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Wet Day for a Hike

8/18/2014

 
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Wow, I slept so hard I didn't even hear the 2.7" of rain that fell last night. Apparently we are in for another round later this morning. If I were hiking up today, I would not take Rainbow Falls trail. Once again, with large amounts of rain, the trail tends to be impassable. We are currently experiencing heavy cloud coverage and a lot of wind. I am predicting a slow day around the lodge. The high yesterday was 63º with a low of 54º. The cooler temperatures seem to be settling in.

I had a couple of interesting conversations yesterday. It never ceases to amaze me how different the mountain top can be from season to season. I was commenting on the lack of turtlehead flowers and turk's cap lillies. I have not seen a single one around the lodge. The really interesting bit of information is that they could come back next year stronger than ever. The other conversation I had was with a guest about the absence of the bird called a Veery. I always sing back to them when I hear them and I don't recall hearing them at all this season. I wonder where they are? The other change I have noticed is the absence of the Indian Pipe flower on the flat section of Alum Cave trail. The forest, in that section,  has changed so much over the past few years that it is no longer a good host for these amazing little flowers. We have seen them on Trillium. There are still some perfect areas for them to thrive on the upper section.

Remember, if you are hiking up today, bring a rain jacket and a dry shirt. It is going to be a wet day for hiking. We will have plenty of hot chocolate waiting for you at the top.
kim fisher
8/18/2014 01:33:32 am

That is a lot of rain in one night! I have been reading this blog for years and really enjoy reading about life at the lodge! Good job and thank you!

Debi
8/18/2014 02:18:29 am

I have been hiking up Alum since 2009. Not very long, but I have seen a huge change in the hill right under the bluff. How that has deteriorated over the last few years. It used to be so big and rounded and just seems to be washing away.
Also, my mother in laws rasberries aren't doing good at all. Seems like fruit crops tend to do that too. Next year should hopefully be plentiful.

Rebecca
8/18/2014 03:03:35 am

Saw lots of Indian Pipe a few weeks ago on the Twin Creeks Trail. Along with scads of poison ivy!

Jarrett link
8/18/2014 03:53:13 am

I always sleep the best in a good rain storm, as long as I stay dry. However, I've never slept on a mountain in rain storm. Sounds like a good time if you can keep dry.

Sandi
8/18/2014 06:25:20 am

I hiked up the Bull Head on Saturday. I saw 1 ~only 1 ~ Turks Cap Lily.
I did see Turtle Head, Indian Pipe and Grass of Parnassus along with Snake Root and Monks Hood. Thanks you for sharing Mt LeConte with everyone ... I will miss you.

Joni
8/18/2014 06:27:19 am

2 weeks from today we are hiking up for the first time to stay at the lodge! Thanks for the great posts.

Tonya Hogan
8/18/2014 03:02:51 pm

Just wanted to let you know that there are a few Indian Pipe flowers on the flat part of the trail about halfway between the lodge and where the Alum Cave Trail turns left. If you're headed away from the lodge, they are on the right side about 10 to 15 feet in……..saw them this morning hiking down. Despite the rain, I had a wonderful time as always. Thanks for all you guys do for the guests. It's magical up there.


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