these dreams of you. so real and so true.

12/17/2013

Solitude is a silent storm that breaks down all our dead branches. Yet it sends our living roots deeper into the living heart of the living earth. Man struggles to find life outside himself, unaware that the life he is seeking is within him. Nature reaches out to us with welcoming arms, and bids us enjoy her beauty; but we dread her silence and rush into crowded cities, there to huddle like sheep fleeing from a ferocious wolf. Kahlil Gibran

Morning y'all,

It's another clear, pretty morning up top. The high yesterday reached 32 degrees. The overnight low dipped to 22 degrees. It was 26 degrees and clear at 7am observation. It looks like it'll be another gorgeous day up here. The temperatures are supposed to creep a bit upwards today, so I would anticipate that the trails will begin to get a little tricky. The snow should be packed down and we'll have some thawing, so I would definitely recommend Microspikes if you intend to summit today.

Top photo: Purple (the greatest colour) alpenglow. Above: The happiest place on Earth.

Yesterday was one of those days where I just let solitude envelope me. I don't really know where the time went, but it went. I saw a few day hikers, but it was as if they were apparitions. I remained alone in my head. It had the essentials of all the best days: easy leisure, mental stimulation, good tired legs, constant beauty, soft winds, clear views, the gentle pattering of wildlife, the entire animated ever living world, reality.

doug y link

12/17/2013 01:29:11 am

Thanks for the quote from Kahlil Gibran, JP; I hadn't heard that name in a long time; I did find the one book of some of his writings and will get into that sometime later today. The quote on soitude is very profound indeed ! G'day

Vickey

12/17/2013 01:35:17 am

I look forward to your pics and post everyday.If all humans were comfortable with solitude world peace would exist.

Tyler

12/17/2013 02:29:45 am

Ha! yeah I guess so. If everyone is alone and by him/herself, it makes fighting with others difficult.

Judy

12/17/2013 02:09:15 am

JP, After a manic pre Christmas day yesterday and the promise of more today, your entry is appreciated more this morning than you could know. This is the second time you've reminded me of a favorite quote of mine from Edith Wharton re time so I thought you might enjoy it as I do.

One of the surprises of her unoccupied state was the discovery that, time, when left to itself, and no definite demands are made on it, cannot be trusted to move at any recognized pace. Usually, it loiters. But just when one has come to count upon it's slowness, it may suddenly break into a wild, irrational gallop!

Thanks for sharing your gift of observation through the language of your old soul.

craig

12/17/2013 02:33:45 am

In the presence of now is where the soul dwells. Only am I truly alive when I keep time there. Thanks for reminding me of how sweet life really is.

Kent

12/17/2013 02:46:59 am

The first photo puts me in mind of those old vintage hand-colored postcards. Interesting.

12/17/2013 04:24:42 am

Kent, you are so right about that photo; it's exactly what I was thinking but just couldn't quite put my finger on how to say it. thanks.

12/17/2013 11:25:04 am

I've got a collection of those old postcards and was just looking through them the other day. That's probably why it came to me. :)

jean d

12/17/2013 11:34:50 am

The air is very clear today. The view from atop Mt. LeConte must be spectacular. The view from here is so clear toward the mountains/Natiional Park. In the summer, the haze is so heavy that my son who has lived in Colorado since he was 21, (1984) teases me when he comes here saying he doesn't believe the mountains are there. But they are a beautiful sight on days like today when the air is cold and the haze doesn't block the view. I can see a beautiful panorama of the western side of the park and the parts of the Cherokee National Forest north of the park and south of the park. Love it! And the pictures JP has put on the blog are on my desk top and are changed fairly often so that I can make believe I am up there viewing the changing scenery of the lodge buildings, sunsets/sunrises. trails and enjoying the great out of doors that is the Great Smokey Mountain Nat'l Park. How can we who live here and love all this be so lucky!

Renee Ryan

12/17/2013 12:33:26 pm

I love your way with words and I look forward to reading your blog each and every day. I would love to be able to live up there at the lodge in the winter, such solitude and beauty all around you. You are indeed a lucky man,JP!!

Melissa

12/17/2013 01:12:17 pm

JP, Your words were especially thought provoking today. Thanks for the wonderful daily posts and the pictures. I have wanted to hike to LeConte for over 20 years and now fear I never will. Being able to see it through your eyes is the next best thing.

12/18/2013 03:07:06 pm

Melissa, I feel the same way. I have dreamed of hiking up to Leconte ever since I found out about the lodge.My husband and his best friends have done it several times but I am afraid I will never get the chance too now, especially since I am older ( I just turned 50).I look forward to JP's posts everyday.

Barbara

12/17/2013 01:22:38 pm

Hi JP, I'm wondering what kind of filters you're using to get the above effects? Thank you in advance

Val

12/17/2013 04:39:16 pm

Card Worthy Pics!

Debi

12/17/2013 08:46:26 pm

The last pic is my screen saver for the day. Very cool!

Kevin

12/17/2013 10:19:53 pm

Thanks for the Van Morrison reference! Keep up the good work.

12/18/2013 12:00:17 am

Wed Dec 18 '13 Kent: Your comment about those old postcards reminded me that I have two or three a friend gave me a few years back; I keep them with my display of all my lodge t-shirts and other 'items'. I need to go out and look at them again - - to say the least they're interesting.

Comments are closed.

these dreams of you. so real and so true.

LeConte Lodge

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