In capital letters for me is the hike to Mt. LeConte in the Smoky Mountains and the overnight stay. I look forward to it, wonder if I can make it, love the stay at the lodge, the highest guest lodge in the eastern U.S.
There are no roads to the top, only hiking trails. We took the trail that goes past Alum Cave Bluffs, the first picture. The bluffs are not quite half way there and a good spot for lunch. Just before getting there comes the sound of conversation bouncing off the rock. For some people, on some days, that's hike enough.
After a few more miles, the views open up and offer a distraction from the climbing. And then, finally, after a series of narrow rock climbs with cables and a final lovely flat hike through a forest, comes the anticipated sign.
The people who work there live there, washing their clothes by hand and hanging them out to dry. They prepare wonderful meals and make the beds with fresh linens, brought up by lamas, and wool blankets. When we were there, the night temperature was 44 degrees.
There is coffee and hot chocolate for guests and day hikers available throughout the afternoon and a lovely view from the back deck of the lodge.
And of course there is the obligatory picture from the front of the lodge, with the date in the background. I am grateful to my group for being patient with my slowness on the up hike. They could have arrived much earlier if left to their own devices. In its own way, the hike is a life event for me, remembered and aniticipated. Capital letters.
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