The makings of a beautiful day.

3/20/2010

The airlift is finished. We flew for another 3 hours on Friday. The supplies are up and we will be open for business on Monday. We will be selling t-shirts and lunches on Monday, if you are bored you should hike up and see us. The crew will be working hard for the next few days. We are still walking thru tunnels of snow but it does seem to be melting. The high yesterday was 34 and the low was 27. It looks like it is going to be another beautiful day on top of Mt. LeConte.

The walkways to the cabins

That is a picnic table under all of the snow.

ave ug Y.

3/20/2010 02:08:29 am

I'm sure it's a big relief to have the airlift completed, and I can sense the anticipation of Monday's opening from 100 mi away; The photos of the lodge under the snow have been most enjoyable and I appreciate seeing them. I'm trying to decide whether or not to bring my own big digital camera intwo weeks as it's rather bulky; I really need to get a small compact one for the trail. Have a relaxing weekend !

Doug Y.

3/20/2010 02:11:40 am

Crickey ! My typing is so bad I can't even get my name right ! I would imagine that the trails will be full Monday morning.

Sean

3/20/2010 03:06:39 am

Yeah for the volunteers!

Patty Stevens

3/20/2010 10:18:20 am

Please Please show us a picture of the new shirt we will earn this year.
Great pictures allyison. Glad you are all settled now on the mountain.

patty stevens

3/20/2010 10:19:11 am

Sorry I always spell your name wrong.

TomK

3/20/2010 10:52:00 am

Hi, I have a question for you. . .
With Trillium Gap Trail closed, how will the llamas resupply linens and eggs? Or do the llamas get a special pass? How do llamas do in snow?

Ron P. Metcalfe link

3/21/2010 12:55:42 am

Allyson,

I posted the pictures of the hike up Alum Cave Bluff trail Saturday, March 20. Folks coming up for the next few days can take a look and see what to expect - although the forecast for the firt half of the week is likely to change the trail. Pics are at http://www.pbase.com/ronmetcalfe/march_2010. You may link them from Facebook, too, if you like.

Ron P. Metcalfe

Doug Y.

3/21/2010 01:40:22 am

I, too, was wondering about the llamas with Trillium closed; In July I plan to take that trail so I can see them, although I doubt I could keep pace ! Must be an interesting sight;

Do.ug Y

3/21/2010 01:47:29 am

I tried Ron Metcalfe's link but for some reason I couldn't reach it; I might be missing something or another; I think I'll get a small digital this week rather than carry my big Nikon D70, but I really don't know which brand to purchase; I have only Walmart and Office Depot to choose from. I enjoy everyone's photos.

Doug Y..com

3/21/2010 01:51:29 am

Reached Ron's site; thanks for the nice photos Ron !

Ric

3/21/2010 03:44:41 am

Hi! Coming up to the Lodge this weekend. Yes, I've definitely been reading all the blogs on this site and the trail advice on leconte-lodge.com! Any other sites others recommend? Any updates to advice on "must have crampons"? Bringing up a pretty big group with a wide range of ages, experience levels and fitness. A few of us have been up several times, but in early fall not during heavy snow. Not crazy about bringing this mix up Alum Cave. Also did Cherokee Orchard open as scheduled? Still thinking Rainbow Falls is our best option if so. If you reply: thanks for humoring a relative newbie.

Ron P. Metcalfe link

3/21/2010 07:55:02 am

Ric,

Having gone up and down on Saturday, I can tell you what I used and did.

I have a pair of $20 YakTrax and they offered enough grip on the slick spots. Or at least in my mind they did. The trickiest area, past the Rock Slide, is narrow and there is little to hang onto other than some rhododendrons. However, where other hikers have been, there are several footsteps to follow. I took my time, got one foot set before moving the other, and got through it pretty good. The trail will probably change alot between now and when you go up - that could be good or bad. Click on my name for a link to some pics.

As for the other trails, if I understand correctly, the roads to the trailheads are all closed, so anyone hiking those has to add another couple of miles to their hike just to get to them. Then, there has been so little foot traffic on them, I would be the snow is deeper. On ACB, there has been enough traffic that it was pretty much packed down and just a bit slushy.

Hope that helps.

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The makings of a beautiful day.

LeConte Lodge

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