The Valley Below

4/29/2013

It did my soul some good to see the valley below and the sun peaking up over High Top. After two days of heavy rain, the crew was doing their sunshine dance. The mountain received 1.5" of rain yesterday alone. The high was 41º with a low of 34º. We are ready to put on our shorts and sandals and soak up some more vitamin D. The grass is getting greener on the mountain and there are buds on the trees. Spring is just around the corner for our favorite mountain top. I am ready.

Debnfl

4/29/2013 12:44:35 am

Hope you have a blessed sunny day! Beautiful photo!

doug y

4/29/2013 01:07:50 am

Every day, every posting, you present nice photos - - well composed and framed. I believe someone has said before that a collection of your shots would comprise a wonderful book on Mt. Leconte photography. I totally agree. I can imagine an oversized, hardback bound assembly of photos from the mountain, and, I believe that people would puichase it. These are photos are very much appreciated, and anticipated. Thank you.
Paul B: Your idea to hike the A.T. and end up at Leconte Lodge sounds great. One possibility would be to begin at Davenport Gap in the n.e. portion of the Park. When I do my every-five-years A.T. hike through the Smokies I plan for hikes of about 7 mi per day, more or less dependoing on the shelters' locations of course. This spacing allows for a nice, leisurely pace and the terminus can easily be planned to end at the lodge.
Tom B: It looks like it will be in 2014 before I am able to do that A.T. hike again, and I think it will necessarily be the full 68-70 mi thru the Park. Plenty of time to plan. Got to get out of here right now as I'm driving down to get out from Newfound Gap and do a bit of the A.T. this afternoon. Just one overnight propbably at Kephart Prong shelter tonight. Good morning.

Tom B

4/29/2013 12:48:34 pm

I would be interested in that A.T. hike next year. I read this most everyday but let me know of a better way to keep in touch. Hike on my friend.

Eddie

4/29/2013 01:50:07 am

Hiking up this Friday with 9 others............can't wait!!!! Hope the sun shines all week and brings out some more spring flowers. Thanks for all the wonderful photos that remind us how special this mountain really is.

Debi

4/29/2013 02:00:18 am

Bring on those spring flowers up there!! My daffodills just popped open this morning. Yeah!!

Pat N.

4/29/2013 03:39:21 am

Love the pics...great affect on the soul

Tamara C.

4/29/2013 05:49:06 am

There is 8 of us hiking up Saturday morning to stay at the shelter. I am so excited and counting the days. I hope the rain will be long gone and lots of flowers blooming. We will be sure and stop in to say hello.

Barbara

4/29/2013 08:49:58 am

Over the top with the pictures today! You really are amazing with your camera!

Rob

4/29/2013 12:25:24 pm

It'll been two weeks tomorrow that me and my wife completed a day hike up and back on Alum. I don't know what it is about that mountain, but it is something special. I think about the hike all of the time. I dream at night about the views we had that day. Outside of the birth of my two boys, I don't know if anything has ever affected me this way. I look forward to your posts/pictures everyday too. Thanks for keeping those memories fresh in my mind... I think.

Mary Anne

4/29/2013 05:58:36 pm

I am scheduled to climb via Alum Cave trail this Saturday, but I'm intimidated. Although I have been training for this since January and am strong, I am also over 55 and I set no speed records. I think I can make it, but don't want to hold the Smoky Mtn Field School group back. Someone tell me I got this--that it will be okay. Or that the SMFS moves like the Mummy

Debi

4/29/2013 09:30:01 pm

Mary Anne, You can do this!! Go slow and enjoy the view. Have a great time!

kat

4/29/2013 11:20:19 pm

I hiked Alum my 1st trip up 2 yrs ago in April at age 65 and have hiked it 5 times since [even went up Alum and out Boulevard one trip] The group I hike with usually go at a fast pace and are always at the lodge about 40 minutes ahead of me. Just take your time and don't push more than your body can handle. The toughest part is after the log steps and to the stairway to heaven section, but take your time. If a 65 and 66 year old can make it you can. I can usually make it to the lodge in abt. 4 1/2 hours. One tip--take high energy snack to nibble on as you climb. I didn't on the first trip and was very light headed the last half mile but was fine after I ate, so now I nibble on raisins, nuts and peanut butter all the way up the mountain.If your pack doesn't have waist pockets clip something to your waist to carry snacks and trash in, that way you don't have to stop. Good luck

Kathy

5/1/2013 02:17:20 am

Mary Anne you can and will do good. I am 66 and take the hike very slow and just enjoy the beautiful views. It is just the best feeling in the world when you get to the lodge and say to yourself I did it and I feel so good .

awesome

4/29/2013 07:35:07 pm

Great Bear's.

awesome

4/29/2013 07:47:01 pm

It is better geography or social science.

THollis link

5/1/2013 02:44:52 am

Couldn't see the sunset on the 28th, nor the sunrise on the 29th because of the clouds, but it was very much worth the climb! Also, thanks to Austin who provided me with hot water for my cups of tea while everyone else was drinking hot chocolate and coffee! You were a ray of sunshine!

Comments are closed.

The Valley Below

LeConte Lodge

Archives