I sip my coffee. I look at the mountain, which is still doing its tricks, as you look at a still-beautiful face belonging to a person who was once your lover in another country years ago: with fond nostalgia, and recognition, but no real feeling save a secret astonishment that you are now strangers. Thanks. For the memories. It is ironic that the one thing that all religions recognize as separating us from our creator - our very self-consciousness - is also the one thing that divides us from our fellow creatures. It was a bitter birthday present from evolution, cutting us off at both ends. Annie Dillard

Top photo: Cloud sentry duty. Above: Bushwhacking!

Morning,

It was another beautiful day on the mountain. The high was 30 degrees, but with the abundant sunshine it felt much cozier. The low was 12 degrees. It was 28 and clear at observation. It looks like it will be another gorgeous, clear day up top. Be on the lookout for ice on the trails.

Sunset.

Sunrise.

Lynn L.

2/26/2012 05:34:03 am

JP,
I will miss opening the website every morning with anticipation to experience your ability to capture the heart and soul of Leconte in words and photography. You have set a high standard for others to follow, (or you could just come back next winter!) Best of luck to you and hopefully some of us can meet you on one of the trails sometime. Your posts make the hard job of teaching and being homesick for the Smokies a little easier every day after seeing the photos.

JP,
Your beautiful pictures, quotes and daily reports of this awesome place have made the winter fly by! Thanks for doing such a great job and good luck to you on your next adventure.

Sandra

2/26/2012 02:01:04 pm

JP, it has been one of the highlights of each day to check out the spectacular sights you have shared, along with your comments & quotes. You have good taste in music too! : ) I wish you blessings and peace as you continue your life's journey.

Fred

2/26/2012 09:37:54 pm

JP,
Great job this winter keeping us informed in word and pictures. Your daily descriptions of life on top and life help take the edge off us caught in the daily grind of life. A breath of fresh air you have been to us and for that I thank you. Glad you have come to know the Smokeys as we locals do. We love to share them especially to someone like yourself who really appreciate them. Your comment on the mystical mist was dead on.
Hope you come back next year! If you don't, we wish you the best life has to offer.
Take care and thank you again for enriching our lives.

JTiede

2/27/2012 07:03:21 am

I love your photo of the Moon / Venus convergence. The Moon / Jupiter convergence should be happening tonight or last night. I hope you have a clear dusk night to take advantage. What a beautiful location to witness a beautiful celestial occurrence. I wish I was there to enjoy it from your perspective instead of my back yard in WNY. I've enjoyed your blog JP and I hope to make it back to LeConte this summer.

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LeConte Lodge

Welcome 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!