you know, i dreamed about you for 29 years before i saw you.

2/1/2015

A generation that cannot endure boredom will be a generation of little men… of men in whom every vital impulse slowly withers, as though they were cut flowers in a vase. Bertrand Russell

Morning y'all,

It's an overcast, blustery morning up top. The high yesterday reached 33 degrees. The overnight low was 16 degrees. It was 33 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation yesterday. There are still about 6 inches of snow up top. The trails are still pretty snowy, so be prepared for some wet boots if you intend to summit. My friend Christopher likened hiking up Rainbow to hiking up a sand dune. It will be an exhausting day if you intend to summit, so be sure to turn around by 2 o'clock if you want to be back by dark. Enjoy the day!

Ellis C

2/1/2015 03:20:21 am

J P, I believe this generation coming up now will prove the statement is spot on, most of them can't stand still for five minutes, phone in hand always texting. Your photos make my day.

Kent

2/1/2015 03:50:16 am

The constant need to be plugged into everything, all the time, has altered our brains to the point where we don't know how to be silent and still, anymore. I'm personally happy to leave it all behind when I venture out into the great outdoors, watching and listening intently for everything is has to tell me.

doug y link

2/1/2015 08:21:19 am

Very well stated Kent ! While attending several seminars and presentations at the beautiful Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge last week during the annual "Wilderness Wildlife Week" I purchased a book titled "The Wild Muir" {Twenty-two of John Muir's Greatest Adventures} selected and introduced by Lee Stetson [who gives portrayals of Muir] (published by Yosemite Conservancy 1994). If you haven't read this book I do believe you would find it particularly entertaining and it mirrors your words here. G'day

Kent

2/1/2015 10:18:33 am

Thanks, Doug. I'll have to check that book out.

Ric

2/1/2015 04:23:00 am

Walking up a sand dune is pretty close. Did up and down yesterday on rainbow. Normally 3 1/2 hr up 3 down. Took just over 5 up and 4 down. Prolly didn't take me as long as it did the folks in cowboy boots and tennis shoes. Regardless of what you tell them they just keep going. Hope they stopped at the falls. Didn't see JP but he had some nice music goin. Was worth the trip, was beautiful. Specially out at cliff tops.

Tree

2/1/2015 04:27:36 am

The wilderness begins where the trail ends.

Donna

2/1/2015 04:55:54 am

Love the photo

elktonbrant

2/1/2015 06:49:08 am

I agree that I am worried that many people nowadays don't know how to appreciate being "bored". I relish the down times, the quiet times, when there is little else to do than listen to the rain on the roof... or my water bottles sloshing as I hike. Also, I hope the pizza was delish!

John A

2/2/2015 03:08:36 am

Does anyone know what the wind gust were on Sunday when that weather front started moving in? We were about a mile from the top at around 2pm and the wind was unbelievable.

Heidi

2/2/2015 11:55:57 am

I am planning to hike Mt Leconte next weekend. What gear should I plan on bringing with me?

Dan H

2/2/2015 08:09:34 pm

Of course you'll need cold weather clothing. The biggest unique item that you might not have is a pair of good crampons. Be sure to get the kind that is essentially two metal plates with heavy spikes secured to your boot with strong rubber straps and chains. (I don't recall the brand name.) ere is a version out there made of little springs that provide some traction, but they are meant for walking around icy sidewalks and fall apart quickly on a trail.

Heidi

2/3/2015 11:48:27 am

Thank you Dan for your reply. I was wondering if I would need spikes for my boots. This will be my first mountain climb.

Mark

2/5/2015 05:29:27 am

The day I delivered JP a nice few pair of Red Wing merino wool socks a few years back, had about 5 inches of snow on the ground. That hike wore me out! The walking in sand comment is dead on. Got some great pictures, but I will take a clear fall day anytime.

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you know, i dreamed about you for 29 years before i saw you.

LeConte Lodge

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