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My journey continues - October 27, 2007 Mt. LeConte hike by Lynda Platone

“Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey.”

Well, after the September hike, I had no idea I’d be planning yet one more hike on Mt. LeConte before the year ended.  But how could I not answer Ed’s call to make an autumn hike in late October?  I just knew the foliage would be at its most stunning and I wasn’t disappointed!   My coworker’s condo in Waynesville, NC, was available and my friend Gail and my lovely mother were both free to join me.  My Mom was not going to hike with us but I convinced her to come along to see the mountains in all their fall glory.  We spent Friday riding through the Smoky Mountains National Forest taking photos, ohhhhhing and  ahhhhhing the day away.   Saturday morning came bright and early………smiles………much earlier for Gail and I as we had to drive over the mountain from Waynesville to Cherokee to meet up with Ed, Bob, Austin and Charlie by 6ish AM or so at Hardees.  It’s customary for me to ride to the trailhead with the Wright family from there.  What a very pleasant surprise it was to meet Ed’s daughter-in-law Lisa who had not expected to be able to make the hike due to work commitments.  We arrived at the trailhead at the appointed time to find Tillroe Smith, Tom Grubbs and Mike Williams waiting for the rest of the group.  I was thrilled to hear Cindy Wisnieski's voice when she pulled into the trailhead parking lot because she had emailed me to let me know she couldn’t make this hike.  Soon after Cindy’s arrival Al Smith and Janice Henderson arrived.  They are both awesome amateur photographers and you can find Al’s link on Ed’s website.  Our little group was now ready to head out.  The time was 7:20 AM, the temperature hovered around 45 degrees and it was still dark!    Off we went into the darkness, our little band of happy hikers, all very excited for the opportunity to hike with the Master himself yet one more time this year!  Ahhhhhhhh……...the music of the creek………it always soothes my heart and soul and sets me up for the wonderful, miraculous day I know awaits me.   Photo opportunities were very limited in the early part of the hike because of the darkness and cloud cover.  It   wasn’t long before we were at the mouth of Arch Rock where we rested for a bit and took some photos.  It was such a pleasure to be able to hike with the Wright family and witness the love they share.   I’m not sure what Tillroe and Mike were looking at but I took the opportunity to get this group shot as they all gathered together on the trail on the opposite side of the washout.  Although I didn’t see any forest critters this time around, I did see glorious color and new  growth.  Not to mention the spectacular views  once the clouds moved out and the sun beamed down upon us!  How could one not believe in a higher power, a Creator, GOD, a Supreme Being, when one is witness to such breathtaking beauty.  I am always humbled on Mt. LeConte , just as I am healed there………always coming away from the mountain with renewed spirit of heart and soul.  Al took a picture of Gail and me as we rested for a moment at Lu’s Pulpit.   By the time we reached Paul’s Face it had cleared considerably.  One of my favorite locations on the trail is the row of Fraser Fir trees as you approach the Lodge.  It was stunningly clear, cool and beautiful at the top.  Gail  and I had the obligatory photo taken at the dining room where a new roof was being installed.  We rested and had lunch and then headed back down the mountain in less than an hour.    Smiles…… I can tell you that Ed lets no moss gather under his boots on the trip down and I had to “beat feet” to keep up with him!  I was able to get this shot of the colors when we stopped for a breather at Alum Cave Bluff.  Duck Hawk Ridge was cloud shrouded on the way up but I was able to get this shot of the Eye of the Needle on the way down.  We rested at Arch Rock on the return trip and Tillroe regaled us with jokes.  Ed, Bob, Charlie  and I brought up the rear on the journey off the mountain and I can’t express in words how special it was to watch those three interact with each other.  Their love, devotion and respect for each other was very touching to observe and I can’t think of a better way to wrap up a perfect day on Mt. LeConte.   A day in which I prayed and gave thanks for, and reveled in and wondered about the true blessings in my life.  Blessings such as these very special people who gather from around the country to hike with the Master of Mt. LeConte…… Mr. Ed Wright. Until March, Dear Ed, when next we scale the mountain together, I wish you and yours peace, health, joy and happiness!

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