Solar Panels Working Overtime

3/27/2013

The Mt. LeConte Electric Company came to the rescue. They arranged for the sun to make an appearance which helped our electricity issues. Now that my computer has some juice I thought I would update you on the mountain status.

The sun is currently shining, which is making the crew happy, and the snow has stopped, which is making the crew even happier. We ended with about 18" to 20" of snow and the drifts are much higher. The high yesterday was 15 with a low of 9. As Christi stated below, all guests made it with no problems. We have not heard an update on Hwy 441. I am not sure if they are trying to clear it or not. You can call the park service phone line to find out.

Those of you waiting patiently for the new crew photos, you will be happy to know that is next on my list. They will be posted in a few minutes.

Rebecca

3/27/2013 03:16:23 am

Yikes....."Spring". What was Mother Nature thinking. It is beautiful.....
Great pics as usual!

doug y

3/27/2013 03:47:42 am

I like warm weather and temperatures as much as anyone else, but when I see these photos of the lodge enveloped in snow and ice it makes me desire to be there as much as any other time ! Maybe I'm just a lot more daring than others, or perhaps it's more foolish, but regardless of how it is, the fact is that being at the lodge is one of the most special facets in my life these days, and, about as equally high on my list is being anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains. I've shed so many of the hobbies I've had over the years that I'm actually down to only a few, but oh what great ones they are ! I'm beginning to experience more knee problems, quite unexpected and certainly unwanted, but I'll overcome this I know. If not, then I can always go back to those pursuits I've relegated to a back shelf. I cannot get enough hiking, and camping, to satisfy me. I believe that I've worried more this winter about those people who seem to be both inexperienced and unprepared, perhaps ill-equipped. I am searching for ways to better help these folks, not for monetary gain nor attention, but simply and only because that's the way that I feel. I sometimes wish that I could station myself at a trailhead, waiting for those folks to appear, and I believe that I can spot them easily, the ones who need guidance, etc. I want to hike along with them to see that they arrive safely on top. Once someone has made that first trip, has been captivated by the allure of the lodge experience and atmosphere, I believe that from then on they will know precisely what to do and expect. There are plenty of individuals out there who may be more inexperienced, more qualified to lend a hand, but I'm bloody well capable of giving people a friendly bit of advice and assistance. It's just something I enjoy doing; it was how I was reared. Like I have said before, if you think about how you can help others, then your own character will take care of itself. One really outstanding quality that I supremely admire and respect is the concern that the Leconte Lodge crew has for its guests and visitors !! One cannot, in my humble opinion, give them enough credit for what they do. I come here and marvel at the wise information that the crew always gives to readers and upcoming guests. Commendable doesn't exactly express how much I respect that, but it does a decent job of it. Perhaps I could form a group of "Trail Helpers", ready sort of like a rescue squad available to lend assistance when needed. It's a thought anyway. So, the new season is underway, and seems that everyone is enjoying themselves. For now, I'll have to be content just reading about all the nice "adventures" ! Good morning all.

Tony Ga

3/27/2013 04:05:30 am

I too, with the proper equipment, would love to hike on a day like this. I have seen the mountain top in spring with it's flowers, the summer as green as green can be and the fall wrapped in it's colorful quilt of fall leaves. But I have yet to see it with it's blanket of snow cover it. One day.

Brian N bama

3/27/2013 05:27:18 am

Careful what you wish for Tony Ga, I wished the same thing and it came true last november. I have not been the same since then. Love hiking in the snow.

Tony Ga

3/27/2013 05:41:23 am

I'm trying to talk the wife into it right now.

Tracy G

3/27/2013 04:10:39 am

What beautiful pictures!!!!! Thank you so much for posting these. I look forward to the pictures and happenings everyday. Good luck to all this year, and thanks for the crew pics!

Pat N.

3/27/2013 04:25:53 am

Wow! Super pictures... That's a lot of snow. Just think, when it melts, there will be an abundance of moisture to waken the gorgeous spring flowers underneath it all! What a great looking crew!...and t-shirt too.

Pam

3/27/2013 04:32:29 am

My husband and I have reservations for saturday night. Spending my 50 birthday on the mountain hope there is still snow.

Kent

3/27/2013 04:59:35 am

After the storm that dropped 10 inches of wet snow on us Sunday here in Illinois, I'm ready for some nice weather. But I'll take whatever I get next week (April 2-5). It'll be nice to just to be there and breath the mountain air.

I am kind of hoping the forecast improves a little, though. Right now the extended is calling for it to a bit rainy and in the 50s.

Kent

3/27/2013 08:37:00 am

We live in Decatur. Where are you located?
Ken

Kent

3/27/2013 09:05:57 am

I'm down in Mattoon. :)

Tony Ga

3/27/2013 05:01:44 am

What were the brand of ice crampons JP always recommended?

elktonbrant

3/27/2013 05:04:43 am

Something like Katoola (spelled something like that) Microspikes... Allyson recommends Yaktrax for occasional use as they are cheaper. My wife and I have some 7 year old Stabilicers (they work well, but I would assume the Microspikes are much lighter weight and easier to use).

elktonbrant

3/27/2013 05:05:28 am

Kahtoola Microspikes (Thank you Google!)

Tony Ga

3/27/2013 05:07:53 am

Thank you very much!

Tony Ga

3/27/2013 07:37:30 am

Ordered some Stabilicers. Couldn't justify the cost of Micospikes for one hike. Stabilicers look like they fall somewhere between Micos and Yaks. Hopefully she'll say yes and I can give a review on them next week.

Brian N bama

3/27/2013 05:30:29 am

Tony Ga, we have hiked up twice in the snow and ice with yaktrax. However, my next winter adventure will include some Kahtoola microspikes. Yaktrax worked fine but I want the microspikes.

Tony Ga

3/27/2013 05:43:23 am

Trying to decide which I want. Thinking about a summit on Saturday...if she will just say yes.

Brian N bama

3/27/2013 06:11:25 am

My oldest and I hiked to the bluff last weekend to break in some new boots. Trail was dry as a bone. What a difference a week makes. I'd go microspikes, Amazon.com. Good luck, and Happy Trails.

Tanya

3/27/2013 01:51:53 pm

We hiked up to Mt. Cammerer in January. Our microspikes truly saved our behinds. Trust me, those things are worth their weight in gold!! Well worth every penny we paid for them.

Sherry

3/27/2013 05:17:04 am

Hey Allyson!! The Mountain looks absolutely beautiful from down here in town. I figured you guys didn't have any juice. Glad you're back up & running. I miss being up there in all that snow. Have a great day !

Deb

3/27/2013 06:52:51 am

Great crew picture. Wishing everyone a great season.

doug y

3/27/2013 09:11:08 am

Pam: It's NIFTY to be FIFTY, especially if you're spending it at Leconte Lodge ! Enjoy !

Adam

3/27/2013 06:59:46 pm

Doug, I wanted to thank you and the others on this site for the advice last week regarding Alum Cave Trail, etc. My friend and I hiked Monday and Tuesday, the 25th and 26th. It was our first trip to the park. 441 was closed and we couldn't find Rainbow Falls, however we did end up doing a10 miler on Little River Trail to Husky Gap and back with some light snow. We also did 9 miles from Laurel Falls to Cove Mountain Fire Tower with about 6 inches of snow. Gorgeous and fun. Loved the park, can't wait to come back and do Alum Cave, or Trillium Gap, etc. Thanks again for all the help. Much appreciated!

Angie Coffey

3/27/2013 09:18:06 am

Hi Everyone!
I will be coming up there on the 6th of April!!! Getting very excited!!
I will check with the park service on road condition's!, But hopefully the snow and ice will be gone!!! I HOPE!!! We are coming up via Alum Cave. Coming to the Trailhead via Maryville/ Townsand. Any suggestion's?

Gina

3/27/2013 10:33:15 am

Nice to meet the new crew, thanks Allyson

Mike

3/27/2013 10:33:19 am

Has anyone made it up Alum? Trying to decidecide if it is Rainbow only or if Alum is possible tomorrow (Thurs).

Steve D

3/27/2013 03:27:56 pm

Looks like according to the NPS website for the Smokies that they opened 441 to Newfound Gap this afternoon.

Brad

3/27/2013 10:38:34 am

Hiked up in the snow yesterday. Great hike but difficult conditions especially the last 1.5 miles. Deep powder made for slow going. Took us 6 hours and legs were very tired. I believe someone hiked up Bullhead but did not arrive untill after dark. No views but the snow made everything surreal. This morning the clouds broke and the sun made a welcome appearence. The hike down took about 4 hours. Top half was great but below Rainbow Falls the trail became quite muddy and crowded. Had a great visit to Leconte Lodge and can't wait for next year.

Bob

3/27/2013 10:46:56 am

Are overnighters at the lodge warm enough with the blankets and bedding provided when it is 9 degrees outside? Or should someone expect to provide supplemental bedding (sleeping bag or ?) to ward off the cold?

tomk in SC

3/27/2013 11:57:08 am

Bob,
Snug as a bug in a rug. Especially if you bring a date!

Tom

3/27/2013 12:09:42 pm

Bob, each cabin, lodge office, and dinner hall all have propane heaters which keep you nice & warm, regardless of outside temps. But I don't recall that the toilet facilities are heated

Tony Ga

3/27/2013 11:30:12 am

She said yes! As long as the weather is good we'll be up this weekend.

Bob

3/27/2013 12:47:44 pm

Comment deleted

Debi

3/27/2013 01:31:09 pm

Still so cold up there. Ohhhh brrr! Stay warm Leconte Crewsters.

doug y

3/27/2013 01:53:19 pm

Hey Tony Ga: "Yorkie's' rule no. 3: when the ambient temperature is 15F or below, a small flask of good brandy or cognac is added to my first-aid kit ! Works for me. Yes, those little heaters in each cabin not only keep you fairly warm, but add a nice aroma, to me at least, to the room. And those wool blankets are the best I've ever slept beneath. Out of pure curiosity I once tried a pair of those battery-heated socks, but they got too warm for me. I was hopng to see some "guest photos", but all in good time I suppose. Good evening.

Tony Ga

3/27/2013 02:03:41 pm

Speaking of "guest photos" I went back and found yours. Now I can put a face with the post. A flask should be a part of any emergency kit.

tomk in SC

3/27/2013 03:14:03 pm

@Tony Ga:
1: I'm glad your wife is going! Day hike only?
2: I think the followers change when we move from caretaker to regular season. It feels different to me. Still good, but different.
3: What date for Doug? I'd like to see picks of all the winter followers. We ought to make sure we get shot and posted this season then we will have faces.
4: As for flasks, technically they are counterproductive in the cold. That being said, if I'm fixin' freeze, I'd just as soon FEEL warm anyway. All in, I'd suggest you carry a flask only if the temperature is going to be warmer than -40F and cooler that 140F. Just a guideline.
4a. What is better than Kahlua or Grand Marnier in cocoa? To sweet to drink enough to capture a buzz, but mighty tasty. For the hard core crowd, bourbon will mix with cocoa too.

Tony Ga

3/28/2013 12:06:05 am

tomk:
1: "IF", and a big if, we get to go it will be a day hike.
2: Seems like some ne faces.
3: 2010 season and 27th guest photo.
4: The flask comment is a running joke between dougy....sorta.
4a: Thanks for the suggestion.

Steve D

3/27/2013 03:22:01 pm

Tony Ga-I may be hiking Alum Sat AM as a day hike, maybe I will run into you all. I will post on Friday what time I am going to leave-probably around 830am.

Tony Ga

3/28/2013 12:09:59 am

Hope we get to go. Been fighting something (sickness) for a couple of days, but it feels like it's got a hold of me today. And watching the timing of the rain coming in Saturday. If we go we are planning on Alum in the AM too. I'll be the big ugly guy hiking with the pretty girl.

Steve D

3/28/2013 02:36:57 am

Tony Ga-then it should be easy to recognize you! Haha...Hey, I might not make it either, my wife has hurt her back and I am not sure yet whether I can leave her for the day but will know tomorrow. I hope you feel better, and I am watching the rain also for Saturday.

Chris T

3/27/2013 04:02:12 pm

Thinking of day hiking from Rainbow falls tomorrow morning. Is the trail in decent shape?

Devin R

3/28/2013 03:49:22 am

I yearn for the day that my wife and I get to retire to the Smokies...and when that day comes, we will yearn for winter to come each year, to be able to experience the ever-inspiring scenery that nature gives us during winter on those beautiful mountains.

Novelty Lighting link

9/30/2013 08:52:05 pm

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