Scenery Wins Everytime

11/19/2014

Yesterday was beautiful but brutally cold. The high never reached above 4 degrees. Our 24 hour high was 9. The low was -1. It is currently 12. Hwy 441 is open and folks did hike down Alum yesterday. The trails are going to be icy, so be careful and take your time. Our guests had no problems hiking up yesterday. Everyone made it to the lodge before dinner time.

We are officially down to our last week on the mountain. It won't be long until J.P. is making is way back to the lodge. He is looking forward to his return and hoping some of the big snows are still to come. That is fine with me. I will look up from our house in Gatlinburg and thank goodness that I don't have to trek to the outhouse. As I was walking around camp last night and enjoying the beautiful glow on the snow capped mountain, I was trying to decide if I was going to miss the scenery more than I was not going to miss using the privy at -1 degrees. It was a hard choice, but you can't beat the beauty of this mountain. I am trying to soak in every picture perfect moment before I hike down next Wednesday. I am fortunate to call Gatlinburg home and will be able to lace up my boots and hike up treats for the crew at any given time.

18 Comments

norman

11/19/2014 12:48:55 am

Awe---Awesome

Pam

11/19/2014 12:59:07 am

I'm sure you will hike up a lot next yr and bring treats each time to spoil the crew. They will love you for sure!!! Enjoy the rest of your time up there and stay warm!!!!

doug y link

11/19/2014 01:00:24 am

I am certainly not the wisest sage around, but if I were in your shoes I might view this time as a transition into another period of my life, one during which I would reflect on the memories accumulated so far. Your tenure has been very commendable, respected, and admired. Fret not over the end, but live in the knowledge that you and yours are forever a part of the history of the lodge and the Smokies. As many others have expressed here, you have a tremendous opportunity for a book filled with wonderful experiences and photographic marvels ! I wish that I had such a repertoire of reflections. I envy you. Good luck and remember that no matter where you go, there you are ! G'day

Rebecca

11/19/2014 01:00:30 am

Frigid Beauty!

Ronette

11/19/2014 01:00:56 am

You can't
beat the beauty of this mountain! Thanks for so many years of sharing it with us!

Debi

11/19/2014 01:02:56 am

Beautiful shots this morning. Can't decide which one to put as my screen saver of the day. Enjoy your last days on the mountain. Bitter sweet for sure. :)

Scott

11/19/2014 01:15:22 am

Allyson

I am still wishing I had met you in August when I was up there. The week in TN was my best vacations. The lodge was so cool stay overnight. Every one that meets you always says how nice you are. Reading your blogs every day shows how true that is. Wish you the best.

Lenore Price

11/19/2014 01:18:54 am

Today is my birthday and I couldn't think of a better birthday present than see such a breathtaking picture. Physically I'm not able to hike to your lodge so I just live it thru your beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Larry O

11/19/2014 02:35:27 am

Happy Birthday!!!

Ruth Vaught

11/19/2014 01:47:26 am

So enjoyed our visit last week!

David

11/19/2014 01:58:17 am

Cann't beat it when your avocation is also your vocation. I hope to return to the mountain again someday.

11/19/2014 02:32:28 am

I too hope to return to the mountain someday!!

Barbara

11/19/2014 02:30:37 am

I've hiked up to the lodge 4 times now.. and have reservations for next October. I can't express how much I love that place. It's in my heart and soul forever. All of you who have experienced staying at the lodge know what I mean. Nothing on earth like it ;)

James W

11/19/2014 02:58:51 am

Well Allyson enjoy your other life lol! it was apleasure to meet you on our overnights!! and for the help in the kitchen when i needed duck tape lol we will be hiking up DEc 13th for the day, and hopfully finnally get to meet JP Have a great future ahead, and hope to run into you two somewhere outdoors!

Judy Jones

11/19/2014 04:20:38 am

Alison and Chris, Charlie and I will miss your smiling faces when we come to LeConte. I am sorry we did not get to tell you goodbye and good luck in person. We tried both days we were scheduled to come and sickness kept us away. We both have had bad coughs and chest colds, and as hard as we tried, we pooped out after a mile of climbing. We will come visit you at your businesses. Love, the Joneses

Jarrett link

11/19/2014 07:15:44 am

That sure is cold, but it did make for a beautiful picture. One week left is so short. It will do this weird magical thing where it flies by and drags on all at the same time. Just take it all in before the last hike down.

Steve

11/19/2014 09:51:51 am

Allyson and Chris, It was a pleasure meeting you today. I really enjoyed sharing the warm dining room for my lunch. Again, thanks for taking such good care of our mountain and those who wander up it. Enjoy your last week and your new ventures!

11/20/2014 03:25:12 am

Let's say some one was coming up to stay a night this weekend. What would the crews ideal treat/goodie be?

Scenery Wins Everytime

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