/26/2013 02:22:25 am

Wow Allyson, what a beautiful picture, that is so Mt Leconte, anyone who loves the place gets it !!!

jean d

5/26/2013 12:19:02 pm

no doubt -- we get it and love it.

Donna

5/26/2013 03:26:34 am

Staying at the lodge Friday night for our first overnite ever, was like heaven on earth! Beautiful weather,peaceful views,good food and company. Special thanks to the gracious crew. We took Trillium Gap down on Sat. morning, did not see a soul until we took the .2 side trail up to Brushy Mountain. Then when we hit Grotto Falls, reality set in and it was if we were already in Gatlinburg! We were only up there for a night but it was culture shock when we saw all those people coming up and down to the falls and the parking lot and Roaring Fork Motor Trail was soooo overcrowded! If I wasnt so tired, I would have hiked back up to LeConte!!! Looking forward to coming up again.

Debnfl

5/26/2013 04:01:21 am

On our way up from Florida. Traffic isn't too terrible so far. So looking forward to our hike up to leconte Tuesday for our first overnight stay!

Steve D

5/26/2013 04:05:11 am

Debnfl-Have a safe trip up and congrats on your stay at the Lodge! What trail or trails are you using?

jean d

5/26/2013 12:27:47 pm

Debnfl are you living in Fla? would love to hear more of your trip up LeConte. My daughter lives in St Pete and I spent last Christmas with her. that's beside the point, LOL ,but would love to hear about your weekend or week on LeConte.

Rick Shepherd

5/26/2013 04:15:22 am

I hike to steer clear of the masses!....Thanks for the warning, Allyson!.... Next thing we'll be seeing are 4-lane hiking trails up LeConte......lol ...... Happy Memorial Day!

Debnfl

5/26/2013 08:13:42 am

Steve as of now we are planning to hike up Rainbow and down Bullhead. We are driving now and almost in Hendersonville, NC. Oh how I LOVE the mountains.

workman

5/26/2013 10:45:06 am

i so want to get up there. should be a law against having to work. lol

jean d

5/26/2013 12:31:26 pm

debnfl, are you at the lodge now? hope to hear of your trek,.

numenlumen

5/26/2013 03:14:23 pm

We are on our way for our Wednesday hike to the Lodge. Will arrive in TN tomorrow! So excited. Hoping for good weather.

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