As you can see from my view this morning, the clouds are rolling in over the top of the mountain.  The forecast is calling for more snow but who knows how much?  It's a bit warmer today.  It's 16 degrees right now.  The low was 4 and the high was 17.  There's still a 15 inch base of snow on the mountain.  Highway 441 and Cherokee Orchaed road are open today so hikers can get to the trail heads.  But it may not be easy getting out!  The forecast calls for a couple inches of snow this afternoon.  If you're hiking the Smokies in this weather be careful and stay warm.

   A friend asked if I colud post a shot of Rainbow Falls so they could see how much ice is on the falls.  My friend Steve hiked past Rainbow Falls yesterday and sent me this picture.  Thanks Steve, this picture of the Falls really reminds me  of  how important it is to do what you love.  To live each moment, One Day At A Time. 

    It's the coldest day this year on Mt. LeConte. So Far!  The low this morning was -2 degrees and the high was 19.  It's currently -2 and snowing hard!  We had 1 inch of new snow fall for a total of 13 inches on the ground.  It looks like we may get some more accumulation before it's through.

    Highway 441 is closed again because of snow and ice.  The road crews sure have had a workout on 441 this winter!  With the weather and road conditions I may not see many day hikers today.  If you are out in this weather today stay safe!

    It's been quiet and cold here today.  The mountain has been very serene.  I got out for a nice trek around the grounds of the Lodge.  This is a photo of the cabin called "The Laundry".  This cabin was built when Herrick Brown ran the Lodge in the late 60's and early 70"s.  This cabin had a wood fired hot water heater and a gas powered washing machine where the crew did laundry .  Hence the name of the cabin.  Today the cabin houses crew members and has a small shower with an on demand propane water heater.  The water system is drained in the winter so it won't freeze up so I don't get to enjoy the shower in the winter.  I carry my water from the spring and heat it on the stove.  I bathe with a pan and bucket.  Not luxurious but effective!

    Here's Millie's Cabin!  Last season it was "Pat's Place."  Next season Millie will be living there so now it's "Millie's Cabin."  The original structure was built by Jack Huff and is one of the oldest cabins on LeConte.  It was remodeled two years ago.  Jack Huff built two Lodges and then this cabin, hence the name "#3."  The Huffs would put Honeymooning couples in this cabin so they would have some space from the rest of the guests so  "#3" became "The Honeymoon Shack."  You may notice some tape on the window on the right.  A bear tried to break in this last September.  Pat woke up and scared the bear off before he got in.  I think Millie will be very cozy here.

    Below is my place, "The Tack House."  The Lodge used  horses to bring supplies to the Lodge and take things down.  They had a horse for logging and allowed guests to ride their horses to the Lodge and keep them up overnight.  There was a barn located below the spring to the east of the Trillium Gap Trail.  In the mid 70's the Park Service decided that the horses had too great an environmental impact.  After they stopped using horses they tore down the old barn.  They took the pieces of the tack house from the barn and used the materials to build this cabin.  So I live in "The Tack House."  You may notice the solar panels on the roof and the movable panel to the left on the ground.  That's how I get the power to keep in touch with you! 

    Hello and welcome.  Winter is almost here on Mt. LeConte.  I'll be the winter caretaker and hopefully will have pleanty of time to share my experiences with you.  If you've been here then you know how beautiful and special this place is.  At 6593 feet of elevation we often have our own weather pattern.  Today it was sunny and cool up here and just below us the valley was covered with clouds.  It was a beautiful day with a spectacular sunset.  We have about 30 days of the regular season left.  I enjoy the guests and will be sad to see them go but I will also be ready for the solitude and quiet beauty that the mountain offers in the winter. 

This is my cabin named "The Tack House."  It got it's name because it is made out of the old tack house that used to be part of the old horse barn.  This is where I have my little solar powered office.  It's not much but I love living here.  If you've been up to stay then you understand what a special place this is.