High On LeConte
  • Home
  • Daily Posts
  • LeConte Team
  • FAQ's
  • Trail Guide
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer

she was listening for the angels just like me.

12/1/2014

 
Picture
Wild nights - Wild nights! / Were I with thee / Wild nights should be / Our luxury! Emily Dickinson
Morning y'all,

It's a rather dreary day up top. The high yesterday reached 46 degrees and the overnight low was 35 degrees. It was 40 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. This warm front has nearly melted all the snow, leaving patchy conditions up high. There is still a little bit of ice on the trail, so continue to use caution and pack some sort of traction devices if you intend to wander around the summit.

I had an awesome (awesome in the most literal sense of the world, all kinds of awe was buzzing around and through me) hike up Alum last night. I got to the parking lot around 5:25, just as the sun was setting on the high peaks. There is a special kind of adrenaline that comes with racing darkness and I wanted to use my headlamp as little as possible. I got through Arch Rock before it got pitch black and crossed Styx Branch just as the moon was peeking through my rhododendron laced wonderland. I turned on my headlamp and continued to venture up, up and away. I took a big breath, the kind that makes your fingers tingle - at Inspiration Point and let the last rays of colour on the horizon set themselves deep into my mind. I am so grateful that I continue to be thrilled by these mountains, this strange pursuit of peak experiences that bring me ever deeper into Nature's all enveloping grace. The peace of wildness is ours for the taking. Grab it while you can.

Much thanks to my trail angels Dick, Ann and Buddy for bringing me up some much appreciated tea and dried fruit! Looking forward to seeing y'all again!
tomk in SC
12/1/2014 01:12:07 am

I have winter hiked LeConte, and found it to be absolutely wonderful. Once you get moving the cold isn't a problem (especially up), but I have never night hiked anywhere. In dead dark, the focal range is whatever your bulb can handle. I suppose that might be a bit spooky, but could also be focusing as there is nothing bu the air in your lungs and a ten foot bubble of trail.
The other thing I thought about is how wonderful it must be to know you have a warm cabin waiting for you at the top. A change of clothes, heat, lamplight and 3 pages of reading before going to sleep at the end of a good day,
One more thing, do you radio in your daily missions and eta so that someone knows where you are at all times?

Finn
12/1/2014 03:19:11 am

It's a luxury you must cherish!!! So beautiful

Peppermint Pattie
12/1/2014 04:09:35 am

"The peace of wildness is ours for the taking. Grab it while you can."
Well said, my friend, well said. That rang through my soul. Thank you.

Jarrett link
12/1/2014 07:52:16 am

Adding a little night to your outdoor activities is a great way to keep up the excitement and awe to familiar trails. I am envious.

Steve
12/1/2014 08:03:24 am

Really enjoy your post...you have a nice writing style...it's been a while since my wife and I have been to leconte....a special place

William
12/1/2014 08:59:33 am

I was wondering if the lodge is left unattended while you're off the mountain ? Or does someone relieve you ?

David
12/1/2014 09:28:31 am

I envy you. My wife and I spent 5 years as camper hosts in a state park. Nothing like where you are. We were always there a month before and after the crowds. I think those were the best time for me. We tend to forget mother nature keeps on going when we are huddled in our warm beds. I enjoy your posts.

When I was there in Oct. the ATV shelter near the lodge was closed due to bear activity. Any idea who I contact to see if it is open next year when I plan on getting back to the Mt?

Logan
12/1/2014 09:49:46 am

try the Park Service at the Sugarlands Visitor Center . . . .

Steve
12/1/2014 09:55:11 am

Great Smoky Mtns website, click on trail and road closures.

Tennessee Girl
12/2/2014 03:03:54 am

Nice post....I like your words.


Comments are closed.
    Picture

    LeConte Lodge

    Welcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable.  Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain!

    Online Store

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010

    RSS Feed

For current GSMNP road and trail information, visit the Park's Twitter page, official website, or call 865-436-1200 and follow the prompts.

Picture

Picture

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture