you were right when you said life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone.

12/17/2014

I’m always inclined to believe that the best way of knowing [the divine] is to love a great deal. Love that friend, that person, that thing, whatever you like, you’ll be on the right path to knowing more thoroughly, afterwards; that’s what I say to myself. But you must love with a high, serious intimate sympathy, with a will, with intelligence, and you must always seek to know more thoroughly, better, and more. Van Gogh

Top photo: Always such a happy homecoming to be back on the AT again. Above: LeConte in the clouds.

Morning y'all,

It's another gorgeous, above the clouds morning up top. The high yesterday reached 34 degrees. The overnight low was 23 degrees. It was 24 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is no more snow remaining up top. It is pretty icy out right now, so be sure to pack some sort of traction devices if you intend to reach the summit! Enjoy the day!

One of my favorite signs.

Great smoky light.

I spent yesterday cruising along with my friend Becca, trying to see what I haven't yet seen this season. We went out early on the Boulevard trail (which still has plenty of patches of snow) and revelled in the wonderful ridge walk. We had a short lunch at Icewater Springs, then went out to Charlie's Bunion. How folks climb up that off trail, I have no idea. We hiked back towards the Jump Off, which unfortunately, had no view whatsoever. You could still feel the depth of that great space, an abyss that chills you to the core.

This photo is for my friend Moose.

Cladonia cristatella. Getting Latin on y'all.

It is so rejuvenating to be reminded of how spectacular my backyard is. There is just so much to see, especially on such a characteristically Smokies day - alternating between long, clear views and walking through dense clouds... these woods just scream character and depth. I can't wait to get to know them even better. We were made for one another. There is too much to love in this world.

Paul B

12/17/2014 01:53:31 am

I love the mutiple photo days!! The sight of a white blaze always lifts me up. Although I have limited miles on the AT, there is always a sense of excitement when a photo is posted of a blaze. I know that someone is fortunate to be experiencing a great adventure. It sends me to a day dream state while pouring over maps trying to find a way to add to my mileage total.
I was fortunate enough to make it to The Jump Off and Charlies Bunion in October, after a chilly night when the clouds froze to the tree limbs, but open up as we climbed to revieal the beautiful fall foilage that the Smoky Mountains provide.

doug y link

12/17/2014 03:03:22 am

Good morning JP. Your description of the Jumpoff location as an "abyss" was absolutely correct for the conditions in which you were there. It is a favorite spot of mine when in that area. I am curious about the Icewater Spring shelter: what kind of condition is it in these days ? Whenever I hike any of the A.T. along that section I avoid this shelter because it has been so very overcrowded in recent years due to its proximity to Newfound Gap. Throughout my hiking life I have been fortunate to have hiked the entire A.T., but only in sections. On my bucket list now is perhaps an opportunity to do it all in one season. What a journey that will be ! Good day on the mountain !

norman

12/17/2014 03:09:53 am

Go for it Doug! Have a good day. You too JP.

Jarrett link

12/17/2014 04:51:18 am

I agree, picture days are great. It helps me feel like I'm there when I can't be. If only I had all the free time to just get out and adventure nonstop.

norman

12/17/2014 05:38:26 am

Amen Jarrett - Just a note, just looked at LeConte from Hightland Condo web cam (OH NOW , THE MOUNTAIN IS GONE!) covered with clouds.

Jarrett

12/17/2014 07:49:51 am

I had no idea such a thing existed. I'm definitely going to have to check it out.

tomk in SC

12/17/2014 08:27:20 am

There are actually two webcams looking at LeConte:
http://highlandscondos.com/webcam/
and
http://wate.net/weather/web-camera/park-vista-hotel-mt-leconte-view
I suppose, if you don't mind squinting, there is. . .
http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmcam/grsmcam.cfm

So we can look at our mountain three ways, but pine to see it underfoot!

David Wortman

12/17/2014 09:27:12 am

Tomk

Thanks for all the webcam locations. Great way of being there when you can't be there. Went on the Nature.NPS Cam. Fantastic shot of Mount Rainier

Peppermint Pattie

12/17/2014 08:40:15 am

Beautiful photos JP. I love the blaze; and I know that water source all to well. Fond memories there, and on the AT. Thank you for sharing.

jeand

12/17/2014 09:40:31 am

What magnificent photos!! Those views make up a pictorial record of why I love to be in and live in E.TN. Your pictures are always great but the ones today touched a nerve that said WOW!

Tennesseegirl

12/17/2014 11:47:16 pm

Miss Jack and Diane....just heard them a couple day's ago on the radio and was pleasantly surprised. Rock on JP. :)

Griz link

12/20/2014 07:37:04 am

Sounds more like Built to Spill to me.

Comments are closed.

you were right when you said life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone.

LeConte Lodge

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