said he's going back to a simpler place in time.

1/7/2012

I have had to experience so much stupidity, so many vices, so much error, so much nausea, disillusionment and sorrow, just in order to become a child again and begin anew. I had to experience despair, I had to sink to the greatest mental depths, to thoughts of suicide, in order to experience grace. Herman Hesse, Siddhartha

Morning,

It was another spring day up on Mt. LeConte. The high was 45. The low was 35. It was 37 and hazy at observation. The snow up top is patchy and it seems like much of the treacherous ice is now benign.

The mist has returned. It lingers atop the staircase like a silken veil, choking off every view. If there's a world beyond this, I wouldn't know it. It adds an allure. It is for the true lover of nature. It is a gift to revel in what others regard as a toilsome misery. As Emerson said, the mystery of nature has never been displayed so happily.

Top photo: Cliff Tops at sunset. Above: Cabin in the evening moonlight.

Ella link

1/7/2012 07:58:16 am

Hi JP,

We will be up there tomorrow evening. Is there anything you need or would like for us to bring? If we wanted to meet you, where could we find you?

H Clark

1/7/2012 10:16:19 am

The description of the mist is reminiscent of my first hike to LeConte Lodge in 2008. Immediately after arrival, I hiked to Cliff Tops with camera in hand and great expectations of excellent photos. However, the mist limited visibility. I left the scene without photos but not disappointed with the location.

Tom

1/7/2012 11:32:03 am

"some mornings you'll find me up above the timberline, lonesome don't seem like much once your this high" Steve earl

1/9/2012 12:25:23 am

Tom,
I need to listen to more of Steve. Thanks for posting.

Karen

1/7/2012 03:37:33 pm

JP- I so LOVE the artistry of your pictures! And I can really relate to your words, especially today. If you ever publish a book, let us know- I would buy it. I wish there was a "coffee table" book of all the best pictures from this website. Thanks!

1/9/2012 12:26:36 am

Karen,
I really appreciate that. I've given it a thought, as I've received much more feedback than I'd expected. Thanks for the encouragement.

Doug Y.

1/7/2012 04:08:23 pm

Hey JP: Herman Hesse is one of my favorites; He also said: "There's no reality except the one contained within us. That's why so many people live an unreal life. They take images outside them for reality and never allow the world within them to assert itself." Quotes are good examples and much can be learned from them, often guiding our lives in better directions than we alone can manage. But it's important to look within and follow our hearts sometimes. Right now I'm trying to decide whether to buy a Kindle Fire or a Nook Tablet for reading, etc. The mist you speak of is quite characteristic of the mountain; it's prevented me many times when there from enjoying the distant scenery, but then the immediate area can be mysterious as well as soothing; I wish only that I could be there much more often; Have you ever seen the USGS benchmark near Cliff Tops ? Thanks again for your excellent photos and comments.

1/9/2012 12:29:02 am

Doug,
I really like that quote. I need to get some more Hesse up here. I really loved Beneath the Wheel and Siddhartha. I've heard that the USGS benchmark was taken by a (lucky) dastardly souvenir hound. Thanks for commenting.

Denise

1/8/2012 01:08:55 am

Your language of the mountain makes me smile...not only because you describe a place I love but your words paint a picture. The thought provoking quotes are an added bonus. Thinking of using the page as my bell-ringer prompt for my 8th grade language arts classes, and introduce them to the "man on the mountain" and his thoughts for the day.

1/9/2012 12:29:55 am

Denise,
That would be very flattering, but I'm sure you could find a much better example for them to follow!

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said he's going back to a simpler place in time.

LeConte Lodge

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