The Second Full moon of the winter, The Wolf Moon.

2/18/2011

High 48, Low 33.

Bright moon last night, winds picked up. Very cloudy and on the verge of raining up here now. I'm not sure that I'll be able to be back next year to Leconte yet, I like working here and will be back eventually, just not sure when. All the roads are open last I've heard, they are doing some work on 441 so it's closed down to one lane at several points.

Pam

2/18/2011 01:08:26 am

The Feb moon is the Ice Moom. The full moon in January is the Wolf Moon.

2/18/2011 01:09:49 am

Alex,
I have really enjoyed your blog all winter. It has been my "Happy place" for the past 3 months or so. I will follow Allyson during the spring and summer and hopefully get to hike to the top this year!! We have only been hiking in the Smoky's for 3 years so Leconte is a BIG hike for us!!
Enjoy the last few weeks you have on Leconte!!!

Michael

2/18/2011 01:46:33 am

Hard to believe the winter season is drawing to a close - but that's easy for me to say from an office, and not at the top of a mountain!

As with the others, I've been glued to the blog all winter and look forward to the daily pictures. The snowscapes and ice formations have been fun to see.

I can't wait for my next trip to the park so I can make my first ever trip to Mt. LeConte!!

val

2/18/2011 04:21:56 am

I have really enjoyed reading your sdaily blog. Enjoy your hike thru France asnd be carefull. Hope to see you back next year

sandee link

2/18/2011 04:28:21 am

It's bittersweet that your time s coming to a close with us, but I just want you to know that it's been fun reading your blog and looking at your pictures. Stay dry and see you tomorrow.

Tricia Lastres

2/18/2011 04:33:31 am

My fiance and I will be hiking up the Alum trail sometime during the second week in March, 2011. We have never hiked before but are both young, in good health, and looking for some new adventures to start off what will hopefully turn into years of tradition. We are from the SW region of Florida so this will definetly be a change of scenery (& weather) for us. If you could possibly offer some advice, it would be greatly appreciated. What the snow is like now & any predictions there may be for the next couple weeks, ect? We are super excited to embarq on this adventure together! Thanks!

Tony

2/18/2011 05:11:22 am

http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-LeConte
Tricia, this is a link to the weather on Leconte (6 day forcast). It gives the weather for 3 elevations. There's a temp change from the bottom to the top. We found this forecast useful when we hiked Leconte last fall. One of the best hikes we have ever done. Enjoy.

Dana O

2/18/2011 10:32:04 am

Tricia,

Be prepared for rain or cold weather. We hiked opening week two years ago coming up Trillium and it was amazing how different the weather could be climbing up. Moderate at the trail head, but then different at varying elevations. Wind direction was a factor. Some parts of the trail was exposed to direct sun. It was very cold that night and next morning. We are going again opening week this year. We'll have light packs, plenty of water, salty snacks, jerky etc. We will dress in light weight synthetic layers. You can always take some off if over dressed, but you can't put it on if you don't have it. Our windproof waterproof hooded Columbia jackets are great for rain or insulation. Enjoy your hike.

Pam

2/18/2011 01:29:39 pm

Ok I would like some advice. I want to hike Mt. Conte by the way of Alum Cave. Where do I start, park? How long would the trail your telling me take to the top? I realize I probably hike a bit slower than you but an appox time. Thanks I won't be hiking until July but appreciate any help in doing this. I also want to do Chimney Tops this yr.!! Working out in the basement to get in better shape!! Thanks! Love the pics please keep them coming. We need to plan a blog party for Alex's last day! LOL

Kelly

2/18/2011 11:49:57 pm

We are hiking up in June for the first time, and reading your blog each day has been such a joy. I have been inspired by your photos and even gotten the names of a couple of good books from your posts! Thanks for everything this winter and keep it up!

Dana O

2/19/2011 02:08:33 am

Pam,

The Alum Cave Trail is the shortest and steepest of the five trails leading to the Le Conte massif.Due to its short length and beautiful scenery (it is often considered Le Conte's most scenic route) it is the most common footpath for hikers seeking to reach the summit of Le Conte. The entire trail is within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trailhead is about 10 miles (16 km) from the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, off Newfound Gap Road (U.S. Highway 441) Park personnel are very helpful at the Sugarlands Vistors Center.

I have attached a link to a map of the alum cave trail.
http://www.mtleconte.com/acblocations.html

TriciaLastres

2/19/2011 02:59:29 am

Being prepared for a new adventure is always a necessity in my book. So, THANK YOU everyone for your help & the part you played in our safety.

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The Second Full moon of the winter, The Wolf Moon.

LeConte Lodge

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