sunshine

3/8/2011

Low 25, High 36.

The trails frozen up some now, which is a good and bad thing; no more soaking feet, but some sort of spikes are going to be needed for comfortable hiking now. Made it down to the jump off yesterday, these pictures are from that hike.

Let's be honest, I'd probably be the person on the trail that would seem like a 'sketchy character.' I've never seen or heard about anything that would reason carrying the extra weight in the Smokys. You are allowed to carry a gun in the park, but they are not allowed in the lodge.

Well, I've decided I'm not going to create a blog, but will rather be setting up an email list to keep everyone, that is interested, informed. I don't believe the blogging world is for me, but will be able to keep up with anyone who wants to much easier this way. I'll be taking a camera with me on the trip and will include photos in the email and more lengthy ramblings. So, if you think my ramblings and pictures are interesting enough to get an email every once in a while send an email to me: xanthamus@gmail.com
And i'll add you to be part of the fun that will be my email newsletters. I promise I won't be overloading your inbox with emails either, I'd guess once every week or two, you'll see something.
Thanks, it's been fun.
Tomorrow will be my last post.

For today was the last of that Wild Bill Jones
And tomorrow will be the last of me

Kathy F

3/8/2011 12:55:30 am

WOW. Beautiful pictures, once again. I wish I was up there today. Thank you again for all of the updates and pictures over the winter. Hard to believe this is your last day and Allyson and the other crew will be back!! Take care while in Europe and have fun.

Jeanie

3/8/2011 12:59:06 am

Thanks Alex. It's been a lot of fun seeing your side of the mountain we all seem to love. Take care and enjoy your next adventure. It's been like a reality show lately...too funny! Can't wait to hear from you, I'll be signing up for your emails! And I won't be "packing" when I come to LeConte.

Anthony W

3/8/2011 01:00:32 am

Job well done, Alex!

Pat M

3/8/2011 01:00:38 am

Thank you Alex for a wonder season of beautiful pictures and fun commentary. Best of luck as you take on new challenges. Have fun in Europe!

Pat

Tony

3/8/2011 01:07:12 am

Thanks Alex.

Galen

3/8/2011 01:10:12 am

Alex it has been a pleasure getting to know you through your words and photographs. Hopefully your journey will bring you back to LeConte someday but until then:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Take care and I'll be looking forward to seeing and hearing about your next adventure.

Sandy

3/8/2011 01:47:50 am

Thanks for all the GREAT pics! All the info,etc. Job well done!! Have a safe and wonderful time in Europe!!

edwinnia

3/8/2011 01:59:21 am

Alex, you have been one incredible read! I, too, will never forget the Valentine's Day pic! I wish you the very, very best!
Cheers!

Terry Wolaver

3/8/2011 02:32:35 am

THANKS!Be safe in your travels.Terry

sandee link

3/8/2011 02:53:12 am

1. whoa, Jennifer's offer and farewell cannot be beat
2. I think you did a fine job with the whole blog, your picture and your comments sure kept us coming back for more!
3. Thank you for keeping us entertained!
4. I am definetly signing up for your e-mails, thanks for the offer!

Rebecca

3/8/2011 03:08:17 am

What striking photographs. So unforgiving these mountains can be....Yet always captivating. Those "French" ladies will be all over the "Jerimiah Jones" of Mt LeConte. You beware of those wenches! Be safe and take care.

Cathy

3/8/2011 03:15:35 am

Ditto to all above. I've checked this site every morning this winter. Always something beautiful to start the day.

3/8/2011 03:18:31 am

Alex
Thank you soooo much for all the wonderful pics!! I just found this blog in Oct of 2010 so I really didn't know alot about Leconte but I have learned alot over this past winter!!! I still hope to make it to the top sometime this summer!!
Thank you for creating my "happy place" even tho you didn't create it for just me!!
I agree the Valentine pics were over the top!!!
Have a safe and fun journey this summer!! I will be joining you e-mail list also. I am looking forward to seeing Europe thru your eyes (I probably will never get the chance to see it myself)
Happy trails!!!!
Jo in KY

Wanda

3/8/2011 03:20:17 am

All good things must come to an end, I guess. Hopefully better things will be on the horizon.
P.S.---I loved the Valentine too.
Will keep you in my heart and prayers.
Wanda

3/8/2011 03:33:32 am

Hey Alex! Is there a book or website that gives detail about the trails you are going to take in France and Spain. I know you shared a map on one of your blogs. I would like to be able to keep up with your travels and be able to understand the trails. I know the LeConte trails, but not these trails that you are taking. Thanks-Wanda

Nancy

3/8/2011 04:07:39 am

Great job! Your work has been most appreciated! Hope to have you back next winter.
Always know that you have a HUGE Mt.LeConte fan base that will keep you in our tho'ts & prayers for a safe hike in Europe. Goodbye & take care.

3/8/2011 04:10:21 am

I wonder when Ms Allyson some of these post, how many she will delete. LOL

Mark

3/8/2011 04:23:49 am

I have really enjoyed your posts. I made my first trip to LeConte with my son last summer. It had always been one of my "Bucket List" hikes and after losing 50 pounds just prior to the trip, it also became my celebration hike. We are coming back this year.

Thanks for everything and always make life count.

Scott

3/8/2011 04:26:52 am

Alex, we hope you hurry back to the Lodge in the near future. Have a great trip. You have done an excellent job this winter. God bless!

Ju G

3/8/2011 04:35:38 am

Thanks for your wonderful blog. I have loved the wonderful pics and your great comments. Have fun this summer and be safe.

Michael

3/8/2011 04:55:40 am

Thanks again for these amazing photos - and safe travels, always!

3/8/2011 05:07:26 am

Sounds like Alex may need to hitch a ride out on the helicopter! Too many women with 'cabin fever' waiting on him!
Run, Aaallleexx, run!

Renate

3/8/2011 05:14:57 am

Hi Alex
I have enjoyed your blog all winter and I too loved the Valentine pics!! I wish you all the best in Europe!!
Stay safe!!!!

John

3/8/2011 05:23:43 am

Thanks Alex for taking the time to post and share pictures of mt leconte where many of us would love to go more often than we can.Have a good spring and summer, I pray you have a safe trip to europe.
God Bless,
John Hanson
lexington,sc

Rachel

3/8/2011 05:30:51 am

Alex,

Thank you for your words, your pictures, and the new addition (for me anyway) the videos. Be safe!

Devin

3/8/2011 05:41:09 am

Hi guys, question for any of you who have been up there during this time/type of weather. Alex mentioned the trails are all iced. With temps in the fifties this week will they thaw before next week? Should we bring spikes anyway just in case?

3/8/2011 05:57:06 am

Devin - YES! bring your spikes...you never know what the weather will do up there! Have fun!

vicky

3/8/2011 06:24:49 am

thanks for all the great posts and pics. you have made this winter a memorable one. best wishes on your new journey!

Allyson

3/8/2011 06:46:20 am

Rose

3/8/2011 06:52:09 am

Thank you Alex for a wonderful winter. Your pics make me 'homesick' for Leconte. The Valentine ones were the sweetest things EVER!!
Your wit and wisdom started many of my days with a smile.
I hope you can find a way,either by blog or facebook to let us tag along on your European adventure.
I wish you all the best as you go Alex. Be safe. You are important to us.

val

3/8/2011 07:54:52 am

alex, job well done, be careful and have fun...hope to see u back next year...the valentine pic is my profile pic on facebook!!!

Melissa

3/8/2011 08:48:16 am

Alex, I have enjoyed your posts and pics immensely. I don't know if I'll ever be able to hike up Mt. LeConte, but I feel like I have through your eyes. Wishing you safe journeys and God Speed.

Scooter

3/8/2011 09:10:35 am

My first post Alex- I really appreciate your posts and pics- they've helped me out this winter in planning my trips up there to hike. I can understand your views on the "extra weight." I've logged about 4000 miles in those mountains, and while 3970 of those were uneventful, a 32 miler my 18 yr old daughter and I were hiking one day was anything but. Encountered a 250-300 lb bear approaching us on the trail. Suffice it to say I now carry an extra 7lbs on EVERY hike. Most places that I hike up there- I'd be bear scat before help would arrive. When my daughter (also very experienced hiker- 3000+ miles) begins to whimper because she thinks this is it- well.... you don't ever forget that. Anyway, enough ramblings- thanks again and have a good hike!!!

Dana

3/8/2011 09:46:57 am

Alex,
A job well done sir! Enjoy your summer in Europe. Perhaps the Gods will smile on you tomorrow and the day will dawn sunny for your last day on LeConte and your hike down the mountain!

Bill Yeadon

3/8/2011 11:08:13 am

Alexander.

I just wonder on the day you arrived at LeConte if you ever realized you would touch so many people from such a lonely post.

Add my thanks to the hundreds you have already received.

Travel safe.

Bill

Kevin

3/8/2011 12:03:53 pm

Alex, I ate lunch at Cliff Top today. I took Rainbow Fall to LeConte then went back down on the Bullhead. What a long hike that was, but was a lot of fun. LeConte is definitely fun in the snow. Can I have your job one day? lol.

Woody

3/8/2011 12:17:06 pm

Safe travels!!

DanH

3/8/2011 12:46:15 pm

Thanks for Mt. Leconte updates.Be careful hiking down, it's raining hard in Tn valley.

Paul B

3/8/2011 01:03:21 pm

Thanks for a wonderful way to spend the winter. The pictures, videos and posts have made the last few months very enjoyable anticipating what new mountain view would come up next. I look forward to your emails this summer, Allyson's taking the reins and our own LeConte adventure this August.
It's been real!

Rod

3/8/2011 02:20:39 pm

Thanks a million Alex. You've done a heck of a job while up top, and it is most appreciated.

Don

3/8/2011 02:45:14 pm

Alex, the photos that you put up on this blog during the Winter have been incredible! Dude, you are one talented photographer. I will be on your email list. Happy Trails!

Claudette

3/8/2011 03:37:47 pm

Enjoyed the pictures and writing. Thanks.

Larry L link

3/8/2011 09:57:12 pm

Have a great trip Alex, hope you get some awesome images on your journey. If ever down in Florida look me up, I will be glad to show you around.

Take Care My Friend

Sandra link

3/8/2011 11:56:45 pm

Alex, thanks for sharing your winter with us, especially the spectacular photos! Wishing you the best on your trek in Europe. Happy trails! :)

Wendy

3/9/2011 12:08:05 am

Alex, Thank you for the great words and great pictures. Have fun.

Patrick

3/14/2011 04:07:00 am

Alex:
Thanks for all the post and photos. You live a life that most of us can only dream about...
Thanks for sharing!
Patrick

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