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11/23/2011

GM Tim & Backroom Braintrust member Ron boarding up the dining room. We won't be serving folks again until mid-March!

Greetings,

We had a high of 48 yesterday. We had 1.6 inches of rain yesterday. The temperature was down to 35 degrees at observation, which was also the overnight low. We're expecting a serious cold front. It should get down to 10 degrees up here tonight.

The end of the season is always chock full of closing tasks. In between all the winterizing, Chris made a great turkey gumbo last night. Allyson made Eggs Benedict for the crew this morning, then everyone hiked down. I'm looking forward to seeing them again this March.

There were a number of crew guests up to celebrate the end of the season, including a few former winter caretakers (Thanks for everything, Henry, Ron & Gary). They've been kind enough to answer all my questions and help me get adjusted to the lodge. Alan & the llamas were kind enough to pack up all my winter belongings and a final food run this morning, in spite of brutal wind, rain and generally foul conditions. Thanks again!

I'm all moved into my cabin and am looking forward to getting settled in up here. I ordered a pair of snowshoes this afternoon and look forward to stomping around all winter. I finished my second book of the season last night (Jack London's 'The Call of the Wild'). I'm looking forward to a good night relaxing with Ron & Gary, who'll be spending Thanksgiving up here with me.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Deb

11/23/2011 09:04:07 am

Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Don

11/23/2011 09:10:42 am

This is my 1st year following the daily blog. I looking forward to it. I've never been to Mt. LeConte, but I am looking forward to a visit. Are you there alone for the winter? Just wondering. The wind is very high here in Piedmont Va. today. I hope it is not too windy there. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Michael

11/23/2011 09:14:09 am

Two of us will be hiking up tomorrow, Thursday. Looks like it should be good weather.... Right? See you then!

tom

11/23/2011 10:51:25 am

Does anyone know the average annual snowfall for mt.leconte

DannyH

11/23/2011 11:34:17 am

Over 100 inches snow last winter.?

sandee link

11/23/2011 12:12:50 pm

I'm so glad you will have friends with you tomorrow. Here's to the start of your adventure! Happy Thanksgiving JP!

Barbara

11/23/2011 02:06:03 pm

Here's to a Happy Thanksgiving. How will you get mail this winter and will you hike out at any point during the winter? This is also my first year following this blog so am curious about the mechanics of staying up there all winter. Thanks for your good posts so far JP. You have a good eye for what makes a picture that tells a story.

Tom Clemmons

11/23/2011 10:50:28 pm

Happy Thanksgiving JP!

And best of luck to you during your long, lonely winter stay at the LeConte Lodge. Just wondering if you can share with us any goals or activities you may take on during this time. Reading certain books, learning an instrument, write a book, etc.? Looking forward to your daily posts. We see you every day from the Baneberry shore of Douglas Lake.

11/26/2011 01:51:16 am

Don & Barbara,
Yes, I will be alone for duration of my stay. However, there are plenty of folks who have had the job previously that can come up and relieve me if I need a few days off.

Tom,
I'll be doing my best to get more familiar with the area and be a resource for hikers. I'm getting snowshoes and skis, which are things I've enjoyed in the past but haven't had the opportunity to immerse myself in. I also have 40+ books (I'll mention them as I go through them), a journal and want to get in shape for a marathon in coming year. I should be keeping busy!

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