February 23, 2026

MORE SNOW!

Four inches of dry powder snow fell on Mt LeConte last night and the temperature also fell to negative three degrees!

The roads in the Park are closed this morning.

Yesterday I was out and about the Lodge making my usual rounds after lunch—restocking the TP dispensers in the privies, recharging electric lanterns—and I saw a group of day hikers on the stairs in front of the dining hall, so I went over to do the “Mt LeConte Ambassador” part of my Winter Caretaker job.

There were 6 or 8 men and women in the group—from North Carolina and Virginia. Interesting group, and well prepared for a hike in the snow. They had come up the Rainbow Falls Trail and even came equipped with TRACTION DEVICES and MITTENS and didn’t need water!

One of the gentlemen from the Roanoke area had an “addiction” for McAffie Knob and had hiked up there hundreds of times! I told him about some of my “regular customers” from Sevierville, TN, and Blue Ridge, GA, who had a similar “addiction” and had hiked up Mt LeConte 500 and 600 times. This man stood on his head on the top step in front of the dining hall for his picture. This was the first time that I had ever witnessed this pose!

I encouraged them to come back again sometime when the sky was clear and they could enjoy the views and perhaps stay at the lodge.

They left the lodge to descend the Bull HeadTrail and enjoy a steak dinner in the front country!

After they left I decided that this might be a good time to haul water up from the spring before the snow got any deeper. All a part of living “off the grid” and the life of a winter caretaker! Considering the snow and the temperature I’m glad now that I hauled water up when I did.

After taking some snow pics in the subzero temperatures and the wind I’m ready for a cup of fresh hot black coffee!

I hope that y’all can stay warm today!

HAPPY TRAILS!!
WILDCAT/Bert