Clear skies and wonderful sunshine bring in the weekend.  There is still 36 inches of snow on the ground.  The low was 12 last night and we have reached 32 degrees today!

    I enjoyed a fantastic sunrise from Myrtle Point today.  Last night and this morning offered the clearest skies I have seen in a long time.

    Sunset was equally clear and impressive last night.  The view of Clingmans Dome was wonderful.  The sky was so clear it seemed like you could reach out and grab the mountains.  When the skies are this clear it seems like everything is much closer.  The clear skies won't last so I will enjoy them while I can.

    The clouds settled down below the top of the mountain at about 9 pm last night.  We had a beautiful view of the stars.  At sunrise this morning the thick clouds continued to blanket the valley but the skies are clear and full of color up here.  The snow flurries continued yesterday until about 8 pm.  there was only one inch of new snow for a total of 6 inches on the ground.  The 24 hour high was 18 and the low was 9 degrees.  It's currently 12 degrees with the  sun coming out strong.

    Millie hiked up the groceries for a big salad dinner last night.  All that fresh produce is really a treat up here.  It was a fantastic dinner and a wonderful time that we got to spend together.

    The snow and ice freeze up everything up here.  When I want to get into something I have to use a small torch to melt the ice out of the lock before I can get it unlocked.  I really need to get all my water toted and any other outside chores done today.  This may be the last pretty day until next week.  There's more snow and ice coming in Thursday evening so it may be tough to get out and get things done.  Don't wait until the last minute to get your firewood in because you may get some of this snow and ice too!

    The clouds have settled down blanketing the valley.  It's clear and beautiful on the mountain this morning.  I awoke to clear skies above and 39 degrees.  The overnight low was 30 and the high was 39.  There's still 1 inch of old snow and ice on the ground.  Often we will be in the clouds on LeConte while the valley enjoys sunshine.  I always love the days when we are in the sun and the valley is covered in clouds.  It's our turn for the sun!  After a few days of rain and clouds I'm looking forward to a day of sunshine.

With a high temp of 52 and a low of 31 the perfect weather continues.  We have clear and beautiful skies today.  I can't think of a more perfect day for hiking the mountain.  I go to town tomorrow for a few days off.  I hope I have just as beautiful a morning to enjoy as we do today.  The Vols play today.  Go Big Orange.  With some troubled players off the team the Vols should be stronger.  I hope that wherever you are the weather is just as beautiful as we get to enjoy here today.