Update From The Top

11/2/2012

We are still hanging in there on top. Currently, the crew is packing laundry up to the heli pad to get a supply drop. The conditions are too bad for the llamas to make it up for at least another week. The high yesterday was 25 with a low of 15. We heard from some folks who hiked down Trillium. They said it was slow going. The rhodo thickets are still an issue on that trail. The park service attempted to hike up Trillium and said the rhodo made it impossible to get through with their equipment. We are suggesting everyone use Rainbow until some of the snow melts off the trees.

Jenny

11/2/2012 01:01:16 am

"Currently, the crew is packing laundry up to the heli pad to get a supply drop." Guess I'll stop bitching now about having to pick my son's dirty socks up off the couch and carry them to the laundry room...stay safe and warm up there!

Tony Ga

11/2/2012 01:08:26 am

Man that looks cold!

doug

11/2/2012 01:21:11 am

I agree with Tony, that looks cold, but a great view towards Clingman's Dome in the distance. During all these days with the snow on the trails, and people wanting information on getting up and down, and asking about proper equipment, techniques, and such, I wanted to share my years' of experience with anyone I thought it might benefit, but, I realized that even though I have a lot to share, and would do so simply to help fellow hikers and lodge guests and not for personal attention {don't want any of that}, I hesitate because equipment has changed so much over the years. I'm old school, but I do love many of the latest innovations. When fleece garments became available, I though it was one of the greatest things to happen to my outdoor ventures. I simply hope that my comments on here are helpful to someone. Anytime I can help others I'm ready. The people who make up the lodge crew have shown their dedication, expertise, and willingness to make the lodge experioence the best that can be. I'm sure that many will share my opinion in saying to the crew: "Well done."

Tony Ga

11/2/2012 01:36:38 am

Yes, a "Well done" to the crew. Doug thank you for all the advice you have given. There are a few that post on here that offer good advice. It was greatly appreciated on our last hike to LeConte via the Boulevard. Was really nice to know what to expect our first time on that trail.

Kim

11/2/2012 02:18:23 am

Doug, my bf and I are planning to go up Nov 11 and if alum cave is safe and passable we will do this. Im very familiar with that trail. Ive not been up all the way on rainbow but Im willing to use that one if its safer come the 11th. I would love to talk to you about proper clothing and gear, mostly clothing.

Devin R

11/2/2012 01:29:30 am

It looks so crisp and clear up there today!

Pam

11/2/2012 01:33:32 am

I prayer that the weekend hikers listen to Allyson and the others so they are safe and there doesn't need to be any rescues. The pics are awesome!! Thanks-- my students are asking everyday to see the beauty that you post! Stay warm and safe! Greeting from Ohio!

Debi link

11/2/2012 01:45:37 am

Nice pictures, I have chills just looking at them. Stay warm and safe!

Mike Baker

11/2/2012 02:16:11 am

Planned a trip last Monday, glad we cancelled but will return next Wed, made reservations and your advice has been critical to helping us prepare. I know the trails well but never in these conditions. Thanks again crew!

Adria

11/2/2012 02:22:12 am

Absollutely stunning pictures, keep them coming.....

Tim

11/2/2012 02:31:41 am

Going up Saturday Morning with a couple friends. Maybe Alum will be clear by then, hopefully the rangers will know. Either way, we're making it happen regardless of what trail we have to take. Lookin forward to visiting! Hope your guitars are in tune! :)

11/2/2012 02:44:01 am

Anyone heading up Rainbow on Saturday, around 7-8am?

Ada

11/2/2012 10:43:40 am

JJ,
I am planning to hike tomorrow. I will be coming from Knoxville.
I am not sure if I make to the trailhead by 7 but most likely by 8 am.
Are you still in for a hike?

11/2/2012 10:55:26 am

Thanks Ada, sure. I just got to Gatlinburg and settling in. 8am should be fine. If you want to email me at [email protected] then I'll give you my cell so you can text me if you like in the morning or how ever you'd like to coordinate is fine by me.

Alicia

11/2/2012 02:46:35 am

Is it correct to say that it's not possible to get up Rainbow Falls right now without some sort of traction device on our boots? We had plans to hike up Sunday with our boys who are 5, 7, and 9, but I can't seem to find ice walkers for the younger two. Anyone have any advice?

Chris D

11/2/2012 03:19:28 am

Made it up and down Rainbow yesterday without any. Had taken crampons but never needed them. But if there there is much melting and refreezing there will be a need for some.

Dale

11/2/2012 05:14:25 am

Alicia,
Yak trax are available in 2 if not 3 sizes. If the smallest is too small, an extra shoe lace or line could be used across the top to tighten them up.

Alicia

11/2/2012 06:36:45 am

Thanks, Dale. It looks like the YakTrax Walker comes in an XS and is available not too far from us. It might work for the little guy...

Mark S

11/2/2012 02:46:51 am

I've seen several people asking about clothing so I figured I would give my two cents to the conversation. First off, no cotton! When I went up on Wednesday this is what I wore: lightweight wool long underwear (in addition to "regular" underwear, TMI?) & midweight wool long sleeve shirt for base layer, synthetic alternative would do just fine. In addition to warmth your base layer should be a wicking type of material. My next layer was a pair of soft shell pants and then just a synthetic hiking shirt. The soft shell pants are nice as they are water resistant and very breathable. I had a midweight type of jacket/fleece (Patagonia nano puff or similar) with in reach for breaks. If you stop for longer than a minute or two you'll want to throw this on so your body doesn’t cool off, while hiking you will generate enough heat to stay warm. In addition I had another layer that would have been my outer, hard shell layer should I had needed it for wind, rain, or just another layer. This layer was just a pair of rain pants and a rain jacket. The peripherals consisted of a wool cap, light weight gloves (more than one pair packed should they get wet, and a set of heavier water proof gloves packed away), liner socks with medwieght wool socks, water proof boots, and neck gaiter (aka buff, very versatile piece of gear). When you first start hiking, you should be a little bit cold...if after 20-30 minutes you are not warming up...add a layer. The trick is to balance staying warm while not sweating a whole lot. You should be constantly adjusting as you go. The key words your looking for in clothing selection are breathable, wicking, and quick drying. As a last tip I would advise anybody going hiking anywhere to be familiar with the ten essentials (Google it). Sorry this post is a little long, but hopefully this helps some.

Mark S

11/2/2012 02:53:36 am

as soon as i posted i knew i forgot something...gaiters for your boots...keeps snow out. if i've left out anything else there are other knowledgeable individuals on this blog that can add. Again this is just my two cents.

Kim

11/2/2012 03:24:58 am

Ok, that helps me. I have my baselayers pretty much figured out. I was trying to figure out what to wear over them. I have some water resistant rain/fishing pants. What about snowboard pants? Good idea or bad? I have a tri-climtate north face coat that has proven itself in the snow so I wasnt worried about warmth and keeping dry under that.

Mark S

11/2/2012 03:55:05 am

I would definitely throw the snowboard pants in the pack and have them, these could serve as your outer shell and let the water resistant pants you mentioned be your main pants, start off with these pants and see how you feel after a good 30 minutes of hiking. Your clothing selection should also fit your comfort/confidence level. I have always been told and tell others, if you feel more confident/comfortable knowing you have them with you, take them.

My only reservation with snowboard pants are that they are such a thick layer (depending on the style, some aren’t) they may force you to pick between two extremes, being way to warm or to cold. But full disclosure, I’ve never hiked in snowboard pants so I really do not know this from experience and the weather on the day you go may sway you one way or another, but always err on the side of caution.

Maybe somebody on here that has hiked in snowboard pants could share there thoughts.

Kim

11/2/2012 04:46:52 am

You are so wonderful Mark. Thanks for the info. I was also thinking about being too hot with the snowboard pants. I get hot pretty quickly when Im hiking. I was up on LeConte last year on my bday(Oct 29- vids on youtube) and there was a good bit of snow. I hiked up in my fleece pants and was pretty warm and surprisingly dry. However I dont think it was nearly as cold. 15-20 is pretty cold. 2 weeks ago I tested out my baselayers up to the bluffs.Granted it was chilly and not too cold they worked great. I was too hot even and had to zip my pants off at the legs into shorts. I may wait til its closer to decide if I need the snowboard pants or not. If its not as cold on the 11th as it is now, it will probably be overkill.

Devin R.

11/2/2012 07:45:22 am

We've hiked in snowboard pants with thermals underneath, very comfortable...it was about 30-35 in the lower elevations hiking up Rainbow, probably about 30 above the falls. I think that it's most important to have removable layers on the upper torso, atleast for me anyway. I would rather be able to peel off the outer shell of my Columbia Jacket or remove a thermal layer under my underarmor...my legs don't tend to get too uncomfortable (read: hot or cold) when hiking in sub-freezing temperatures.

kriston

11/3/2012 01:44:16 am

I just wanted to add my experience--I did all of my snow-hiking (including up Alum Cave) in March 2010 wearing snowboard pants as my outer layer. It was cold and the snow was deep--knee deep in many areas and waist deep drifts, as well. The built-in gaiter is of course, a lifesaver. I never got a flake of snow anywhere on me. Although there are some other alternatives to wear, since you already have the pants, I'd recommend wearing them. I never felt uncomfortable, and I had free range of motion and stayed dry! Good luck!

Kent

11/2/2012 05:05:44 am

Great advice. Knowing just how uncomfortable you should feel when you start is a very important point. As someone who has run, cycled, and hiked in the winter, you slowly learn how cold you need to be at the beginning of a workout for a specific effort and conditions. With experience, you learn.

Brian N bama

11/2/2012 09:23:55 am

That is good advice Kent. I am usually cold when i start my hike but warm up rather quickly. Usually hike in the same shirt year round. A short sleeve under armour heat gear to dry out quick when i sweat. BUT, I always have my fleece on top to put on the instant i stop hiking. If you start out your hike feeling nice and warm, you will over heat and sweat which is far worse in my opinion. HAPPY HIKING

Kent

11/2/2012 01:18:52 pm

Yep, if you start out feeling warm, you're gonna be a puddle of sweat in no time. Not good. :(
Happy hiking to you as well, Brian.

Kent

11/2/2012 01:19:08 pm

Yep, if you start out feeling warm, you're gonna be a puddle of sweat in no time. Not good. :(
Happy hiking to you as well, Brian.

Kent

11/2/2012 01:22:56 pm

I think there's an echo in here.

Bob B

11/2/2012 06:02:49 am

Mark - thanks a lot for sharing your excellent advice . I have a question for you or anyone else that may know.

This is about fluids in cold weather.

Last winter my brother and I did a 12 mile hike in 12 degree weather and had our backpack bladders full of gatorade when we started. However, it didnt take long for the tube to start icing up and clogging. Is there something that prevents this or another type of drink that doesnt freeze in cold weather.

Thanks again for the great advice

BTW - for anyone google searching the 10 hiking essentials - here is the site I looked at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials

Mark S

11/2/2012 06:37:18 am

Yea, I learned the hard way with bladders (water bladders that is) and winter hiking. You can take steps to keep the tube from freezing, get a wrap for it, don't leave water in the tube when you’re done, or just drink often ;). Camelback and other vendors do make accessories to address this issue. However, again just my personal preference, I just go with a wide mouth bottle like a nalgene, stick it in the side pocket on your pack, if you have one, so that it’s accessible or just in the top of your pack. For a day hike a 1 liter size bottle isn’t likely to freeze, sometimes the threads might get a little jammed with ice, but I’ve never had a problem. And if you’re backpacking overnight toss it in the bottom of your sleeping bag, it won’t freeze. Again, it’s a matter of preference, some people like to drink a little and often (which a water bladder is ideal for) and others drink a lot at once far between (which a bottle is good for). Hopefully this gives you an idea of the options available. As for the type of drink that better suited for cold, I don’t know, I always go with water. Maybe others could share.

Chris D

11/2/2012 08:01:51 am

Bob, there are insulated sleeves for the tubing out there to stop (slow the freezing effect). REI or Campmor has them i believe

Kent

11/2/2012 10:25:51 am

I hate it when my bladder freezes!

Lazy Lester

11/2/2012 06:37:17 am

With all this great information being shared, let me add my two cents. Walking: I like to start with my left foot, but it really is up to you. I know of several seasoned pros that start with the right. Next, raise your heel so that it lifts off the ground and push forward with your toes. Flexing your quadriceps, pull your leg forward while bending at the knee. Land this foot smoothly on the ground with the your toes while repeating the above process with the opposite leg and foot. Repeat as necessary. Coming soon: pulling on socks!

Mark S

11/2/2012 06:45:43 am

I thought i posted, but then i didn't show up, hopefully i don't double post.

Bob:
Yea, I learned the hard way with bladders (water bladders that is) and winter hiking. You can take steps to keep the tube from freezing, get a wrap for it, don't leave water in the tube when you’re done, or just drink often ;). Camelback and other vendors do make accessories to address this issue. However, again just my personal preference, I just go with a wide mouth bottle like a nalgene, stick it in the side pocket on your pack, if you have one, so that it’s accessible or just in the top of your pack. For a day hike a 1 liter size bottle isn’t likely to freeze, sometimes the threads might get a little jammed with ice, but I’ve never had a problem. And if you’re backpacking overnight toss it in the bottom of your sleeping bag, it won’t freeze. Again, it’s a matter of preference, some people like to drink a little and often (which a water bladder is ideal for) and others drink a lot at once far between (which a bottle is good for). Hopefully this gives you an idea of the options available. As for the type of drink that better suited to not freeze, I don’t know.

Lazy Lester:
LOL...i can rolled with sarcasm. At one point i had to learn to walk as well, we all do.

Beattie

11/2/2012 10:32:40 am

I think all this bottle-bladder stuff is non-sense. What an overcomplicated and expensive load that is! I just eat snow.

Bob B

11/2/2012 12:01:05 pm

Thanks a lot Mark for all the useful information.

Bob B

11/2/2012 12:03:17 pm

Chris D. thank you too for your information. I am looking forward to my next winter hiking experience.

David D.

11/2/2012 12:55:50 pm

Thanks, Mark S. for this post. I've been up to LeConte many times but never in these conditions. It's snowed after we've gotten up there before but never hiked up in it. Great advice for such a novice as myself and my crew. Much appreciated. Have gotten the gaiters and yaktrax. Even if we don't use then, it's peace of mind to know we have them handy. Much Appreciated!

Michael Posey

11/2/2012 05:03:34 pm

Good advice all around, Mark! I tend to hike too fast and have to remind myself to slow down and regulate my heat output by altering the pace. Made a bad mistake once with cotton, won't do that one again. You're right, wool baselayers are it! And thanks for sharing with readers the value of carrying backups without carrying too much!

Chris D

11/2/2012 02:57:26 am

Made a day hike up Rainbow Falls to the Lodge, Cliff Tops, & the shelter yesterday and it was awesome. Give me a snow packed trail any day over the rocks. Took about 4 hours up & 3 hours down with snack, water, & photo breaks. The rhodo in the trail in spots slows things a bit with a pack on put that was the only down side to the hike.

Paul H

11/2/2012 03:28:25 am

Any updates on Alum? Has anyone heard how the conditions on the Boulevard Trail are? I would love to come to Leconte from the AT/Boulevard, not much travel that direction in good weather....
Any info would be GREAT!!!

Steve

11/2/2012 10:10:38 am

I can answer the Boulevard question: Th first mile of trail from Newfound Gap is well packed. Approximately one mile in this morning the trail was covered in drifts up to my waist. All human footprints (including mine) stopped at that point. It was really pretty though!

doug

11/2/2012 03:41:46 am

Mark S: You get the "Golden Staff Award" for today ! I do not believe I could add much to your excellent advice and recommendations; you covered about all of it from head to toe ! So, Kim, if your read Mark S's blog, then you should be that much more knowledgeable for your hike. And Mark, I will paraphrase your suggestions with a simple comment: When you can, make particular items do "double duty". E.G.: I have an excellent rain suit, long pants and matching top with hood. I wear the pants as both protection from the rain and as simply pants around camp or the lodge, etc. Myself, I attempt to keep my bulk and therefore weight to a minimum when possible. And the advice regarding cotton: yes, stay away from that material if at all possible, as tempting as it may be to wear it. I wish I could mention some of the latest camping/hiking gear books, but I haven't checked any out lately, and I'm sure they're out there and available. Of course, the internet is seemingly a boundless source of information, but it is always good and refreshing to hear the suggestions of experienced hikers. I will mention and old book that I read, and re-read occasionally: "The Complete Walker" by Colin Fletcher, first published back in the day of 1968; {that was a great year !} It's been re-published on other occasions; This makes for interesting reading if nothing else. Kim: if you wish to converse further, and I can get really lengthy in my comments (! I love to write!), my email is [email protected]; I love exchanging ides, comments, feelings, and opinions with everyone, especially fans and guests of the lodge ! Good hiking and safe steps to all today !!

betsyPA

11/2/2012 03:59:04 am

You guys are awesome. I love the support and advice everyone shares. Hikers and lovers of our great outdoors are a very special group of people. I am now recovering from surgery my broken leg needed after my fall on Alum mid October. The thought of it in snow and ice is beyond me. Hope everyone has a safe and beautiful hike this weekend and I am scouting my route up next year as an inspiration to get through this long immobile period.
peace out !

Tony Ga

11/2/2012 04:26:20 am

betsyPA how is your recovery coming? Good I hope. Surgery??? and you hiked down with that injury. You sound like one tough son of a gun.

betsyPA

11/3/2012 01:50:16 am

I think recovery will go a lot faster now with the plate and screws in place. 6 weeks no weight bearing or driving so that brings me up to the new year!!! nothing to do but plan my return trek. That log with the notches carved into it (on Alum) will be avoided for sure. I am still having visions of slipping on it. Thanks for asking

Tony Ga

11/2/2012 04:36:55 am

Joshua Rimel, I just found your pics from the last post. They are great thanks for sharing!

Danny Lee

11/2/2012 04:46:45 am

Look forward to your posts everyday!!

Jerry Smith

11/2/2012 05:19:32 am

Keep the daily posts coming. We are preparing for our visit Wed and all this info is really a BIG help. We will go up Rainbow. We are camping in Twin Creek RV park in GB starting Sat for the week.

Steve F

11/2/2012 05:34:43 am

There is a news story of someone stranded on the AT. The link to http://www.wate.com/story/19985736/smokies-officials-search-for-missin. Folks, be careful out there. Have the right gear. Tell someone your plan. No your limits.

Bill M

11/2/2012 05:42:04 am

Great pictures! I have been sharing your blog with my co-workers and family in the Chattanooga area. Some folks did not know about Mount Le Conte which surprises me. Also, they could not believe this snow event could take place so close to home. Stay safe.

Brian N bama

11/2/2012 05:54:43 am

If anyone hears of an update on Alum, please post it. I am bringing my wife and boys up friday and realy want to use Alum.

Tony Ga

11/2/2012 06:02:04 am

Brian N bama, did you get to see Joshua Rimel's pictures of the bottom of Alum? Go back to yesterdays post and the comment he made "that should fix it" click on his name (there's a little arrow beside it) and it will take you to his pictures on facebook. I tried to go straight to his facebook page but couldn't see the pics, but using his link from yesterday could see them. Have fun and stay safe Friday.

Brian N bama

11/2/2012 06:14:29 am

Thanks Tony Ga, I had no clue what that little arrow hicky was. Been seeing it on Debi all this time and didn't know. How do you get it to do that? Any way, I think Alum should be fine by Fri. Nov 9th. And to whom it may concern, I will let you know about the ski pants, my wife purchased some yesterday to wear up. She is cold natured so anything to keep her happy and warm.

Tony Ga

11/2/2012 06:17:09 am

Don't know how to get the "arrow" magic I guess? Maybe someone could learn us.

Paul Bruno

11/2/2012 06:19:00 pm

I'm trying to find my wife Katie bruno who was suppose to be hiking up to the lodge today with her mom and aunt. We have not heard from them today. If anyone can help that would be great. 205-936-4966

Robin

11/2/2012 06:27:21 am

Have been reading your blog & viewing your pictures daily. It looks so beautiful & peaceful but I know all that snow can throw off your schedules and make things alot more difficult so my hat is off to you all. You guys are a great crew. was able to mail your duct tape back to you on Monday but looks like it will be a while before it makes it up by llama. I appreciate all the safety info that you post. My friends and I took advantage of it a couple of years ago and bought shoe spikes and hiking poles that helped out tremendously. I hope all the hikers coming your way heed your warnings and all arrive safely. I appreciate all you guys do. Enjoy the snow while it lasts!

Tony Ga link

11/2/2012 06:42:28 am

Tony Ga

11/2/2012 06:45:54 am

Hey Brian N bama, I figured it out. When you typing your post there's a place to type in website under Name. Just cut and paste the address to the pics you want to link and then the Magic Arrow will appear beside your name.

Brian N bama link

11/2/2012 07:21:57 am

Nice! so who told you? Debi? LOL Man i am excited about my trip up next friday. cant wait

Tony Ga

11/2/2012 10:42:52 am

You a funny man.

Debi link

11/2/2012 11:10:01 pm

Brian, I just figured it out too. But I just type my websites in, I always put facebook and highonleconte. I never knew someone could access my account that way. So, I think I will leave the facebook address off. I'm a little (lot) slow when it comes to this stuff. But boy when I do, I sure do love to look at everyone's hiking pics. There is one guy who has been on alot of hikes and has awsome pics. I think his name is Rick. Not sure, I'd have to look back at the day before post.

Debi

11/2/2012 11:15:19 pm

Yes its Rick. I just went back and checked. Awsome pictures Rick!

Rick

11/2/2012 06:57:41 am

Can anybody report on current conditions of Clingmans Dome area?The NPS website says Clingmans Dome Road is closed.

J WORKMAN

11/2/2012 07:30:51 am

I'm just mad that i was there for two nights last week instead of this week! we were there last halloween and decided to back it up a week this yr, Oh well, it was still a very nice trip! coming back up soon!

John and Gidget

11/2/2012 08:47:04 am

My wife and her Mom just made it to the top 5 minutes ago! Via Rainbow Falls. I am so proud of both of you! Have a glass of wine for me and tell the folks from Alabama, John says hi!
God speed to you both.

Pam

11/2/2012 09:13:53 am

My family (group of 11) say they've made it to the top as well via Rainbow trail. Took a little over 5 hours and the yaktrax came in handy.

Bond

11/2/2012 08:57:58 am

Trail ran up Trillium and down Rainbow today. Trillium is broken with very few trees down - it took 1 and a half hours to get up despite a few rhodys to weave through. Rainbow is definitely the easier route with packed snow the whole way making for easy going with spikes (a definite help but also easily doable without). Bullhead hasn't been broken yet. A nice perk of living in east TN is that you can spend the morning running in 3 feet of snow and be home for lunch where it is a nice balmy 65 degrees!

Mary

11/2/2012 09:01:45 am

Did the hikers that were stranded at the lodge make it down?

Kit Matthews

11/2/2012 02:38:51 pm

Did Matthews check in today??

Kit Matthews

11/2/2012 02:45:24 pm

3 women from Alabama....

High On Leconte

11/3/2012 12:30:32 am

Sorry, I just saw this. Yes, they are here.

jim stillwell

11/2/2012 06:00:19 pm

that looks absolutely amazing. I wish I was back home to hike up there and see you all and the mountains. I do love Portland but miss those hills. Hope you see more of the sunshine and take good care.
Cheers~
jim

Ada

11/2/2012 09:59:26 pm

It is almost 5 am Nov the 3 2012. I will be hiking Mt LeConte today. I am so excited I cannot sleep. I hope to get there safely and early enough to come back down before the evening. I will be hiking with JJ.

11/2/2012 10:55:24 pm

I woke up at 5:30 unable to sleep anymore. The challenge will be getting up there in time to enjoy it and come back down before dark. We'll do the best we can. i've got a head light and high powered flash lights just in case. See you soon.

Bill Poole

11/16/2012 02:19:16 pm

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