 We welcomed a nice group of ladies recently who hiked up these roses given to them at a meal in Gatlinburg. You can still see a little color (besides the roses) remaining on the way to High Top, but Monday's howling winds did a number on our leaves. I pass along regards to all of you on a beautiful day on top of LeConte. The ugly weather moved out, and we're basking in a sun-kissed day at the top of Tennessee. Tuesday's high was 57 with an overnight low of 44. We received a scant 0.04 inches of rain Tuesday morning before the weather system bid us adieu. I've always loved fall. There are things I love about each season, but there's just not much to dislike about autumn in East Tennessee. The views open up under azure skies. The mountains put on a pageant, emblazoned with colors Crayola wish it invented. The clouds are fluffier, stars are brighter and temperatures pegged at perfect. That lucky old sun is our welcomed guest today, and we're going to put it to work pumping water from the spring with our solar pump. With all the gray days recently, our water tanks haven't been as full as I'd like. With the sun crowning the top of LeConte, I've got a good partner for running the solar water pump today. It's a good feeling to fill those water tanks and not use a drop of fuel to do it. We've been fortunate to host some fine folks up on the mountain recently. A nice group of ladies hiked up to spend the night with us recently with some roses in tow. I'm not sure I'm clever enough to get anything that delicate up the trail, but those ladies sure boasted a nice centerpiece for supper on LeConte. Based on their packing expertise, I think the women may secretly be the same folks who expertly pack our fresh eggs for the llama trip up the mountain. I enjoyed visiting with Kip and Jean Ann Miller of Jackson, Tenn. (the land of Casey Jones and Carl Perkins) this afternoon. Kip and Jean Ann were enjoying their 239th hike up LeConte as a couple. Jean Ann was also celebrating her 79th birthday Wednesday (she gave me permission to post that). Kip counted 80 candles on his last birthday cake. In 2000, Kip had bypass surgery and then notched his 100th trip up Mt. LeConte just 24 days after surgery. We're lucky to meet so many interesting people up here High on LeConte. Happy trails. 
Gina
10/3/2012 07:20:54 am
Hi Nathan! Cynthia and I really enjoyed meeting you yesterday. Its always fun to meet someone that you follow on the internet. (Not that Im an internet stalker or anyhing like that, LOL). We were glad to bring that afternoon sunshine up with us. I learned from my overnight stay up there in April how great the crew is. After yesterday I saw that they treat us day hikers just as well. I hope the sun sticks around for ya'll awhile.
Cynthea Stair
10/3/2012 08:37:29 am
Yes, Gina and I had a great time hiking yesterday! We started up the Boulevard in the rain at 0725 and watched the "smoky" clouds lift as we climbed! The sun gradually revealed the magnificent mountain beauty! We relished and embraced the views and arrived at the lodge right at noon. The dining lodge welcomed us with hot and cold drinks while we ate our home-packed lunches and then visited the lodge store. They sell wicking shirts! I bought one! The crew provided lovely conversation, information, and assistance! When you enjoy the lodge, be sure and leave a tip for this crew! We started down the ridge via Alum Cave Trail about 1315 IN SUNSHINE and completed our memorable journey by 1600! I found a lovely hiking buddy - Gina! We paused at many places along the trails to sneak in some pictures and enjoyed conversation that evolved a great friendship! Thanks Gina for a lovely day! I made a new friend AND finally got to embrace Mt LeConte and all its splendor......................!! Thank you LeConte crew!!
Cynthea Stair
10/3/2012 08:54:10 am
While in the process of purchasing my wicking t-shirt, a couple overheard my little story of finally getting to climb Mt LeConte after years of wishing and several tries. I remarked that I also wanted a t-shirt that stated “I climbed it” but did not quite have enough cash and would purchase when I return on the 12th. The gentleman “accidentally” dropped a $20 bill on the floor and then proceeded to pick it up, hand it to me, stating that I had dropped this! Wow, there are still people out there that simply enjoy giving! I didn’t “need” this t-shirt and could buy when I return………but I experienced and embrace a very giving and generous heart of someone who didn’t even know me! God bless that couple! I love the t-shirts! Thank you!!
Robin M.
10/3/2012 11:35:02 am
Hey Nathan! It was simply wonderful to spend our entire wedding anniversary at LeConte Lodge... meeting the other guests and sharing the adventure of a fleeting sunset, then rising before sunrise to walk out to Myrtle Point in the dark to catch the sun as came up of over the mountains, it's a memory we won't soon forget. Thank you all for being such gracious hosts. It truly felt like being home. See ya in March! :)
Gina
10/3/2012 01:17:13 pm
It was meeting ya'll Robin, now there is another blogger on here that I have met! Ya'll were such a lovely couple.
High on LeConte
10/4/2012 03:11:59 pm
Dear Gina, Cynthea and Robin,
79 and 80 and still hiking strong. How wonderful life is for them that they can do such a great thing together.
tomk in sc
10/4/2012 12:44:16 am
As I read Debi's post, I couldn't help but think of Charlie and the golden ticket song in Willie Wonka. . .Google and read it, it's a great fit for the excitement of getting an invoice from LeConte! After reading the lyrics, I immediately went outside to check the mail. Alas, no golden invoice.
doug
10/4/2012 12:32:24 am
Great stories this morning, Nathan, simply inspiring. I always enjoy your narratives and descriptions, and the photos, well, what more can I say except that they're marvelous. The story of Kip and Jean Ann was especially moving for me. It's no secret that I'm 62 and I feel like I've lived most of my life in the Park, which I probably have. Just last evening I had my big waterproof trail map spread out, picking out a few day hikes for next year in the area I want to focus on. Lately I've had some issues with my knees but am on the quick road to recovery or reclaiming the use of them, so even now I'm ready to hike ! Hearing about that couple is a story that should have its own chapter in the "Leconte Lodge Book of Inspiring Stories" ! It makes me want to get in my vehicle this very moment and drive down and get on a trail, any trail ! I have a story of my own about an 80-yr-old hiker I met on my first trip to the lodge, but I'll save it for later. Another entry in the lodge book should be Debi's account of receiving her confiormation letter ! I can just see and feel her excitement ! My family does not share my love, wonder, and excitement for the Lodge and I doubt they ever will, but I will continue to hike. Great news Debi ! Have a great day crew !
jay
10/4/2012 05:29:28 am
witch hobble ? Comments are closed.
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