what will sustain us through the winter? where did last year's lessons go? walk me out into the rain and snow. i dream a highway back to you.

12/27/2013

I long for wildness; woods where the wood thrush forever sings. Where the hours are early morning ones and there is dew on the grass, and the day is forever unproved. A New Hampshire everlasting and unfallen. Thoreau

Morning y'all,

It's a gorgeous, clear morning up top. The high yesterday reached 32 degrees. The low was down to 21 degrees. It is currently 30 degrees and clear. The trails are still very icy, so please beware coming up. I would recommend Microspikes if you intend to summit. Enjoy the trails!

I will be rambling for a bit and will be back up on Sunday the 5th. Until then, the blog will be on a little hiatus. See the following links for weather information...

http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-LeConte/forecasts/2010

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=MRXRTPMRX&version=0&max=61

https://twitter.com/SmokiesRoadsNPS

Val

12/26/2013 11:53:01 pm

I was wondering if the Lodge is located between Cliff Top & West Point or is it between Cliff Top & High Top?

INTony

12/27/2013 12:37:36 am

Basically it's below Cliff Top.

Val

12/27/2013 12:51:39 am

Thank you!

Robin

12/26/2013 11:54:26 pm

Enjoy your time rambling, but know I will be pouting every day.

doug y link

12/27/2013 12:52:09 am

Val: INTony is right about the location of the lodge relative to Cliff Tops which lies about 0.2 mi above on the ridge. There has been discussion on here in months past regarding the elevation of the lodge, but I do not wish to embroil myself in that pointless argument. I do know that the accepted elevation of High Top is 6593, there's a USGS brass bench marker somewhere on Cliff Tops which lists the elev there as 6555, and at one time the lodge home page listed the elev there as 6360, which I have myself confirmed. Regardless of what you choose to believe, the lodge is a marvelous destination and experience. I just wish it was open all year round. G'day.

Cincy Mark

12/27/2013 01:52:02 am

Last December 29, we hiked up and I delivered a couple of nice Red Wing merino wool socks for my favorite caretaker. Was going to do the same this weekend...but sorry you won't be there!

doug y link

12/27/2013 02:27:30 am

You know your socks Cincy Mark ! Those are excellent.

Debi

12/27/2013 03:18:33 am

Enjoy your time off JP

Melissa G

12/27/2013 09:14:45 am

Enjoy your rambling J.P. I'm going to go through withdrawal not having your wonderful photos and remarks each day though. Be safe.

holtknobladyx

12/27/2013 04:13:08 pm

Lord, I was born a ramblin' man.....be good to yourself as you ramble. Many will miss your daily posts so don't forget the way back home.

12/28/2013 04:17:27 am

Just wondering... Who "watches" the lodge while JP is off site for a week?

jack

12/28/2013 05:17:15 am

I've asked that same question before, Al, but they apparently just don't want to answer it ! You'd think that they'd leave someone up there at all times; after all, there's a lot of criminals and vandals that hike up there !!

Allyson Virden

12/28/2013 06:01:57 am

@Al, the lodge has people who are trained to take over the duties while JP is off the mountain. There is always someone watching the lodge.

12/28/2013 10:13:37 am

Allyson, thank you for answering my question. During the season you always tell us when you're heading down for some time off and who will be "in charge." JP's post sounded like the lodge would be left unattended for those days he was gone. I would hate to think that some vandas or thieves would do damage to the lodge. We can't make for the 2014 season, but have begun making plans for 2015.

...hike responsibly... stay safe... Happy trails, y'all...

Bill Drummy

12/28/2013 10:10:43 pm

JP, we flew our plane over the Lodge on Saturday. It was a beautiful view from a totally different perspective. Wish that we could have dropped some beer, cheese and fresh veggies for you.

Comments are closed.

what will sustain us through the winter? where did last year's lessons go? walk me out into the rain and snow. i dream a highway back to you.

Ryn
R.

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what will sustain us through the winter? where did last year's lessons go? walk me out into the rain and snow. i dream a highway back to you.

RynR.

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Ryn
R.