Simple Life

11/10/2014

My circadian biological clock is right on track. When the time changes and we serve dinner after sunset, I need little toothpicks to keep my eyelids open. This is one aspect of the job that I love. I love getting up with the sun and going to bed when the sun goes down. I don't really go to bed at 5:45 p.m., but I do go to bed at 9. As soon as we lock the door to the dining hall, I am in my pajamas and off to dream world. The simplicity of life will be missed when we are off the mountain. I hope that I can take this life lesson with me when I leave. Appreciate the simple things in life that we all take for granite.

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive."- Eleonora Duse

The trails are in great shape. Yesterday was another picture perfect day. The high was 53º with a low 0f 28º. The snow is melting and hikers are not having any problems making it up. We are expecting the llamas today. They are still using Trillium trail. The park has allowed us use for resupplying until the end of the season. We heard from J.P. He is super excited to be making his way back to the Smokies in time for some winter weather. He will arrive on the mountain the day before we leave. He was bummed he missed the 22" of snow. Something tells me he will see plenty of the white stuff this winter.

10 Comments

Debi

11/10/2014 12:18:12 am

I'm right there with ya Allyson, 9:00 for me too. Actually I go to bed at 8 and watch tv for a hour. But up by 4. Once its dark its bed time!

Becky Moore

11/10/2014 12:50:45 am

Love the qoute today and your thoughts about the simple things in life and their importance!
Thanks for all the staff does! You, Chris, and Nathan will
be greatly missed. Best of luck!

Pam

11/10/2014 12:54:38 am

You are going to be missed!! Also will miss Nathan's postings! But all good things come to an end with new people in charge, I know it will continue on and be just a great. Never had the opportunity to meet you, but I feel like I know you through all the postings I have read. I have had the opportunity to hike Mt. LeConte once and plan to do it again someday. Who knows maybe I'll meet you on a trail someday, somewhere in the park! You have made my day exciting to get on and read the daily posts and enjoy the pics since I live in FLAT central Ohio. Go Bucks!! Sorry couldn't resist!! Wishing you and Chris the best in your next adventure. Hopefully Ruthie or someone will post to let us know how things are going for you. Have a great rest of the season!! THANKS! :)

Scott

11/10/2014 02:04:38 am

Allyson still sorry that when we were there in August that we did not get to meet. But wish you well. Plus Ruthie is going to do well as the new site Manager she was really nice to us when we were there.

doug y link

11/10/2014 02:21:50 am

The quote you posted expresses my sentiments exactly ! Thanks.

tomk in SC

11/10/2014 03:10:37 am

Allyson,
A few years back, two high school friends and I hiked all of the AT inside the GSMNP. Right from the first night at a shelter to the last morning when we hiked out, we went to sleep when the sun went down and awoke as it came up. The subtlety of dawn twilight and morning hues marked the transition to the day at hand. We were fairly quiet for a while until the sound of a small stove and the scent of coffee perked us up and set the day in motion. For a week, perhaps two, as morning would break in the civilized world amid lights, flush toilets and an electric coffee pot, I would look out the window to my wooded back yard and pine for the rhythm of the trail. That's mostly passed. Just a memory, but one I seek to relive soon, for there is some kind on magic in the simplicity of sunset and sunrise and, to the point, oil lamps and rocking chairs.
Best Wishes to both of you in all you do.

Barbara

11/10/2014 03:29:35 am

Tomk. So well put. You have a strong inner poet. I have been in that place when backpacking.

Allyson, Chris and Nathan. We will miss you so much even as we are strongly welcoming Ruthie who has so much to offer too. Bless your paths as you travel on.

Jarrett link

11/10/2014 06:48:47 am

I imagine the simple life is great. Even as much as I like being connected, I would like to spend some time living the simple life.

Jenny B. link

11/10/2014 07:43:49 am

Allyson, thank you very much for your wonderful thoughts about sunrise and sunset, and also just about what it's like to live on top of such a great mountain. I know I've not been the easiest commenter on this blog--I have such a contrarian spirit--but please realize that I appreciate your descriptions of life up there at the summit.

Ron Adams

11/10/2014 08:41:15 am

You said the "simplicity of life will be missed" once off the mountain. I have often wondered if the crew has problems re-adjusting to life off the mountain.........you know, the cars, the lights, the loud sounds. I think it would be hard for me personally to jump back into the real world once I spent a few months atop LeConte.

Simple Life

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