so we hold it close when we feel the most like a love that we could not leave behind.

12/2/2014

Love flowers best in openness and freedom. Edward Abbey

Morning y'all,

It's another blustery, foggy day up top. The high yesterday reached 44 balmy degrees. The overnight low was 39 degrees. It was 40 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is no snow left. I'd expect there to be some icy patches on the shady spots of certain trails (especially Boulevard and Alum), but for the most part, I'd imagine you could hike up without any sort of traction devices.

I spent a great majority of yesterday further settling into my cabin, meandering between putting up scenic posters, maps and art, re-arranging my library and clothes just right so that they are both accessible and produce a sense of uncluttered calm (feng shui is real!) when I walk in. I certainly looked like a crazy person, up here by myself, walking in and out of that doorway many times yesterday. I was aiming to produce just the right effect, one that feels like a deep sigh in your brain.

After a few hours, my legs decided it was time for something else. They always tell me when it's time to feel some reality, to seek a little bit of truth. With all this melt, I figured I should take advantage of prime running conditions before the ice moves in for winter. I went down and up Alum, arriving up top just as the sun was setting. Any one who hikes or runs to their limit knows the truth I felt as I climbed high yesterday, the way all troubles and concerns drop away in the flow of endorphins. You forget who you are and become a simpler animal. All that matters is forward motion. It is one of the most redeeming feelings I know of.

Much thanks to Stephen & his father (Joe? Sorry, I'm awful with names!) for bringing up some dark roast coffee yesterday! It is so, so cherished up here.

stephen

12/2/2014 01:23:02 am

JP have you ever timed yourself up and down alum? If so what's your vest? I went to NOC last night to look at trail running shoes, I was inspired. Anyways my Dad is James...have a great day on top!

12/2/2014 01:27:09 am

Not vest but best...as in best time lol

Steve D

12/2/2014 01:51:54 am

Hi Stephen! It was great meeting you and your Dad yesterday and getting to hike with you all some. I hope I will get to run into you guys again someday. One of the most rewarding benefits of hiking is getting to know some of the fine folks that are out there on the trails. It was another great day on Leconte. JP-as always it was great seeing you. Break that record!

Stephen

12/2/2014 04:21:34 pm

Great meeting you too, we are envious of your proximity to one of our favorite places...hope to run into you again out there someday

12/2/2014 02:15:21 am

Stephen,

i've heard the record is somewhere in the neighborhood of 47 minutes up.... so I've got some work to do! It'll be a fun way to keep myself occupied! It was a pleasure talking to you and your pops yesterday! Thanks again!

Best,
JP

Missy & Steve

12/2/2014 02:10:08 am

Hi JP -
Did you find the shot glass that we engraved for you? I drew cabin #8 and then etched it in the glass with your name. We left it with Christi and she was going to send it up to you. Hope it found its way to you.
Welcome back!

12/2/2014 02:14:09 am

Yes!

Thank you guys so much. it is greatly appreciated! I misplaced the note and was wondering how I'd be able to thank y'all! It will surely get some use once the thermometer drops!

Best wishes,
JP

Missy

12/2/2014 05:16:54 am

You're welcome! Enjoy. :)

dan waits

12/2/2014 02:37:17 am

could you maybe mention in one of your blogs what meal prep is like for you up there?

You may have already talked about this in previous years but I can't remember you talking about it since I've been reading your blogs (started last year)

anyway, just curious how you do it, & what you fix

12/2/2014 03:05:56 am

Dan,

Predictably, I keep it pretty simple. Usually some kind of oatmeal in the morning, snacks throughout the day and whatever veggies I have around for dinner. Working in the AMC's high mountain huts this past fall has gotten me back into baking bread and desserts a bit more than in past seasons. Food is fun up here!

Sherleen

12/2/2014 03:34:44 am

JP It is a blessing for this old woman ,to read your blog.You have such a wonderful way of expressing and explaining.I always enjoy checking every morning to see who is writing that day.Makes my day.Love" my "mountains and camped so many times at Cades Cove the past 60 yrs.Keep up the good work and happy trails, no matter where you are . :-)

Schoolfield

12/3/2014 03:00:14 am

the minutes ticked by, slowly, methodically, in time with movings and givings of the rest of the universe……….yet my anticipation and internal clock raced with anticipation, with expectation and hope like the morning of whatever pagan holiday that I celebrate ……. I could take it no more, I let go of my holding back and the clothes that were on me, and pulling on my tree bark costume….I raced to the Point of Myrtle to the epicenter of my heart and soul, the lifesource of the blood that flows through me and bowed in adoration for her scenic gifts that she offered me. She bestowed to me 4 gifts, all wrapped in earthen tones, which I unwrapped. The first was a clear view of the north, south, east and, west. The second was a scoop of her precious soil that rest beneath my feet and held the scrub brush in place. The third gift was a soft breeze symbolizing the winds of time and space that run across her and on to other parts of mother earth. The final gift was a mirror….I struggled with its symbolic significance for a time, but then realized what Myrtle was giving me……she was giving me the gift of knowledge of knowing that when I look into the mirror I see myself, but I also see facets and parts of Myrtle around me…….she was showing me……..telling me…….wooing me to understand that her and I are akin…….so much like each other……….that I am myrtle……….and that myrtle is me……………………that we are one……..with each other.

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so we hold it close when we feel the most like a love that we could not leave behind.

LeConte Lodge

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