I don't have any folksy stories to relate today, just wanted to record my first trip overnight at the lodge. It was supposed to be good weather going up Friday, but the cold and rain stayed around and we made a foggy hike up Alum Cave trail and on to the Lodge. I like the fog about as much as I like the clear days. That's what makes them the Smokies after all. It was in the 40's when we left about 2:15 and we arrived at Mt. Leconte at 5pm. We had an hour to rest before dinner. I was with a group of about 10 guys and we stayed in one of the larger cabins. I was surprised how comfortable and warm it was. The food is GREAT, and the staff too. Last night we sat around the lodge, which was filled with folks from all over. Some folks played cards others talked, while some of sat and sang all the bluegrass songs we could remember. There were some folks from Alabama that even sang along on Rocky Top! We had a great night. Someone said it dropped down to 17 degrees during the night but it was warm in the cabin. This morning I got up about 8 and hiked up to the cliff tops. I was bummed because my camera batteries were dead and I'd have no record of the trip. When I went to look at the t-shirts they sell I found batteries! Now I could climb up the .02 to Cliff Tops and take some shots. The frost covered the trees up there and the view was great.
The hike down started us on a treacherously icy trail. We passed loads of folks heading up and as the weather warmed we started shucking the coats and polar fleece. It was 43 when we left the top. It took a little longer getting down with the ice but it was a beautiful hike.
I have never stayed up there before, I had done a day-hike 10 years ago, but this was an amazing trip. I went with some guys who are in CLC groups in Knoxville, which is a men's 2 year bible study, and they had an extra spot open up so I jumped on. I am so glad I did.
