The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside by a generous hand. But- and this is the point- who gets excited by a mere penny? But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted in pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. Annie Dillard Morning y'all, It's a beautiful, cloudy sepia-toned morning up top. The high yesterday reached 34 degrees. The overnight low was 16 degrees. It was 26 degrees and cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received a trace of new snow, but there was a bit of melt yesterday. The snowfall total up top is down to about 3 inches. The trails are starting to get pretty slick, so I'd recommend some sort of traction devices if you intend to summit. I had a wonderful, lazy day around camp yesterday. With the roads closed, sun shining bright and a few chores on my to-do list, the mountain seemed to unfurl and the peace just flowed in. Occasionally it is just as glorious to sit around camp, read books and 'cultivate stillness' as it is to get out hiking, have visions, and 'move or die'.
I received such an absurd amount of generosity this past weekend, it would be impossible to thank everyone by name. But please know your efforts at making my life a little more comfortable up here with books, coffee, bolthouse smoothies, fresh fruit, vegetables and good cheer is greatly, greatly appreciated. Sometimes the simple life ain't so simple, but tiny luxuries that many take for granted are enough to make my day(s). Thank you all. Good morning JP. Your photos are always a fine way to begin the day. Yes, sometime the 'simple' life can become, well, not so simple. Endurable, though. I think that if I was the caretaker up there I'd probably not get out as much as you, or at least not as distant. It's an age thing. Have a good day.
Marilyn
1/27/2014 01:33:40 am
JP, as always this is the first thing I do in the morning when I get up. Check LeConte's site. Enjoy your comments and pictures and insights as well as those of other people. I would add to your "sit around camp, read books, cultivate stillness... Resting afterwards. I have plaque I picked up someplace in the Smokies years ago which suggests doing nothing and resting afterwards is good and I have to agree with it. -17 here in Indiana but at least the sun is shining. If I have to be cold I would sure rather be on top of LeConte than in the flat lands. Doug, enjoy reading your stories on your site. Keep it up. Have a GREAT day everyone!
Mark
1/27/2014 03:08:39 am
I usually go pee first thing, then look at JP's post second.
Rusty
1/27/2014 02:30:22 am
Beautiful sunrise. First time writer on this site, but I am an avid reader. I enjoy reading some of the comments and viewing JP' s photos. My wife and I hiked up Leconte via Alum on 01/19/2014. It was absolutely beautiful up top. Lots of snow and peaceful. We got a late start on the trail due to the road being closed thru the mountain so we hiked back in the dark for about an hour and a half (yes, we had lights). Certainly looking forward to our next trip up.
David C
1/27/2014 02:40:08 am
One of the reasons I backpack is to appreciate the not so simple conveniences. If you want a drink backpacking it's a trip to the creek with your filter. At home just turn on the faucet. Doug y- keep posting we enjoy that you share your thoughts.
Hi David C: Speaking of thoughts and stories, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words. If you care to, go to my website (click on the arrow by my name above) and carefully compare the differences in a certain person's head between the top two photos !!
Paul B
1/27/2014 12:08:46 pm
Doug, nice photos on your site. I am trying to get to the bear and skunk stories other mentioned but only get to your home page. What am I doing wrong?
norman
1/27/2014 04:01:14 am
great sunrise pict. where was sunset pict taken? try for first thing every day, but don't always make it!!
David C
1/27/2014 10:10:20 am
Hey Doug y I can relate. I'll be turning 63 in a few months.
Bill Yeadon
1/27/2014 10:49:09 am
Marilyn,
Marilyn
1/27/2014 11:05:21 am
Bill Y, I live in Kokomo. And I'm anxious for Spring too even though I won't make it to LeConte until June this year. Usually go in May but had to change time. Hard staying warm when Mother Nature keeps throwing snow and cold weather at ya, isn't it?
Bill Yeadon
1/27/2014 12:25:00 pm
Yes and you can add those tornadoes in your area also. A few more days and it will be February and we have the worst month behind us. As I get older winter just seems to get that much longer. Comments are closed.
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LeConte LodgeWelcome 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! Archives
June 2024
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