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The Journey Continues – Mt. LeConte, June 10, 2007 By Lynda Platone
On June 10, 2007, I had the very distinct pleasure of once again hiking with Ed Wright on his beloved Mt. LeConte. And once I again I had Tennesseewildman to thank for pointing out Ed’s announcement, on his website, of the planned hike. I’d been busy with family visits to Florida, work projects at school and some health issues and so had not been very consistent lately reading Ed’s website. In fact, I’ve just recently posted the journal and pictures of the March 12th hike!
What a wonderful tribute to Ed to see the many family and friends who arrived to make this hike. I was thrilled to see Cindy already there and the arrival of Tillroe on his motorcycle. Ed’s family pulled up at the same time. My very good friends from MCC, Gail and Earl, decided to join me on this hike after their plans for a trip to Las Vegas fell through. Ed and his entourage were soon on the trail where I stopped to have my picture taken at one of my favorite spots.
Despite the large number of people in this group, ironically, it happened that I hiked most of the way up alone, meeting up with parts of the group at landmark resting spots along the way. I embraced the opportunity to use the solitude as time for meditation, reflection and, as always, the healing solace of the mountains. I’m humbled, every time, by the incredible beauty of my surroundings on Mt. LeConte. The gentle peacefulness of hiking alone provided me with opportunities to stop and revel and wonder at the Creator’s masterpieces along the path. The rhododendron were in bloom and I stopped to visit with a snail that happened to be meandering along.
As I approached Inspiration Point…..I don’t know who was the more startled at finding ourselves not alone, myself or the friendly little Boomer I happened upon. It wasn’t long after I arrived at Inspiration Point that some of the group, including Gary Sturgeon, his friend Larry and son Stephen joined me. I was thrilled to see that Gary was part of this day’s group as he was one of the wonderful people I met on my inaugural hike on March 12th. It was a pleasure to meet his wife Nora and son Stephen as well as his long time buddy, Larry.
It was evident that Gail and Earl had decided to hike ahead on their own and I knew I’d catch up with them at the Lodge. I decided to continue solo knowing the group would meet up with me again along the trail. Off I went through the rhododendron tunnel looking forward to the first sighting of the Eye of the Needle. I had my new Sony Cybershot with a 12x optical zoom and I was excited about my first solo sighting and taking a picture with my own camera. I’m always awed by the raw beauty of Little Duck Hawk Ridge and the Eye of the Needle. I listened carefully for the cry of the peregrine falcons, but heard only the whisper of the wind as it caressed the mountains. Gail and I were thrilled to have had the pleasure of hearing their faints calls on our return trip, however. I know, without a doubt, that I am close to Heaven when I’m hiking this trail. As joyful and happy as seeing my friends of Mt. LeConte at the trailhead makes me, I can’t help but acknowledge the heart and soul solace I find when I’m alone on the trail. I also had the time to experiment with my new camera, learning about landscape, zoom and timer options without holding anyone else up. I took a moment here to zoom in on these pretty little Bluets. Here I was experimenting with shadow, light and color.
I met up with some of the group at Alum Cave Bluff. It will never fail to bring a smile to my heart when I see Ed arrive at the Bluff. Of course, being the dashing cavalier hiker that he is, he’s always ready to pose with the lovely ladies on the mountain………..
Mike Williams, Tillroe, and Martine, Cindy’s long time friend were also among the group.
Once again I headed off on my own and met the relative of the snail I had come across on the lower end of the trail.
I was surprised by how keen my senses seemed to be and attributed it in part to being alone and so very aware of my existence in the universe. A bit philosophical but that’s what being in mountains does for me. Smiles…….when you are so close to Heaven, how can not be?
My next spot to meet up with some of the group was Gracie’s Pulpit. Cindy, Austin and Charlie (Ed’s grandsons) were the first to catch up to me.
Soon to follow was Ed and his daughter Peggy. After a handful of sunflower seeds and dried apricots I headed out once again.
At Lu’s Pulpit I experimented with the timer on my camera and didn’t do too badly if I do say so myself!
I nearly took a tumble off the side of the mountain as I tried to get into a better position to capture a good shot of the Grassy Slide and decided to settle for this shot!
I caught up with Gail and Earl at the Lodge. They were a bit concerned and dismayed to learn that I had hiked most of the way alone thinking that I was with Ed’s group. I assured them that it was a journey of solace and spirituality for me; a time for reflection and contemplation which I felt blessed to have experienced. We agreed to make the return hike together. Gail and I were able to purchase t-shirts proclaiming our successful hike! Of course, we had to have our photo taken in front of the dining room marking the date and altitude! If I’m so blessed as to stay on the cycle of every three months to hike LeConte, I hope to have the next date show sometime in September. Perhaps a birthday celebration hike…………
It is always a very special occasion to sit at the Lodge and share with the people with whom you’ve hiked on Mt. LeConte. A time to chat with good friends and without a doubt two of my favorite "men of the mountain", Ed & Tillroe! A time to wonder and reflect at the beauty of being in the clouds as Tillroe, Bob, Charlie and Austin did.
A time to rest and reenergize as Peggy did. A time to give thanks for the blessings of a beautiful day, a successful hike and time shared with good people.
Gail, Earl and I said our goodbyes and headed out for our return trip down the mountain. It was a time for the three of us, who have been friends for nearly 20 years, to bond around our experience of hiking Mt. LeConte together. It was especially meaningful to me to be able to share my love of this mountain with them.
I look forward to the next time we can make this journey together again. I am thankful for the blessing of this opportunity to hike with Ed, his family and the wonderful people I’m learning to know as friends who share my love of Mt. LeConte and the Great Smoky Mountains.
To quote the famous conservationist John Muir………"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while care will drop off like autumn leaves. The mountains call, and I must go"
Until I next answer my own calling to the mountains………I ask all that do answer to revel and wonder in the beauty and glory of the gifts of the mountains.
Thank you, Ed…………
