Sept. 6, 2013

9/6/2013

Good afternoon. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend in store. Things are looking mighty nice up on top of LeConte again--beautiful night for stargazing last night and another fine morning. I think this has been our nicest weather week since probably late April or May. I hope you get a chance to come up and enjoy it.

Thursday's high reached 70 degrees with a low of 46. We didn't record any precipitation. The forecast for the weekend looks favorable. Keep in mind that the lower parking lot at the Alum Cave Bluff trailhead is closed for repairs, so spots in the recently renovated upper lot will be at a premium.

I'm hoping for a little audience participation regarding today's topic. I'd like to hear either the most interesting place you've worn your LeConte Lodge t-shirt or the most far-flung place you've encountered someone else wearing LeConte gear.

We've made a change to the "Guest sightings" page on High on LeConte (the third heading to the right of this "Daily Posts" page). Instead of taking photos of guests with the same background of the dining room sign, we thought it may be more interesting to see where in the world you were wearing your LeConte Lodge gear. Instructions for submitting the photos can be found on our "Guest sightings" page. However, take your time in sending those in because Allyson won't have a chance to post those until late next week. We already have a few folks sporting LeConte gear in Norway, Sweden and a little closer to home in Auburn, Ala.

As for me, the most far-flung LeConte encounter I had was in Antarctica. I worked there to close out the 2012 austral summer season at McMurdo Station, the largest research station on the continent. I was attending an end of the season church service at the on-base chapel overlooking the ice shelf. At the service, the chaplain and priest offered up prayers for all the people leaving the Ice preparing to scatter across the world in their redeployment home. In addition, prayers were said for the hardy souls who would winter over on the Ice during a long stretch of complete darkness and isolation.

At the service, I was wearing a LeConte Lodge fleece jacket which the crew received at our end-of-season party in 2010. The chaplain there asked if that "LeConte Lodge" was the same one in the Great Smoky Mountains. Turns out this chaplain was normally stationed at the air base next to Knoxville's McGhee-Tyson Airport. The world gets smaller all the time.

Also, just this past winter when I was a winter guide in Yellowstone National Park, I drove my snow coach to the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel to pick up my guests for touring the park that day. While looking for my guests, I noticed a woman standing in the lobby wearing a LeConte Lodge shirt from 2012. We struck up a nice conversation about her day hike up LeConte last year.

I look forward to reading about your LeConte encounters. This will be the last High on LeConte update until Tuesday, as Allyson and I both have off days scheduled for this weekend. Happy trails.

Brian N bama

9/6/2013 07:41:45 am

I am sure that everyone around us wonders if my children and I only have Mt Leconte shirts because that is all we wear. I love me some Mt Leconte apparel. November can't get here soon enough. Debi, send me some snow down for my November trip ok.

Debi

9/6/2013 08:23:49 am

Brian, if I could send you EVERY flake I would. This Michigan girl has had snow all her life and is tired of it. lol :)
I have been wearing my husbands sweatshirt down to the sled dog kennels in the morn. It seems to get a little chillier here every day. This morn it was 45. It comes home a dirt ball mess, but washes up great and I put it back in the closet so he doesn't know I wore it. Ha!
I would really like a zip up sweatshirt to come out. And some girl fit tshirts. You had some good colors this year, but I'd love to see those. I'd really have to get my butt down there if those came out.

norman the rebel

9/6/2013 09:52:14 am

HOW MANY MORE DAYS CAN THEY OFF!!

NORMAN THE REBEL

9/6/2013 10:15:03 am

HOW MANY MORE DAYS CAN YOU ALL TAKE OFF

Jenny B. link

9/6/2013 01:26:23 pm

Norman the Rebel, you need to chill. Can you understand people working hard and taking certain days off? And please don't use all caps. Back off, okay?

9/7/2013 01:01:48 am

I think they get 8 days off a month. Well deserved.

norman

9/7/2013 11:59:59 am

take off

9/7/2013 12:04:24 pm

whoops

Missy

9/6/2013 10:08:05 am

I can't wait to get my first LeConte shirt next month!

9/6/2013 10:45:53 am

Missy, I would most definitely get a sweat shirt as well. I love mine as well as the t-shirts.

9/9/2013 04:50:01 am

Brian N bama - Thanks for the tip. I will! :)

Gina

9/6/2013 10:30:19 am

This will be fun, will have to wear mine this winter in FL

doug y

9/6/2013 10:54:36 am

I keep all of my 23 Leconte Lodge t-shirts on a shelf in my trophy display case; seldom get them out, but two months ago I got out my very first one (2004) for good luck when I did my solo flight for my pilots' license; It worked. Sure wish I had taken a photo of me wearing it, maybe standing next to the plane.

norman the airborne rebel

9/7/2013 11:53:34 am

doug y; why did't you? jenny b; OK!!

Leigh

9/8/2013 07:17:49 am

Doug Y, Good for you taking care of them, but don't hate to enjoy them either. Life is short! Have fun! Hey, hope you are doing okay with your knee problems too. My mom is still delaying surgery, so no hiking trips scheduled for us for a while.

9/8/2013 01:29:55 pm

Thanks; I do enjoy them, wearing a different one every so often; somethng like a quilt would be a nice thing to make out of them, but I don't sew very well, and I like gettng them out individually. That 2004 t-shirt is my first and "lucky" one - - Passing my solo flight seemed easier with it on, but that's just wishful thinking probably; I don't own my own plane, but wanted to get my license again after letting them expire several years ago, etc. My knees !? hehehe.. like I said: My body was blessed by Mother Nature, but cursed by Father Time ! I believe my surgery will take place in January or February; I still take my numerous day hikes, although be it with some pain; lots of Advil seems to alleviate most of the discomfort, along with my sheer excitement and enjoyment of being out on a trail, any trail for that matter.

9/8/2013 05:01:35 pm

Doug Y, Bless your heart! You are a trooper to keep hiking with that pain. Excellent timing for surgery. Maybe by the time the weather warms back up you'll be in good shape to hit the trail.

9/9/2013 01:08:54 am

Thanks Leigh. I've been around some in my life, done a lot of things, and have a bucket list longer than I'll ever complete ! I'm just old-fashioned and a pretty tough fellow. Love helping others, too. I wanted to have my surgery this past spring but Jan or Feb will do; I'm very optimistic about recovery and have several hikes already planned as part of my "therapy". Isn't hiking a great therapy to begin with !? I hope you get to some yourself; I'll go in almost any sort of weather, too. G'day.

Marilyn

9/6/2013 11:46:14 am

All my t shirts up until 5 years ago are on a quilt I made and keep on the back of my couch for those cold nights. I'm thinking I'll be making another quilt in the next 5 years. The farthest away I went with one of my shirts on was in California. I was at the zoo and someone stopped me and said she'd been up to LeConte. She was from California. It was a pleasant experience to find someone who knew exactly where it was!

9/7/2013 12:19:49 am

I quilt also Marilyn and as soon as I get enough of the shirts Im going to make myself a quilt also using them. I was in the Marine Corps and I am working on one made with my uniforms right now.

9/7/2013 01:47:53 am

Gina, my son-in-law is in the Army and he has given me all his Ranger and Special Forces shirts and a quilt for him is my project this winter. I'm not real proficient at it but I find it fun and relaxing...and I do have friends who are really experienced quilters so I have lots of help to go to. I think I'll take up a picture of my LeConte quilt to put on their bulletin board when I go up in September.

9/7/2013 02:24:39 am

Im not great at it either, I just like doing it. I think they would probably like to post a pic of your LeConte quilt on the blog! I only have two LeConte shirts, my first time up was last year so its gonna be awhile on my LeConte quilt, unless I do some photo blocks with it

Larry O

9/7/2013 02:57:24 pm

FYI, the bathroom at the Alum Cave parking area is now closed. If you plan on a pit stop before you start your hike you may want to stop at Newfound Gap if your coming from that direction or if coming from Gatlinburg area you may choose to use the restrooms at The Chimneys' picnic area.

Glenn TN

9/7/2013 03:38:49 pm

We have pictures of our kids on the beach in Tortola ,British Virgin Isles wearing their Leconte shirts.This was probably from about 15 years ago .I love it when people will ask about Leconte Lodge if I'm wearing a shirt and they don't know anything about it.It's always fun trying to explain the place and why we love it so much.Love this years design.I've had lots of compliments about it.

9/8/2013 07:13:22 am

Nathan, it is awesome you wore your Leconte gear all those places, but it is even MORE awesome that you have been there to experience all of those places. Good for you!!!

9/8/2013 09:42:57 am

how many more days will we be with out a new update!! miss new pictures!!!

???

9/8/2013 10:29:32 am

Read to blog--last line Tuesday

9/9/2013 01:40:15 am

??? can't wait !!!

Tracy G

9/9/2013 04:05:10 am

Made my first hike ever on 9/3 to the Lodge. And I do mean my first hike, not just to the Lodge. What a great place and fantastic people. I loaded up on all the gear I could carry back down. I am now hooked and cant wait to do it again. Thanks to everyone for such an awesome stay.

9/9/2013 04:34:52 am

Congradulations Tracy G ! Reading your brief comments regarding your first hike I was thinking about how one feels to have accomplished such a feat, especially on such a marevelous mountain with such an appealing destination awaiting near its summit. I could just picture you during your descent, loaded up with all your gear and commemorative items of your visit. You didn't mention which trail you took, but any of them will do the job nicely. My favorite is the Trillium Gap route. And you're "hooked" !? Yes, I full well know that feeling ! As I've written on here before, I've hiked the Smokies for well over fifty years, but not until 2004 did I first stay overnight at Leconte Lodge. But I was completely, thoroughly, honestly, totally, and wonderfully "hooked". It may sound trivial or simplistic, but I can truthfully say that my life was changed forever after a night at the lodge. Every since has never failed to disappoint me. You didn't mention if you stayed overnight, but just hiking up there is a treat ! I hope you're a regular on this site, too. Great story. Remember: "No matter where you go, there you are." G'day

Kent

9/9/2013 04:49:50 am

Doug y, I'll be hiking up Trillium next week, which will be my first time on that trail -- looking forward to it. I'm starting at the Rainbow Falls trailhead since I'm coming down Bullhead. It should be a about 17.5 - 18-mile day with my trek out to Myrtle Point, my longest hike yet.

One week until I hit the road and I'm stoked! I hope the weather is sunny and pleasant, but I'll take whatever comes.

9/9/2013 05:31:10 am

Doug Y. I took Alum Cave up and down. I did spend the night. I must admit, it was so awe inspring and the sense of accomplishment overwhelming! Every time I think about the hike (which I must admit is constant right now) it brings tears to my eyes. The climb up was the hardest thing I have ever done mentally or physically, but well worth it. I understand you saying your life is forever changed. Have a great day to all, and glad and pround to be one of the LeConte hikers!

9/9/2013 09:43:17 am

GREAT JOB Tracy G....and yes, you will be toally hooked...do you live close by? I am about 3 1/2-4hrs away from trail head.

9/10/2013 02:15:30 am

Hi Brian N bama. Unfortunately not. I live in MS. 9 hour drive and worth every minute of it! It has been a week and my calf muscles are still sore. They just remind me of what an awesome experience it was. Just can't wait to do it again! If I lived that close I know I would be back again very soon :)

9/10/2013 05:45:05 am

Tracy G, I do get up as much as I can. I was just looking back and counting our upcoming Nov trip, this will be stay #5 in the lodge and 2 times in shelter since Oct 2011. And my wife says we are obsessed..psstt.LOL My first hike to the top was a day hike in Oct. 2010, I really do like that place alot. HAPPY TRAILS

Jay

9/9/2013 05:18:25 am

I did a day hike in May using the Alum Cave Trail. It was the hardest hike I've ever done and I thought I would never reach the top, but I can't describe the burst of energy when I realized I had made it. I enjoyed the view from Clifftop and didn't want to leave, and of course, I got my T-shirt.It may sound crazy, but the experience was so moving that I had tears in my eyes as I was heading back down. I'm going back to the Smokies in October and had planned to do the Charlie's Bunion hike, but I'm feeling like I'm being called back to LeConte.

9/9/2013 05:30:58 am

Jay: Just several minutes ago I replied to Tracy G and her comments regarding her 'first hike' and such comments are what this site is all about for me. then, I came back and saw your heart-warming account and your simple and descriptive words about your own day hike. Wonderful ! When you wrote about your "burst of energy" it described completely for me exactly how I, too, felt, when I finally reached the lodge that time in 2004, after nearly giving up in despair - - at that time I wasn't in as good a shape as I should have been. I cannot remember if I had tears in my eyes during my descent, but I knew from that time on I would be totally changed from the effects the lodge and mountain had on me. It's how those Smokies affect me ! thanks for your thoughts. G'day

9/9/2013 07:51:32 am

Jay, I'm sure I'll tear up as well. Haven't made the hike yet myself but can imagine the elation I will feel from reading your post. 7 weeks...

tomk in SC

9/9/2013 03:06:11 pm

Echoing sentiments below, Newfound Gap to Icewater Spring. Run most of your pack up the lines there. Then continue to Charlies Bunion, take it an and then back to Icewater Spring. Check your watch and make a decision. The conservative approach is to head .3mi up the Boulevard and do the out and back to The Jump Off, then back to Icewater to pick up your pack and hike back out to Newfound Gap. That's about an 8 mile day. OR, pick up your pack after Icewater, head to The Jump Off and then up to LeConte. That will make your 8 mile day about 11 miles if you are staying at the top. If not, you have to take a trail down that puts you at at least 17 miles. Ouch.
Take the conservative Newfound/Ice/Bunion/JumpOff/Newfound on day one and then do an up and down Alum Cave to the Lodge and add the hike to Myrtle Point. There is so much to see and do in that great place we all love!

9/9/2013 05:35:44 am

Kent: I like your attitude: "you'll take whatever comes" . . . . that's the spirit I live by. You didn't mention what day you'll be doing that, but regardless, that's a generous distance you're going to do. With my ailing knees these days, and that truly burdens my thoughts and feelings {yet I know after my surgery in January I'll regain use of them,e tc.}, it'd take a rather large effort for me to do a route of that length. Afterall, even with good knees, they called me "Slowwalker" !! However, I know you'll have a great trip. Enjoy.

9/9/2013 06:07:20 am

Well, my plans right now are to go up on Wednesday of next week. I don't know if I'll be early enough to catch up with the llama train before they reach the top. I suspect that may be a lofty goal, though. I figured to allow about five hours to reach the top with start time of around 7:30.

My knees can cause me trouble at times, as well, so I know how you feel. I may well be a candidate for knee surgery myself down the road.

I hope everything goes smoothly with your surgery next year and you're back hiking pain-free as soon as possible. Take care!

9/9/2013 06:40:55 am

Kent, unless you are running out of time, make it a point to do the short out and back (0.7mi round trip) to Brushy Mountain.
After that continue up the TG trail. 1/2 mile above Trillium Gap you will cross the Surry Fork. Another 0.7 miles you will run into an interesting switchback. As you approach, see a low rock wall left. Ahead is a huge insurmountable monolith. Turn hard left almost retracing you steps. About a mile above that, another switchback. From there thru the remaining one mile to the lodge, the mountain is high on your left and falling away on your right. When you pass the spring, you are but a shout from our beloved lodge. Enjoy.

Ramsey

9/9/2013 06:45:05 am

Kent, the llama train reaches the top between 11:00-12:00. We were there Friday when they arrived around 11:20. Hope you enjoy your hike next week.

9/9/2013 07:40:22 am

tomk,

I thought about making the short trek to Brushy Mountain, as well. Perhaps I'll start a little earlier than planned and add that to my agenda. I'll make sure to jot down your other recommendation, also. Thanks! :)

Ramsey,

Thanks for the info. I probably won't catch 'em before they reach the top, especially if I want to do Brushy Mountain -- unless I consider a performance enhancing drug. Heh! ;)

9/10/2013 01:06:18 am

Thanks; I believe that it will go quite well; I have half of an old tobacco hiking staff {broke it in two while trying to scare off a bear once} that I intend to take with me into the operating room - - I'll lay it at my side for good luck !! I just hope that the surgeon is competent; why, while I'm under he might get confused and do a hysterectomy !! Honestly, I have always had a good positive attitude and that will go a ong way towards a speedy recovery, I enjoyed tomk in sc's description of a part of the Trillium Gap trail - - he's always got a good mental picture of the trails, much like many descriptions I've read in many guide books. Yes, Trillium is my favorite, and in fact, I doubt I'll ever use Alum again except in the winter when the number of blind-leading-blind tourists is low !! If I happen to be in the Park this coming Wed I might just be on the Trillium trail when you pass and we'll exchange hellos, eh !? G'day

9/10/2013 05:09:03 am

I know what you mean about the Alum Cave; I prefer less used routes, myself. But it does have some amazing features, though.

Hey, hopefully I'll see out there, that would be great! Or at the Lodge, at least. :)

9/9/2013 07:32:12 am

Tracy, congratulations on your first hike to LeConte. It is awesome isn't it? I remember the first time I hiked up..went up and down Rainbow Falls with a heavy pack on my back and spent the night in the shelter. Long hard pull and I was considerably younger then but so excited when I reached the top not only because I'd done it but because I'd found LeConte Lodge. The next year and subsequent years I've spent in the Lodge. All the other years climbing that mountain are memorable but that first trip and the discovery was the best because it really opened my eyes to the beauty and serenity of the mountain.

Jay, Charlie's Bunion is a great hike and the views are breathtaking. You could always leave really really early and take Boulevard and do a side trip on the way down. That way you could include both hikes plus go on the AT. Be pretty aggressive though. Good hiking whichever you do.

Doug, I'm ignoring my knees too. Mostly problem coming down. Probably a candidate for future surgery too. Tough getting older. Anxious to see how I do this year as I missed last year because of a heart attack. But looking forward to it as I'll be with my daugther, my granddaughter, and my grandson (first time with these grandkids) and my sister who had a pacemaker put in this past July. Sounds like a motley crew doesn't it?

5 more days, 5 more days...that's my mantra right now.

Paul B

9/9/2013 08:43:23 am

Jay, if you are doing the 4 miles to Charlies Bunion, take a little more time and head out to The Jump Off as well. The turn off is just a few hundred yards after the AT splits to the right at the Boulevard intersection, (2.7 miles from Newfound Gap). The trail to Jump Off is listed at .3 miles from the Boulevard, but I admit it seemed a bit more than that. There isn't a sign saying that you have reached it so just keep going until the trail ends at a beautiful overlook. You may be tempted to stop short of it not knowing where exactly it is, but the view is worth the journey. I found a video on youtube for the Charlies-Bunyon, Jump Off, Ice Water Springs hike. Check it out.

9/9/2013 12:04:13 pm

The Jump Off is worth going to!

9/9/2013 04:55:38 pm

Thanks, Paul. If I do the Bunion hike, I will definitely head to the Jump Off as well. Looks awesome.

9/10/2013 01:10:54 am

Thanks. All through our lives nature gives us things, then when we reach a certain age "window" it starts takig them back ! Yes, ignoring pain is a requisite procedure sometimes, sometimes more often than not ! I've thought about treating my knees with alcohol, on the outside and the inside !! Not really, but a glass or two or three of wine up at the lodge is a nice treat, eh !? G'day.

9/10/2013 06:28:40 am

Yes, indeed, Marilyn, those downhill grades and descents are the absolute worst; I must look like a staggering fool as I walk downhill !! Speaking of the Alum trail, I avoid it because of the tourists in the first half, but I nonetheless believe it's the most spectacular route in the Park, an arguable premise.

Paulrom

9/9/2013 12:28:42 pm

Still have my shirt from 1996 first trip up and have one for every year since. This oct may be my last trip up due to diabetic neuropathy . Will sure miss it.

Jon H.

9/9/2013 12:59:20 pm

Met Tim Line and his son at Yosemite as I was about to hike the Panorama trail in 2005. Identified him by his Leconte Lodge hat. See you again in November.

9/10/2013 04:44:57 am

Can't wait to see y'all in 77 days!!!

9/10/2013 05:47:22 am

WOO HOOO.. I hope to maybe do a shelter overnight in December, maybe I will see you then.

Ronnie-Tn

9/10/2013 06:09:59 am

JP, I think everyone is happy that you be taking care of our Mountain this winter. I will surely see ya on the trail again in the SNOW!

9/10/2013 06:28:22 am

Glad to hear that JP will be back at the keyboard and behind the lens again this winter. It does inspire me to get out and enjoy the snow rather than complain about it. His photos of Charlies Bunyan a couple winters ago was the inspiration to add a second trip the Smokys and enjoy views of LeConte instead of just from LeConte. Now I am planning the logistics for a hike along the AT through the park.
Thanks for the motivation!

9/10/2013 11:13:01 am

Hello Paul B: The AT hike through the Park is a great journey, one I try to make about every five years. I've always begun at Davenport Gap and except for one time I have usually hiked just one mile the first day, spending the night at the Davenport Gap shelter. The accepted mileage is about 68-70 mi depending upon which shelters you say in as some are a wee bit off the trail, but all easily accessible. One shelter I'm going to definitely avoid on my next "thru hike' in the Park is the Icewater Spring unit where it can get unbearably crowded - - again, too many tourists go there from Newfound Gap and usually don't have permits. I don't have a lot of advice that would assist you in your planning, and I think that one of the larger logistical items is getting from one trailhead to the other; For a while I used a fellow based in the Fontana area, but he's gone now; the last two or three times I paid a friend from Knoxville to do the ferryiing of me, etc. So, nice to hear about your intentions. G'day

Dianne

9/10/2013 07:44:27 am

Our group hikes up next Tuesday (one more week!) and we are staying 2 nights. It sounds like we will be crossing paths with some of you. We have a good mix of first timers & returning hikers. As one of the returning hikers, I am pretty excited since it's been at least 7 or 8 years since the last time. It can be difficult to explain to non-hikers why you want to walk up a mountain to no electricity or running water! Here's hoping we all have good weather and safe conditions.

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Sept. 6, 2013

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