The Sprout Develops Roots - Mt. Leconte

October 1, 2011 (the first day reservations were taken) we put the LeConte Lodge phone number on speed dial because it is very difficult to get a reservation. On the 3rd day we got through and reserved the night of September 5, 2012. Reservations for the season are totally booked in less than a week. We had a great time our first hike there in July of 2011 with friends, Joe and Angie, who we met at a B&B in Georgia; they invited us to join their annual group trip in 2011.  We wanted to return in 2012 but could not go back with the group because we attended my 45th high school class reunion in Illinois. When we made the reservation, I had no plans for a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. 

Ready to hike & test my Cotton Carrier vest holding my camera (with waterproof cover on)

                                                    

 The trail follows this creek for quite some time and I love that sound.

 Used leg muscles along the trail that we normally don't call into duty ...

 The trail goes up for the most part and is very rocky with cables to grab onto for some semblance of security.

I was pleased with my ULA Circuit backpack. Carried about 20 lbs. in it for my first hike. Hope to keep it fully packed at 25 lbs. or less for the AT thru-hike. 

                                  Cabin #9 and our front porch on Mt. LeConte - simplicity

                                                               Double bed size bunk beds

                                     After breakfast, we said good-bye and thank you.

                                         A "muddy good morning" greeting from the trail

            Carefully proceeding ... he'll use the cable up ahead on the left to round the bend.

                                                  Would NOT want to slip right here ....

 I didn't place the leaf; all I saw was the blue flower shimmering in the rain. Cycle of life ...

                                                     Site of a recent landslide

                View as we return to Alum Cave on our descent (a lot easier coming down)

                       The fog has lifted; the rocks remain wet and we proceed carefully ....

                                                 The grandeur of God's creation

                    Almost back to the trail head - beautiful tree and handsome hiker !

                            The Morning Glory room at Eight Gables Inn, Gatlinburg, TN

                                                                      Eight Gables Inn

                            The wrap around porch was beautiful and so comfortable

                          Before hitting the road home, breakfast began with a baked apple

                                                                           In this room

                                                      Delicious and nicely presented

We enjoyed the accommodations at Mt. LeConte and Eight Gables Inn - both are beautiful places and very peaceful.

As we passed by the mountains driving home, I had a sobering thought -- next time I pass this way, I will be walking .... 

                                                    The sign at Clingman's Dome

                                                                       The trail ....