Instead of the map flying solo, it's been partially framed by a previously used font, a spruce tree, and a hiker admiring the view from Cliff Tops. If you are daring enough to hike the mountain today, use extreme caution along the trails. High on mt leconte daily post. Depending on the timing and amounts of snow early Wednesday, it's possible Cherokee Orchard Road could still be accessible for guests to make their way to the trail. There was an inch of new snow, bringing the total snow depth up to 5". Have a great weekend.
During my journey to Cliff Tops the other day, I saw a large tree getting uprooted by the inhumane winds. "Derive happiness in oneself from a good day's work, illuminating the fog that surrounds us... ". Good Morning, Yesterday was about as pretty a day up top as one can hope for, especially considering what forecast lies ahead. Good morning all, I am currently residing in the dining hall kitchen, listening to the wind whistle. I've just recently returned to LeConte from four days off and am amazed at how the forest floor has greened up in that short amount of time. However, the bear wasn't seen last night. Also, be on the lookout for downed trees and other debris on the trail! High on leconte daily post. Since June 1, we've seen rain (including trace amounts) on 66 of the last 83 days. We hope to kickoff our annual resupply Airlift in the next day or two. Birds, squirrels, salamanders, deer, and inevitably black bears. Be careful if you venture into the park today. We'll dive into that later once it draws closer. Summer is almost upon us, and that brings flowers to the mountain top. Have a great rest of the day.
Hope y'all have a wonderful day! 0 inches we received on Jan. 10. However, the morning was lovely with sun and good visibility down into the valley. As I'm typing we are having a huge breakfast consisting of bacon, sausage, eggs, and homemade bread for toast! If your layers get wet and don't dry out, it can quickly lead to hypothermia in such cold temps. High on mount leconte. It was 28 degrees at 7am observation with clear skies! It sounds as though we may be heading back into the seventies for the weekend. With clear skies above and white clouds below, I powered through the powder. The west side of the state saw very bad storms come through with damaging winds.
The temperature actually warmed up about five degrees overnight. Guests with reservations shouldn't delay in getting on trail and up the mountain today, as a safe, cozy cabin awaits. Today will be a day for exploring the mountain! We worked at the Gatlinburg Farmers Market and I stuffed my face with yummy fresh strawberries. As the thermometer dipped to 26 degrees, Thursday's rain had frozen into a thin sheen of ice on my porch. Our low from yesterday came at breakfast, dipping down to a biting 6 degrees. It's such a nice change to be able to wake up to temps already above freezing in the morning, and for multiple days in a row at that!
We have enjoyed every bit of them, more than you will ever know. The forecast is also calling for some gusty winds upwards of 50mph this weekend. I slipped out the back door once the potatoes were in the oven, I had a quick date with the moon. The little guy was a juvenile. Gatlinburg, though not visible from the lodge, would be about a vertical mile below behind the trees in the foreground. Flurries on the furries. After returning to the top I enjoyed the afternoon with my Haley Bug and we made a fabulous taco dinner with Apple and Peach cobbler for dessert. Having to shovel snow away from the front door of my cabin so I could get in and out was a very different experience for this Mississippi guy. Accounting for the wind chill factor will make it feel much colder up top. The low elevations are calling for anywhere between 4-8" of snow, and the higher peaks could see 10" or more. March, a month known for its climatic turbulence in these parts, signals not only a changing of the guard among seasons, but also a reawakening of the heart, mind, and spirit. My whole life lay tucked away in my red backpack. Third tidbit - Don't forget to purchase your 2015 LeConte Lodge Calendar. It would not be far fetched to say any of us did five miles of hiking.
That much rain for so long could see us receive anywhere from 3-4" over the next 24 hours. The above photo is the only existing likeness of the previously under-the-radar, elite Zombie Smash 6, 593 Force. These conditions were inhospitable, at least the kitchen was only 30 paces away! Our solar-powered water pump, one of my favorite mountain gadgets, has been on strike most of the summer, pouting because its object of celestial affection has been noticeably absent. We enjoyed hosting more fine guests last night--and they seemed to enjoy each other. The blindingly white beauty of the freshly fallen snow really mesmerizes the beholder.
Clouds will continue to build throughout Friday. Not counting the peregrine, I have seen a bald eagle, cross billed finch, and a black-throated blue warbler. It is looking like another rainy day on the mountain. We ended up with some cloud cover in the afternoon, but, on the whole, Saturday was the prettiest day we've enjoyed in quite some time. The magic of the mountain speaks for itself, no human intervention required. Good afternoon from the top of Mt. Beginning late this evening, rain will move into the region and last clear into Sunday.
An untouched Myrtle Point lay before me. Expect wet trails underfoot at least today and for breezy conditions to persist, although not as strong. The consistency of the clouds. I shuffled to the kitchen to grab my camera, then I set out to Myrtle Point. So to avoid any potential flooding hazards, it's best to get an early start on the trail and beat the brunt of this thing. A celestial English teacher determined that night had become a run-on sentence and demanded change. Waking up to clear skies above and a sea of clouds below this fine Sunday morning. Perhaps the skies will break open just in time for a stellar sunset! Where will your boots lead you this season? One of them is to continue writing and taking photos.
Change was coming, fast. Wednesday's high was 63 degrees with an overnight low of 43. The early risers are up, either preparing breakfast for present company or pumping water from the spring. Our average rainfall for the area is around 85" for the year. Hwy 441 is closed as of now so Cherokee Orchard is your access to the top. The weather forecast is calling for thunderstorms. Mokokoma Mokhonoana. For information regarding GSMNP's new paid parking tag requirements, please visit their website. Have a wonderful day everyone.