well i don't know what i'm looking for. but i know that i just want to look some more.

2/16/2015

I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll throught the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, blustery day up top. The high yesterday reached 27 degrees. The overnight low was negative 7 degrees, recorded shortly after observation yesterday morning. The mountain received no new precipitation, although there is heavy snow in the forecast for today. There is still 3 hardpack, slick inches of snow remaining up top. I would definitely recommend Microspikes if you intend to reach the summit today. Enjoy the winter weather!

I had a fantastic hike out to Cliff Tops last night. The winds were blowing in sincere gusts, as unpredictable and wily as ever. If the wind were a person, I would wish to meet him. The storm clouds were building on the horizon, looking as imposing as any advancing army. The colours in the clouds were spectacular, blues and greys that seemed solid due to their intensity. I sat there, counting my breaths and my blessings. I lost count.

Chris

2/16/2015 01:31:25 am

Well I guess some sort of wintery weather is at our doorsteps. Seems like the forecasters have had more trouble than us usual predicting what exactly is heading our way. Hopefully it'll be more snow than ice down here in town.

We'd hoped to make a couple trips up this month to bring you a few small supplies but haven't been able to get there and it looks like this week is not likely a good option either. Maybe we'll get there before you leave for the season but thsll be here before long.

Stay warm.

Teresa Snyder

2/16/2015 01:32:35 am

I love watching your posts. We have a cabin that looks out the front at Mt. LeConte. My favorite place to be.....

henry mitchell link

2/16/2015 02:28:41 am

Perhaps it is natural for you to be a poet, J P, when you live in a poem, although yours is something like a Nordic saga.

2/16/2015 02:59:41 am

Henry,

Thanks as always for the kind words and encouragement. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Best wishes,
JP

henry mitchell link

2/17/2015 01:20:40 am

If you saw me as often as I think of you, you'd ban me from your mountain.

Heather

2/16/2015 02:40:13 am

I'm planning a trip to LeConte soon.. there and back in one day. Which trail is shortest to get there? Also, can you buy lunch when you get up there? Any info greatly appreciated. TIA!

Brian

2/16/2015 02:52:58 am

You must be new to this blog site; the lodge is closed, so bring your food.

ric

2/16/2015 02:58:30 am

alum cave is the shortest hike, roughly 11 miles round trip. lots of good views. be sure to have traction devices, lots of oppertunities for ice depending on weather. no hiker services available until the lodge opens in late march. there is a spring at the lodge providing it is not frozen. not sure of exact date. alum will also close mon - thu starting in may.

Heather

2/16/2015 04:10:32 am

thanks but I was actually planning on going May or June. I heard Alum Cave trail would be closed during that time frame?

doug y link

2/16/2015 05:41:33 am

I was searching for the posts when the closing dates for Alum were listed but cannot seem to locate them, not that I really need but only because I am curious. I think that the work on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail should be completed before they start closing the Alum trial four days a week. Tested my "new" knee today in a heavy snowfall and I am definitely ready to resume my hikes in the Smokies and with a few stays at the lodge. Won't be long until the annual airlift. G'day

Cougarpass

2/16/2015 10:08:35 am

Glad to hear you are doing well Doug! Loving the snow here in Louisville.

Fred

2/16/2015 05:51:22 am

Glad to hear you are doing so well doug y.

norman

2/16/2015 08:45:43 am

Me too Doug Y.

Marilyn

2/16/2015 05:55:00 am

Heather,

Alum Trail closed beginning 5/4/2015 thru 11/19/2015 from 7 am Monday thru Thursdays 5:30 pm so to use that trail you'd have to go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Doug, glad you're ready to hit the Smoky trails again and you knee is healed. Mine are working quite nicely now too and I'm anxious to get back to the Smokies but will have to wait until September and my regular trip as I'm headed to Germany in June to visit my daughter for a few weeks. Hope to at least do some hiking various places there. Good hiking!

Heather

2/16/2015 07:05:17 am

Thank you so much! The weekend is perfect.

doug y link

2/16/2015 07:48:37 am

Fred & Marilyn, thanks. I took a short hike down the old Sugarlands trail recently which went well with the new knee; sure was tempted to try to get up to the lodge, but chose wisdom over impulse. Went just past where the Bullhead trail headed off and returned as I had no shuttle back to the trailhead. Nice easy trail to get back my legs, etc. And Marilyn, as they say in Germany: "Vielen Dank und gute Fahrt" Enjoy. g'day

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