Tales From the Trail.

4/16/2010

I have been asked to share with you some of the experiences I have had with under prepared hikers. I must say that there is not one story that stands out, but a mixture of stories.
My first experience has to do with snow and ice. For some reason, when it snows, more people show up then when it rains. I will give an example of hiking up here this year. We came up March 12th. The top of the mountain has a good 2 feet of snow. Chris and I were about 20 minutes from the lodge when we passed three college kids hiking down. They either had on blue jeans and tennis shoes or, as one kid was wearing, tennis shoes, no socks, and shorts. I know people think, " Nothing is going to happen to me". If something had happened, they could have died from hypothermia. It is so important to be prepared in weather like that. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have seen people hike up in the snow wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes.
Another example involves staying with your hiking group. We have had many instances, on top of the mountain, were kids have hiked in front of their parents and become separated. There are many turn offs on the top and kids may not pay attention to the trail signs. It is so important for children to stay with in view.
These are few of the emergencies I have come across while living up top. I have many more examples and I will hang on to those for another day. If there are other subjects you would like me to address, feel free to email me and I will see what I can do.

John Hanson

4/16/2010 02:49:40 am

I could not agree more on the need for caution when hiking these trails to the top of Mt.Leconte.When I hiked the trail back in november temps were in the 20's and there was a lot of ice on the trail. I encountered many people with the wrong footwear(sneakers) and clothing(shorts).What bothered me most were the amount of children( 5 to 6 yrs old) hiking ahead,some even running ahead,of there parents and grandparents on the icy drop off areas without any ice traction devices on their shoes and not even holding on to the cables while walking on the ice.It made me very nervous and frustrated at the lack of respect and caution for these trails.

Connie Houk

4/16/2010 03:09:03 am

The most scary thing I have encountered on my hikes to Leconte is the number of people that start out with no backpack, no water, no first aid supplies...nothing. My motto: Always pray for a safe trip but plan for the unexpected.

High On LeConte

4/16/2010 03:42:17 am

Great motto Connie. Thanks for sharing.

Ryan

4/16/2010 06:20:22 am

I met a party of 10 in street cloths,1 flash light and a small amount of water last month when I was coming down about half way,it was 2:30pm.They asked me how much longer to the top and when they should start heading back.I told them,turn around right now and follow me to the trailhead.I live 3 feet below sea level in Louisiana and have enough respect and forsite for the mountain to know, it`s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Sharon

4/16/2010 09:05:34 am

my friend, Sherry & I are making our first trip to the lodge next Th. we've been closely following your blog. Looking forward to a great hike!

Tawny

4/16/2010 11:24:36 am

Ditto what Connie said. I always carry more food & water than I need, extra clothes and rain jacket, first aid kit, and headlamp/flashlight. I was asked once by a friend why I always carry so much...because all they ever "need" is water and a snack. I told them that if they ever got in trouble on a trail they had better hope they run into somebody prepared like me!

Randy and Terry

4/16/2010 01:28:12 pm

We also carry more than necessary whenever we hike. It is always better to be overly prepared and be able to share with those who are under prepared.

Doug Y.

4/17/2010 12:40:36 am

I couldn't agree more with the comments on hiking and being prepared; I've hiked the Smokies for 53 yrs, having done every trail at least twice; I've come across people wearing "penny loafers", carrying 20 lbs of canned food, and having very little water, no emergency kit, or other essential gear; when I encounter children hiking ahead of their parents, which I did several times on Alum Cave trail recently, it really bothers and saddens me; Just what are these people thinking !?

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Tales From the Trail.

LeConte Lodge

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