High On LeConte
  • Home
  • Daily Posts
  • FAQ's
  • Trail Guide
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer

you just call out my name and you know wherever i am, i'll come running to see you again.

2/15/2012

 
Picture
I cannot see on the outside at all. We thought ourselves great philosophers in those wet days, when we used to go out and sit down by the wall sides. Thoreau
Picture
Above: View towards LeConte from Brushy Mountain. Below: Brushiness on the way up. I hope I never reach the point where walking through Rhododendrons approaching the peak of a summit doesn't get my heart racing, filled with nostalgia for March 2010 and anticipation for every adventure on the horizon.
Morning,

It was a mild day atop LeConte. The high was 34 degrees. The low was 27 degrees. It was 30 degrees and clear at observation. It looks like it'll be another beautiful, clear day. Highs may creep into the 40's. Be prepared for some wet trails, as a lot of snow is melting right now. The spring was flowing as forcefully as I've seen it.

Last night, while listening to the radio I thought about a conversation I had with my friend a few weeks ago.

Caretaker: I don't know if I could ever get lonely up here with an oldies' station this good.

Friend: That is the loneliest thing I've ever heard.
Picture
Above: Brushy Mountain survey marker. Below: Twilight on Trillium.
Picture
Devin
2/15/2012 12:52:37 am

Can't believe the snow is melting that fast! Cool pic of the survey marker...btw. When we were up there in Dec we were trying to find the marker for Mount Kilpert but didn't have any luck. Have you found that one? Any hints on tracking it down? It's pretty noticable when hiking the AT when you've reached the top of Kilpert, but I wasn't sure if the AT actually passes over the summit or not.

Gary
2/16/2012 02:52:15 am

There is also a marker at clifftop.

JP
2/16/2012 03:21:07 am

Gary,
The marker at Cliff Tops is someone's souvenir these days. I'm not sure where it used to be, but Chris told me it's been stolen.

scott
2/15/2012 03:13:16 am

What is the purpose of the marker?

Devin
2/15/2012 03:16:12 am

It's just a geological survey marker that marks the exact highest point of the mountain. I believe each peak has one. It's just fun to snap a photo and mentally (and physically I guess) check it off your list as you hike up there.

Gary
2/16/2012 02:54:35 am

Most of these are not on the actual highest point but are triangulation points that were used when mapping the area.

Devin
2/16/2012 03:43:00 am

@Gary - Thanks for the clarification!

Jacque J
2/15/2012 04:31:58 am

Simply beautiful pictures!! Hiking up the end of March and so curious as to what the weather will be like for our hike. Can not wait!!!

Debi link
2/15/2012 09:03:29 am

Jaque J, We usually hike the end of March also. Have done it the past 3 years in a row. Spring break time. I find its cold getting started in the morning. Then as you hike you warm up and start peeling off layers. But the higher you get up.(we do Alum trail) we put on our yax-trax. Because the trail tends to turn icy. Wev'e been up there when theres snow hiking in tshirts. This year we decided to go to Florida for spring break, but think about cutting it short and on our way back to Michigan take a little detour to Mt. Leconte. I'll also be down in Aug. again. And I tell you its so much different hiking in Aug, rather than March. Things are just blooming and even though I brought bug spray I didn't need it in Aug. I wouldv'e been ate alive walking in the woods at home. I think anytime is a good time to go. But wear layers and and just peel off as needed.Also wear a stocking hat to start and bring some water proof gloves, because the cables tend to be wet or icy. Its such a trill to stand on a 2 foot trail full of ice looking at a awsome view, while my husband and son are freaking out! Just chuck me off this spot when I die I tell them.

Helen Bukulmez link
2/15/2012 06:01:40 am

So very beautiful! Thank you, J.P.

I finally got around writing "something" about our last trip there. Here is a link for those who are interested:

http://helenbukulmez.com/2012/02/15/mt-leconte-in-january/?nggpage=2

Pam
2/15/2012 06:30:57 am

Wow I went to your site and read the article you wrote. How very true!! Great job! Looking forward to our summer hike in the Smokies and the beautiful scenery!! Thanks for sharing!

Galen
2/15/2012 06:42:16 am

Good job Helen. Enjoyed your story and photos. I've found that when hiking you can tell the people that love the mountain and hiking from those who are taking a walk in the "woods" for the day.
Those walking will give a quick "hi" sometimes and move on. While those that love the mountain will indeed stop to tell their story and listen intently to yours. Thanks for sharing.

Devin
2/15/2012 06:46:19 am

eh...lol. Although we will stop and talk if it seems like the other person is looking for a conversation. We tend to try to keep to ourselves on the mountain while hiking...unless of course we're taking a break somewhere...then we're full of conversation for whoever is taking a break near us.

We visit the Smokies to get away from society...and I guess for us it means hiking for miles sometimes without saying a word.

Woodbooger
2/16/2012 04:02:07 am

Galen, what a massive generalization.

Debi link
2/15/2012 10:54:28 pm

Nice story and pictures Helen.

JP
2/16/2012 12:15:10 am

Helen,
Thanks for sharing your trip summary! You really have a knack for capturing the mysteries of the mountain,

You're going to love it up here.

Best wishes!

Helen link
2/16/2012 03:31:34 am

Wow! I received so many visits and beautiful comments. Thank you everyone! This is exactly what I was talkin about when I mentioned the feeling of already knowing someone because of the love we share for the mountain. Cheers!


Comments are closed.
    Picture

    LeConte Lodge

    Welcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable.  Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain!

    For information regarding GSMNP's paid parking tag requirements, please visit their website.

    For information regarding shuttle services, as well as overnight parking options in Gatlinburg, please visit our reservations website.

    Lodge Gift Shop Hours:
    9:00 - 10:00 AM
    ​12:00 - 4:30 PM

    Online Store

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010

    RSS Feed

For current GSMNP road and trail information, visit the Park's Twitter page, official website, or call 865-436-1200 and follow the prompts.
  • Home
  • Daily Posts
  • FAQ's
  • Trail Guide
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer

Picture

Picture

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture