The First Year Anniversary of My Self-Rediscovery Journey on Mt. LeConte , March 17, 2008

By Lynda Platone

 

 

It’s hard to believe a year has gone by since I first journeyed to Mt. LeConte on a pilgrimage to rediscover myself, my health and my faith.  What a remarkably wonderful and spiritual journey it has been, one that I hope will continue for many years.

 

I solo journeyed this trip to stay at a friend’s condo in Wayneville , NC , as I usually do when I go to hike with Ed and his entourage.  As it turned out, our schedules were in conflict so Ed and I were unable to ride together so he also traveled alone from our Florida home state.  I met Ed for lunch at Shoney’s and we agreed it would benefit us both to stay at the condo and share the drives back and forth across the mountains.  We had a day to relax before the hike for the supply drop to the lodge on March 17^th.  We visited Mingus Falls  and stopped to get some photos at Newfound Gap where the rime was heavy on the trees and the temperatures were quite chilly with the sun peeking in and out.  We watched the weather closely for the next day and were pleased to learn that it was going to be a good day to hike. 

 

The morning of March 17^th dawned clear and cold and the temperature at the trailhead was the same as it had been for my inaugural hike a year ago, 32 degrees.  At the trailhead we met up with Cindy, Tom, Glen and Ron and we soon headed up the trail.  As is usually the case at this time of the year, we were all nicely bundled against the cold as we set out.  I’m always warmly embraced by a sense of peace and solace as I walk along to the soothing sound of the babbling waters set against the background of a special silence that can only be found in the woods. There seemed to be more water moving than when I last hiked in October 2007. We stopped to rest for a bit before we entered Arch Rock.  It seemed like it was no time before we hit the first switch back. Glen and Ed enjoy hiking together and sharing their trail volunteer experiences. It wasn’t long before I started shedding my layers and changing my watch cap for a cap more suitable to honor St. Patrick was the first step.  By the time we reached Inspiration Point, the sun was out, the sky was blue and the freezing temperature was rising. Of course, I had to get the obligatory photo of the Eye of the Needle. There had not been much ice on the trail, but it was a little slippery as we made our way up to Alum Cave Bluffs. I was thrilled to be able to get this very nice shot of Ed as he rested on one of his favorite perches at the Bluffs. Looking up, it was evident that Spring was working very hard to break through Winter with its bright green canopy above the bluff. At Lou’s Pulpit, Cindy snapped this shot of me in my leprechaun hat ……smiles…..it brought to me little gifts along the trail in the manner of smiles and happy compliments from fellow LeConte hikers.

 

There was lots of damage to the trail and I was quite dismayed to see it.  A huge tree was uprooted turning the trail upside down causing us to walk UNDER instead of over the trail.  Icicles hung like stalactites UNDER the root system of the fallen tree. Further on along the trail we came across another tree that had been uprooted and fell across the trail. It bring home the power and fury of the elements in the mountains.

 

By the time we reach the higher elevations, I’ve worked up enough energy to produce some body heat so I don’t feel the cold, but it’s evident by the icicles hanging from the moss along Trout Branch.

 

We are soon approaching the last leg of our hike up to the Lodge, I’m able to get an opportunity to photograph the supply helicopter making a pass over the mountain with supplies. Ed and I stop to rest one more time before we get to the top.

Finally, our destination is reached!  It’s quite something to see what goes on up there on the day the helicopter drops in the supplies!  The Lodge has a GREAT crew of staff and wonderful volunteers to make it happen without mishap. The group is always happy to see Ed arrive and are able to stop for a few minutes to exchange greetings. 

 

I think I’m at the top of the world when I’m up there. Glen, Cindy and I take the opportunity to get a few photos. Cindy stops to take a photo of the crew at work.  Ed heads out to find water for his camel back. The temperature at the Lodge is a “balmy” 45 degrees.  I get a picture of Ed, Tom, Glen and Jeff Cinnamon before we head back down.

 

As we make our way back I notice another tree snapped off along the trail at Alum Bluff Cave.  The extensive damage, as a result of winter storms, amazes me and I think of the work ahead that the trail volunteers will be faced with.  We stop to rest at the caves and it’s always an opportunity for photos. Cindy and I always seem to be behind the camera. The trip down was uneventful and I’m always touched by the beauty that surrounds me. 

 

 

As always, the higher up LeConte I hike the closer to God I feel as I become awestruck by the wondrous beauty of the mountain. I take time along my hike to meditate and reflect.  In the silence I hear the whisper of the wind in the trees and along the ridge; the secret message that comes into my heart on the mountain is always the same. It reminds me to recognize and acknowledge the many blessings in my life and to be thankful and give thanks for each and everyone of them. At the top of those blessings are the wonderful friendships I have made with the special people who have journeyed along with me on our beloved Mt. LeConte. Until next we hike together I wish you all, and especially you Ed, my mentor on the mountain, a life filled hope, health, happiness and many little blessings.