Rain!

11/22/2011

VIP Guest Greg negotiates a ledge hiking down the Alum Cave trail.

Morning everyone,

We had a high of 49 yesterday. It rained most of the afternoon. We had .8 inches of rain yesterday. The overnight low was 43 and it was 46 degrees and overcast this morning at weather observation. We're expecting a 100% chance of afternoon rain, so be ready!

I hiked down to Gatlinburg yesterday afternoon. Greg was kind enough to give me a ride to the Kroger in Sevierville. From there, I went to the office to organize all my gear into boxes for the llamas to pack up on Wednesday. It felt like a great luxury to use a cart in a grocery store (breaking my rule to only use a basket), knowing that I wouldn't have to pack up any of the food I bought.

I started hiking up Rainbow Falls at 4:45 and got to the Lodge at 7:15sh. The rain relented and it turned into a nice evening. I got the opportunity to relax with the old winter caretaker Henry for the evening.

Looking forward to moving into my new digs for the winter this afternoon, Chris' famous turkey gumbo and our final night with guests!

Safe hiking!

Paul B

11/22/2011 01:20:31 am

Wow, Rainbow Falls in 2 1/2 hours. Impressive! Beats my 6 hours 2 years ago. Oh to be young and 50 pounds lighter again. Appreciate the insights into how you get ready for your great adventure.

Pat N.

11/22/2011 01:33:25 am

Rain or shine, Happy Last Full Day to the crew. Enjoy the holidays and your time off the mountain. Glad you were able to stock up on food and goodies, JP. Enjoy your 3 month adventure. We will check on you daily by starting our day off with your great blog.

sandee link

11/22/2011 03:38:16 am

Glad to hear you are settling down, and Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all the summer crew! It was fun seeing pictures of you guys and hearing about your escapades! Have a great year!

Debi link

11/22/2011 05:39:45 am

Thats a good idea to only use a basket. Smart thinker. All that stuff adds up in the hike. Bitter sweet sorrow for u and the crew. You'll have the mountain to yourself and they will have a well deserved break. About 10 years ago I heard about Mt.Leconte Lodge but never knew how to get there. Once I found out I can't get enough of it. Only once a year trip, but my part of heaven. Really enjoy your post and got to meet Chris and Alyson last summer. Looking forward to the beauty your will bring to us. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy!!!

Mary Anne Sheffield

11/22/2011 08:10:10 am

Looking forward to reading all winter of life on top! A job I envy! I have a question. So the llamas are bringing up your supplies, do they continue that for a time or stop until spring?

SERGIO link

11/22/2011 08:16:31 am

WOOOAH !! , "..our final night with guests!"
(?)Are there no openings for guests over the winter?
(?)Is the pre-paid lunch for day-hikers not ava durring the winter?
ferr'Gods sake dont tell me theres no hot-coco to warm-up weary day hikers!
~SAY IT AINT SO!~

(PS: welcome to your new winter diggz ,I am so jelious ~SIGH~)
;-)

Raz Theo

11/23/2011 02:23:30 am

J.P.
I am in awe, but you are certainly setting the climb-rate bar a little high for those of us in our "golden" years who need a day to get up Bullhead and another to get back down.
However let me say that I can tolerate being humbled as long as I can gaze at your pictures and read your narratives. In less than a week you've already proven you can do both well.
Thanks and good luck.

Marilyn

11/23/2011 04:07:06 am

Wow, impressed with your 2 1/2 hours! I couldn't do that back 40 years ago when I was in my prime and doing a lot of backpacking! What's your hiking experience and where? You surely must have some! Be curious to know. Looking forward to a winter of exciting pics and dialog.

11/26/2011 01:59:05 am

Mary Anne,
The llamas brought their last resupply this Wednesday. They packed up a lot of food for me and my library for the winter. Thank you, Alan!

Sergio,
I'm sorry to say, but the lodge is closed for the winter. Our last night for guests was Tuesday. We offer no services during the winter months. If you want hot cocoa, you'll have to pack it up. The shelter is open for reservations through the winter months. That'd be your best bet for staying on LeConte.

Marilyn,
I worked in Vermont this past summer for the GMC. I have been active hiking, running and cycling the past 10 years.

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