Summer Showers and Flowers

6/23/2014

We seem to be in and out of the clouds this morning. While the sun was out, I couldn't resist capturing a close up of the beautiful blooms of the catawba rhododendron. I have been on a close up kick of all of the flowers on the mountain. I am trying to push my smart phone to the limit and see what kind of macro shots I can get. I am amazed at the quality of photographs these new smart phones can take. It makes it so simple.

We are in a summer weather pattern. Afternoon showers seem to be the norm. It is pretty for part of the day and cloudy for part. I will say that the guests have been treated to some great sunsets. The high yesterday was 67º with a low of 50º.

Remember, folks, if you are hiking later in the day, make sure you carry a flashlight with you. I suggest having one in your daypack as part of your pack, but if you don't, add one. I know sunset is around 8:50, but you could still get stuck on the trail, and you will find a light source is a good thing. DO NOT COUNT ON YOUR CELL PHONE as your light source. That is not dependable and the battery does not last very long.

Susan b

6/23/2014 01:09:54 am

Good morning everyone! I posted something last night but it was pretty late. We day hiked Friday and wanted to say thank you to the crew. We spent a couple of hours up top and Larry - glad to see you again. Beautiful flowers! We love looking at these as we hike. If I may add one thing we should carry as well - a first aid kit. In all my years of hiking I've not needed. Thankfully I was blessed with wonderful people on the trail. Blessings to each of you.
Happy hiking - be safe.

Larry O

6/23/2014 12:33:06 pm

I am glad you weren't seriously injured. It is always good to see people you met the year before and at my age it is even better to remember them.

doug y link

6/23/2014 02:12:52 am

Micro, or close-up, photography, is my favorite as I was never really adept at photographing people. I appreciate yours here. Thanks.

Vickie

6/23/2014 02:50:55 am

I would never have thought of flashlight plus extra set of batteries until we met an 86yr old young lady that hiked it last year. We were in a store and she over heard us talking about wanting to hike leconte this year. Isn't that awesome 86. I loved talking to her.

elktonbrant

6/23/2014 07:02:10 am

Adding to the flashlight/sunset scenario...
Even though the sunset is 8:50, it gets dark much earlier than that in many parts of the trail. Last Sunday it was sunny at Inspiration Point coming down Alum (at about 6 PM), but from there it was quite dark, especially the final mile where the trail is under a heavy canopy of trees. Also, headlamps are very cheap to buy now, and they keep your hands free for poles, etc... and they weigh less than a typical flashlight.

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Summer Showers and Flowers

LeConte Lodge

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