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These data were taken from Paul Dinwiddie's original Hiking Journals. In his earliest hikes,
dating from 1931, to Mt. LeConte, Paul did not keep a formal record of his hikes. In 1980 he reconstructed his hiking history from notes, memory and friends. His notes are as follows: Known hikes to Mt. LeConte between 1931 and 1979.
1931 - first hike to Mt. LeConte - made at night (Sat) Down Sunday. There were several hikers. We went by truck - Names of those that I can remember - Roy Patrick - Carl Shular - John L. Bean - Gene Rollins - Carl Murphy - and I believe Tom Maxey. The only one of these still alive is Carl Murphy of Seymour. Hike made in the summer of 1931 - month or day unknown - Gene and I were 15 years old and Carl Murphy was 12. We hiked the Rainbow Falls Trail. (1 hike to Mt. LeConte).
According to Fred Finger's diary, we made 18 trips to Mt. LeConte together. Most were made at night and most of the time we camped in the gap between Cliff Top and High Top. I can recall at least one, day hike, which was made in the winter. Snow was on part of the trail. I believe that I saw cougar tracks in the snow. Both Rainbow Falls and Alum Cave trails were used. (18 hikes to Mt. LeConte).
One overnight trip alone - up Alum Cave Bluff Trail. Stayed at the campsite above the lodge in the gap between Cliff Top and High Top. (1 hike to Mt. LeConte). The above reconstruct 20 hikes to Mt. LeConte.
About 1956 - Up Alum Cave, overnight at the lodge and down bull Head Trail with Glen Parker. (1 hike to Mt. LeConte).
With Gary - Day hike up Rainbow Falls Trail, camped near Metcalfe bottoms. Another day, hiked up Alum Cave Bluff - Ralph Holder was along - date unknown but before Gary was grown. After he married - Jackie, Linda and Brenda - camped at the top. Got charged by a bear with a cub at Gracie's Point. (3 hikes to Mt. LeConte).
With Toby Neeley and Charlie Davis - date unknown - Alum Cave Trail - Camped on top. Went up at night. (1 hike to Mt. LeConte).
Two trips with Jack Pugh - One camping trip at a campground via Alum Cave Trail. The other up the Boulevard Trail and down the Alum Cave Bluff Trail - probably in the 70's. (2 hikes to Mt. LeConte).
With David and Wally _ Alum Cave Trail. Camped on top - rained - got wet. (1 hike to Mt. LeConte).
With Joan and Linda to LeConte, (1 hike to Mt. LeConte).
Wally says that he made at least three trips with me besides camping trips. (3 hikes to Mt. LeConte).
With Tim - 1 trip with Brian Whittaker plus 2 with just me. (3 hikes to Mt. LeConte).
Linda and Brenda together. (1 hike to Mt. LeConte).
The above trips are for certain. (36 hikes to Mt. LeConte).
I probably made 10 or 12 day hikes by myself but I can't document them by associating them with other hikers. I will only count 4 of them to make a total of 40hike to Mt. LeConte before 1980.
Year Hikes Total Hikes
1979 and before 40 40
1980 4 44
1981 19 63
1982 33 96
1983 63 158
1984 78 237
1985 49 286
1986 44 330
1987 54 384
1988 75 459
1980 Hikes, originally recorded on a calendar.
Date and destination Total miles for year
Wed. May 8, 1980, to Ice Water Springs with David 7
Fri. June 6, 1980, to Ice Water Springs with Tim 14
Sun June 8, 1980, Laurel Falls with Tim and Wally 17
Wed. June 11, 1980, Thunderhead with David D. & Wally 33
Tue. June 24, 1980, # 10 campsite with Tim & Wally 38
Wed. July 23, 1980, Chimney Tops with David, Tim & Wally 42
Thur. July 31, 1980, Silers Bald with Tim 52
Wed. Aug. 13, 1980, Andrews bald with Tim, Linda & family 56
Fri. Aug. 22, 1980, Mt. LeConte with Tim and Bryant 64
Wed. Aug. 27, 1980, Silers Bald with David, Tim and Bryant 74
Wed. Sept. 3, 1980, Andrews Bald with David 78
Thur. Sept. 11, 1980, Myrtle Point alone (Mt. LeConte) 90
Sun. Sept. 14, 1980, AT via Mt. Cammerer Trail 105
Sun. Sept. 21, 1980, Mt. LeConte with David and Tim 118
Wed. Oct. 8, 1980, Gracie's Point alone 124
Wed. Oct. 22, 1980, Mt. Cammerer with David via AT 135
Sun. Nov. 4, 1980, # 35 campsite from ranger station with David 145
Sun. Nov. 9, 1980, Chimney Top with David, Tim and Tim 149
Wed. Nov. 12, 1980, ACB, down Little Duck Hawk with David 153
Wed. Dec. 7, 1980, Boobs Ridge with David, Jim, Tim & Tim went
On to Myrtle Point (didn't count this trip - corrected total on Jan. 8,
1985. Added 1 trip to total. 4 trips to LeConte this year. 163
Two trips to LeConte since my 65th birthday.
1981 hikes originally recorded on a calendar
Wed. April 1, 1981,Ramsey Cascades with David 8
Tue. April 7, 1981,Rich Mountain alone. 15
Sun. April 12, 1981, Mt. LeConte with David. Up Trillium, down
Bull Head. Met Gracie. 29
Sun. April 26. 1981, Mt. LeConte with David, Tim, Gary, Jackie,
and Charlene. Up Boulevard and down ACB with Ed Jones. 42.5
Sun. May 3, 1981, Hiked one mile past Charlies Bunion with David,
Gary, Jackie, Charlene, little Gary & wife. 52.5
Thur. May 7, 1981, Mt. LeConte. Up Rainbow Falls down Bull Head
Alone. 67.5
Wed. May 13, 1981, To Myrtle Point alone. 79.5
Thur. May 21, 1981, Hiked to Cliff Top alone. Up 2:00 hours,
down 1.29 91.5
Sun. May 24, 1981, Mt. LeConte Shelter alone. 102.5
Sun. May 31, 1981, Spence and Russell Fields with David, Gary
and Jackie. 116.5
Sun. June 14, 1981, Trillium Gap to Mt. LeConte, down Bull Head
With Dean Webb. 131.5
Wed. June 24, 1981, To Thunderhead and the spring with Tim. 147
Sun. June 28, 1981, To Myrtle Point. Up ACB, down Duck Hawk.
Met John Carpenter and 2 couples from Nashville and Tampa. 160
Sun. July 5, 1981, ACB to Myrtle Point with David. Tried to go down Bear-
Pen Hollow. Gave up at West Top-went down slide to Bull Head & back up
to ACB Trail. Ed Jones went down with us. 176
Sun. July 12, 1981, Bear Pen Hollow to lodge-down ACB with J. Carpenter. 186
Sun. July 19, 1981, Honey Cove With Smoky Mountain Hiking Club (SMHC)
My first. Met John Burns and Doris Grove. 195
Wed. July 22, 1981, to Cliff Top via ACB alone. 206
Sat. Aug. 1, 1981, to Cliff Top with SMHC via Trout Branch. 8 people started
5 made the hike as planned. 212
Thur. Aug. 13, 1981, Boulevard to Myrtle Point, down ACB and Duck Hawk-
Met Chris Branton from VA, Dale & Sandy Vinson from FL. 225
Sun. Aug. 16, 1981, Ramsey Cascades with SMHC. 34 members, my third hike
with club. Met Sarge, Candy, Culin & Jamie Herman. 233
Fri. Aug. 21. 1981, Andrews and Chimneys alone. 251
Sun. Aug. 23, 1981, ACB to Myrtle Point alone. Came down Styx Branch
With J. Carpenter. 261
Sun. Aug. 30, 1981, Maddron Bald with SMHC. Met James & Nita McCarter 274
Sat. Sept. 5, 1981, to # 10 campground-spent the night. Went to Russell Field
With David the next day. 284
Wed. Sept. 9, 1981, Silers bald with Jackie. 294
Fri. Sept. 11, 1981, from Forney Ridge parking lot to Derrick Knob overnight.
Next day onto Thunderhead, Spence Field & Cades Cove. 316
Sat. Sept. 19, 1981, Tremont to Derrick Knob with SMHC. 16 people. 328
Fri. Sept. 25, 1981, ACB to Myrtle Point alone. Met Jerry Valentine of Cosby. 340
Sun. Sept. 27, 1981, Charlies Bunion with SMHC. 348
Thur. Oct. 1, 1981, went to Nashville for VA hearing
Sun. Oct. 4, 1981, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Met Gerald and Lynn Carter from
Nashville. Went down Duck Hawk with them again. 358
Tue. Oct. 6, 1981, Low Gap to Mt. Cammerer with David. Tried to go down
Groundhog Ridge. 372
Tue. Oct. 13, 1981, Frozen Head with Phil and Ruth Ewald. Scouting hike
as leader. 381
Thur. Oct. 15, 1981, Low Gap to Mt. Cammerer with Jackie and sister
(Juanita Malone). 392
Wed. Oct. 21, 1981, Mt. LeConte with Jackie. Down Duck Hawk. 402
Sat. Oct. 24, 1981, Blanket Mountain with SMHC. 414
Wed. Oct. 28, 1981, Road Prong to Indian Gap. AT to Mt. Collins Shelter -
Down Sugarland Mountain to Chimney Top with Jackie and David. 426
Sat. Nov 7, 1981, same hike as above with SMHC. 438
Sun. Nov. 8, 1981, Abrams Falls with Jackie, Gary, Barbara and Charlene. 443
Wed. Nov. 11, 1981, Lewellen Branch to Shuckstack with David and Jackie. 450
Sun. Nov. 15, 1981, Mt. LeConte alone. Down with David & Peggy from Ind.
Jerry from Atlanta. Took them down Duck Hawk. Snow on top. 461
Wed. Nov. 18, 1981, Gregory Bald with Jackie. 471
Sat. Nov. 22, 1981, one mile past Husky Gap with Jackie. 477
Wed. Dec. 2, 1981, Turkeypen to Schoolhouse Gap with David 490
Wed. Dec. 9, 1981, Mt. LeConte with Jackie. Snow all the way. Six degrees when
we left the top. 19 trips to Mt. LeConte this year. 63 total trips to Mt. LeConte. 501
1/1/1982, Parked car at Cooper Road in Cades Cove. Hiked to Hatcher Mountain,
on to Abrams Falls and back to the car with David. 13.2
1/6/1982, Mt. LeConte via Boobs Ridge to Boulevard, down Alum Cave Bluff with
Jackie and David. Ice in trail. 10 miles. 23.2
1/9/1982, Rich Mountain Loop with Club and Jackie. 8 miles 31.2
1/24/1982, Parked car at Cooper Road in Cades Cove. Hiked to Hatcher Mountain,
on to Abrams Falls and back to the car with Club and Jackie. Second hike with Club. 44.4
1/24/1982, Elkmont to Tremont to Laurel Creek Road with Jackie and David. 58.8
1 hike to Mt. LeConte this month. 64 total
2/6/1982, Cades Cove to Russell and Spence Fields, and back to cove. Leader cancelled
this Club hike but Dave Scanlon, Bill Busing and I decided to go on. Bob Lee was at the
cove and Fred Kitts overtook us about 2 miles on the trail. Trip 15 miles 71.8
2/7/1982, Mt. LeConte Lodge by Alum Cave Bluff with David and Jackie. Ate lunch
with Tim in the kitchen. 10 miles. 81.8
2/10/1982, Loop from Cades Cove parking lot-Laurel Creek road-Turkeypen Ridge-
Schoolhouse Gap-Boundary Trail to Rich Mt. And back to car with David and
Jackie. 12 miles. Snow at higher elevations. 93.8
2/12/1982, Rainbow Falls with Club. Cora Workman (visitor on first hike) & Ann
Hicks' 3rd hike, rode with Jackie (3rd hike) and me. 1.5" of snow. 6 miles. 99.8
2/14/1982, Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave Trail with Jackie. Saw David &
Kyle at cabin. Fairly warm 20 to 40 degrees. Some snow & ice. 10 miles. 109.8
2/20/1982, From Y up Chestnut Top Ridge to Schoolhouse Gap through White
Oaks Sinks back to the Y with Jackie. Warm and sunny. 12 miles. 121.8
2/24/1982, From Y up Chestnut Top Ridge to Schoolhouse Gap through White
Oaks Sinks back to the Y with David. Explored area south of White Oaks Sinks.
A good camp site. 11.2 miles. Saw first wildflower, hepatica. 133
2/28/1982, Laurel Creek Road to Bote Mt. Rd. to Spence Field Shelter with David.
12 miles. Spotty snow in spots.
2 hikes to Mt. LeConte this month. 66 total. 84.2 miles this month. 143
3/3/82, Old Sugarland Road to Cherokee Orchard Road back on unnamed trail to
Old Sugarland Road and back to Park Headquarters at Sugarland with David. 10 Mi. 153
3/6/82, About the same as above with Jackie and Gary. 9 miles. Talked with
Ranger Glen Cardwell. 162
3/10/82, Metcalfe Bottoms to the Sinks via Meigs Mt. Saw Periwinkle in bloom. With
Gary and Jackie. About 12 stream crossings. Waded one. 170.5
3/14/82, Elkmont to Tremont via Meigs Mt., Buckhorn Gap, & Lumber Ridge
with Jackie and Gary. Saw yellow violets. 180.5
3/17/82, Laurel Creek Road to Scott Mt. via Schoolhouse Gap with David and
Jackie. Saw bloodroot, spring beauties, yellow & purple violets and blue hepatica. 185.5
3/19/82, Mt LeConte and Cliff Top via Alum Cave with Jackie. Warm and cloudy 196.5
3/24/82, Laurel Creek Road to Bote Mt. Rd., Defeat Ridge to Thunderhead with
David. Back same trail 14 miles. Saw rue anemones, spring beauties, hepatica, yellow
violets, trout lilies, bloodroot, cherry. 210.5
3/28/82, Cove Mt., from Fighting Creek Gap to Boundary Trail to Park
Headquarters with Club. Back with Bob Cock and Ed?? 12 miles. 222.5
4 trips to LeConte this year, 1 this month. 67 total. 79.5 MI., this month. Eight
hikes this month. One with the Club.
4/1/82, Mt. LeConte & Cliff Top from Alum Cave parking lot alone. 11 mi. 233.5
4/4/82, Laurel Creek Rd., to white Oaks sinks via Schoolhouse rd., one mile up
Alum Cave Trail - Sugarland Nature Trail with Jackie & Charlene. 7 mi. 240.5
4/7/82, Frozen Head with Ed Jones, rue anemone, frost flower, buttercups,
fleabane, yellow & large flowered purple trillium. 11 miles. 251.5
4/11/82, Low Gap to Mt. Cammerer, down ground Hog Ridge. Flowers,
rue anemone, bluets, yellow, purple and longspurred violets, yellow and small white
trillium & Dutchman's- breeches. 13 miles. 264.5
4/18/82, White Oaks Sink Loop from near trail to Bote Mt. Rd. Dot, June, David.
Saw showy orchis, crested dwarf iris, wild geranium, halberd-leaved violets, spring
beauties and rue anemone. 5 miles, 269.5
4/29/82, Mt. LeConte via Rainbow Falls and Bull Head with Jackie. Saw rue anemone, trillium, bluets, spring beauties, dog hobble, wild geranium, umbrella leaf, Dutchman's-breeches, 4 different violets, flock and showy orchis between Bull Head and rainbow
Falls Trailheads. 14 miles. 285.5
6 trips to LeConte this year, 2 this month, 69 total. 62 miles this month. Seven
hikes this month. None with the Club.
5/2/82, Mt. Cammerer with club, 16 made hike. 5 came down ground Hog Ridge.
Flowers, bluets, yellow, trillium dwarf iris, Jack-in-the-pulpit, phacelia,
spring beauties, tiger lily. 12 miles. Total this year. 295.5
5/9/82, Myrtle Point via Alum Cave Bluff Trail. Met Ed Jones at point and walked
back to the lodge with him. 12 miles. 307.5
5/15/82, from # 35 camp out of Cosby, with David. 7 N.Y. students at camp. 7 mi. 314.5
5/19/82, Mt. LeConte Lodge via alum Cave Bluff with David. 11 miles. 325.5
5/23-24/82, Mt. LeConte Lodge (overnight) via alum Cave Bluff with Gary, Jackie,
Charlene & David. Rained both days. Cliff Top & Myrtle Point. 13 miles. 338.5
5/30/82, School House Gap to Turkey Pen Ridge-Laurel Creek Rd.-Finley Camp Rd.
To cars with club. Met Iva Thatcher, Shearson, Carl Know, David, Hugh Kane,
& Nancy Richards. (Her dad is a ham in Indiana.) 8.5 miles. 347
5/?/82, Thunderhead from Laurel Creek Road via Spence Field down Bee Cove
Branch with David. 12miles. Forgot to record. Added here. 359
9 trips to LeConte this year, 3 this month, 72 total. 63.5 miles this month. Six
hikes this month. Two with the Club.
6/2/82, Spence Field with Jackie. 13 miles. 372
6/6/82, Club hike- Forney Ridge parking lot-App. Trail to Mt. Buckley-down north
side of Mt. to Kuwahi Branch to Spud to Spud Town Branch. Back to Grouse Creek
to Rattler Branch and back to AT. 17 members. 7 miles. 379
6/9/82, Mt. LeConte via ACB Trail to Cliff Top and High Top ALONE. 12 miles. 391
6/13/82, Clingmans Dome Rd. down Sugarland Mt. to Fighting Creek Gap with
David. Started about 1 mile from Mt. Collins Shelter. 13 miles. 404
6/19/82, Mt. LeConte via ACB Trail to Cliff Top alone. 12 miles. 416
6/23/82, Charlies Bunion & Jump Off with Jackie and sister (Juanita Malone)
Met Paul and Evelyn Vaut from Ft. Worth, Texas & Aubrey & Susan Meece from
Nashville (brother and sister). Have reservations at Mt. LeConte Lodge Monday
October 23. 10 miles. 426
6/27/82, Silers Bald with club. 16 made hike. Saw several purple fringed orchis.
10 miles. 436
6/30/82, Mt LeConte A.C.B . To Cliff Top and High Top (alone) 13 miles. 449
11 trips to LeConte this year, 3 this month, 75 total. 90 miles this month. Eight
hikes this month. One with the Club.
7/7/82, Mt. LeConte via ACB Trail alone. Rain, stopped about an hour at the bluff.
Went to shelter for about an hour. Lost jacket. Went back about 1 1/4 miles to find
it. 13 miles. 462
7/14/82, Greenbrier to A.T. via Porters Creek. From there to Newfound Gap with
Dave's boy, (McIntire Rd.) With David. 11 miles. 473
7/18/82, Mt. LeConte ACB Trail to Myrtle Pt. alone. Got back to shelter before rain,
(about 2 hours). Met David Freeman, director and former Chairman of TVA and his
lady companion. Had a nice chat, about 10 minutes. Nice fellow. He asked how to
handle bears. 12 miles. 485
7/21/82, Silers Bald Shelter with Jackie. Met Gail Pruett, summer ranger, on Silas
Bald. Good day - warm - no rain. 11 miles. 496
7/25/82, ACB Trail to Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Saw John Carpenter at lodge.
Walked back to car with him. Got charged by a bear at water tank. 11 miles. 507
Miles this month. 58, 5 hikes, 0 with club. Trips to Mt. LeConte this year 15.
8/4/82, LeConte via ACB Trail alone. Met K4UAG (Cal) Campbell at shelter.
11 miles. 518
8/8/82, Styx Branch to Myrtle Pt. (8th). Down ACB to Little Duck Hawk, with
Ed Jones. Saw lots of pink turtle heads and closed gentian near gate. 8 miles. 526
8/11/82, LeConte to High Top alone from car to lodge, 1:58. 11 miles. 537
8/14/82, Hen Wallow Falls via Gabes Mt. Trail and Indian Camp Creek Trail with
SMHC. 13 hikers, rode with John Burnes (82 yrs). Taught physics at UT. Met Beth
Meyers, visitor. 8 miles. 545
8/18/82, ACB Trail alone to LeConte (Cliff Top). Saw 3 bears. 12 miles. 557
8/19/82, Chimney Picnic group to Chimney Tops. Down trail to parking area,
down Rd., through tunnel. Hit creek abt. half way to 1st curve and down creek to car
with Sarge. 5 miles. Met Frank Tucker and wife. 562
8/22/82, Mt. LeConte alone to Myrtle Pt. and cliff Top. Real nice day. Talked with
several people. Saw Regina & boy friend (John) at Myrtle Pt. 13 miles. 575
8/29/82, Andrews Bald with club. Waited on other hikers (from alternate hike)
Jamie rode back to Kings with me. 4 miles 579
Miles this month. 72, 8 hikes, 2 with club. Trips to Mt. LeConte this year 20.
9/3/82, Mt. LeConte Shelter alone. Talked to Stanley Huskey, (trail maintenance)
he knows David. Talked with Tina and Regina (lodge). 11 miles. 590
9/5-6/82, #35 campground, lower Mt. Cammerer with David. Think we heard coyotes.
David & 4 other campers saw something that resembled a UFO. (Overnight) 6 miles. 596
9/8/82, Myrtle Point on LeConte alone. Passed Jackie and Juanita (with retired gp.
from Gat.) Below steps. Met them again as they were going and I was coming from
Myrtle Point. Met Regina, lodge employee above steps on way down. Talked 15 min.
down from M.P. to car in 2 hours. 12 miles. 608
9/12-13/82, Overnight at #35 with David. 1 hr. 11 min. hiking time.7 miles. 615
9/15/82, Cliff Top, Mt. LeConte alone on my 67th birthday. 11 miles. 626
9/18/82, Upper big Horn Gap with Club from gate. Flowers seen: asters, hearts a
bustin by stream at end of road from env. to center. 8 miles. 634
9/22/82, Low Gap to Mt. Cammerer, down Ground Hog Ridge to lower Cammerer
with Ed Jones. Saw LeRoy Fox on top. 13 miles. 647
9/25/82, LeConte shelter alone. 11 miles. 658
10/1/82, Cliff Top with Jackie - Saw Gracie there on her 91st birthday. 11 miles. 669
10/6/82, Cliff Top alone. Met Joe & Erstinee Klingman from Baton Rouge.
New, John and Anita Crabtree. 12 miles. 681
10/14/82, Myrtle Point alone. Saw Regina and David there. Carson Brewer wrote
column about Gracie today. Said she was supposed to be on LeConte today. Didn't
see her. 12 miles. 693
10/17/82, Smokemont loop with club. Rode with Ken McClane & visitors Kathy &
Davis. 6 miles. 699
10/1/82, Myrtle Point alone- Clear on top but clouds below- Beautiful view- Oceans
of clouds stretching back to Knoxville- Level. Met Regina on way down. Margaret
Stevenson & party and others at M.P. Had good talk with retired fireman from
Dayton, OH & young man who had been drug addict but is now religious. Seemed
sincere. Had been brought up Catholic. 12 miles 711
10/23/82, Mt. Collins to Fighting Creek Gap with club. 32 members and visitors.
Rode bus. Enjoyable day. 12 miles. 723
10/26/82, Cammerer with Jackie. Down Ground Hog Ridge to Lower Cammerer.
12 miles. 735
10/27-28/82, Campground #35 overnight with Jackie. 7 miles. 742
10/31/82, Mt. LeConte via Styx Branch-down Duck Hawk-with club. Lodge closing
John C., Jackie and I went to lodge to tell the crew good bye. Tim, Lisa, Mason, Mary
& Regina. 8 miles. 750
Miles this month. 92, 8 hikes, 1 with club. Trips to Mt. LeConte this year 29.
18 consecutive months to LeConte. Hikes through Oct. 71. With club 15.
11/5/82, LeConte, High Top alone. Met Mr. & Mrs Schmidt from Columbus, OH-
Walked down from steps to car with them. They took my phone #- may call some-
time for car shuttle. Met group coming up for wedding at Myrtle Point at sunrise
Saturday. Cold. Near freezing. Talked with Finger on radio. 11 miles. 761
11/11/82, Mt. LeConte up Boulevard Trail down ACB Trail with three young men.
All lawyers, I met in parking lot (Al, Bob, & Steve). 2 of them knew Jamie Herman. Met
David from lodge on way down. 13 miles. 774
11/23/82, Silers Bald with Paul Threldkel (trail maintenance) Light rain. 10 miles. 784
Went to Terre Haute for Thanksgiving (Vigo County). Left on Wed. 24th back
on 27th. Saw covered bridges in Parke County.
Miles this month. 31, 3 hikes, 0 with club. Trips to Mt. LeConte this year 31.
19 consecutive months to LeConte. Hikes through Nov. 74. With club 15.
12/2/82, Mt. LeConte alone. Met David. (lodge worker) at start of hike. Going to
Florida. Talked with young man at shelter from Boston. Had hiked Mt. Greylock.
11 miles. 795
12/8/82, Mt. LeConte (shelter) alone. Nice sunny day. 11 miles. 806
12/30/82, Old Sugarland road with Jackie and Juanita, -5 miles plus 1 mile up
branch to Annesketa Slide. 6 miles. 812
Miles this year. 812, 3 hikes, Trips to Mt. LeConte this year 33. Total to LeConte 77.
21 consecutive months to LeConte. Hikes this year 77. With club 15. 124 hikes in
21 consecutive months including 52 to Mt. LeConte.
1/5/83, Mt. LeConte via alum Cave Bluff-alone-Helped couple from Brazil who were locked out of their car. 11 Miles. 11
1/9/83, Peregrine Peak with Jackie and John Carpenter. 5 miles. 16
1/15/83, Trailhead to Huskey Gap to Fighting Creek Gap-down road to Sugarland
with SMHC. Met Alice Xiques. 7 miles. 23
1/16/83, Mt. LeConte with Jackie, David, Tim Oglesby, John Carpenter, Marion
Randolph Ed Jones & friend Phillip and Diane. About a foot of snow on top.
We all had a great time at Diane's cabin. Below freezing all day. 11 miles. 34
1/23/83, Elkmont to cemetery past junction of Meigs Mt. Trail & Metcalfe Bottoms
with Jackie and John Carpenter. 10 miles. 44
1/26/83, Chestnut Top Ridge to School House Gap-1/2 way down the road toward
Turkey Pen Ridge-cross country to creek-down creek to falls-through White Oak Sinks
to gap and back to Chestnut Top Ridge to car-with Jackie & David. Saw what might
have been a mountain lion's tracks and scat. 10 miles. 54
1/28/83, Back to Chestnut Top about 3 miles. Made mold of track. 6 miles. 60
1/31/83, Spence to Russell Fields with Jackie and Ed Jones. About 40 degrees on top
with a foot of snow. 14 miles. 74
2/2/83, Mt. LeConte alone. David met me at Gracie's Pt. Drifts of snow up to 1' deep.
Late start. 5hrs. Complete trip. 10 miles. 10
2/9/83, Fighting Creek Gap to park headquarters, via Cove Mt. And Border Trail with
David and Jackie. Lost pedometer. 12 miles. 22
2/13/83, Mt. LeConte, Diane's Cabin with John Carpenter and Cathy Bracie. About 18"
of snow on top. Lesser amounts down to trailhead (ACB). Snow packed on trail.
Used ice creepers both ways. 10 miles. 32
2/20/83, Mt. LeConte Cliff Top alone. Seven or members of SMHC were there
including Bob Lee, Dave Scanlon and Doris Gove. Took Diane a bunch of spinach
and five apples. Met young couple at slide on way down. Took them down Little Duck
Hawk. Vaughan's on Duncan Road. 11 miles. 43
2/23/83, Diane's cabin on Mt. LeConte with Jackie. Still about a foot of snow around
the lodge. I told David that I wouldn't hike with him anymore. Mailed letters for Diane.
Stopped at Crystal's in Sevierville for chili and coke. 10 miles. 53
2/25/83, Charlies Bunion with Club. Up to 2 Ft. of snow. About 6" of fresh snow-
Beautiful. 8 miles. 61
2/27/83, Laurel Creek road to Turkey Pen Ridge Trail. Up ridge at second creek to
trail from School House Gap to Turkey Pen Ridge Trail, to Laurel Creek Road with
Jackie. Some snow. 10 miles. 71
Trips to Mt. LeConte this year - 6: Trips to Mt. LeConte since age 65 - 60.
Total trips to Mt. LeConte - lifetime- 100. Total miles this year 145. Total hikes this
Year - 15. Club hikes- 2.
3/6-7/83, Overnight to Mt. LeConte Lodge with Jackie & Juanita. Stayed in new lodge-
Tim and Mason were up along with Diane. Diane and Mason went to cliff Top with
Jackie and me. Juanita went back to the lodge. We had intended to give tach of them
$5.00 but they wouldn't take it. Diane and Mason visited with us for about 1 ˝ hrs.
Sun. night. Tim invited us down to the kitchen for coffee Mon. morning. All three of
us went to Myrtle Point after that. We helped them roll up kerosine barrels on Sun.
afternoon. Very enjoyable trip. Diane, Mason and Tim very hospitable. Diane left Mon.
morning for a dental app. Tim was leaving about 5:00 pm. 13 miles. 13
3/13/83, Diane's cabin on Mt. LeConte cabin with John Carpenter & Dr. John Adler,
former member of SMHC, now in Ky. He brought no lunch. Gave him cookie and
candy bar. We met him at trail head. Met Annette Evans at visitors center. She knew
John C. Snow made hike slow and difficult. 10 miles. 23
3/23/83, Laurel Creek Rd & Turkey Pen Ridge Trail head to 2nd branch (Abt. 1/8 Mi.)
Up branch Abt. 1/8 Mi. until rhododendron got so thick, then I bore right abt. 60
degrees to top of ridge. Followed ridge to Boundary Trail. (Abt. 1 3/4 Mi.) Right on
Boundary Trail to School house Gap & down through White Oak Sinks & back to
School House Gap Rd. at Turkey Pen Ridge Trail. Back this trail to car. Went alone.
Abt. 10 miles. 33
3/25/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge (Opening) Talked with Mason - Saw Regina in office.
Met Tim, Lisa & 5 weeks old Nathan as I was going down. Abt. 3" snow on top. 10 Mi. 43
3/27/83, Laurel Creek Rd at School House gap RD to Bote. Mt. Rd and Finley Creek
Junction Rt to Laurel Creek Rd. Turkey Pen Ridge Trail to School House Gap Rd &
back to car. Total 9 miles. Vicky, Tina & Lisa from Detroit area asked about hike.
Took them to turkey Pen Ridge Trailhead. They had intended to make a loop but
turned back. Got back to parking lot before they did so I went back to the trailhead
& drove them back to their car. 52
3/29/83, Started same hike as on March 23rd. Went with Sarge after we found
Clingmans dome Rd closed. (His club hike) cut down ridge into White Oaks Sinks
Went up dry creek bed and discovered a nice stream which disappears. Up the creek
to the Boundary Trail, then the trail east to Turkey Pen Trail and back to car. Abt. 9
Miles.
61
Total miles through March, 206, club hikes 2, Mt. LeConte Hikes through March, 9.
Mt. LeConte hikes total 103. (After age 65=63) Total hikes through March 20.
4/2/83, Club hike to Branch Falls (Greenbrier). Rode with Bob Cook. Met Bowers &
Eileen Wilson, also Ed Soler & John Carpenter rode with us. 3
4/10/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Talked with Tim and Mason in the office. Met Jurg,
Roland and Hildagard from Switzerland. They had planned on staying in the shelter
but because of the snow& cold, they decided not to stay. They had come up the Boulevard
Trail but wanted to go back A.C.B. because it was about 2 ˝ miles shorter. I walked down
with them and drove them back to Newfound Gap. Met Diane & Friend above A.C.B.
I also met and talked to a girl from Spain as I was going up. Jurg played banjo in a Blue
Grass Band back home. Had good knowledge about American country music stars such
as Grandpa Jones, Uncle Dave Macon, Bill Monroe, A. P. Carter and others. As we were
leaving the lodge, we met and talked with attorney Laurence and Dana Pless who knew
John Carpenter. They invited the Swiss trio to stay with them in Atlanta. 10 miles. 13
Snow in Knoxville on April 18, 1983.
Gracie's Phone number 982-3899.
4/12/83, Bote Mountain Rd, to Lead Cove Trail to Crib Gap - Turkey Pen Ridge to
School House Gap Rd - Through White Oaks Sinks to Gap and back Gap Rd to car
alone. Met Bill McClanahan from Millers Cove & Tuckalechee Cove. 12 miles. 25
4/17/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. John Carpenter was there and I walked down with
him. Met Kathy and Kelly, (new lodge crew members). Cold 31 F at lodge. 10 miles. 35
4/21/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Took radio for Diane to use (paid for by Finger)
Also took 4 ˝" to Regina to use this season. 10 miles. 45
4/26/83, Thunderhead Mt. alone. Started at Lead Cove & Laurel Creek Rd to Bote
Mt. Rd, Spence Field and on to Thunderhead (7 mi), back on Bote Mt. to Anthony
Creek Trail and on past Horse Camp to Laurel Creek Rd. about 1 mile on road to car.
Saw Margaret Stevens (presumably, Margaret Stevenson.) 15 miles. 60
4/30/83, Mt. LeConte via Rainbow Falls to Myrtle Pt. down Bull Head alone. Walked
back to lodge from Myrtle Pt. with Gracie. Flowers observed, trailing arbutus, wood
anemone, rue anemone, False Solomon's seal, Dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn,
dog hobble, prostrate bluets, spring beauties, white violets, great chickweed, yellow
trillium, trout lily, yellow violets, white erect trillium. 14 miles. 74
Club hikes through April 3, total hikes this year 27, total miles this year, 280
Mt. LeConte hikes through April 13, all Mt. LeConte hikes 107, after age 65, 67.
5/5/83, Mt. LeConte, Myrtle Pt.& Cliff Top - alone, cool, party cloudy, Regina
came out to Myrtle Pt. Abt. 10 minutes after I got there. We had an interesting talk
of abt. 2 hrs. and walked back together. 13 miles. 13
5/7/83, Canon Creek to Mt. LeConte Lodge with Sarge - down Trillium Gap and
Greenbrier. Took over 10 hours to get to lodge. Left car at 9:30 a.m. arrived at lodge at
7:55 p.m. Left lodge at 8:25 p.m. Back to car at 12:20 a.m. estimated distance up 6 miles,
down 9 miles. 15 miles. Flowers seen on hike, bluets, spring beauties, trout lily,
Dutchman's breeches, violets, yellow trillium, witch hobble. 28
5/11/83, Mt. LeConte via Blvd. Trail, lots of bluets, spring beauties, fringed phacelia
trout lily, Dutchman's breeches, violets, yellow trillium, witch hobble. This is my 4th
trip in 12 days. Took sympathy card for lodge crew to send to John Carpenter.
(John's wife died. Alice Xiques called me Sat. 7th to tell me. Tried to call Fri. David and
Lisa came down. Others signed for them.) Round trio 16 miles. 44
5/17/83, Myrtle Pt. On Mt. LeConte with Jackie. John & Anita Crabtree walked from
lodge to Myrtle Pt. & back with us. Jackie's first meeting of Gracie McNicol, John
and Anita. Saw Regina and Kelly at Inspiration Point. Talked with them abt. ˝ hr
Jackie also met Kelly & Kathy for 1st time. She, Jackie, really enjoyed the trip. Took
spinach & lettuce from garden to lodge crew. Gracie's schedule - June 14-15, July 19-20.
Aug. 23-24, Sept. 29-30. 13 miles. 57
5/18/83, Scouted club hike with John Carpenter. Up old trail to chimneys (straight up).
Down side of ridge leading to Sugarland Mt. Rough going. Rhododendron, dog hobble
and blow downs. Finally gave up and went down creek to car. 4 miles. 61
5/22/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge via trillium Gap Trail with Ed Jones. Light rain most of
way up. Met Dave Scanlon & bob Lee near top. They came up from Greenbrier. Took
2 liter coke, lettuce, onions and spinach to lodge crew. 13 miles. 74
5/25/83, Cheoa Bald on A.T. work trip with SMHC. Members, Sarge, Paul Threldkel
& Ken Warren. Camped about 3 miles out, near spring. Got early start to bald next
morning. Worked our way out. I took swing cycle. Enjoyable trip except my knee
bothered me quiet a bit. Got back to car abt. 6:30. 14 miles. 88
Flowers seen on hike: Fire pink, yellow ladies slippers, pink ladies slippers, lily of the
valley, Indian paint brush, wild oats, laurel, blue and white violets, silver bells, great
chickweed, Solomon's seal, erect trillium, wild geranium, foam flower, squaw root
toothwort, lousewort, flame azalea. Ken Warren's old call W4Z1W.
5/30/83, White Oaks Sinks with Bill Tackett. 5 miles. 93
Club hikes including work trip 4, total hikes this year 35, total miles this year, 373,
Mt. LeConte hikes this year 18, all Mt. LeConte hikes 112, after 65th birthday, 73.
6/4-5/83, Frozen Head with club. Camped abt. 1 mi out -cross country to N. Old Mack
Trail on 5th on Frozen Head. Down Spicewood. Hard rain after about 12:30 that night
until abt daybreak. (Thunderstorm) total of 12 camped all night. Eight made the hike on
Sat. to top. They were other than myself, Jackie Dinwiddie, Bill Busing, & Cole
Wagoner, (leaders). Met for the 1st time, Jean Lambert, Jo Ann Freshour, Harriet
Beeler, & Jurgen Houck from Germany. 9 miles. 9
6/8/83, Mt. LeConte & Cliff Top, alone. Took lettuce, onions and turnips to lodge crew.
Everyone up except Diane. Talked Merriman from Chatt. Formally W4BB. Knows
Brewnle, also met Wally Evans. Annette's husband. (She works at the visitor's center.)
11 miles. 11
6/12/83, Club hike. Old trail to Chimney tops. Up manway to Sugarland Trail down
trail, abt 1 mile, and down to Chimneys Picnic area. (Just below the entrance) Bennie
Webb from Nashville went on hike. (She was on Kuwahi - Rattler Branch hike 6/5/82.
15 started - 1 dropped out (John Clark). 5 miles. 25
6/15/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge, alone. Passed Jean Lambert and Paul Threldkel on way
up. Saw John & Annette Crabtree on top. Took up onions, lettuce and radishes to the
lodge crew. Talked to Gracie McNicol abt 45mins. Walked down with 2 boys. 10 miles. 35
6/18/83, Gregory's Bald with SMHC. Dave Scanlon, Harriet Beeler, Margo, (from
Holland) rode with Jackie and me. 24 made the hike - Rained on top and all the
way down. Got wet. Jamie, Bill & Judy Busing, Sarge, Richard Bowling, Jean Lambert
Jo Ann Freshour, Bob Cook, Bob Lee, Klabiundy.. 8 miles. 43
6/22/83, Cliff Top, Mt. LeConte, alone. Met same 2 boys I walked off Mt. With on the
15th. Jeff Thomas and David Williams. Chased a bear cub so woman could get past.
Talked to WA4UVS and Noel Alexander on 2 meters. Noel knew David's grandfather
& Jeff's father. Both taught at Fulton while Noel was there. Another boy, Brian Walls,
was with them. Took them down Little Duck Hawk. 11 miles. 54
6/25/83, Lowe's Creek to Mt. LeConte with Sarge - Down Trillium Gap to Greenbrier.
Rook abt 10 hours to get to lodge. Abt 4 hours to get down. 15 miles. 69
6/30/83, Cliff top on LeConte alone. Chased off the bear again. Ate lunch at the shelter -
rain. Mason got wet at Myrtle Pt. Saw Tim coming up below Arch Rock. 11 miles. 80
115th hike to Mt. LeConte, 75 in last 27 consecutive months.
Total club hikes this year. 7
Total hikes this year. 43
Mt. LeConte hikes this year 23
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 77
Total miles this year 453
7/6/83, Mt. LeConte alone, to Myrtle Pt. & Cliff Top. 13 miles. 13
7/10/83, Mt. LeConte alone, to Myrtle Pt. Made it from car to Myrtle Pt. In 2 hrs.
& 10 minutes. From car to lodge in 1 hr. & 54 minutes. (My fastest time yet.) Stopped
by Sugarland Visitors Center and gave Annette Evans, Gracie's schedule for Mt.
LeConte. (Annette works there) 12 miles. 25
7/15/83, Cliff Top alone. Stopped at office and talked with David. Next to kitchen
and talked to Diane and Regina. Took peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and blackberries.
Met hiker from Ill. I had talked with him on the 6th (both times at the shelter.)
11 miles. 36
7/17/83, Ramsey Cascades with Club. Rode with Jackie, Cris Hamilton, & Pete rode
with us also UA?. Met Sandy? And Pete? Dee Monte, Sarge & I went up stream for
1 ˝ hrs. Destination Drink Water Pool. Didn't make it all the way. We were afraid
that we would delay the main group too long. Saw rattle snake about 30 min. out
from trailhead. 9 miles. 45
7/19/83, Up Anakeesta Ridge to Blvd. Trail with Paul Threldkel. Down Alum Cave
Bluff Trail. (Missed slide we intended to climb on way up.) Started just below Walker
Prong. Saw Gracie. 10 miles. 55
7/22/83, Noland Divide Trail from Clingmans Dome Rd to Big Creek Ranger
Station on bear bating trip with summer ranger Kimberly (Kim) Mukavetz, Sarge
& Morgan. We left 18, half open cans of sardines hanging from trees about 5 ft.
off the ground. Will go back on 25th & collect cans to see whether eaten or not.
From this and other evidence the park service will determine by computers the
number of bears in this area. 12 miles. 67
7/24/83, Cliff Top on Mt. LeConte alone. Took some blackberries to lodge. Saw
Diane going out the West Peak, Cathy at office, Regina were at office and kitchen.
Kelly at kitchen. Mason and Regina came out to Cliff Top. Rained coming down.
11 miles. 78
7/25/83, Same as on 22nd. (Noland Divide) Only Kim Mukavetz (Mih-caw-vetz)
went this time. Out of 18 baits, 14 were taken by bears. Saw a scarlet tanager.
12 miles. 90
7/30/83, Straight Fork to Ravin Fork with Club. Linda Dalton, who was on Trout
Branch hike was along, Jo Ann Freshour, John Clark and the Inmans also on hike.
5 miles. 95
7/31/83, Cliff top on Mt. LeConte alone. Regina asked me to spend the night. Said
that they had a cabin for me. Kelly invited me to have Sunday dinner with the crew
sometime. 11 miles. 106
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 124
Total this year 29
Total club hikes this year. 7
Total hikes this year. 53
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 83
Total miles this year 559
8/2/83, Myrtle Pt. alone. Saw David and friends there Saw Mason and Kelly at the
lodge office. 12 miles 12
8/4/83, Up Anakeesta Slide to ridge on Blvd. Trail. To LeConte Lodge, down ACB
Trail with Sarge. Saw Diane, Regina and Kelly. 10 miles. 22
8/7/83, Myrtle Pt. on LeConte alone. Met Tommy Wilson and family coming down at
ACB. Walked down with them. Interested in the Club (from Knox.) Also met and
talked with Randy McPeak (working on new toilet and water system at top) Saw Diane
with group of people near gate. David in office and Lisa in kitchen. Talked with camper
from Nashville at shelter. 12 miles. 34
8/9/83, Myrtle Pt. on LeConte alone. Met Tom Hughes, WB4FWQ - His wife Lucy
was with Gracie on July 19th. Saw Regina, Lisa, Kelly, Diane, & David at kitchen. Met
Tim on trail. He said that Kathy had a slipped disk and would be flat of her back for
6 weeks. He got Lisa's sister to work in Kathy's place. 12 miles. 46
8/11/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge via Roaring Forks Creek. Down trillium Gap with Sarge.
Saw Mason & Tim at kitchen.10 miles. 56
8/13/83, Mt. LeConte (Myrtle Pt.) With club. Made hike to Rocky Spur. Dave Scanlon,
Bob Lee, & 2 women went all the way to the top. (Cammy Jones & Candy) All of us
except Cammy, came back down Bull Head Trail. 6 members came up Lowe's Creek
to Myrtle Pt., including Bill Busing & Charles Klabiundy. Saw Diane in office & Mason
at High Top. Several members of a group from Charlotte came out to Myrtle Pt. They
were staying at the lodge. Had cancellations & invited some of us to stay. 15 miles. 71
8/23/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge with Ed Jones. Went up Styx Branch, veered off to Rt.
of big slide. Came out to Rt. of Myrtle Pt. Saw Gracie. 10 miles. 81
8/26/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge. Took cherry tomatoes to kitchen. Talked to Lisa and got
coffee. Talked abt. 2 hrs. to Diane in office. Said she wouldn't be back next year. 2 horses
in pack train slid off trail and will have to be destroyed. Tim, David and Mason went
down to carry up supplies. 11 miles. 92
8/28/83, Andrews Bald & back to AT and Clingmans Dome - On to Mt. Collins with
Club. Jackie went up to dome but decided to not go because of rain. It stopped raining
and we had a nice dry hike. 9 miles. 101
8/31/83, Mt. LeConte Shelter. Took okra and beans to kitchen. Met three English
young men at shelter (Paul, Richard, & Dave). They came up Rainbow Falls Trail. I
took them back to Gatlinburg and one (Paul) to the Greyhound bus station in
Knoxville. 11 miles. 112
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 133
Total this year 38
Total club hikes this year. 10
Total hikes this year. 63
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 92
Total miles this year 671
Consecutive months to LeConte 29
9/4/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge via ACB with Jackie. I stayed in the office and talked with
Mason. Jackie went down to Regina's cabin and talked with her. Met Diane coming
up, near the bottom of the trail. 11 miles. 11
9/6/83, Left for New England at 7:30 a.m., back 9/14/83. States visited, VA, WVA,
Maryland, PA, NJ, Conn, Mass, Maine, NH, Ver, NY.
9/10/83, Mt. Marcy in Adirondack, highest pt. in NY. 5344' with ed Jones. Camped at
dam below 4,000'. Went to top next morning. Wind over 45mph, fog, 60 deg. Temp.
14 miles. 25
9/12/83, 2 ˝ Mi. North on AT from Greylock Tower back 2 ˝ mi. 5 miles. 30
9/18/83, Myrtle Pt. alone via ACB. Talked with Diane at lodge. Mason at Myrtle Pt.
Nice warm and sunny day. 12 miles. 42
9/22/83, Myrtle Pt. via ACB, with Andrew Zenick (He was hitch hiking at Sugarland
visitors center). Works at Rivermont Motor Inn. Off Thur. & Fri. also walked with two
young men and a young woman. Took them back to Newfound Gap to their car. They
lived off Cosby Hwy. They signaled the girl's grandfather by mirror from Myrtle Pt.
Weather cool. Temp Wed night 21 deg. High mid 30 on top. 12 miles. 54
9/25/83, Mt. Guyot with Dave Scanlon, bob Lee and Jeff? All club members. Up Snake
Den Trail. 14 miles. 68
9/27/83, Myrtle Pt. by ACB, alone. Stopped by lodge and left cherry tomatoes. Regina
and Laura (Lisa's sister) came out. Stopped back at lodge and drank cup of coffee. Left
parking lot at 10:30. Got to lodge at 12:23. 1 HOUR & 53 MINUTES. Going up.
(My best time) Down 1 hr. & 38 min. 12 miles. 80
9/28/83, Mt. Guyot with Jackie. Went up manway on opposite end from trip on 25th
to peak with bench mark. Jackie got tired and stopped to wait for me abt. three miles
up. I went to Deer Gap. As I started back, I met Jackie about 10 min. from gap. We
turned around and went to Guyot. 14 miles. 94
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 137
Mt. LeConte in last 30 months 96
Total this year 42
Total club hikes this year. 10
Total hikes this year. 71
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 96
Total miles this year 765
Consecutive months to LeConte 30
10/1/83, Mt. LeConte with Jackie & Juanita for Gracie's birthday. Went to Myrtle Pt.
with Margaret Stevenson and others. Carson Brewer came out later. All the group
walked back to Cliff Top. Brownie also at lodge. Peggy, the lady doctor from
Vanderbilt was at the office. Tim invited me to stay for supper. Sat at Gracie's table
along with Margaret, Carson Brewer, Brownie Crabtree, Myrtle, Jackie, Juanita and
others. Everyone had a great time. Left after supper and walked abt 2/3rds of trail
in dark. (With flashlight) 13 miles. 13
10/2/83, SMRM to Asheville with Brenda, Woody, Barbara, and Evelyn. Rode on seat
with Melody? Her boy friend was over our car.(11) Berry Miller, Nice and friendly
couple He was 19 and she 25.
10/4/83, Mt. LeConte twice. First trip up 1 hr. 48 min. - Round trip 3 hrs. 27 min.
Last trip, I saw Kelly in parking lot. Caught up with her below Arch Rock. Carried
her 50 lb. Pack 2 miles for her. 22 miles. 35
10/6/83, Myrtle Pt. alone. Talked with Diane at office. Nice clear day but cool.
Diane invited me to have supper with the lodge crew. 12 miles. 47
10/8/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Talked with Kelly above lodge. Diane and David
at office. 10 miles. 57
10/9/83, Club hike to Albright Grove (on Maddron Bald Trail) Rode with Jim,
Phyllis and James Lyle. Cars parked overnight had been broken into. Rangers were
at parking area. Got apples on the way back. 6 miles. 63
10/11/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Talked with hikers at office. Light rain and cool.
Mason in office. 10 miles. 73
10/15/83, Cliff Top with Nancy & Rebecca Boyd. Beautiful clear day. Met Tim on
trail going up and coming down. Saw Kelly, Lisa & Nathan at old camp ground.
Regina at office. Mason was at Myrtle Pt. David & Diane were down. Lots of people
on trail. Parking lot was overflowing. Traffic heavy. Took 1 hr. 40 min. to get to
Sugarland Center. 2 hrs. & 40 min. from trailhead through Pigeon Forge. Nancy drove.
11 miles. 84
10/18/83, Up Hazel Creek, 5 3/4 mi. with Dave Scanlon. We met group of people at
boat dock which included the Crabtrees. We crossed lake in boat (4.50) to get to trail
head. Met & hiked with Polly Dunn from Blowing rock, NC. Nice day. Abt. 50 in
group. 11 miles. 95
10/20/83, Myrtle Pt. alone but hiked most of the way up with Neal (Dubues?) an
overnight guest in cabin #7. He asked me to stay as he had 2 reservations. Regina and
Kelly down also Lisa and Nathan. Tim stayed in office. Saw Mason and friends at
Myrtle Pt. Saw Diane at office also in kitchen along with David and Laura. 12 miles. 107
50TH. HIKE THIS YEAR. John Carpenter, killed in auto accident Sat. Oct. 22, 1983.
He got me in the Hiking club.
10/24/83, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Cloudy with light drizzle. Water on trail. Saw
Laura, David and Tim at lodge. Saw Mason he was coming up trail. Talked with couples
from Iowa, Ill, & Florida abt. 2 hrs. 10 miles. 117
10/27/83, Mt. Cammerer with Dave Scanlon. Up low Gap Trail & AT, down Ground
Hog Ridge & Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail. Two back packers came down Ground Hog
with us. Five other hikers besides Dave & me on top. Stopped to get apples from
Williamson in Cosby. 11 miles. 128
10/29/83, Hangover Mt. With Dee Munte & Paul Threldkel, (Scouted June 9th Club
hike) from river near Tapoco, NC, up Ike's Branch to Hangover Lead & Hangover
Mt. Down Deep creek to road. 14 miles. 142
10/31/83, Myrtle Pt. alone. Saw Laura, Lisa, Nathan, Tim & Regina at office. Saw
Dianne & Kelly near Gracie's Pulpit coming up. They were dressed in Halloween
costumes. Kelly's was the Devil and Dianne's was Poor White Trash. Left some candy
at lodge for crew and orange juice and apples for Dianne. 12 miles. 154
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 147
Mt. LeConte in last 31 months 104
Total this year 52
Total club hikes this year. 11
Total hikes this year. 83
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 106
Total miles this year 919
11/2/83, Myrtle Pt. alone. Met David between wooden steps and Gracie's Pt. was
going up Boob's Ridge. Could not see him from Myrtle Point. Saw park maintenance
men ˝ mile from top. (Stanley Huskey, Bruce Harold & Hoss Owenby) Talked
to shelter campers on Point, about 6 or 7 of them. Vance Johnson is the only name
I remember. (From Memphis) Saw Regina, Kelly, Laura, Lisa and Nathan at kitchen.
Met Tim abt 3/4 mi down trail on way up. 12 miles. 12
11/6/83, Cliff Top alone. Stayed there abt. 1 ˝ hrs before going to lodge. Nice sunny,
cool day. Talked to several hikers there from Oak Ridge. Saw everyone of crew at
lodge except David. Bid them all goodbye. Abt. 4:30. (Got a hug from Diana and Regina)
felt a little sad as I left because the lodge will be closed until next spring and a little
sadder because Diane and David don't plan on being back. Regina and Kelly are not
certain that they will be back. Dark before I got out. 3 females from Cincinnati, in
parking lot trying to get ride to their car at Newfound Gap. They went up blvd.
I took them up. 13 miles. 23
11/9/83, Cliff Top on Mt. LeConte and Chimney Tops alone. Met Les Webber, who
worked in library for TVA, Ralph Collins, & Webb, from Maryville Webb knew
Paul Threldkel, O. B. Beasley and had heard of Evelyn. Also met a couple from
Louisville, KY. He went to Knox highschool around 1940. Talked to Stanley Bruce,
Hoss, Dwight and Barney Ogle, their boss. (Park trail maintenance) Saw Randy as I
left lodge. After getting off LeConte, I went up Chimneys. Waited on young couple
who were not going to get down before dark. 11 + 4 miles = 15 miles. 38
11/12/83, Cliff top on LeConte. Walked part of the way up and all the way down
with Patrick Kelly & Chuck Feagans of Chatt. and Dave Gaueger from near Chatt.
in GA. took them down Duck Hawk Ridge. Dave almost backed out when he saw
what we had to go across. All three worked for TVA. Chuck and Dave were engineers,
I don't remember Pat's position. They were really impressed with Duck Hawk. Had
never done anything like it. Took Tim today's paper at lodge kitchen. 20 F when we
left. He said that it was down to 10 F, last night. Light snow and hoar frost. first
of season for snow. 11 miles. 49
11/14/83, Mt. LeConte shelter alone. Got late start. Left parking lot at 12:15 on a
cloudy, cool day. Only about 7 or 8 hikers on trail. None on top. Made small fire
at shelter to warm my hands. 11 miles. 60
11/17/83, bunker Hill Mt. with Sarge. His club hike for 8th (with Ruth Young).
His 3rd attempt to find the best way up. Rough cross-country hike. Many stream
crossings and steep banks. Total hike took 8 hrs & 50 min. At least 8 hrs. hiking.
Sarge said 9 mi. 69
11/21/83, Mt. LeConte shelter alone. Saw Tim, Lisa and Nathan at parking lot.
They had just come down from the lodge. Staying down for Thanksgiving. Trail
crew working on blow down near top. Only one I knew was Bruce Harrel. Talked
to 5 overnight hikers at shelter. A couple from Birmingham and a couple of friends
from KY. They met at Ice Water Shelter. I was surprised to see Regina & friend on
way up near the big slide as I was going down. Thought she would have left by this
time. 11 miles. 80
11/26/83, Mt. LeConte Shelter and High Top. At lunch at shelter and talked with
backpackers there. (A man from Birmingham and a couple from Atlanta). Sunny
but cold and windy. Met J. A. Davis' son on trail going up. (McIntyre Rd.) Now
lives in Powell. 11 miles. 91
11/29/83, Mt. LeConte Shelter. got half way up and found I'd lost my ins. vest.
Walked back to arch rook looking for it. (1 ˝ mi one-way) found it on way back up.
saw park trail maintenance men on trail. Bruce Harrel is the only one I remembered
his name. Talked with Fred Finger on 2 meters from top. 60th trip up this year. 14 mi. 105
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 155
Mt. LeConte in last 32 months 112
Total this year 60
Total club hikes this year. 11
Total hikes this year. 92
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 114
Total miles this year 1024
12/5/83, Cliff top, Mt. LeConte, alone. Only saw 6 hikers on Mt. 2 backpackers
coming down. 1 on top. 3 day hikers. Talked on 2 meters Chatt. (146.79) to Fran,
Bill, 1AU and Bob. Talked to Fred Finger W4MUA, on last 2 trips by 2 meter
radio. 11 miles. 11
12/10/83, Cliff Top alone, saw Tim, Lisa & Nathan in front of Diane's cabin.
(Tim's birthday) Marion Randolph, Dick Ketelle, & Herrick Brown also there. Dick
& Marion were spending the night. Brownie hiked up alone. I talked to him by
radio on way down. (146.85) Abt. 40 F, quite a bit of ice and snow. 11 miles. 22
12/15/83, Mt. LeConte Shelter alone. Saw the Cogdil's & crew on their way down.
(building a new building). They said that Mason was coming up for the night. I didn't
see him. Passed three backpackers on way up. two already at shelter. Dark before I
got out. Saw flashlight shining abt. 50 yds off trail below Duck Hawk. License # of
car in parking lot. 13-78L5 ? 11 miles. 33
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 158
Mt. LeConte in last 33 months 115
Total this year 63
Total club hikes this year. 11
Total hikes this year. 95
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 117
Total miles this year 1057
JANUARY 1984
1/1/84, Mt. LeConte shelter alone. Ed Jones and companion were supposed to camp
there but weren't there. Ed said David was supposed to hike up with group but he
was not there either. Went to lodge. Mason was there. but hadn't seen them. Left
abt 4:00. took 3 ˝ hrs. to get up because of ice. the most I've ever seen by far on the
trail. Also lost ice creeper & had to go back and hunt it as well as another backtrack
to get hand warmer. found 4 gloves on the way up. A young lady in a group claimed
three of them. (the two together & the mitten). Another young lady, hiking alone,
claimed the other. Several hikers I met as they were coming down, spent the night at
the shelter. As far as I could tell, only one other hiker, other than me, made it to the
top. Noone could have made it without crampons! 11 miles. 11
1/8/84, Mt. LeConte alone to High Top. Met Dr. John Adler near arch Rock.
(He hiked up to Diane's cabin last winter with John Carpenter & me). He used to
belong to the SMHC & lived here. Now in KY. Met Nila Vaughan & two other
young ladies at slide near top. (Nila is a friend of Diane's and I met her last summer
at lodge.) They were going to spend night at lodge & cook supper for Tim. I didn't
go to lodge but saw Tim's car at hwy. Got late start. Still lots of ice but mostly
covered by snow. Much easier walking than last week. Saw several day hikers and
abt. 10 backpackers. 3" of snow on top. 11 miles. 22
1/22/84, Mt. LeConte Shelter alone. Met John McGaha & Floyd Brooks near the
saddle. Lived near Rockwood. I had met them before, last winter. they had spent
night at shelter. Also met Al Beddinger near last steps. He had spent the night at the
lodge with Tim. Talked with couple at shelter from near Concord. Had lived in
Peachwood. Ice was the worst yet. Couldn't have made it without ice creepers.
Snow on top & cold. didn't go down to see Tim. running late because of ice. 11 miles. 33
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 161
Mt. LeConte in last 34 months 118
Total this year 3
Total club hikes this year. 0
Total hikes this year. 3
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 120
Total miles this year 33
2/1/84, Bote Mt. Rd, to first trail, Rt. past Finley Cane, cross Hwy. to turkey Pen
Ridge Trail to school House Gap & back to car with Jackie. Nice sunny day with temp.
abt. 50 F. Ate lunch at Walnut grove, just off Hwy. 10 miles 10
2/4/84, Mt. LeConte Shelter. Alone. Met tom Harrington near junction of ACB &
Rainbow Falls Trails. Lives on Fulton off Garday in Ftn. City. Knows Col.
Red Eubanks & Bob Evans (Shipman Pl). Grad. Fulton 1957. Suggested we hike
together on Sat. Mat at shelter cut leg with axe. couldn't walk off. Used ham radio to
get word that ranger was on way up & that they planned to get him down by horse
back in the morning, (5th). Met ranger near top steps as I was going down. (Don Dollar)
Noone at lodge. Lost creeper, went back and found it abt 10 mi. back up trail. 11 miles. 21
2/5/84, Rainbow Falls with Club. Cold 22 at falls. Jackie, Camilla Smith, Harriet
Beeler leaders. Others John Clark, Bill Busing, Ed Soler, Audrey Litter, Grace Foster,
& Rubin Siegel. Rubin told me that John Carpenter & nice had planned on getting
married. 6 miles 27
2/14/84, Schoolhouse Gap Rd to Gap, back to Chestnut Top Ridge. Out Ridge abt.
1 ˝ mi and back to S.H. Gap Rd to Turkey Pen Ridge Trail to Hwy and down Rd.
abt 1 3/4 mi to car, with Jackie. Warm abt. 60 F. Saw 1 hiker. Stopped at Crystals
on way back. 12 miles. 39
2/18/84, Newfound Gap 1 mile East to Sweat Heifer Trail and down to Hwy.
(SMHC Hike) 58 members and visitors. (Sarge, Jackie, Bill Burley, Doris Gove,
Jo Ann Freshour, Bob Cook, Charlie Klabiundy, Charlie DeBois, Bob Lee, Ed Sola,
Paul Threldkel, Camomile Smith, Chris Hamilton, Jean Bingham, Ruth Young, Dave
Scanlon, J. Hayes, Elsie Dodson, also saw Leonard Bradley (sat at our table at
Gracie's 83rd birthday party) at junction of A.T. and Sweat Heifer Trail. (From
Nashville) his wife's name is Sue. He also knows Dr. Peggy Carlson from Vanderbilt
Hospital. Met her in 82' and also again at Gracie's birthday party, 83'. Also knows the
Crabtrees. Warm Feb day but also much ice on trail (AT), forced most hikers to ridge.
I had ice creepers and was able to walk on trail. It took most hikers over 3 hrs. to
cover the A.T. part. Had a great time, so did Jackie. 3 hikers fell on ice and cut faces.
7 ˝ miles. 46
2/21/84, Laurel Falls - Snow Pocket Wilderness near Dayton, TN, with Sarge and
Jackie. Beautiful streams and falls. Rivals Smokies. Laurel Falls seems to fall from top
of Mt., Cumberland Plateau on top. 8 miles. 54
2/25/84, Abrams creek Ranger Station to Abrams Creek via Scott Gap. Water up.
Couldn't cross so backtracked to Range Station and then went toward Cane Gap for
3 mi. and back. Went with Sarge. Temp in 40's. Total of 13.6 miles. 67
2/26/84, Mt. LeConte via ACB alone but met Dr. Michael Rominger (Ro-ming-er).
at Alum Cave Bluff. He stopped while I was talking with another hiker and when I
started on, he asked if I would mind if he hiked with me. He was about 35 years old
and from Dayton, OH. We hiked to the top from there & back to the car together.
Apparently he and I plus one other hiker went up today. We all ate lunch together
in front of Diane's cabin. Hard walking in snow 15 or 16" deep on top. temp below
freezing. 10 miles. 77
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 163
Mt. LeConte in last 35 months 120
Total this year 5
Total club hikes this year. 2
Total hikes this year. 11
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 122
Total miles this year 77
3/4/84, Huskey Gap via Rough Creek (Club). Doris Gove leader. Sarge, Charlie
Klabiundy, Ruth Young, LeRoy Fox, Cris, Joy, Bob Lee, Bob cook, David Scanlon, Bill
Busing, Jeff, Jackie & others. 20 in all. Abt. 4" of snow at higher elevation. None at
trailhead. Wind made it cold when we stopped for lunch. 14 miles. 14
3/11/84, Rocky Top via Lead Cove & Bote Mt. Trails with Paul Threldkel. Snow
drifts to 3 ft. We were 2nd hikers to go up trail today. Met 3 backpackers on way to
Derrick Knob. Met 1 at Spence Field, and one coming up Bote. Mt. 14 miles. 28
3/14/84, Up Ridge from Turkey Pen Ridge Trail to Boundary Trail - Down Boundary
to Schoolhouse Gap. - Through White Oak Sinks to Turkey Pen and back to Laurel
Creek Rd. with David Brauner. Warm - Abt. 70 F. 10 miles. 38
3/17/84, Virgin Falls Wilderness - Near Crossville with SMHC. Nancy's first hike
with Club. She drove. Jackie & her sister rode with us. Chris Hamilton also rode with
us. Sarge, Jean Bingham, Charlie Klabiundy, Pete?, Bob Lee and others. 8 miles. 46
3/18/84, Mt. LeConte with David Brauner. Met Marion Randolph at Alum Cave,
also talked to two separate couples there. Saw Tim, Mason, Laura, & new girl, Nancy,
at lodge. Still snow and ice on upper trail. Lodge opens on Friday 23rd. Abt. 70 F
in Knox. 10 miles. 56
3/25/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge, alone. Saw Regina for 1st time this season. Saw Tim,
Mason & Laura in kitchen. Met new crew workers, Scott, & Sherrie. Saw Al Beddinger.
Helped Regina fix window broken by vandals. Met on trail: Bob Betts & Ralph
Singleton. they went up Styx Branch with club from Henderson, NC. 10 miles. 66
3/31/84, Mt LeConte Lodge alone. Saw grouse that followed me up the trail abt. 150
yds - Saw Scott & Tim at lodge. Talked with Mr. & Mrs. Wiley from Columbus, OH
at lodge office. Also walked down part way with them. runs Chemical Co. Woman
fell on ice and broke her wrist. took her down by helicopter. 10 miles. 76
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 166
Mt. LeConte in last 36 months 123
Total this year 8
Total club hikes this year. 4
Total hikes this year. 18
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 125
Total miles this year 196
4/1/84, Mt. LeConte shelter alone. Met Tim, Lisa and Nathan at bluff. they had seen
the grouse. I also saw the grouse again and got several pictures. I saw Bob Betts,
(saw him on March 25th) coming down as I was going up. Saw Mason, Laura, Sherry,
and Scott at the lodge office. Also talked to guest from Tuscaloosa, Ala. Saw discarded
sweater near where I saw flashlights on Duck Hawk on Dec. 15th. Talked to 2 boys
and 1 girl from New Orleans, on my way down. Discussed World Fair, taxes & politics.
They said that sales tax was 9% and no property tax below $75,000. 10 miles. 10
4/5/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Talked to couples from Nashville and Michigan
at bluff. 2 boys from N.O. above steps. Saw Tim, Scott, Nancy, Sherry, & Mason
at kitchen. Mason had been down. 30 F, windy & light snow on top. 10 miles. 20
4/7/84, Cliff Top (Mt. LeConte) alone. Saw Jeff Folks (SMHC) & friend Nancy at
ACB. Hiked part way up with them. Saw Regina, Mason, & Nancy at lodge office.
Saw Sherry & Scott at Cliff Top. Met Tim, Lisa & Nathan coming up trail. Hikers
reported that some boys got the grouse and took it off the Mt. Nice day. sunny. Not
so cold. 11 miles. 31
4/8/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Saw Eileen Wilson and companion above Styx
Branch. (SMHC) Mason at office. Stayed there about 3 hrs. Took up fresh vegetables
for crew. Regina, Lisa, Tim, Scott, & Nathan at kitchen. Saw Nancy at office. Was
told abt. Connie being fired. 10 miles. 41
4/11/84, Cliff Top (LeConte). Met Mason & Scott on my way up. Saw Tim Laura &
Lisa at kitchen. Tim said the grouse is back. Some sun - cloudy. Not so cold. 11 miles. 52
4/13/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge. took Gracie's picture up, also Lisa's & Regina's. Scott at
office. Mason, Laura & Lisa at kitchen. Met Tim on my way down. Saw grouse again.
10 miles. 62
4/14/84, Russell Field, SMHC. 10 hikers. J Hayes - Pete? - Doris Gove - Audrey Little -
Chris Hamilturkay? - Penny - Frank Nakamura - rode with him. (He was on bus to NC)
10 miles. 72
4/15/84, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top, with Ed Jones. Met Laura on my way up. Saw Nancy
and Lisa at lodge office. Saw Bob Cook's daughter & son-in-law at lodge office. Walked
part way down with them. The grouse flew out of the bush down to my feet. I didn't stop.
3 UT students at bluff, (2 boys & 1 girl). They asked abt. Duck Hawk Ridge. I took them
down it. Lisa, Bryan & ?. Picked up hitch hiker outside Gatlinburg. Took him to Knox.
Gave him $3.00 Let him out at 17th & Western Ave. Going to Nashville. 11 miles. 83
4/18/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Regina art office. Tim, Lisa, Laura & Nancy came
in while I was there. Abt 6 to 8" of snow. 10 miles. 93
4/21/84, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top with Ed Jones. Talked with Mason at office. Saw Sherri,
Lisa, Regina & Scott at kitchen. Went off trail from old camp ground to trail just below
slide, also from Inspiration Point to abt. 1 mile below Arch Rock Ed saw and
photographed a grouse. Chased him up trail. Gave ride to an Englishman & New
Zealander at trailhead to Gatlinburg. 11 miles. 104
4/23/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Nancy at office. Tim, Scott, Lisa, & Sherri came in
while I was there. Met Don Roberts from English Mt. At office. Bob Betts also at office.
He knew John Carpenter. I saw him on March 25th & April 1st. cool, cloudy & sleet.
10 miles. 114
4/25/84, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top. Sherri burning papers. Mason called from kitchen,
Scott in office. Nancy came in office. Everyone else down. Warm. Saw Margaret
Stevenson, Less Webb & Ralph Collins at bluff. (her 191th) 11 miles. 125
4/28/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge. Laura in office. Tim came in while I was there. Talked
with 2 young women from Bryson City. Saw Bob Betts again. cloudy with light rain.
cleared later. 10 miles. 135
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 178
Mt. LeConte in last 37 months 135
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 137
Total this year 20
Total club hikes this year. 5
Total hikes this year. 31
Total miles this year 331
5/1/84, Myrtle Pt., alone. Saw Laura & Regina there. Also met Howard Smith, Col.
village, S. Knox & Gary. Came down Duck Hawk with them. Saw Nancy, Scott, &
Mason in office. Saw Tim going down trail. He had cut finger with saw. A really nice
day. 12 miles. 12
5/4/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Met Larry Parks, from Virginia at ACB. Walked up
part way with him. He stayed at shelter. Took onions from garden to crew. Saw all of
the crew except Tim at kitchen. Didn't start up until 2:00 p.m. 10 miles. 22
5/5/84, Porter Creek Trail abt. 4 mi up with Sarge & Injun Creek abt 2 mi. to old steam
engine. Saw yellow, white and painted trillium, seven different showy orchis, lots of wild
phlox and geraniums, toothwort, false Solomon's seal, yellow - white - blue & longspur
violets, Jack in the pulpit, foam flower, dog hobble, silver bells, dwarf ginseng , dwarf
iris, chickweed, bluets, Clinton's lily, roue anemone, Bishop's cap, squaw root & others.
First hike 8 mi, last 4 mi. 12 miles. 34
5/9/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. met Tim going up and Nancy coming down. Laura
at office. Lisa in kitchen. Tim. fired Sherri. Met Stanley Huskey & Hoss Owenby. (Trail
maintenance) on way up. 23 F this morning at lodge. 10 miles. 44
5/11/84, Mt. LeConte (Cliff Top) with Sarge. Saw Laura on way up. She was going to
Ohio. Saw Scott in office, Mason going to spring, Regina outside kitchen, and Nancy
at door. Met Jack Messamore & wife & son on way down, also Scott with plumbing
crew. He said that Diane would be up tomorrow. Scott said that Margaret Stevenson
was going up on the 10th. Probably her 192nd trip. 10 miles. 54
5/15/84, Mt. LeConte (Cliff Top) alone, Caught up with Margaret Stevenson &
daughter Julie above steps. Her first trip. Margaret's 194th. Walked the rest of the
way up with them. Tim, Lisa, Nancy and Mason in dining room. Back to car at 5:00
Took flowers to Mary's grave. 11 miles. 65
5/15&16, 84, Wesser Station to Cheoa Bald. SMHC work trip. Ken & Helen Warren,
Paul Threldkel, Alice Xiques, Sarge, Bruce Kelelle, Lionel Edney, Fred Sweeton, 10 in
all. rode with Paul and Alice. Used swing scythe on trail. Not many flowers. fire pinks,
wild oats, lily of the valley, 1 yellow ladies slipper, azalia, chickweed, iris, wild
geraniums, silver bells, dogwood. Cool night and cool day. 14 miles. 79
5/18/84, Mt. LeConte (Cliff Top) alone. Met Jeff Custer from Toledo, Ohio at Cliff
Top. Walked down with him. Water tank gone. Spring changed. Saw Tim, Lisa, Laura
and Nathan at lodge. Warm. 11 miles. 90
5/20/84, Mt. LeConte with Ed Jones. Abt. 3/4 mi. up ACB Trail took Alum Creek
to No Name Ridge. Up No Name Ridge to Blvd. Trail. & on to Myrtle Pt. On to
lodge and down ACB Trail. Ed went down Little Duck Hawk Ridge. Difficult hike
up ridge. One of the best views in Mtns. from ridge top. Feeling of being far away from
civilization. No evidence of civilization seen from there. Met Phil, new crew member.
Also saw Tim, Laura, Regina at lodge. 10 miles. 100
5/24/84, Up the cat stairs to Greenbrier Pinnacle & down trail to car. Rough cross-
country up. With Sarge. Saw pink lady slipper, rhododendron, laurel & azalea. 10 miles. 110
5/25/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Saw small bear in saddle. Mason at office. Nancy and
Scott came in while I was there. Mason said that Margaret will make her 200th hike up
LeConte on 6/13. 10 miles. 120
5/27/84, Mt. LeConte with SMHC, Cliff top & High Top. 23 members & visitors.
Met Lt. Don Novak, Royal Oak, Mich. & Michel (Mike) Kondek, Treasurer of Royal
Oak at Gracie's Point. Also saw them at the lodge but didn't talk to them there. (All
were nice including their female companions). They caught up with Jackie and me at
Insp. Pt. and asked how to get on Duck Hawk. they had noticed others out there. I
offered to guide them down but Mike was the only one who accepted. Jackie walked
down trail with others. We met Regina, she saw up coming up. They gave us a cold
beer at parking lot. (I visited Gracie last night) 11 miles. 131
5/29/84, Mt. LeConte alone, Scott in office. As I was going down, I met Tim Lisa &
Nathan. Light rain and cool. 10 miles. 141
5/30/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge with Jackie. Mason in office. Tim came in. Mailed
package for him. Cold and cloudy. Eclipse of the sun at 12:00 noon. Overnight low
of 21 F. Knox. 39 F. Record for date. Went by lake cabin on way home. 10 miles. 151
5/31/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. went to office. Phil and Nancy there. Met Regina on
way up as I went down. Saw Bob Bear & wife coming down as I was going up. (From
Calif. talked to hin at office yesterday) Talked to 2 couples from Fla. & young man
from Ohio at office. 10 miles. 161
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 190
Mt. LeConte in last 38 months 147
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 149
Total this year 32
Total club hikes this year. 6
Total hikes this year. 46
Total miles this year 492
6/2/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Saw Ed Jones' parents at dining room. They were
with the sacred heart group. Also met Mr. & Mrs Shaffer & Dr. McGhee (with same
group) Talked with Tim, Lisa, Scott & Phil. Met Regina and Laura above Arch Rock.
Fine, clear, warm day. 10 miles. 10
6/4/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Met young couple at slide from Raleigh, NC.
Keith, their last name. I don't remember their first names. A nice couple. Saw them
again at the lodge. Met Tim Lisa and Nathan on my way up. Phil and Nancy at
office. Laura came in while I was there. Took Sunday paper up. 10 miles. 20
6/6/84, Mt LeConte (Cliff Top) with David & Jim Webb (Runs store in Townsend)
Saw Laura at office, Nancy and Phil at cabin. Saw new girl Sarah. 11 miles. 31
6/9/84, Hangover Mt. with Club. Ruth Young, Jean Bingham, Christi Hamilton,
Dee Monte, Paul Threldkel, J Haynes, Bob Lee and 2 visitors. (Teachers at Webb)
10 in all. Dee& I were leaders. Hot day. Everyone sweating. Trees cut in road for
abt. ˝ mi., (Deep Creek) made it very difficult. All good hikers including visitors.
Took about 9 hrs. 14 miles. 45
6/11/84, Mt. LeConte, (Cliff Top), with Ed Jones. Picked up hitchhiker (Bill) in P.F.
Took him to Park HQ for permit (LeConte & Ice Springs Shelters) He hadn't stayed
on top. went up Duck Hawk. Ed came down it. Saw Lisa, Phil, Laura, Tim, & Nathan
A hot day. Bill rode bus from Louisville, KY to park. 11 miles. 56
6/13/84, Mt. LeConte, (Cliff Top), with Ed Jones. Margaret Stevenson's 200th trip.
My 195th. Ed came up Duck Hawk. Caught in rain coming down at upper steps. got
feet and bottom of pants wet. Channel 10 took pictures of Margaret. Saw Lisa, Tim,
Laura, Scott, Regina & Nancy. Saw Sarah on trail. Met and talked with Loraine Smith,
librarian at Maryville. 11 miles. 67
6/14/84, Andrews Bald with Sarge. Also up to A.T. & Ramsey. Stopped at Gary's.
Abt. 5 mi. 5 miles 72
6/16/84, Mt. LeConte alone. (Myrtle Pt.) Saw Tim & Sarah. Enjoyed talk with 2
young men from Cin. Ohio. also two couples from KY, near Cin. They were up at
Gracie's 92nd Birthday party. Plan on coming back Oct. 17.. Ed and Phil went up Blvd.
Prong, 10 hrs. 45 min. Got wet again going down. 12 miles. 84
6/19/84, Mt. LeConte alone. On way up I met John & Anita Crabtree below Arch
Rock. Tim, Lisa & Nathan above Styx Branch and Margaret Stevenson above the saddle.
Coming down, I met Jeff Thomas & David Williams. Saw Mason, Scott & Nancy at
lodge. 10 miles. 94
6/21/84, Mt. LeConte alone. Blow down on trail. Laura in office. Met Tim, Lisa,
Nathan & Tim's nephew as I was going down. 10 miles. 104
6/23/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Met five Indians (From India). Very friendly. Took
my picture. with them after I told them that I was on my 199th hike. Met Tim's parents.
(Dr. & Mrs. Line) at the lodge. Regina & Tim insisted that I specify a day when I would
make my 200th hike. I finally told them that I would be up on the 28th or 29th. depending
on the weather. They want me to have supper with them and spend the night. 10 miles. 114
6/24/84, Gregory Bald with SMHC. 32 members & visitors. Side trip to Doe Knob at
A.T., with Bob Cook & Coto Folks (Teaches English at Cleveland College). Azaleas
good. Rained on way back. Rode with Bob. 15 miles. 129
6/29/84, 200th trip to Mt. LeConte. Sarge went with me. Lodge crew invited him to
stay overnight with me. Got in touch with Bill Takett by radio and had him call Sarge's
wife. Met Mrs. McGhee, Dr. McGhee's wife. Had met her on June 2, at lodge near Horse
Gate . Annette Evans & cousin just past the gate. Saw Jean Lambert, (SMHC member), at
parking lot. We ate supper with lodge crew and breakfast with guests. Slept in new lodge.
Left early because of threat of rain. 10 miles. 139
7/1/84, 40th consecutive month to hike Mt. LeConte! Met Richard Bolen in parking lot
and we hiked to Cliff Top & back together. We went to the kitchen where we saw Scott,
Sarah and Mason. Ate lunch at Cliff Top. Richard is SMHC member & last years'
president. 11 miles. 11
7/5/84, Mt. LeConte alone. Saw Hoss Owenby on way up (Trail Maint.), Scott on
way down. Nancy, Laura and Phil at Kitchen. Tim. outside. Rained while at office
& at Arch Rock going down. Picked up hitch hiker from Columbia, SA. 10 miles. 21
7/11/84, Mt. LeConte alone. Saw Scott & Mason at lodge office. Met Tim at slide on
my way down. Hot but good breeze helped. 10 miles. 31
7/14/84, Silers Bald with SMHC. James & Phyllis Lyle, Ruth Young, Jean Bangham Carl
Porter, Jean Lambert, Cathalin (Cota) Fulks (the wife of Jeff), & 4 others. Rode with Carl,
Jean Lambert. Hiked both ways with Cota, Debby ? Also rode with us. 10 miles. 41
7/19/84, False Gap on E. side of A.T. from Newfound Gap. with Sarge. Cool, nice day.
Saw and talked to several hikers but nothing happened of any consequence. Went to
RACK meeting at night. 13 miles. 54
7/23/84, Mt. LeConte alone. Cliff Top. Took up beans & Sun paper to crew. Saw
llamas for first time. Mason, Tim & Lisa at lodge. Saw Phil & Nancy at Cliff Top. Nice
day. No rain. 11 miles. 65
7/26/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge. Saw bear in garbage can below Mason's cabin. Saw Mason
Regina, Phil, Sarah, Scott and Nancy. Mason said that Diane wanted my address. Took
up some frozen blackberries. Slight rain. Met the Nannstills from Maryville. 10 miles. 75
7/29/84, Spruce Mt. From Polls Gap with SMHC. Rode with J. Haynes. Pete and Chris
Hamilton also rode with us. Rainy and cool but didn't get too wet. Most of trip on trail.
I walked with and talked with John & Anita Crabtree & Cota Fulks. Our car stopped
at Maggie Valley for ice cream. 10 miles. 85
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 205
Mt. LeConte in last 40 months 162
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 164
Total this year 47
Total club hikes this year. 10
Total hikes this year. 64
Total miles this year 716
8/2/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. took beans and paper to kitchen. Saw Laura, Regina
& Scott in kitchen. Mason saw me coming up trail while he was on Cliff Top. He yelled
at me. Talked abt. 5 min. to Tim outside of office. Also Sarah abt. 15 min. She had been
chasing a bear. Saw Lisa below steps as I was coming down. 10 miles. 10
8/7/84, Mt. LeConte with Sarge (Cliff Top). Met Regina on my way up. Talked on
trail with maint. workers, Stanley Husky, Hoss Owenby and 2 others. Tim and Nathan
at office. Scott and Phil at kitchen. Light rain on way. 11 miles. 21
8/11/84 Leaving for Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming with Sarge, Ruth Young and Jean
Bangham. Got back the 25th. Hiked 22 miles while there. 43
8/29/84, Mt. LeConte (ACB) alone. Met Regina and Scott on their way down, just below
Inspiration Point. Caught up with Mason at ACB and walked up with him. Tim and
Susan, new girl, in office. Sarah in kitchen. Talked to couple from Fla. in dining room.
He is in insurance. She works in the city hall. They will be back abt. Oct. 16. 10 miles. 53
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 208
Mt. LeConte in last 41 months 165
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 167
Total this year 47
Total club hikes this year. 10
Total hikes this year. 71
Total miles this year 769
9/2/84, Mt. LeConte alone. Saw Scott, Tim, Mason, Nancy, & SUSAN at dining room.
took up cherry tomatoes. Mason and Nancy came out to Myrtle Point. David
Dinwiddie was up. Hid when he saw me. (Real nice day). 12 miles. 12
9/4/84, Loop to Mt. Collins, with Sarge. Up Road Prong to Indian Gap. Out A.T.
To Mt. Collins. down Sugarland Mt. Abt. 4 mi. Cut off to Chimney Tops & back
to chimneys parking lot. 12 miles. 24
9/12/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Nancy in office. Scott, Lisa and Phil came out while
I was there. Met Susan just as I started down. She had been down. Found sunglasses on
trail. Found the young lady who lost them. She had blisters on her heels. I put mole
skin on them. Real nice day. 10 miles. 34
9/15/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge with Ed Jones. Passed JoAnn Freshour & Jean Lambert
on way up. Also Sacred Heart group (40). Took up ˝ gal. of ice cream & cones. Susan
Mason, Regina, Marion Randolph, Ed & the llama driver all had some. Nancy and Phil
were going down as we came up. On way down we met Tim, Scott & Lisa strung out
on the trail. Ed went down Duck Hawk Ridge. Rainy & foggy day. Susan gave me a hug
for my birthday. 10 miles. 44
9/16/84, Big Fodder Stack (Cherokee Nat. Forest, near Tellico) with club SMHC
Bob Lee leader. 9 miles. 53
9/19/84, Mt. LeConte with Ed Jones. (Myrtle Pt.) Took ice to make ice cream. Nice
day. 12 miles. 65
9/20/84, Mt. LeConte with Jackie. (Cliff Top). Regina & Mason down. Saw everyone
else except Susan. Met Willie Nichols from Simpsonville, KY. Nice day. 11 miles. 76
9/22/84, Mt. LeConte (Cliff Top & Myrtle Pt.) With Jackie, Chris Hamilton, & Sarge.
Saw Margaret Stevenson near lodge office. Saw Susan on way to Myrtle Pt. She also
came up to our group and introduced her boy friend Dobbie. Regina, Phil & Nancy in
kitchen. We all went down Duck Hawk Ridge. Chris and Jackie were a little skiddish
abt. the height but made it OK. Stopped at Wendy's on way back. 12 miles. 88
9/25/84, Mt. LeConte alone. Ate lunch at blow down. Saw only Phil & Nancy at
lodge office. Susan and Scott down.2 hours up. Nice day. four in a row. 10 miles. 98
9/27/84, Loop from Ranger Sta. in Greenbrier Cove, up Engine Creek to old steam
engine. and back to road at turn off to Ramsey, with Chris Hamilton. Scouting trip
for club hike. 6 miles. 104
9/29/84, Thunderhead Mt. With Jackie & Chris Hamilton. Cloudy day. Some
clearing on top. First trio to Mt. For Chris and Jackie. Picked blueberries. 14 miles. 118
Attended Gracie McNicol's birthday party at Apple Tree, res. in Pigeon Forge. At least
20 people there including Tim & Lisa Line, John and Anita Crabtree, Leonard & Sue
Bradley from Nashville, Wally & Annette Evans, Bill ? (former part owner of lodge)
McCarters & daughter & grandchild, (from stables), Barbara Renfroe. Leonard Bradley
is the former copy editor of the News Sentinel. Now Deputy Commissioner of Human
Services for Tenn.
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 215
Mt. LeConte in last 40 months 172
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 174
Total this year 54
Total club hikes this year. 10
Total hikes this year. 82
Total miles this year 887
10/3/84, Mt. LeConte via Blvd. & Alum cave Trails with Jackie. Talked to party from
Miss. at Myrtle Pt. Mason, Nancy, Phil & Tim at office. Saw Regina as we were leaving.
Great day. Cool. 13 miles. 13
10/6/84, Mt. LeConte with Nancy & Stan Hurt, Bill Schaeffer and Deana Douglas, a
model, (Myrtle Pt.) Mason & Regina came out to the Pt. Later Susan & friend came out.
Talked to Scott at office. 12 miles. 25
10/7/84, Club hike to Grotto Falls. rode with Annette Crabtree. 25 made hike.
Mostly visitors. Met Jim Pugh. 4 miles. 29
10/10/84, Mt. LeConte via ACB alone. Met Regina & Susan on my way up. Saw Nancy
in kitchen. Stayed in office with Scott most of the time & talked with hikers & guests.
Cool & cloudy. 10 miles. 39
10/12/84, Mt. LeConte ACB, alone. On my way, I met Barbara Harris & Jan Swank
from Ohio. Also Judith Luna from Nashville. I saw all of them on 10th & the first 2
last year, Jim was up with the llamas. (was staying all night) Phil in office, Mason came
in. Nancy and Scott in kitchen. Reporters there from Chatt. Times for story. Cloudy.
10 miles. 49
10/13/84, Mt. Cammerer with Jackie & Juanita Malone. Down Groundhog Ridge
Met John Hard & wife from Dandridge. They were also on Grotto Falls hike last
Sunday. Saw young couple who remembered me on LeConte last Saturday. Real nice
day and fall colors. Heard sonic boom from Challenger Space Shuttle. 12 miles. 61
10/15/84, Mt. LeConte (Cliff Top) alone. Saw Tim & Nathan at office. 11 miles. 72
10/17 or 18/84, Mt. LeConte (Cliff Top) alone. Saw Susan in front of dining room, making
baskets. Met Lisa & Nancy on way back from Cliff Top. took up box of Little Debby
Swiss Cake Rolls. Also saw Phil, Tim & Scott. Mason down. 12 miles. 84
10/20/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge with Ed Jones. Up Trillium Gap. Talked to nice young
couple going up on horseback. Saw Phil in kitchen, Nancy at office. Met Susan's mother
& aunt. Also saw Susan, Tim, Lisa & Regina. Cloudy. 13 miles. 97
10/24/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge -ACB- alone. Late start. 1:35 pm. Cloudy, warm, light
rain at top. Moderate rain coming down at ACB. Talked to Phil, Dr. Clark (Chattanooga)
& Mr. & Mrs. Biggar from Knoxville. (Cumberland Estates) Regina was sewing on
machine. Met Tim & Lisa on my way down. Also met Woody Brinagor & Barbara
Renfree on way up. Didn't see either at top or on way down) 10 miles. 107
10/27/84, Mt LeConte Lodge, Cliff Top alone. Met John and Anita Crabtree at ACB.
Margaret Stevenson at lodge. Met Gerald & Lynn Carter from Nashville for third time.
Last time 2 years ago. Bob Betts & Ralph Singleton from Henderson, NC, 3rd time,
last March 25th. Sunny when I started but got cloudy & cool. 11 miles. 118
10/30/84, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top, alone. Met Regina just above Gracie's Pulpit and Susan
about 5 minutes behind her, near the saddle. Susan was to come back up today but I
didn't see her as I was going down. Also met 2 women, from Ala., who remembered me
making 2 trips in 1 day, in Oct., last year. Lisa & Tim at office. Scott, Nancy, Phil &
Mason at kitchen. Real nice warm day. 11 miles. 129
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 225
Mt. LeConte in last 43 months 182
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 184
Total this year 67
Total club hikes this year. 11
Total hikes this year. 93
Total miles this year 1,016
11/4/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Misty rain & cool going up. Got a little wet. Talked
to Tim, Nancy and group from Atlanta at office. Saw all other crew except Phil at kitchen.
Also saw Susan's friend, Sandy (I had men him before) at office. Also talked to several of
the Atlanta group at dining room. LAST DAY of this season for lodge. Most of crew
expect to be back except Susan. She's such a nice person. I'll really miss her but I expect
to see her on Nov 17th at Craft Fair. Planned to hike to Mt. Cammerer on Nov 7 with
Mason. Nancy & Scott also indicated they may call me for hikes this winter. Felt a little
sad going down due to lodge closing. Regina will be staying on top on weekends this
winter and invited me to come up and spend the night. caught in a light rain on way
down. Got dark at the bluff. Had flashlight. 10 miles. 10
11/7/84, FIRST FROST, 33 F here. Piked last beans on 5th of Nov. Went to Mt.
Cammerer today with Mason Watts. Came down Ground Hog Ridge. Cool but sunny.
47 F when we got to lower Mt. Cam. Trail abt. 2:30. Went up low gap. Saw no one else
on hike. Cloudy later. 12 miles. 22
11/10/84, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top alone. Cloudy & cool 42 F on top. Talked with
backpackers at shelter. Started raining after I went to Cliff Top. Met Regina on my way
down, (between saddle & steps). I had to wear rain gear on way down. 11 miles. 33
11/13/84, First freeze last night for year. Mt. LeConte, Old Camp Ground, alone. Scott
& female companion passed me at bluff on way up. Saw Jim (bringing up the llamas) near
old water tank. Copters bringing up supplies. Saw Cogdil near lodge, doing work on lodge.
(The one that let Jackie and me warm in 81) 1st ice on trail. 10 miles. 43
11/18/84, Old Sugarland Rd. & Chimney Tops with Chris Hamilton. (2 hikes) Went
to old cemetery & saw wild boar pens on first hike. Cloudy & windy but fairly warm.
A little cooler on Chimneys & strong wind. 9 miles. 52
11/21/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Light snow on ground from parking lot to above
saddle. None on top & sunny. abt. 32 F. took some food for Regina. She wasn't there.
Jim put in kitchen with note. Talked with Cogdil & Jim at outside fire. They were
building another room on Tim's quarters. 10 miles. 62
11/24/84, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Regina, Susan & friends at kitchen. Took up
tomatoes, pepper, apples and spinach. Met Nancy Dagman on my way down. Met
Ellen Fox & Sandy Lonas at Inspiration Point. (1st time to meet them). They caught up
with me abt. 8 or 8 min. from cars. Ellen knew and had hiked with Ed Bowling. She is
Sierra Club member. Ed Jones & Phil had spent Fri. night at lodge but Regina
wouldn't let them stay Sat. night. good clear day. Not cold. 10 miles. 72
11/25/84, Mt. Cammerer with Christine Hamilton. Down Groundhog Ridge. Good
Day. Not too cold. Chris's 1st trip up Mt. Cammerer. She loved it. Stopped at Hardy's
on way back. 12 miles. 84
11/27/84, Mt. LeConte Shelter alone. Talked with backpacker from Dixon, TN, also
couple from Dayton Ohio. ( I passed them below Inspiration Pt.) Went by lodge and
talked to Cogdil (work crew) He invited me to come up and have dinner with them
sometime. Temp abt. 40 F when I started down abt. 3:00 pm but seemed much colder
because of high winds. 11 miles. 95
11/29/84, Mt. LeConte with Sarge. ACB Trail. 1 hikers tracks ahead of us. None others
went all the way on ACB Trail. Saw work crew just below lodge, going down. Jim staying
all night. He gave us coffee in kitchen. Met Regina below Gracie's Pulpit (coming up)
Some ice. Cool. Gave seasonal ranger ride to Sugarland Center from Grassy Patch.
(Kathy Kennedy). 10 miles. 105
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 232
Mt. LeConte in last 44 months 189
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 191
Total this year 74
Total club hikes this year. 11
Total hikes this year. 103
Total miles this year 1,121
12/1/84, Club hike Huskey gap via Huskey Creek, abt 1 mi on Sugarland Mt. Trail,
Ash Hopper Branch & Spring Branch to Hwy. Members & several visitors. Sarge, Dave
Scanlon, Chris Hamilton. Pete, Bob Lee, Ruth Young, Jean Bangham, Charlie
Klabiundy, Jamie Herman, Glen Cardwell (ranger) Katie ? & leaders Bill Arnold
& Mary Jane Johnson. Nice day. Not very cold. 5 miles. 5
12/5/84, 75th hike to Mt. LeConte this year alone. Stopped at lodge kitchen and talked
to Kay Cogdil & workers. Met Tim below lodge as I was going up. 35 F at Pigeon
forge on way up. Started out in rain, expected it to be snow on top but there was none.
Windy. 10 miles. 15
12/9/84, Cove Mt. With SMHC. NICE DAY. Chris's car in shop, she went with me.
We had planned to come back by Boundary Trail. Got 11 others to go with us including
Sarge, Ruth, Jean, Jeff, Nancy, Cota, Bob Lee. Stopped at Kay's for milk shake. 13 miles. 28
12/12/84, Mt. LeConte alone via ACB. 50 F at bottom. Cool, windy on top. Talked
with work crew at lodge. (Cogdil & Jim) Saw 3 hikers going all the way. Fay Cogdil, a
man, invited me to come up and spend the night. 10 miles. 38
12/15/84, Scouted off trail part of my SMHC hike for 85 with other leaders, Doris
Gove, & 5 others. Sarge, Jean, Ruth, Chris & Katy. (White Oak Sink) Warm day.
Temperature 70 F. 8 miles. 46
12/23/84, Jump Off, Charlies Bunion & 1st Saw Tooth with Christine Hamilton. Nice
day. Stopped at Crystal's for cokes on way back. 10 miles. 56
12/26/84, Mt LeConte via ACB alone. Saw Phil & Ruth Ewald, & Ruby Hitch on top.
Saw Nancy Dagman coming up just below Gracie's Pulpit. Had a new dulcimer. Looked
very pretty with new hair style. (Staying at Regina's place) 10 miles. 66
12/29/84, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top & Myrtle Pt. with Katy Croan. Saw dick Katell, Al
Beddinger & Nancy Dagman at lodge. Also Jerry Barattina from N.O., La. whom I met
on Dec 9, hike. clear & warm. Susan Sommey was to come up but didn't see her. 12 miles. 78
12/30/84, Brushy Mt. Via Trillium Gap from Greenbrier with Christine Hamilton.
(Bird count) Temp, high 50's. Stopped for cokes & fries at Hardy's in Sevierville. Chris
drove. She identified most all of the birds. No rain on trail but rained in Knox. 11 miles. 89
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 237
Mt. LeConte in last 45 months 193
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 195
Total this year 78
Total club hikes this year. 15
Total hikes this year. 111
Total miles this year 1,210
1/1/85, Mt. LeConte alone. Only Nancy at lodge. took eggs & milk. Met 6 hikers on trail.
4 coming down, 2 going up. Abt 1" snow & cold. 10 miles. 10
1/5/85, Club hike to Laurel Creek Rd. (Finley Cave) from Tremont. 6 of us went on to
turkey Pen & S. H. Gap. Chris, Cathy, Al, Laura Hill (Mass) & Jerry (Dr. Erwin Ind.)
Chris Hamilton, infection control. Cloudy and cold. 9 miles. 19
1/8/85, Schoolhouse Gap - White Oak Sinks - Chestnut Top Ridge with Jackie. Her first
since Oct. (Cammerer) 7 miles. 26
(Add 1 hike not counted in 1980 (up Boobs Ridge) to LeConte
1/13/85, Old Sugarland Rd. to Cherokee Orchard & back down by stables with Christine
Hamilton. Temp in upper 30's. 17 F last night. 7 miles. 33
1/19/85, Mt. LeConte - alone - ACB, snow on ground & cold - 15 F when I left lodge.
441 Hwy closed until 12:00. I started up at 12:35. Took 3 hrs to get up in snow. Stopped
at kitchen and talked with Regina abt. 15 min. Got down abt. 7:00 p.m. - Dark. More
snow on Hwy. Gate closed at Sugarland. Had to wait for ranger to let me out. Took
Regina eggs, orange juice, milk, candy, apple & orange. Meant to go up on the 28th to
spend the night but Chris wouldn't go. saw couple from Signal Mt. They didn't go all the
way. Saw 2 backpackers as I was coming down. 10 miles. 43
1/26-27/85, Mt. LeConte with Sarge - Clear & cold on 26th. - Low last night 7 F on
Mt. Started up abt. 11:30 - Snow on trail. - Abt 8" on top. - Stayed in Mason's cabin. -
Was cold in cabin but we slept warm. Dick Katell & Al Beddinger also up. I took eggs,
lettuce, peppers, orange juice, milk (8 oz cartons), cookies & candy for Regina. Warmed
up somewhat during the night but still below freezing. got home before 3:00. 10 miles. 53
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 240
Mt. LeConte in last 46 months 196
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 199
Total this year 3
Total club hikes this year. 2
Total hikes this year. 6
Total miles this year 53
2/3/85, White Oaks sinks with SMHC, via Ridge to Boundary Trail, & Turkey Pen
Ridge Trails. D. Grove and I were leaders. 22 members and guests. cold and overcast.
Highest temp. recorded on hike 24 F. Janie Herman and 3 others missed the group and
went on trail hike. Included were Bob Lee, Cota Fulks, Sarge, Charlie C., Jean B., Ruth Y.,
Chris H., Richard and Gay Bolin, Dee Monte, Paul Threldkel, Doris Grove, Joe Caua,
Bill Busing, Dave Scanlon and others. 10 miles. Got shingles when I got back home. 10
2/23/85, Loop up Old Sugarland Rd. with Jackie. Think that we may have seen a lions
tracks on way back. Reported it to ranger Glen Cardwell at Sugarland Center. They had
a ranger at Cherokee Orchard and was going to send him down and look at them. Ranger
took my phone # and asked me to do volunteer work. May accept. Talked with work
men at wild boar pens. Warm, about 70 F. Stopped at Sevier County Courthouse on
way up. 6 miles. Park Service for volunteer maintenance, Bob Wrightman. 16
2/24/85, Mt. LeConte alone. Regina and Susan Summer had large party last night,
including Mason & Steve at lodge. Worked on trail on way down. Talked with Shana
Jackson above Gracie's Pulpit. 26
2/28/85, Charlies Bunion with Sarge. Real nice day for Feb. sunny. Abt. 50 F. Walked
back with man from PA. He hopes to get job as seasonal ranger. 9 miles. 35
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 241
Mt. LeConte in last 47 months 197
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 199
Total this year 4
Total club hikes this year. 2
Total hikes this year. 10
Total miles this year 85
3/3/85. Parsons bald from Deals gap on old A.T. with SMHC. 35 members &
visitors started. 5 didn't go all the way. rode with Jim Pugh. Steve Fooha, reporter
for the OakRidger & Chris also rode with us. Nice day. Abt. 50 Hard hike.
Several hikers tired. Walked with Brick McCollugh. 10 miles. 10
3/5/85, Mt. LeConte (ACB), alone. fay & Jim working on Mason's cabin. Nice day.
Cool. still some snow and ice. Saw 1 hiker above Arch Rock. 200th hike of Mt. LeConte
after age 65. 10 miles. 20
3/8/85, Cucumber Gap with Jackie. Vol. trail maintenance for park. Assignment by
Ranger Steve Barto - Under Bob Wrightman. Saw LeRoy Fox at Hdq. 4 miles. 24
3/10/85, with Carolina Mt. Club. Charlies Bunion, dry Sluce Gap, Richland Mt., and
down Kephart Prong to 441, with Dave Scanlon, Mary Alice Porter, & Chris Hamilton.
Met at giant food on Merchants Rd. & drove to Newfound Gap where we met the
CMC Nice day. Temp in Abt. 50's. 10 miles. 34
3/13/85, Chimney Tops alone. Vol. trail Maintenance for Park Service. Paul Threldkel
& Audrey Little did road Prong. went back to meet them after I turned in my report.
Nice day. 4 miles to C.T. Walked back 1 ˝ mi. 7 miles total. 41
3/15/85, Mt. LeConte alone (ACB). Crew up preparing for opening on the 22nd. Met
new crew members; Lucky, Melinda, and Jennifer. Helicopter bringing up supplies.
Helped crew move supplies into storage for abt. 1 hr. Met Cathy near top. Met Mr. &
Mrs. Brantly, former SMHC members above Saddle. Nice Day. work Crew down. 10 mi. 51
3/17/85, Injun Creek, Green Briar Cove (Club Hike). After hike, Sarge, Jean, Jackie & I
went abt. 2 mi up Porters Creek & SMHC cabin. 69 hikers on club hike, the most for any
club hike that I have been on. Nice day. Little cool. Lots of visitors. 10 mi 6 club + 4 after. 61
3/20/85, Mt. LeConte, alone. Met Ed Jones at cliff Top. He went up Trout Branch and
saw all of the lodge crew & Don Roberts from English Mt. Met Mike Elder from
Maryville, Kent Van Cleave & wife between Gracie's Pt and lodge. He is majoring in
psychology at UT. 11 miles. 72
3/23/85, Anthony Creek, Ledbetter Ridge to Russell Field, out A.T. to Spence Field. &
down Bote Mt. & Anthony Creek Trails with Sarge & Chris. Very easy. 13 miles. 85
3/27/85, Mt. LeConte ACB alone. Passed Nancy going down for the Line's baby, Grace.
saw all lodge crew at kitchen except Tim, Nancy & Lisa. Met them on way down. Snow
on shady slopes. My 245th trip up. 10 miles. 95
3/30/85, Mt. Cammerer via Ground Hog Ridge with SMHC. Met Ann Forsyth. She was
also on Parsons Bald hike. Herick Brown & Myrtle on hike. 27 hikers. Hot & sunny.
Jackie got sick and didn't go all the way up. 5 miles. 100
3/31/85, ACB to Mt. LeConte with Jackie in a slow steady rain from bluff up. Got wet.
Dried off at office. Talked to Lucky, also saw Nancy, Scott &Mason at lodge. 10 miles. 110
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 246
Mt. LeConte in last 48 months 202
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 204
Total this year 9
Total club hikes this year. 5
Total hikes this year. 20
Total miles this year 195
4/4/85, Russell Field via Rowans Creek (Off Trail) with Sarge. (Sarges club Hike) We
hit the Ledbetter Trail abt. 15 minutes below the bald. The only other hiker that we
saw was Mr. Meyers from Townsend, after we hit the trail. Nice day. stayed on Bald
Abt/ 1 ˝ hrs. 10 miles. 10
4/7/85, Mt. LeConte via ACB - Alone - Gary and Jackie started up abt. 2 hrs. before
I did but turned back at Gracie's Pulpit. Gary had knee trouble. Cold on top & snowing.
Abt. 24 F. Stayed at lodge office and talked with guests and crew. Saw Scott, Phil, Tim,
Mason and Nancy there. On my way down, I met Melinda above Arch Rock & Lucy
just starting up. 10 miles. 20
4/13/85, Porter Creek Trail to creek with SMHC. Earnest Luellen & Evelyn went on
this hike. Evelyn, Chris, Jo Ann, & I rode With Lou. Met Evelyn's friend, Louise
Smathers. Lots of visitors & members. I recall on hike, Grace foster & husband, Dave and
Lucy Scanlon, Jim Lyle, J. Haynes, Katy, Phil & ruth Ewald, Audry Little, Carl & Mary
Alice Porter, Ann Forsyth, Jim Pugh, Bob Cook & Jackie. Met Father Miller, formally
taught math at UT. (Episcopal) also Joan, hiker from SMHC, from Buffalo. She teaches
zoology at UT. 5 miles. 25
4/14/85, Mt. LeConte via ACB Alone. Sunny & warm when I started - cold & cloudy on
top. 48 F. Nancy in office, Mason and Lucky came by, Tim down. 10 miles. 35
4/17/85, Mt. LeConte via ACB - Alone - Talked with Fay Cogdil (Building steps to office)
He expects to finish the work on 18th. Saw Mason, Regina, Lucky, Nancy, Scott &
Jennifer in kitchen. took up slides from Wym. trip, also old radio tapes. On way down
stopped at Inspiration Pt. Regina came down & I walked down with her. Said this was
her last year. Having a baby in Nov. Nice warm day. 10 miles. 45
4/20/85, Silers Bald with Jackie, Sarge, ruth, Jean, JoAnn, & Chris. Great day. 10 miles. 55
4/21/85, Mt. LeConte, (Myrtle Pt.) With Jackie. Another great day. Saw Clifford Oakley
at Duck Hawk Trail. Worked at lodge in late 20's. Mason at office. Sat on new porch.
Talked with Tim., Lisa, Nathan Melinda, Regina & Nancy. took up tape of old radio
shows. 12 miles. 67
4/25/85, Flower Trail below Norris Dam with Chris. Also went to Scanlon's for herbs.
Great day. Nice walk. 3 miles. 70
4/27/85, Spence Field with Jackie, Juanita, Ann Forsythe & daughter Kerry, JoAnn
Freshour, & Earnest (Lou) Luellen. We had lots of fun and hot dogs and cokes when
we got back to the picnic area. Cloudy & warm. 12 miles. 82
4/28/85, Mt. LeConte - Alone - ACB. Overcast & cool on top. Stayed at office. Saw
Jennifer, Scott, Lucky, Regina & Nathan. Mason down. 10 miles. 92
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 251
Mt. LeConte in last 49 months 209
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 207
Total this year 14
Total club hikes this year. 11
Total hikes this year. 29
Total miles this year 290
5/4/85, Russell Field with SMHC - 16 on trail hike, 12 on odd trail hike .- Don? Lionel
Etnoy and I rode with Lou. Real nice day. Cool in morning & warming up later. Others
on hike, Jackie, Sarge, Ruth Young, Jean Bamgham, Charlie K. Bob Lee & wife, Bonnie
Webb, Dave Scanlon, Pete Johnson, Ken & Helen Warren, Pat & Mary (from Ruth's
dancing class) Jane? (Near Jackie), J. Haynes & others. 10 miles. 10
5/5/85, Mt. LeConte via ACB - alone. Nice day. Scott in office. Walked part way up
with Jim from Atlanta. Henrietta from Denmark also in his party. Jim wanted my
picture with his group. Talked to Nancy, Lisa and Nathan. Saw Grace Elizabeth. 10 miles. 20
5/11/85, From road to Metcalfe Bottoms to Townsend Y with Sarge, Jean, Chris and Jo
Ann. Ate lunch on bank of Little river just above Y. Pleasant hike. Not too hot. Rain abt.
15 min. from car. Saw lots of pink lady slippers on this hike. Stopped at Crystals for
Cokes. 15 miles. 35
5/12/85, Mt LeConte (ACB) with Jo Ann. Rained after we got up. First hike with Jo
Ann alone. Saw Nancy & Regina also Scott at office. Talked to couple from NC. Stopped
at Kroger's. 10 miles. 45
5/19/85, Mt. LeConte with Jackie (ACB). Saw John & Anita Crabtree, Barbara Renfro,
Mr. & Mrs Biggers (Cumberland Estates) in parking lot. and later on top. Ate lunch on
porch & sat abt 2 hrs. Talked with Nancy, Regina, Scott, & Tim Melinda also came by.
Went to Myrtle Pt. where we saw Jennifer, Lucky, & his two friends. Stayed 2 hrs. there
& 1 more hr. on porch. Had a great time on this real nice day. 12 miles. 57
5/23/85, Mt LeConte alone (ACB) gloomy day - Misty rain. Stopped at office. Melanda
on duty. Jennifer came in and I gave her the strawberries, lettuce, & onions I had brought
up. Later went to kitchen & saw Tim, Mason, Scott & Lucky. Nancy & Regina were
down. 10 miles. 67
5/26/85, Road Prong, Indian Gap, AT, Sugarland Mt. to Chimneys with Jeff, Nancy,
Chris & Jo Ann. At lunch at Mt. Collins Shelter. Nice day. Chris and Jo Ann rode with
me. Stopped at Kay's (Sevierville) for ice cream. 11 miles. 78
5/27/85. (Memorial Day). Albright Grove with Club. Lou went on this one. Nether
Chris or Jo Ann went along. Some others who went were: John & Anita, Alice, Audrey,
Suzanne, Jim Pogh, Paul Th. Joe (Yugoslavian), Joan Buffalo, NY. Her last hike before
going home. She taught biology at UT this year. she invited club members up for tour
of Niagara Falls. 6 miles. 84
5/30/85, Newfound Gap to junction of Richland Mt.& Kephart Shelter Trails with
Sarge. Walked to Jump-Off & Charlies Bunion with couple from Missouri. He taught
at college level. Met Dr. McGhee's granddaughter. 14 miles. 98
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 255
Mt. LeConte in last 50 months 213
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 211
Total this year 18
Total club hikes this year. 13
Total hikes this year. 38
Total miles this year 388
6/1/85, Mt. LeConte, Myrtle Pt. with sarge, Jackie, Jo Ann& Ann. Met Scott on trail
both ways. Took up lettuce & onions, also color slides of Line's baby (Grace) & Nancy.
Saw Tim, Lisa, Mason, Nancy and Jennifer in kitchen. Jo Ann got coffee. Saw Lucky
at office. Met Leonard Bradley's brother, Jim. Beautiful day. 12 miles. 12
6/2/85, Mt Sterling with Dave S., Bob L., Jackie & Jo Ann over 17 mi loop. Scattered
showers. Carolina club also made hike with reverse loop to ours. Chris went with them.
17 miles. 29
6/5/85, Mt. LeConte - alone. Met 3 men from Kingsport in saddle. Talked to them on
lodge porch. Offered me a beer if I got down as they did. Also met Maxine McCullar &
Marcia Capshaw who had hiked up the Boulevard Trail & wanted to go back ACB.
I told them that I would take them back to their car. They were enjoyable companions
on the way down and indicated they may get in touch with me later. They were from
Tunnel Hill, GA. work as social workers at Dalton, GA hospital. Lucky in office. Regina
at her cabin, Scott came by and went to cliff Top, so did Mason & Nathan. I went out
with them. Met Jennifer near cables on our way down. Another great day on LeConte
11 miles. 40
6/8/85, Rich Mt. Loop with Jackie & Jo Ann. Mostly cloudy. Lunch at fire tower base.
9 miles. 49
6/9/85, Train ride to Cumberland Gap.
6/10.85, Mt. LeConte - alone (ACB). Saw Jennifer at office, also Scott, Mason, Tim, Lisa,
and Laura Discepoli. Also Melissa & Regina - Fay Cogdill & 3 others were weather stripping
windows. Ed Jones was up. Also met Jack Huff's son & family at lodge. Met Lucky on his
way up abt 6 0r 7 min. fro, parking lot. Hard rain on top abt. 2:00 pm. Several hikers got
drenched. I was in office during rain. 10 miles. 59
6/13/85, Clingmans Dome from Elkmont with bob Lee and Sarge. Took Jakes Gap &
Buckeye Gap, (Miry Ridge), AT past Silers & Double springs to Clingmans Dome.
Cool day. 45 F, abt 1 hr out. 15 miles. 74
6/15/85, Mt. LeConte alone. Saw Jennifer & sister below steps, on way down. Mason
also down, gone to Florida. Took up beans for crew. Lucky, Tim, Lisa and Nathan at office
Scott, Regina & Nancy in kitchen. Passed dick Ketall & small daughter before 1st footlog.
They were spending the night. Some sun but mostly clouds. 10 miles. 84
6/16/85, Hen Wallow Falls with SMHC. James, Jackie, Ann & I made an additional
hike to Suttons Ridge Overlook. Cldy. 9 miles. 93
6/19/85, Mt. LeConte alone. Late start. Left car at 12:20. Myrtle Pt. 2:42. Also Cliff Top.
Stayed short time at office. Scott there. Met Tim just above Grassy Patch & Lisa below
Gracie's Pulpit on their way down. 13 miles. 106
6/22/85, Gregorys Bald via Sams Gap with SMHC. rode with James Pugh, Sam Spessard, &
Earnest Lewellen. Others who were along included: Jo Ann, Jackie, Cota Effaleda,
Elsie Dotson, J. Hanes, Ed Solar, Azaleas Pour. Weather Fair. 8 miles. 114
6/23/85, Mt. LeConte with Jackie, James, Sam & Pete. Met Lisa's parents at office.
Mason in office. Also saw Scott & Melissa. Went to Myrtle Pt. Hard rain just as we got
to shelter. 12 miles. 126
6/27/85, Myrtle Pt. (Mt. LeConte) with Sarge. Saw Mason on his way back to lodge.
Met JoAnn Freshour & Jean Lambert on their way to Mt. LeConte Shelter. Nice day.
not too hot. Sunny with some clouds. 15 miles. 141
6/30/85, Mt. LeConte (ACB), alone. Scott & Lucky in office. Also saw Nancy. (came
up after I got there). Jennifer Melinda, Lisa, Tim & children. Also Lucky's friend &
neighbor, Rick. Light rain on way down. 10 miles. 151
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 263
Mt. LeConte in last 50 months 221
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 219
Total this year 26
Total club hikes this year. 13
Total hikes this year. 51
Total miles this year 539
7/7/85, Deep Creek via Deep Creek Trail, starting abt 1 1/4 mi. (NC side) below
Newfound Gap with SMHC. Rode with Jackie. Joe ?, John ? also rode with us. Bob
Cook & Ruth Martin leaders. 10 went down, 29 hiked up. Swapped car keys as we
met. Other known hikers were Cota Fulks, Chris Hamilton, Bob Lee, Charles
Klabiundy, Andy Zenick, & Audry Little. Nice mild day. No rain. 14 miles. 14
7/11/85, Mt. LeConte, ACB to cliff Top. Saw Mason at parking lot. Walked up with him.
Lucky in office. Saw Melinda, Scott & Regina. Mailed letters for Nancy, Mason and Regina.
Some clouds & some sun. Warm, no rain. 11 miles. 25
7/13/85, Walker Prong & 441 up to Newfound Gap. - Out A.T. to Blvd. Trail abt.
1 1/4 mi. To branch and down creek to car. 8 miles. 33
7/15/85, Mt. LeConte ACB to Cliff Top with JoAnn. Took green beans to kitchen.
Ate lunch at cliff Top. saw and took picture of helicopter taking young boy with broken
leg off mt. Saw Jim Mathews & llamas. Met Scott as we were going down. Saw Melinda,
Jennifer, Regina, Lisa, Tim, Nathan, & sister Grace & Mason at lodge. Got up abt. 12:10
Overcast going up. cleared some coming down. 11 miles. 44
7/18-21/85, A.T. from Newfound Gap to Cosby campground with JoAnn Freshour &
Jean Lambert (Maryville) Stayed 1st night at Pecks Corner, second at tri corner and last
night at Cosby Knob. Had Pecks Corner shelter to ourselves. Am undertaker man and 13
year-old son at Tri Corner (hiking from PA to GA. 2 young men from Mich. & 4 Boy
Scouts with Scoutmaster from Long Island, N.Y.. Scoutmaster, Dan. Scouts abt 15 years old.
Jeff, Chris, Chuck & John. Had great weather for trip. No rain. Saw bear at C. Knob.
Jean almost stepped on rattle snake just above Cosby Knob. Got small piece of plane that
crashed abt. 4 years ago at Inadu Knob. 28 miles. (Saw Elsa Dodson & Lucy Hogh at
Tri Corner, Met Lucy and Tom Aug. 9, 1983 at LeConte. 72
7/23/85, Mt. Collins Shelter to Mt. Buckley wit JoAnn. Overcast. Saw the Boy Scouts,
Chris, John, Chuck, Jeff & Dan at shelter. (The ones we saw at Cosby Knob. L.I., NY)
got their address and gave them ours. 10 miles. 82
7/25/85, Mt. LeConte via ACB with Jo Ann, Jean Lambert & her grandson Jeff. Overcast
& some rain. Lucky at office. Tim working on fence. Nancy came to office & talked to us.
Met Chuck (New man) Jennifer & Scott on Blvd. Mason & Lisa down - also Regina down.
Fixed Regina's batteries. 10 miles. 92
7/28/85, Mt. LeConte, via ACB, with Josip Caja (Joe Cha-a, Yugoslavian) Light rain all
the way up and down. Last ˝ mile down, moderate rain. Still a pleasant trip. Joe's first
up Mt. LeConte. Saw Lucky, Nancy & Jennifer at office. Mailed letters for Nancy. Ed
Jones also up as well as Bob Lee whom we hiked down with. Temp. on top 57 F. 10 Mi. 102
7/31/85, Mt. LeConte, ACB to Myrtle Pt. alone. Walked to Myrtle Pt. with Mason.
Bear charged us twice back at shelter. Jennifer in office. Saw Nancy, Scott, Regina, &
friend from Gainesville, Fla. Car broke down 5 mi out of Sevierville. Picked up by James
Mintz & brother (also James from Hanibal, MO.). Both teach. James teaches music at UT.
12 miles. 114
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 268
Mt. LeConte in last 50 months 226
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 224
Total this year 31
Total club hikes this year. 13
Total hikes this year. 60
Total miles this year 653
8/3/85, Club hike, Eagle Creek to Hazel Creek by boat from Fontana Dock. 54 members and visitors. Met Mary Evans, Martha - My car broke down. Lou came after me. Jackie, Andy & James Pugh also rode with him. Good day. 5 miles. 5
8/4/85, Mt. LeConte with Jackie and Juanita. Up Boulevard and down ACB . Saw Bob
Lee at junction with A.T. & Blvd. Walked rest of hike with him. He had started at Grassy
Patch - down Hwy. to Chimneys - Up road Prong to Indian Gap & E. on A.T. to
Newfound Gap. He took us back to our car at Newfound Gap. Jennifer in office. Lucky
& friend Joey also came in. Saw first Grass of Parnassus this year. Also saw Monks
Hood, Turtle Head & Cone flowers in bloom. Overcast, some sun, cool. 13 miles. 18
8/13-18/85 Fitzpatrick Wilderness - Yellowstone - Devils Tower. In party - O.K. Sargent,
Ruth Young, Jean Bangham and me. 8/13.85, Hiked 6 mi. to camp site at 10,000' Ele.
Jean Bangham & I got altitude sickness. I didn't feel up to hiking next day, so I stayed in
camp while others went on. Stayed at this camp 5 nights. 2 alone. Felt better on 15, took
6 mi. hike to Mt. To N.E. (Off trail). 16th trail to Dinwoody Falls - counted it as 16 mi.
Probably at least 18 mi. Met others coming back. They had only gone abt. .6 mi. further.
We all spent night at first camp. Others went down on 17th. I stayed behind for another
day & night. Explored Mt. To S.W. on 17th (off trail). Saw antelopes on both off trail hikes.
Sarge came back for me on 18th. good view of Tetons on way to Yellowstone. - spent first
night at Grant's Village - Second at Lake Shore Lodge. 19th took 17 mi. hike to Hart Lake
& Thermal Springs. On 20th Sarge & I took in some of the attractions while Ruth & Jean
took short hikes. On way back, spent first night abt 15 mi. w. of Cody, WY. Next night at
Spear Fish, N. Dak. after seeing Devil's Tower. 3rd night at Sioux city, Iowa and last night at
Mt. Vernon, IL. Going pout, 1st night near Kansas City, 2nd, Lander, WY & 3rd at DuBois,
WY. Most hiking at Fitzpatrick Wilderness between 10,000 & 11,000 ' 55 miles. 73
8/28/85, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone. Met Regina abt 15 min from car. Also met Barbara
Renfro at Arch Rock. Caught up with Bo Stokes from Huntsville, AL abt 1/4 mi. before
steps at switchback. Walked rest of way with him. His wife was behind him on trail. She
wanted picture made with me. Also Barbara wanted picture of me. Lucky in office. Jennifer
came in also. Saw Lisa, Tim., Nathan, Mason while sitting on porch talking with lodge guests.
Met Scott on my way down, just below lodge. Caught up with Mrs. Stokes at Gracie's
Pulpit. Walked with her to bluff where her husband was waiting. Walked rest of way down
with them. Nice likeable couple. Enjoyed them. Weather, mostly cloudy. 10 miles. 83
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 270
Mt. LeConte in last 53 months 226
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 228
Total this year 33
Total club hikes this year. 13
Total hikes this year. 69
Total miles this year 736
9/2/85, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top with Jackie. Met Margaret Stevenson & Lucy Hughes
at Horse Gate, Tom Hughes near Rainbow Falls Trail Junction. Jennifer at office. - Also
saw Tim, Lisa, & Nathan there. Mason down. Father died of heart attack. Good clear
day. Warm. 11 miles. 11
9/4/85, Mt. LeConte, Myrtle Pt. alone. Took up green beans. Scott at office. Saw Tim &
Lisa at kitchen. Jennifer at office and kitchen. Showed her Wyo. pictures. Met Regina
heading for Grassy Slide to pick blueberries. Mason down. Made it up in 1 hr. 55 min.
11 days before my 70th birthday. 2 hrs. & 18 min. to M. Pt. 12 miles. 23
9/6-8/85, Tri Corner Knob with Jackie. Started hike abt. 1:10pm at Cosby Camp Ground.
Fri. 2 ˝ miles up to Low Gap to A.T. ˝ mi. W on A.T. to Cosby Knob Shelter for night.
Caught in rain just as I reached A.T. Jackie abt. 10 min behind. Got to shelter abt. 3:10
Used rhododendron for firewood. Sat. 3.9 mi. to Snake Den Trail & 3.7 mi. on to Tri-
Corner. Left shelter at 10:07 am. Arrived at Tri-Corner at 3:15 pm. 3 men on horses got to
shelter just before dark. Only people we saw on trails until Sun. Left Sun. at 9:20 am. 3.7
Mi. to Snake Den & down it 5.5 mi. to campground. Got out abt. 2:30 pm. 19.8 mi +. 43
9/11/85, Mt. LeConte (ACB) alone. Met Tim, & Nathan at parking lot. Went to Cliff Top
Saw Scott, Chuck, & Jennifer at office. Took letters to mail for Nancy. Dropped in box at
Pigeon Forge P.O. at 5:55. 11 miles. 54
9/14/85, Mt. LeConte via Blvd. up ACB down with SMHC. 34 members & visitors.
Jennie, Cissy (Bob Cook's daughter) Doris Gove & a young man (don't remember his name)
went down Duck Hawk Ridge with me. Jackie, Jo Ann Jean Lambert & I rode with Lou.
Stopped in Restaurant in Pigeon forge to eat. Lou had waitress bring apple pie with ice cream.
And 1 candle. They sang the anniversary song to me. Surprise to me. Had lots of fun.
Great day. Clear & cool. 13 miles. 67
9/17/85, Mt. LeConte, (Myrtle Pt.) With Sarge. Nice day. A little cool. Took up ice cream.
Regina & Nancy had tried to get Tim to send up yesterday. - Saw Sarah (former crew
member) & Nancy at M. Pt. Nancy's birthday yesterday. Lucky, Scott, Mason, & Jennifer
in kitchen. Regina later in kitchen. Ruth Ewald, Ruby Hitch & Nancy (Marians friend)
also came to kitchen. Saw Margaret Stevenson & friend at Grassy Slide. 13 miles. 80
9/20/85, Mt. LeConte (ACB) with jean Lambert. Saw Jennifer at Saddle. Tim, Scott, Lisa,
& Mason on lodge porch. Another fine day weather wise. 10 miles. 90
9/21/85, Chas. Bunion (first peak after) with Sarge, Jean Bangham & Ann Forsythe. Good
day. Partly cloudy. Came back through Townsend because of old cars at Pigeon Forge.
Stopped at restaurant at Townsend. 10 miles. 100
9/26/85, Mt. LeConte, (ACB) alone. Met John & Anita Crabtree at 2nd cable below ACB.
Mason working in office. Also Chuck, Lucky, Tim, Lisa, Nancy & Jennifer came in office.
Met Regina near Horse Gate on my way down. Met couple who lived on Fairmont Blvd.
They knew Red Sharp & wife Gertrude as well as Gregg & Mrs. Woolsey. Also knew Hugh,
Ed Sharp's family and grandmother. Had lived in Mrs. Saylor's house. Also went to school
with Betty Din. Saw Diane's friend. Nyla Vaughan. Met before 2 or 3 times. 10 miles. 110
9/??/85, Nolan Divide & Nolan Creek Trails to Forney Ridge Trail. Andrews Bald to
Forney Ridge parking lot. & abt. 1 ˝ mi on cling. Dome Rd. to car with Bob Lee. Good
clear, cool, day. 17 miles. 127
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 277
Mt. LeConte in last 54 months 233
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 235
Total this year 40
Total club hikes this year. 13
Total hikes this year. 79
Total miles this year 863
10/3/85, Mt. LeConte (ACB) alone. Met Jennifer near Grassy Slide. Chuck in office. Scott
came in also Mason who had just hiked back up. Slow rain on way up. Temp 57 F on top.
10 miles. 10
10/5/85, Abrams Falls from Abrams ranger station with Kathy Crone. She drove. Nice day
with some clouds. Cool. Low 60's. 11 miles. 21
10/6/85, Charlies Bunion loop from Kephart Prong - (Sweet Heifer, Richland Mt.) with
SMHC. 10 people on trail. Charlie Ross, Audrey Little, Kathy Crone, Chris Hamilton,
J. Haynes, Andy Zenick, Ruth Young, Jean Bangham. I walked in back with Audrey. 12
on part cross country, including Sarge, Bill Busing, Chas Klabiundy and others. Good day.
Sunny & cool. Kathy rode with me. Chris rode back. 14 miles. 35
10/10/85, Mt. LeConte (ACB) with Sarge. Saw Margaret Stevenson & party near top.
Went to cliff Top with three hikers we met near top. Talked with man from Army surplus
Store on Rt. 66. Nancy in office. Saw Mason on his way to cliff Top. Said David had been
up. Good Day. warm. 11 miles. 46
10/12/85, Mt. Cammerer (Low Gap) with (Lou) Ernest Luellen, Jean Lambert, & Jo
Ann Freshour. Great day. great Fall colors & a great time. Stopped at Mrs. Winners on
way back. 11 miles 57
10/16/85, Mt LeConte (ACB) alone. Saw Barbara Renfro on my way up & down. Jennifer
Scott, Nancy, Lisa, Nathan & Mason on porch. Lucky came by. good weather. Warm
Left fairly early (2:30) to go to square dance class. 10 miles. 67
10/18/85, Mt LeConte (ACB) alone. Lucky at office. Nancy at Myrtle Pt. Jennifer at
shelter. Susan up for visit at dining room. Also there, Lisa, Scott, Al Beddinger & Tim.
Saw Regina at her cabin. Leaving end of week. Gave her some money for expected baby.
Saw Jim Matthew with llamas. MADE IT UP IN 1 hr.& 43 min. MY BEST TIME EVER.
(at age 70) Talked with young couple from Near Raleigh NC at M. Pt. Also saw
Margaret Stevenson near M. Pt. Great day. 12 miles. 79
10/19/85, Max Patch from Lemon Gap with SMHC. Jo Ann, Jean L., Lou & Ann
Forsythe rode with Jackie. Had our usual great time and visited Lou's niece in Newport.
Stopped at Morrison's in E. Town. Max Patch is a large grassy bald with a fantastic
view. Most interesting bald I've been on. Great day. great time. 6 miles. 85
10/24/85, Mt LeConte (ACB) lodge with Andy Zenick - Met Diane & friend with Mary
on way up. Saw Tim, Nathan, Nancy & Lucky at office. Bid Regina goodbye at kitchen.
(her last week) Met Scott and later Jennifer going down. Slow drizzle most of day but
mostly wet from sweating. 10 miles. 95
10/31/85, Mt LeConte (ACB) lodge alone. Lucky in office. Lisa, Tim & their children
came in. Also Mason & Jennifer. Talked to couple from Ind. in office. 10 miles. 105
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 283
Mt. LeConte in last 55 months 239
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 241
Total this year 46
Total club hikes this year. 15
Total hikes this year. 89
Total miles this year 968
11/2/85, Chestnut Top Ridge to School House Gap with Jo Ann. Cloudy & abt 60 F.
got back early. 9 miles. 9
11/3/85, Mt. LeConte (ACB) with Joe Caja ( from Yugoslavia). Light rain all day. Last
day for lodge guests this year. Mason in office. Saw Jennifer, Tim, Scott, Lisa, Nancy &
kids at kitchen. Took milk, eggs, orange juice, spinach, and apples for Nancy. 10 miles. 19
11/9/85, Low Gap to AT to Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail with Mason Watts, from Mt.
LeConte Lodge. Nice day. temperature 50's. Some snow still on Mt. 6 or 7" in places.
Intended to go down Ground Hog Ridge but because of snow we didn't. Abt 6' of snow
on Mt. LeConte on 4th. 16 miles. 35
11/19/85, Maddron Bald with SMHC. Jackie drove. JoAnn went with us. Snow in shady
places at higher altitudes. Went to Snake Den Trail. (JoAnn & James Pugh) Warm & sunny
wore short sleeve shirt. 14 miles. 49
11/11/85, Cooper Rd., Hatcher Rd., Abrams Falls & Oliver Cabin with Katy Conway.
Sunny, warm day. Met Snyders' from Louisville, KY. Had met them on LeConte abt.
2 yrs. ago. 14 miles. (Note error on addition. should be 63 miles) 53
11/17/85, Brushy Mt. Via Trillium Gap with Katy, Ed Soler & Bill Murphy. Also saw
Bob Lee & wife. Walked partway. Mostly nice & warm. Some ice. (Distance not given)
11/23/85, Unfinished Parkway with SMHC. Also went to hidden whiskey still location
of Charles Williams, author of "Memories of a Mountaineer." Enjoyable character. Good
hike, good weather. 7 miles. 60
11/30/85, Mt. LeConte alone. Light rain. Took Nancy a gun. 2:05 up. 1:50 down. Didn't
stay long on top. Wanted to see Margaret. 10 miles. 70
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 285
Mt. LeConte in last 55 months 241
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 243
Total this year 48
Total club hikes this year. 17
Total hikes this year. 89
Total miles this year 1038
12/6/85, Cherokee Orchard to abt. 1 ˝ miles above Grotto Falls alone. 1 to 1 ˝" of snow.
Temp. 20 F at highest altitude attained. Road to Newfound Gap closed. couldn't go to
LeConte. Susan was to be up today. 10 miles. 10
12/8/85, Cherokee Orchard to Hwy. near Sugarland Center with SMHC. Also Chimney
Tops with Sarge, Jean B., James Pugh _ Bob Lee also went. Weather mild. Margaret
McMillan didn't show up. 4 + 4 miles. 18
12/23/85, Mt. LeConte alone. Saw Sarge and grandson at parking lot. They went up to
ACB. Nancy at lodge. Took her milk, eggs, orange juice, & 2 oranges. Abt. 2'' of snow
at trail head. 8 to 10" on top. Temp around freezing or below. wind chill factor much
colder on top. 10 miles. 28
12/30/85, Meigs Mt. Trail from Elkmont to Tremont with Ed Jones. 2 to 3" of snow on
most of trail. Temp. from below freezing to abt. 38 F. Clear sky. we saw tracks in snow
we thought could be Mt. lion. Lots of other tracks including deer & boar. Also
considerable trail damage by boars. distance 10.5 mi. 38
1/4/86, I tore out the first page of my new hiking journal so that Bucky could Xerox
it to use for his hiking record. I remember first hike with SMHC from Newfound Gap
to Charlies Bunion. There was snow & ice and it was slippery. Of the 31 hikers, I remember
Sarge, Ed Elder, Christi, Jane from East Iowa, Peter & Joe Caja from Yugoslavia, Bob Cook
& his daughter, Cindy, Gene Bowlen, Doris Grove & Dave Scanlon. 9 miles. 9
1/12/86, second hike. Schoolhouse Gap with Margaret. Laurel Creek road via SH # 6 Rd.
We came back through White Oaks Sinks. Margaret's first hike. 5 miles. 14
1/23/86, Mt. LeConte to lodge via ACB Trail. Snow & ice required creepers. Moderate'
clear. 26 F at 6 pm when I got back to car. Met Jennifer between Arch rock & Inspiration
Pt. She had been staying with Nancy at lodge since Sunday. Has new car, 81 Suburu. Going
down to sell her VW. Saw four young male hikers going to top. Nancy alone in kitchen.
Stayed abt 15 min. Took her qt. of milk, 4 eggs & frozen orange juice. She gave me egg
carriers and home made granola. 10 miles. 24
1/30/86, Spence Field from Cades Cove picnic grounds via Anthony Creek & Bote Mt.
Trails with Sarge. Snow knee deep on top. Met ruby Hitch, Elise Dotson, Phil & Ruth
Ewald. (last three members of SMHC). They had broken trail in snow from Anthony
Creek & Bote Mt. Trail junction to top. We had intended to walk AT to Russell Field
but trail hadn't been broken on the AT or Russell Field trails. Cool. 12 miles. 36
Total Mt. LeConte Hikes 287
Mt. LeConte in last 58 months 243
Mt. LeConte hikes after 65 years old 245
Total this year 1
Total club hikes this year. 1
Total hikes this year. 4
Total miles this year 36
2/2/86, Baskins Creek from second parking lot at Cherokee Orchard to Roarin Fork Rd.
with SMHC. Margaret's 1st trip with club. Others were Sarge, Jo Ann, Dean Bangham
Jean Lambert, Earnest Luellen, John Clark, Linda (from trout Branch hike in 81')
Charlie Klabiundy, Bob Lee & Lillian Smathers. Warm for Feb. Cloudy, with a little
light rain. 5 miles. 5
2/7/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge via ACB alone. It was rainy and mild. Met Nancy & friend
above saddle going down for groceries. Coming back tomorrow. Jennifer in cabin. Went
to kitchen after I learned. she had been making candles. Gave me 2 of them for Margaret.
Also filled my thermos with coffee before I started down. I took up qt. of milk, 12 oz.
Frozen orange juice, 4 eggs, & banana. Also gave Jennifer candy bar. Invited me again
to bring Margaret up this summer. Said the crew would be back on March 17. Hired 2
new girls as replacements for Regina & Mason. 10 miles. 15
2/16/86, Snowbird Mt. From I-40 via AT, with SMHC. Sarge, Ruth, Jean,& Charlie from
O.R., Alice, bob Lee, bob cook, Dave Scanlon, Ed Jones & girlfriend (Diana), Andy
Zenick, Audrey Little, Bill Busing, Paul Threldkel, Ray Payne, Chris Hamilton, & others.
Up to 5" of snow on trail. Mushy & muddy on way down after temp. warmed up. took
abt. 2 hrs & 45 min. going up. 2 hrs. down at easy pace. News letter stated 8 mi. but we
had to have made at least 2 ˝ mi. per hr. on trip down to parking area. I judged the
distance to have been at least 10 mi. round trip. 25
2/23/86, loop on Old Sugarland Rd. with Margaret. Weather good, fair & warm. Up
Old Sugarland Rd. to hog enclosure. Cherokee Orchard rd. to first trail on left. (Before
Bull Head Trail), back to river & back to Hwy. 2 miles. 27
Feb 4 hikes -27 Mi.- 63 miles to date.
LeConte this month 1
LeConte this year 2
LeConte total 288
LeConte since Age 65, 246
LeConte last 59 Months, 244
3/2/86, Schoolhouse Gap from the Townsend "Y" via Chestnut Top Trail. Nice warm day.
Got late start. Just got out before dark. We made it back from S. H. Gap Rd. to "Y" in
1 hr. & 40 min. 9 miles.
3/5/86, Abram's Falls with Margaret. Side trip to Oliver's Cabin. Nice day. Temp in
50's. 6 miles.
3/9/86, Cascade on noisy creek from Hwy 73. with SMHC. Margaret's 2nd club hike. Andy,
Ann Forsythe, Margaret and I all in Jackie's car. Others were Paul T., Alice Xiques. Bob Lee & wife, Jean Bangham, & Joe Chaja & family. Good part of hike was rock hopping up a noisy creek. Warm day. We stopped for ice cream on 66 Hwy on way back. 4 miles.
3/13/86, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to shelter with Andy Zenick. Met Nancy below
Arch Rock. She told us where to find the lodge keys and invited us to go into the kitchen,
warm up & make coffee. We also partially dried our sox & jackets. Saw other hikers
staying at shelter from Mississippi. My 289th trip to LeConte. Made my 60th consecutive
month.(5 years) without missing a month. Rain & warm. 11 miles.
3/16/86, From Newfound Gap Rd. to Huskey Gap with the SMHC, Joe Chaja & wife
Angela, Maria, Jackie, James Pugh, Katy Conn, Bob Cook, Dave Scanlon, Bob Lee &
wife, Audrey, Andy & Denny. Parked 3/4 mi up Hwy. Partly on old trails and
partly off trail to Husky Gap. Down trail to Hwy, across Hwy on trail by West Prong
of Pigeon River and back to cars. Weather Great! 7 miles. Peters Yugoslavia Ham call
Y4BAB Year 56. Jerry said to get Frisbee, AMF (9") at Revco. Also MSR windshield
for alcohol stove & paper plates. He also told me abt. sewing kit at Camphore.
3/26/86, Rich Mt. From Loop Rd. via Olivers Cabin with Margaret. Started at 11:45 a.m.
At lunch at fire tower site. Talked to horseback riders. Warm & cloudy. 9 miles.
3/29/86, Greenbrier Perambulation with SMHC. Margaret, Lyles, Sarge, Hugh & Louis
& Smathers, Jackie & Karen. Jim Lyle's Weiner roast at picnic shelter. Sarge rode with
Margaret & me. Warm day. Few flowers.
LeConte this month 1
LeConte this year 3
LeConte total 289
LeConte since Age 65, 247
LeConte last 60 Months, 245
No. of hikes thru March, 15 & 117 miles, 54 miles for March. Club hikes this year 6,
4/2/86, Mt. LeConte alone via ACB on a nice warm day. Lodge open - Met new crew members
Nathan remembered me & that I had brought him cookies last season. Saw Tim, Lisa, Nathan, Laura, Lucky, Scott, Nancy & Jennifer. (Lodge Crew). Caught up with Dr. James r. Reddick D.D.S. of Knoxville, below steps. Walked rest of way with him. He was staying overnight at lodge and because his companion was unable to go, he asked me to share his reservations with him. We plan to get together for a Mt. Cammerer hike later on. 11 miles.
4/6/86, Mt. LeConte alone via ACB on a cloudy & cool day. Made it from parking lot to lodge in 1 hr. & 57 min. Walked out to Myrtle Pt. Talked with Bob Beck there. Tim was in office with Grace, Nathan, & Lisa also came in. Paul & Linda in kitchen. (New Crew Members). 12 miles.
4/9/86, Old Sugarland Rd. to Old Cemetery with Margaret on a cool, cloudy day. 5 miles.
4/11/86, Mt. LeConte to Myrtle Pt. alone via ACB on a fair, cool day with mild winds. Left Grassy Patch at 11:40 & got to Myrtle Pt. at 1:55. (2hrs. 15 min.) Stayed at Myrtle Pt. 1 he - 10 min. Rocks were warm. Some wind. Had lunch there. No one else there while I was there. Traces of snow & ice on the trail in several locations at higher elevations. Paul & Lucky in office. Tim. in kitchen. Looked at their TV but couldn't fix it. Nancy came in while I was there. 12 miles.
4/13/86, Mt. LeConte to Myrtle Pt. alone via ACB on a partly cloudy, moderately cool day.
Saw Paul Jennifer & Nancy in office. Tim & Lisa down. Stayed at Myrtle Pt. 2 hrs. & 25 min. No one else came out. 12 miles.
4/17/86, White Oak sinks with Margaret via Laurel Creek Rd., Turkey Pen Ridge Trail on a cloudy day. We had a good time although it was cloudy & cool. Didn't get out until nearly dark. Went through White Oaks Sinks to School House Gap & back Turkey Pen Ridge Trail. Ate lunch near sink hole to left of trail & toward rock wall. Back to trail in dry creek bed. 10 miles.
4/24/86, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top alone via ACB on a warm day with little wind. Snow on most of trail from Gracie's Pulpit to top. Met Lisa carrying grace just below Arch Rock. they are going to Cincinnati for 10 days. Nathan going but Tim staying. Met Tim Rodgers carrying Nathan just below Inspiration Pt. Lisa said temp. Tue. nite 7 F. Spent most of my time at Cliff Top but went to office for abt. 15 min. Lucky there. found no record of Margaret S. being up since I saw her in 11th. someone had changed her trip number from 245 to 247 05 277?. 11 miles.
4/27/86, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top alone via ACB on a hot day with some clouds. Met Melinda,
(Former crew member) & friend abt. 10 min up trail. Working in Utah this summer. Regina up with baby (Nicholas) Talked with Jim Kelly from S.C. He was staying in shelter and runs an outdoor store. Saw both Tim, Nancy, Scott, & Phil in kitchen. Jennifer at office. Overtook Linda & friend near upper steps, going down for a week. (to Louisville) My 296th trip. 255 since age 65. 11 miles.
LeConte this month 7
LeConte this year 10
LeConte total 296
LeConte since Age 65, 255
LeConte last 61 Months, 253
No. of hikes thru April, 25 & 214 miles, 97 miles for April. Club hikes this year 7,
5/6-7/86, Cheoa Bald work trip. Gap above Wesser Station to 1 mi from bald with SMHC. Including: Ken & Helen Warren, Bruce Katell, Lionel Ettney, Terry & Margaret. A thundershower on 7th. Warm. Flame azalea. Solomon's seal, false Solomon's seals, pink ladies slippers, geraniums, Jack-in-the-pulpit, squaw root in bloom. Work trip for maintenance. Bruce drove Margaret's car. Lionel rode over with us. Terry rode back & Lionel stayed another day with Ken & Helen. Got several gnat bites. Blood pressure up on 8th to 210/110 - Dizzy. The ones in our car started from gap, 2mi. from Wesser Sta. 12 miles.
5/12/86, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top alone via ACB. Cloudy & cool on top with light rain. Linda in office. saw Scott, Tim # 2, Paul, Jennifer, Nancy & Nathan. 11 miles.
5/17/86, Walker sister's cabin with SMHC from Greenbrier School. Margaret, Anita, John & Bob Cook in group. Met Elsie Burrell, age 84. a retired teacher. Performs as teacher at Greenbrier School. An interesting program. 2 miles.
5/19/86, Mt. LeConte alone via ACB. Light rain partway up and all way down. First good rain this month. Scott tending office. Lucky, Paul, Jennifer came in while I was there. Tim, Lisa & kids down. Also Tim Rogers & Nancy down. Didn't start up until 1:00 pm At lodge at 3:10 pm. 11 miles.
5/22/86, Mt. LeConte alone via ACB. Light rain. forgot to log this trip until a week later. Late start 2:00 pm. Took lettuce, spinach, strawberries to kitchen. About time for crew to eat. I remember definitely that Nancy, Jennifer & Scott were there. Not sure about others. Tim Line & family were down.
5/29/86, 300th trip to Mt. LeConte alone via ACB. Light rain. As far as known, I am the first park visitor to hike Mt. LeConte 300 times. Nearest to me is Margaret Stevenson with 249 trips. 11 miles.
LeConte this month 4
LeConte this year 14
LeConte total 300
LeConte since Age 65, 259
LeConte last 62 Months, 257
No. of hikes thru May, 31 & 272 miles, 61 miles for May. Club hikes this year 8
6/4/86, Mt. LeConte alone via ACB. Overcast & scattered light rain. Scott in office. He said Tim. Lisa & kids were down. Saw all the other crew members at kitchen, except Jennifer. don't know if she was down. Took up cassette tape of dance music & copy of Fox trot & waltzes for Nancy and Tim Rogers. Large group from Knoxville had all accommodations taken. 11 miles.
6/11/86, Mt. LeConte alone via ACB. Light rain Cloudy & light rain below bluff. Paul in office, Tim & kids in stock room when I got there. Late start. 1:00 pm. Lucky came in while I was in office. didn't go to kitchen & didn't see any of the girls. Scott was down but didn't meet him on my way down. 11 miles.
6/15/86, Little River from Elkmont with SMHC. The weather was great. Margaret went on this trip. we rode with Jackie. Sam Spessard also rode with us. Jean Bangham said that sarge was in O.R. Hospital. He had been in Vanderbilt for surgery. Saw Jamie Herman for the first time in abt. 1 yr. Others in group: Andy, Lee, (Don), Lionel Ettny & others. 6 miles. (purple fringed orchis)
6/19/86, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top alone via ACB. Nice day, some clouds. Met a man and his step-son at cliff Top. I saw them again later as I started down. I took them and another man I met at Duck Hawk down Duck Hawk Ridge. Also talked with group from Atlanta at Cliff Top. Saw Jennifer coming out of office. Paul on duty. Nancy, Lucky, Tim & kids in kitchen. Margaret Stevenson was spending the night. She came into the office and talked with me. Her daughter was also up for second trip. Had met her on her last trip. 11 miles.
6/22/86, Gregorys Bald with the SMHC. the weather was very good and we saw lots of flame azaleas. Jackie, Sam S, Jo Ann, Jean L., Kate F., Jerry, Alice, Chris, Bob Cook, Ed Soluv. & Audry & other in group. Rode with Jackie. Sam, Jean & Jo Ann also rode with us. Saw Ed Jones & girl friend on top. His parents near top & SMHC members, Bob Lee, Paul Threldkel, Jean Bangham, Andy Z. on other hike. Azaleas great.6 different shades. 10 miles.
6/25/86, Mt. LeConte to Myrtle Pt. alone via ACB. The weather was great abt. 65 F & clear on top at 4:30. Jennifer in office. Lucky, Scott, Lisa & kids came by while I was on the porch talking to a woman from N.J. She liked TN, Met Tim as I was going down. Passed Margaret Stevenson & group below Arch rock. (Between 1st & 2nd foot log) also passed her at ACB on way down. Jennifer said that she was also up yesterday. 12 miles.
LeConte this month 4
LeConte this year 18
LeConte total 304
LeConte since Age 65, 263
LeConte last 63 Months, 261
No. of hikes thru June, 37 & 333 miles,. Club hikes this year 10
7/2/86, Mt. LeConte to lodge via ACB with Ed Jones on a rainy & cool day. Stayed in office while on top. Scott in office. Tim took over later. Lucky, Lisa & kids also came by. 11 miles.
7/9/86, Mt. LeConte to Camp ground alone via ACB. The weather was good but hot. Met Jennifer abt. 10 min. from car. She got back up before I left abt 5:30. Tim Rogers at office. Told me abt. his trip to Wyo. & Yellowstone. He hiked in Bridger near or the same as we did in 84' Stopped by rangers cabin on way back to talk to Stanley Huskey and 2 other trail maintenance men. got down abt 7:30. Home 9:00. 11 miles.
7/15/86, Ramsey Cascades with SMHC. Bob Lee & wife, Ruth V. Jean Bang., Chas Klabiundy, Jackie & Jo Ann. 4 miles.
7/16/86, Mt. LeConte to Cliff top alone via ACB. Start 11:45. Up 2:15, Start down 4:55, down 6:45. Passed Jennifer above Arch Rock & Ruth Stevenson & party above saddle. Lucky in office. Jennifer's sister also there. 1st time we met. going to college in Minn. A lot like Jennifer, looks, expressions etc. Linee 21 years old. Was told Scott walked off because he got up late to prepare breakfast in Tim's absence. Jennifer down looking for him trying to get him to come back. Guess someone got on him abt. it. Scott's a fine boy. Would hate to see him leave. Stanley Huskey up. Talked to him. Saw Tim going into tool shed. Paul Campbell in office. 11 miles.
7/23/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. The weather was hot. Met Jennifer abt 10 min from car. Also met her coming back up near ACB/Rainbow Falls Trails Junction. Tim Rogers abt. 2 min. behind her. Linda was with Jennifer on way down. (5 days in ??? Scott back in office) Saw no other crew members. Talked to trail maintenance men. Left abt. 5:00 got down at 7:00. traffic wasn't bad in park or Pigeon Forge. 11 miles.
7/30/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. The weather was great on Mt. But hot at home 90's. Cool on top & sunny abt. 65 F. Tim Rogers in office. Also saw Tim, Lisa & Nathan there. didn't see any other crew members. Talked with man from Cleveland, Ohio, staying at lodge. Passed him at the pulpit on my way up. Forgot my day pack. Went on up anyway. Had pack of cookies & 5 hard butterscotch candy. took Coke bottle to get water in. 11 miles.
LeConte this month 5
LeConte this year 23
LeConte total 309
LeConte since Age 65, 268
LeConte last 64 Months, 266
No. of hikes thru July, 43 & 406 miles,. Club hikes this year 11
8/4/86, Mt. LeConte old campground, alone via ACB. There were some clouds and it was warm. I ate my lunch at the campground and read N. Sentinel. Paul in office. Linda in kitchen. Saw Lisa on her porch. Gave her Moon Pie for Nathan. Got behind two women at Arch Rock. Walked with them abt. 10 min. Found some jewel weed. (touch me nots) below Arch Rock. Got some for Wally's poison ivy. 11 miles. In 11:09, Out 1:23. 2-14 total.
8/6/86, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top, alone via ACB. There was some clouds & some sun. Ate lunch at Horse Gate. Jennifer tending office. Linda also came on. Only crew members I saw. 11 miles.
8/12/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. Cloudy. Cool on top. Took ˝ gal. frozen blackberries to kitchen. Nancy there, also Paul. Lucky in office. Also saw Tim, Lisa & Nathan in kitchen. 11 miles.
8/15/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. It was cloudy. Saw Grass of Parnassus, 1st this year. (Near cables). Paul in office. Scott came in while I was there. Met Jennifer coming up as I was going down. Tim, Lisa & kids were down. Ran into light rain at Horse Gate. Used umbrella until I got to lodge. 11 miles.
8/19/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. There was rain from the top slide to the lodge. Talked with maintenance men on way up. They said bridge was to be rebuilt starting Sept. 9. Paul tending office. Lucky came in while I was there. Met Tim Rogers at top cable as I went down. 11 miles.
8/21/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. Stopped at Sugarland Visitors Center to see abt. camping permit for Aug - 31 - Sept - 1, Tri Corner, Laurel Gap. for Tim & me. Talked Lynn Woodruff (Vol. Park Ranger) at Shady Shack. Said rules had changed and we had to mes. by phone. She indicated she would like to go with me on some of my hikes. She will be leaving the last of Sept. Call Park HQ 436-9564. Nancy & Jennifer in office. Jere (like Jerry) Dabbs came in and said she wanted to meet me. Jennifer had told her abt. my many hikes to LeConte & that I always did favors for the crew. She had asked abt. me because she thought I might be the author of a hiking book she had just read. Invited me to look her up if I ever went to London. Nice young lady, Jere (Jerry) Dabbs. U.S. Embassy London Eng., Commercial Section. Box 40 FPO NY, NY 09510. There was rain on the last 1 ˝ mi. down. 11 miles.
8/26/86, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top, with Tim, my son, via Little Duck Hawk Ridge. Tim's 1st trip up this part. Some clouds. Met a young man on Cliff top whom I took down Duck Hawk abt. 3 years ago. His cousin and another man, who was a student of Neil Alexander at Fulton also were with us on that trip. We had talked with Noel on my ham Walkie Talkie. He was with 2 other young men, one of whom Tim knew. Went back to lodge and saw Lisa above the lodge making a drawing. Tim also met Lucky at office, Nancy & Jennifer in kitchen and Tim Rogers below ACB as we went down. Took screw for guitar but gears were stripped & e string broken.11 miles.
8/29/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. Cool & cloudy on top. A low of 34 F last night on LeConte. Met Wally & his friends below Ins. Pt. They had gone up Duck Hawk. Tim Rogers tending office. Nancy came in while I was there. Linda & Lucky came in later and also Tim Line & Grace. took up a few cherry tomatoes. Picked up Katharine Parley above Chimney Parking lot. Thought she was a young man until I stopped. She's working at Elkmont and had hiked up the Chimneys. took her to Sugarland parking lot where she had left her government car. Was not allowed to drive it for her own use. Talked to a man from Morristown in parking lot. He had started up abt. same time I did. 11 miles.
8/31/86 - 9/1/86, Laurel Gap Shelter via Low Gap, Walnut Bottoms, Counter Fork with Tim. 11 miles out & 11 miles in. It rained & my feet got wet. Dry otherwise. Believe I saw ginseng on Counter wise Fork. Had reservations for both Laurel Gap & Tri Corner Shelters but because of weather we came back on 1st and decided we didn't want to go top Tri Corner. Lucky we did because it rained all day on 2nd. 10 creek crossings between W. Bottom & Laurel Gap. 22 miles.
LeConte total 317
LeConte since Age 65, 276
LeConte last 65 Months, 274
No. of hikes thru Aug, 52 & 505 miles,. Club hikes this year 11
9/5/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. Cloudy and occasional sunshine. Tim Rogers in office. Tim Line, Lisa & kids came in while I was there. Talked to women from W. Knox. Had lived on Fine St. in N. Knox. Went to Knox High. Remembered W. F. Evans, also Blanch Cottrel at Christenberry. On my way down I met Susan Summer & sister Jane. I believe Susan is one of the most beautiful young ladies I've ever met. Not her face, which is average, but her inner self. She is so friendly. So down to earth. So unspoiled. So fresh and enthusiastic. The most pleasing personality I have known. This is just not my thoughts about her bet everyone else whop knows her. (men or women) Susan worked at the lodge 2 years ago. She had just graduated from U.T, that spring and is in her mid twenties. From small town in N.C. A country girl. She is 6 feet tall. 11 miles. (this is my second hike this month Sept. 1st)
9/10/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via Trillium Gap Trail. Weather, mostly sunny. Park crew was working on bridge at ACB so I went up Trillium. Left from trail-head at 12:12. Got to spring at lodge at 3:08, 2 hrs. & 56 min. Left lodge at 4:22 coming down. got to parking lot at 6:37. 2 hrs. & 15 min. Total hiking time 5 hrs. & 11 min. Stayed on top 1 hr. & 14 min. Total overall time of trip 6 hrs. & 25 min. If it is 14.4 mi. = 2.785 mi. per hr. if 13 mi = 2.51 mi per hr. Saw Linda at office. Gave her a white chocolate bar. Tim, Scott, & Nancy in kitchen. Gave Tim chocolate raisins for Nathan. Jennifer was sun bathing in front of lower cabin. Gave her a white chocolate bar. Talked to her abt. 15 min. Her car had been broken into. Lost her sleeping bag & stereo among other things. 6 ˝ or 7.2 mi. each way. 13 or 14.4 miles total.
9/14/86, Mt. LeConte, Cliff Top alone via ACB on a great day. Saw Joe Caja & family on trail above dining room. ( from Yugoslavia) Walked to Cliff Top with them but came right back to see Regina Parotto who used to work at the lodge. Joe had asked Regina abt. me. Also met John from Wears Valley who helped Regina up the Mt. Liked him. Also saw both Tim's, Nathan, Paul, Scott & Linda at lodge. 11 miles. 16th dancing classes started at O'Connor Ctr.
9/17/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. Cloudy and a little cool. 321 trips. After 65 280, this year 35. I caught up with a couple from Mobile, Ala. between the saddle and the steps, on the way up. Walked rest of way with them. Also caught up with them on way down near same place and walked down with them. Forgot names. I liked both of them. He was an army man and was originally from TN. She from S. Dak. Lucky in lodge. Linda & later Lisa & Grace came in while I was there. Met Tim Line, Nancy & Paul abt 20 mins. down from lodge on my way back. 11 miles.
9/20/86, Rugby, TN, With the SMHC. Jean Lambert, E. Luellen, the Crabtrees, the Inmans, the Nokamuras, Alice Xiques, the Porters & others. Jean rode with me. Lou didn't go to right meeting place & drove alone. We went on tour. Ate pound cake with ice cream & chocolate syrup at restaurant. Harriet Beeler (now Sams) working at library. Planned a trip for the nest Sat. to LeConte Lodge with Jean, Harriet & her husband. The weather was nice but a few drops of rain. 3 ˝ mi.
9/21/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. It rained heavily in the morning but had stopped when I started up. Clouds on way up but cleared and turned into a beautiful day. Met Al Beddinger just above the steps on his way up. Jennifer at office. I never went in. Sat on bench in the sun. Jennifer sat with me. Nancy, Scott, Tim with kids came by. Lucky had been on a hike with Lynn Woodruff, Vol. Ranger, whom I met on Aug 21, at Radio Shack. Spent my whole time on the bench while I was there, Abt. 2 hrs. Tim had left me a Pepsi & note in my car. 11 miles.
9/27/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge with Jean Lambert, via ACB on a clear to partly cloudy day. Jean drove. I met her at Seymour. Lucky in office, also saw Scott & Jennifer. bob Lee & Dave Scanlon were also up. They came up Rainbow Falls. Bob showed me club hiking schedule for 87. My hike is to the Jump Off.
LeConte this month 6
LeConte this year 37
LeConte total 323
LeConte since Age 65, 282
LeConte last 66 Months, 280
No. of hikes thru Sept, 59 & 586 miles,. Club hikes this year 12
10/1/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. Got late start at 12:35 starting hike. Met Lloyd Bell from Maryville below Ins. Pt. Talked abt 30 min. Abt 3:30 when I got to lodge. Left at 5:00. Jennifer tending office. Saw Tim & kids out the window. Scott came by office. Margaret Stevenson came in office while I was there. She & her group spending night. We chatted about our hikes to Mt. LeConte. 11 miles. Got sick on Oct 2. Went to doctor on 6th. He said I had a kidney infection and cellulitis.
10/20/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB on a fair & cool day. Tim & his family as well as Lucky were down. Saw everyone else of the crew. Met Jennifer Murrf's mother. Took up 3D pictures I made on LeConte. Also took some of my other 3D pictures. Tim Rogers & Paul were particularly interested in them. Jennifer said Tim told her I was going to bring the pictures. I thought she meant Tim Line but she meant Tim Dinwiddie. He was up yesterday. I didn't know he had been there. First trip after being sick. Got a little tired. 11 miles.
10/25/86, Both club hikes called off. When I got to the meeting place only two people were there other than leaders. They were Sam Spessard & a visitor (female, named Shelly) We all agreed to call off the hike. I told them I was going on to Mt. LeConte campground via ACB by myself. Shelly the visitor wanted to go but I felt uncomfortable going with just her, because what Margaret may think, so I asked Jean if she would go. We picked up Al Watson abt 30 min on the trail. He had intended to go with the off trail group. It rained all day. 11 miles.
10/29/86, Mt. LeConte campground alone via ACB on a beautiful cool day. Met Tim Rogers both ways. Jennifer in office & Nancy came in while I was there. Didn't see any other crew members. Ankle gave me trouble. 11 miles.
LeConte this month 3
LeConte this year 40
LeConte total 326
LeConte since Age 65, 285
LeConte last 67 Months, 283
No. of hikes thru October, 62 & 619 miles,. Club hikes this year 13
11/5/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB on an overcast cool day with light rain. Scott in office. He was the only one of the crew I saw today. He said Tim Rogers & Jennifer were down. 11 miles. Started up on Mon. Nov 11. Went to sleep. Possibly caused by exhaust fumes. Totaled VW. Wrecked near Sugarland Center. Turned car completely over. Was unhurt. (Lucky me). Capps Wrecker towed it back home. Cost $75.00.
11/16/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB in reasonable weather. First trip with my 81 Starlet Toyota, bought it Saturday 15th. Paul in office, also Ed Jones & G. Friend. They had come up the Blvd. and offered to take me back to car if I would go back the Blvd. with them. As it was getting late and the chances of getting back before dark were not good, I suggested that I take them back to their car if they wanted to hike down ACB with me. Met Tim Rogers on his way down. His last day at the lodge. Saw the other crew members except Linda in kitchen. Jennifer, Nancy, Tim Line & Lisa, Grace & Lucky. Am supposed to meet some of the crew at Cosby to hike Cammerer and come down Ground Hog Ridge. THIS WAS THE LAST DAY FOR GUESTS AT LODGE BEFORE CLOSING. None of the crew except Tim Line coming back next year. I will especially miss Lucky & Jennifer also Nancy & Scott. 11 miles.
11/22/86, Blanket Mt. from Elkmont with the SMHC. Lou, Ann Forsythe, Jo Ann, Alice Xiques, Al Watson, Charlie Klabiundy, Bob Lee, Dee Monte & Ray Payne on this hard hike in good weather. Rode with Ann. another young lady rode back with us. (I don't remember her name) Stopped at ice cream place on way back. Mary Finger's (next to Gail) daughter working there. She didn't know me until I told her who I was. She said I'd lost weight. 10 miles. Insurance company offered me $1025 and let me keep my VW. Would have been $1250 if they kept it. Tim wants motor & other parts.
11/26/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. Fairly warm & sunny on way up. Met a man coming down between saddle & steps as I was going up. the only person I saw above AC Bluff. Saw no one on top or on my way down. Mason & Nancy's cabin windows boarded up. Kitchen locked up. Guess Scott went down for Thanksgiving. Cloudy on way down. Made it from Grassy Patch to Horse Gate in 2:06 hrs, where I ate lunch. Another 6 min. to lodge. Total up 2:12. 2:00 down. 11 miles.
LeConte this month 3
LeConte this year 43
LeConte total 329
LeConte since Age 65, 288
LeConte last 68 Months, 285
No. of hikes thru Nov., 65 & 651 miles,. Club hikes this year 14
12/17/86, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB in a light rain. Met Ed Jones & friend near ACB & Rainbow Falls Trail junction. Took Scott 2 oranges, 2 apples, 4 eggs, 2 candy bars, little cake & newspaper. He had friend with him. Met group from Atlanta that had stayed in shelter. Also met 2 0f Scotts friends, 1 mi. from Grassy Patch. 11 miles.
12/21/86, Elkmont Loop from Meigs Branch Nature Trail, manway to Sugarland Trail to Husky Gap, down to Little River, left on Cucumber Gap Trail to Rd. Walked Rd. back to car with SMHC. The weather was great but cool. Others in group were Lou, P. Threldkel, the Crabtrees, Audry, Mary Jane Johnson (leader), Zenick, Jewel? Woody Brinager, Bob Cook & others. Rode with Lou. Just the two of us up. Andy rode back with us. Lou had a Christmas present for Jean so we drove by her house to deliver it. Met her daughter while we were there. Had coffee with her. We almost ate all of her Hershey choc. kisses. 8 mi.
LeConte this month 1
LeConte this year 44
LeConte total 330
LeConte since Age 65, 289
LeConte last 69 Months, 286
No. of hikes thru Dec., 68 & 670 miles. Club hikes this year 15
1/4/87, Eagle Bluff at Cove Lake with the SMHC. In group were Bob Cook, Gene Foster. Rode with Cotta Fulks, Andy Zenick, Alice Xiques and Jim from O'Connor Center. Nice views from Mt. above Jacksboro & cove Lake. 6 miles. somewhat cold but weather good.
1/8/87, Mt. LeConte Lodge with Andy Zenick, via ACB. The weather was mild & sunny but there was some snow & ice. Had to wear ice creepers part of the way. Met family of 4 at ACB. Another lone hiker near top. No one at lodge. Ate lunch in front of Nancy's cabin. Sunny & warm there. Fed squirrels & crows bread scraps & peanuts. Met lone hiker below Horse Gate on our way down. A little further down a lone backpacker (staying in the shelter) Met Scott below Inspiration Pt. Gave the milk, frozen orange juice & cakes I had brought to him. Stopped at McDonald's for coffee on way back (Sevierville). 11 miles. 70 consecutive months!!
LeConte this month 1
LeConte total 331
LeConte since Age 65, 290
LeConte last 70 Months, 288
No. of hikes thru Jan. 1 & 17 miles. Club hikes this year 1
2/5/87, Mt. LeConte Lodge with Andy Zenick, via ACB. The weather was not too cold. We saw no one on trail. No cars in parking area when we got there and only mine when we got back. Snow & ice made going rough. Wore ice creepers most of the way up & all the way down. Stayed abt 1 hr with Scott at lodge. 11 miles.72 consecutive months today.
2/8/87, Rich Mt. Loop from parking Area before Loop Rd. back to Oliver Cabin with SMHC, LeRoy Fox, Joe Caja, Paul Threldkel, Bill Busing, Bob cook, Alice Xiques, Ruth Young, Jean Bangham, Charlie Klabiundy, Andy Zenick, Audrey Little, Cota Fulks, Chris Hamilton, Sam Spessard & others. Around 35 in all. Rode with Bob Cook Sam & Phil also in car. Sam locked his keys in trunk. took him to S. Clinton to get his spare keys. Charlie told me Sarge had gone to Fla. Good hike. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. 10 miles.
LeConte this year 2
LeConte total 332
LeConte since Age 65, 291
LeConte last 71 Months, 289
No. of hikes thru Feb. 4 & 38 miles. Club hikes this year 2
3/4/87, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB an a sunny and mild day. Only 27 F at the top. Few hikers on the trail. Saw 4 or 5 at ACB. Met one below Arch Rock. 3 passed me above ACB. One of them remembered me. All three staying with Scott at lodge & work at Timber Inn Restaurant, 900 River Rd., across from aerial tramway. Keith Garnes offered to treat me to a dinner. Said to call on Wed. for dinner on Tue. Wanted my picture. Keith & Scott were in picture with me. Took Scott milk, orange juice, Little Debbie cakes & paper. Met one hiker going up just as I started down. Passed a couple at saddle. All 3 were together. Couldn't find one set of my keys. Note left in car telling that I had left them in door. They had put keys in glove compartment and left door unlocked. Had Mary's gold wedding ring on key ring. 11 miles.
3/14/87, White Oak Sinks with Brenda & Judy from Laurel Creek Rd. to School House Gap. Warm & in the 60's. 5 miles.
3/26/87, Mt. LeConte Lodge alone via ACB. It was fair, warm, clear, & good visibility. Met new crew members. May ? & Steve Woodard. Tim & Scott in kitchen. Just stayed for a few minutes. Walked abt. half way down with Scott. 11 miles.
3/28/87, Flower walk with SMHC around Greenbrier. Over 30 members including Brenda and Judy. Others: bob Cook, Charlie K., Jean B., Ruth Y., Jewel, Sam & several visitors. Brenda drove. Lou rode with us. Sarge's 1st hike after his illness. (cancer) I stayed back with him. He had to stop often. Most of the time sat down to rest. Good to hike with him again. Didn't think he would ever hike again. Hope he completely recovers. We didn't get as far as the main group. Brenda couldn't make it all the way. I believe Sarge would have made it all the way but others would have started back before we got there. 6 miles.
LeConte this year 4
LeConte total 334
LeConte since Age 65, 293
LeConte last 72 Months, 291
Hikes this year 8, this month 4
Miles this year 71
Club hikes this year 3
Snow on April 3, 1987. Park headquarters had 14"
4/12/87, Frozen Head flower walk with the SMHC. Sam S., Jean B., Bob Lee & wife, Dave S., Andy Z., Chuck?, Bob Cook, Alice Xiques., Cotta E., in group. 17 visitors including the Lee family, (4) Ken's postman. They also know Jewel. Rode with Ken & Helen Warren. Also Jewel? (American history teacher at Karns High) rode with us. No sun while on hike. Thundershower in morning before hike. Lots of flowers - trillium - blood root! 4 miles.
4/15,87, Mt. LeConte via ACB to lodge alone. Some sun, some rain & sleet. Trail wet & muddy. Met Tim Line & the other kids in parking lot. Tim came down yesterday with Nathan & Lisa came down today with Grace. Tim met her. Everyone else on top. Met the other crew members (New), husband & wife, forgot their names. Jennifer slipped in and sat beside me while I was sitting around the stove talking to Abt. 4 middle aged couples from Cincinnati. Also a large group of boys & 2 adults from above Cin. O. They camped at Elkmont last night. they had abt. 4 ft. of snow at the lodge on 3rd and drifts up to top of some buildings. J gave me a big welcome. Met Margaret S. below steps with one male companion. 11 miles.
4/20/87, Frozen Head with Sarge on a great day. 1st hike alone with Sarge since his bout with cancer. (He wasn't supposed to live) He seemed to do a lot better than he did on the club hike (March 28th) Hope he can completely recover. He has become my closest friend in my older years. We also went to two waterfalls just outside Wartburg. Stopped at Heck's discount Store. They were going out of business and prices were reduced 60%. We both bought a Casio watch, $34.95 for $14.00. I also got a few other small items, including two pistol holsters, $6.40 & $5.20. 4 mi.
4/22/87, Mt. LeConte via ACB to lodge alone. Scott & Jennifer were down. Talked to new crew members. Steve, John & Dota? Also saw Meg. haven't seen Melinda yet. Talked with Tim in kitchen. Also a Catholic Priest from Ill. Talked to several other groups on way up & down. Some from Mich., some from Ohio. Margaret has made her 289th trip. this is my 336th. 11 miles.
4/26/87, Mt. LeConte via ACB to Myrtle Pt. alone on a great cool day. Met Tim & Lisa at Arch Rock. Also again on my way down, between Horse Gate and steps. They went down for dinner. stayed abt. 1 ˝ hrs. at M.P. Warm in the sun there. 1 person there when I arrived. 3 others came later. Saw Melinda for 1st time this year. She was in dining room with Nathan. Also talked to group from Fla. to whom I had talked with earlier on the trail as I came up. Scott & Meg playing Scrabble in kitchen. Saw Steve as I left dining room and Dota in office. Jennifer was down. 12 miles.
4/29/87, Mt. LeConte via ACB to lodge & Cliff Top alone on a great but cool day. Overtook Mr. & Mrs Frank McGinnis of Middlebrook Pk., between 1st & 2nd cable. Walked rest of way to lodge with them. Stayed abt. 1 ˝ hrs. at C. T. Back to office where I was Tim, Meg, Steve, Scott & Jennifer. saw the McGinnis's again on the office porch. She took my name - No of hikes since 65 and total - 73 months & 2 hikes in 1 day - Said she wanted to see if Sam Venable wanted to write abt this. 11 miles.
LeConte this year 8
LeConte total 338
LeConte since Age 65, 297
LeConte last 72 Months, 295
Hikes this year 16, this month 8
Miles this year 124
Club hikes this year 4
5/2/87, Mt. LeConte campground via ACB with Earnest Lewellen on a great day. Met Margaret Stevenson just below last steps. She had 12 with her. Most were strung out behind her, including her daughter. (looked like M.S.). We talked to several others, mostly family groups. Saw Scott, Steve, Meg, Melinda, John & Donna in office. Marion Randolph eating with crew near kitchen steps. 11 miles.
5/7/87, Icewater Spring Shelter from Newfound Gap via AT in cool but great weather. Sarge's 3rd hike since illness (cancer). Has improved since Frozen Head hike. Seemed like his old self. I am very encouraged. A year ago I didn't think that I would ever see him again. It's a great feeling to know he's hiking again. He is one of my two best friends at this stage of my life. I hope that he completely recovers and we can take another back pack trip to Wyoming. The other best friend is Earnest (Lew) Lewellen of Roden Electric. I have only known each of them for about six years but today they are my best friends. Sarge talked to several hikers on the trail today including some from Mich., Mass., & Florida. saw fringed phacelia, great chickweed, bluets, spring beauties & trout lilies in abundance. 6 miles.
5/8/87, Mt. LeConte campground via ACB alone on a great but a little cool day. Phil was working on new cabin. John in office. Everyone else in or near kitchen except Tim. Met him between H. Gate & steps on my way down. He had been on a day run down the Mt. Ate lunch at campground. Spent abt. 1 ˝ hrs. there all together. Didn't see Jennifer. She was not cooking this week. Talked with Lew after I got home. He has been trying to call me abt. Rosemary.
MY 340TH HIKE UP LECONTE. 11 miles.
5/9/87, Mt. LeConte campground via ACB alone in good weather but it became cloudy after reaching top. Met Dave Scanlon between steps & horsegate. He had been to Myrtle PT. He too isn't liking the SMHC program. We discussed Sarge's illness & his recovery to hike again. After eating lunch at the campground, I went by the office. Donna was tending the desk there. The only other drew member I saw was Tim. Met 4 back-packers from Atlanta above saddle. I warned them abt. a dog they had with them but told them , I believed it unlikely that they would see a ranger. I was wrong. They met one a short distance from where I saw them and he was bringing them back out. Turned out they didn't have a permit either. the ranger seemed a little perplexed with them but finally just gave them a courtesy ticket. Lew called after I got back home to tell me he had called Rosemary. To me it didn't seem like she was interested in Lew. 11 miles.
5/13/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone. It was cool and cloudy with light rain but some sunshine after I got down. Met Jennifer just past the saddle on my way up. She was going down to picnic with Paul on Little Duck Hawk Ridge. Also met her as I was going down, (Abt. 5 min. below the Horsegate.) Donna in office. Steve also came in while I was there. Scott down. Had an enjoyable talk with a couple from Nashville. (originally from Wash. State) Saw most of the crew and Phil in the kitchen. Took them some strawberries from my garden. 11 miles.
5/19-20-21/87, Cheoa Bald from Wesser Station with Ken, Helen Warren, Terri and Ed, Lionel Etney, and Fred. Light rain on 20th, warm and humid. Lionel rode with me. Water pump went out, just as we got back to Newfound Gap. Coasted into Sugarland Center. Towed to 1st Phillips 66 Station on Rt. coming into Gatlinburg. Repair took a long time and cost $ 95.00. 15 miles including back track for glove.
5/24/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone. Overcast and cool. Rain on top. On my way up, I met Joanne & 2 Friends. (Abt. 1 mi. out) They had been to Inspiration Point. Took strawberries to kitchen. Saw Tim, Scott, Meg and Donna. Saw Scott in Kitchen. 11 miles.
5/27/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone in a light rain going up. Hard rain at top. Steve in office. Took strawberries & paper to kitchen. Tim, Meg, Melissa & Jennifer there. Gave Jennifer a Mellow Yellow. Also Lucy Hughes in office. She said that she didn't hike much with Margaret anymore. 11 miles.
5/30/87, Hen Wallow Falls from Cosby picnic area with SMHC. Included in the group, Bob C., Sam S., Jewel, Alice Xiques., Katy C., Sarge, JoAnn Crab., Jane C., Cotta. Rode with Jane Chastain & friend, Howard. We didn't stay for picnic. Stayed with Sarge on way up to falls. Rained when we got there. 1st time I'd seen Jamie & Jane in abt. a year. Told the Crabtrees abt. John & Donna M. invitation to be their guest at the LeConte Lodge. Talked to Jamie (she's a lawyer) abt. daddy's affairs. 5 miles.
LeConte this year 14
LeConte total 344
LeConte since Age 65, 303
LeConte last 72 Months, 301
Hikes this year 23, this month 7
Miles this year 316
Club hikes this year 6
6/3/87 Andrews Bald, with Sarge. Good weather Sarge's third hike with me plus 2 with the SMHC since his surgery. He is doing real well - progressing with every hike. Stayed on bald abt. 3 hrs. Saw rhododendrons, azaleas, Clintonia lilies and bluets. 4 miles.
6/8/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone to campground in good weather. Ate lunch at the campground - Saw a bear on my way up abt. 1/4 mi. below upper steps. Must have cubs. Reluctantly moved out of trail. Snorted at me. I kept yelling at it and walked toward it. John in office. He had talked with Jim and Phyllis Lyle abt. SMHC. He wants to join. Scott, Tim & Donna also came by office. Didn't see anyone else. 11 miles.
6/14/87, Brushy Mt. & LeConte from Roaring Fork Rd. via Trillium Gap. Went with club to Brushy Mt. SMHC members included B. Cook, Chuck, Andy Z, Cota Fulks, Katy C., Gaye B., Jean B., Jo Ann F., Camille Smith and others. Earnest Lewellen & I went to the LeConte Lodge. Saw Hollis and Meg in kitchen. John & Donna at their cabin. Scott and Tim in office. We ate lunch at the LeConte Spring. Both of us were tired when we got back to the car. Lou drove, his brakes got hot going the steep and crooked Roaring Fork Rd. Stopped at Granny's restaurant on way back. Abt. 9:00. Saw laurel, rhododendron, galax, bluets & spring beauties. 14 miles.
6/17/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone. Rain this morning. Got a late start. Trail Maintenance Crew at work on 2nd cable below Horse Gate. John in office. Took him 2 qts. Of Nestle Quick. Saw Melinda & Donna in Kitchen. Also stopped by Scott's cabin. He will be gone when I get back (He is quitting). He is moving to Knoxville so I'll probably hear from him again. Went to shelter to see new wooden bunks. They look hard! Also went to campground cutoff to look for container I thought that I may have lost there 3 trips ago. I found it in the weeds where I had eaten lunch on June 4th. 11 miles.
6/21/87, Gregorys Bald from Sams Gap with the SMHC. Good weather. Bob Cook, Efalata Lee, Jo Ann, Lou, Gaye, Jean, Boyd Cox & wife Katie, Katherine. Rode with Lou. John & Donna didn't show up. 9 miles in good weather.
6/25/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone. Cloudy with rain after I got to top. Met Jo Ann & friend Patty as I was going up, just above last Styx Branch crossing. They had been to ACB Met Melinda on my way down about 15 min. from trailhead. Donna in office. Her husband John & Steve came in while I was there. Meg also came in. Talked to all as well as Holly at kitchen. 11 miles.
6/28/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to Cliff Top via ACB with Lou in great weather. Met several people on trail including group from Crossville. Black woman from New Orleans, woman from KY, (Cricket). Dan Davis who was on hike to Snowbird Mt. Saw Steve at lodge. Took blackberries to Hollis at kitchen. Met her boyfriend We stopped at Granny's on way back. 350th hike to Mt. LeConte. 11 miles.
LeConte this year 20
LeConte total 350
LeConte since Age 65, 309
LeConte last 75 Months, 307
Hikes this year 30, this month 7
Miles this year 381
Club hikes this year 8
7/1/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to the lodge, alone. There was a light rain on the way up and a hard rain at the top. John in office. Met Meg on both trips (up & down), at about the same point between Inspiration Point and Styx Branch. Didn't write this up until July 7th and can't remember if I saw anyone else that I knew or not. Took about 1 ˝ quarts of blackberries but John took them to kitchen, so I didn't see anyone there. Lisa and kids still down. 11 miles.
7/8/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge, alone. It was warm and some cloudiness. Met Margaret S. & party of 4 including a woman and her husband, I had met earlier. Believe her name is Debby - Red hair. New crew member was Patrick Sean Mullins. Seemed like a very nice young fellow. - From Knoxville. - Also met jim Huff's 12-year-old son, Neil. He also impressed me. Both said they had heard a lot abt. me and were interested in my LeConte record. Donna came in while I was there. Saw no other crew members. Met Mayo Uziel from the SMHC & his brother, Leon from Seattle, W. Had never met Mayo before. Was from O.R. He knew Sarge, Ruth V., Jean Bangham, Chas DeBoise, Charley Klabiundy, Ken & Helen Warren (all from Oak Ridge. 11 miles.
7/8/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge, alone on a partly cloudy and cool day. Met John Lambert, Nephew of Jean. Jean said he was a multi millionaire. He is a knowledgeable conservative and like I do, is getting a kick out of seeing the Dem. On the Contra Comm. squirming. Took beans out of the garden. Donna in office. She was the only crew member I saw today. She said that every crew member but she & John were liberals. Donna said Margaret S. had engaged someone to write a book abt. Her. She will do her 300th hike Saturday. I did my 300th hike a year ago last June. For my part, it is not how many trips you make but how much time you spend on the Mt. In this respect Gracie McNicol is far ahead. For liberals, if Gary Hart's wife can't trust him, how can I or the country? Saw Stanley Husky with M. Crew. 11 miles.
7/16/87, Ice Water Springs Shelter from Newfound Gap with Sarge on a cloudy day. 7/8/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge, alone. Met a number of hikers on trail. Several, we stopped and talked with, including a woman whom I saw on LeConte at office yesterday. Sarge drove his car. He rested on several occasions on the way out but made the trip back, non stop. A bit cool when the sun was not shining. 6 miles.
7/20/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge, alone on a cloudy day. Met Jo Ann Freshour & friend between Styx Branch & Inspiration Pt. 3rd time I've run into her on ACB Trail this year. On way back down, I met Lynn Woodruff - (Vol Ranger when I met her last year). She is working again this year. Met her at Inspiration Pt. Sean and Neil Huff in office. Tim and Melinda came in office while I was there. Maintenance crew still working on trail. 11 miles.
7/8/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to Cliff Top, alone. The weather was good but some clouds and hazy. I saw pink turtle heads, jewel weed and cone flowers on hike. Talked with work crew just above saddle. Sam Hoover & 11 year old daughter from Texas, wanted to walk with me from there to lodge. Ate lunch at campground. Went back to lodge. Donna was tending office. Scott came in while I was there. Donna said John was at Myrtle Pt., but as I started out, I met him & Neil Huff, just below shelter. We all went to Cliff Top but Neil went back to lodge. Showed John the SMHC Handbook & after abt. ˝ hr. we went back to office. Left abt. 4:30 going down. 11 miles.
7/27/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to Cliff Top, alone on a good day with some clouds. I saw Indian Pipes. Met Sean just below Arch Rock. Margaret S. between Styx Branch & Insp. Pt. and Neil Huff, (Lodge owner's son) above Gracie's Pulpit. Talked to trail maintenance crew abt. 15 min., just below pulpit. Talked to young man & woman below upper steps. He lives in Gatlinburg. She lives in Townsend. Don't remember their names. Talked to group from High Point, NC at Cliff Top. Also talked with young man and woman (backpackers) at bluff. She wanted a picture of me because of my many trips & my age. 11 miles.
7/29/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge, alone. Weather good. No rain & mostly sunny. Saw jewel weed and cone flower. Talked with trail workers below the Pulpit. Sean and Neil Huff in office. Sean hurt his knee and Neil was helping him. Hollis came in office and we talked quite a bit. On my way up I met John M. & Sean's girl friend. Also Margaret S. & party of 3. Talked to young ranger in parking lot & helped him push a car off. 11 miles.
LeConte this year 27
LeConte total 357
LeConte since Age 65, 316
LeConte last 76 Months, 314
Hikes this year 30, this month 7
Miles this year 381
Club hikes this year 9
8/2/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to Myrtle Pt., alone. Weather good - bit mostly cloudy.
Talked with couple from Fla. Below Insp. Pt. Talked with Lloyd Bell of Maryville below Horse Gate. Ranger Calvin? Came by while we were talking and stopped. Also Jim Huff & son Neil stopped & talked. John in office. Tim & Nathan came in. Went by kitchen & saw Lisa, Hollis & Meg there. Meg showed me her new cabin. Scott was there. Talked with man & wife from S. Ala. In parking lot. Also a man who played freshman football for UT while Holloway was quarterback. 77th consecutive month to hike Mt. LeConte. 12 miles.
8/3/87, Chas. Bunion from Newfound Gap with Sarge on a warm day. We talked with several hikers both ways on trail. Sarge's longest hike since his illness. New sign at 2nd Bunion calling it Pat's Bunion. We think someone took it up on their own and out it up. We don't think the park service did it. Reported it to ranger Calvin Farmer at Chimneys parking lot. Well made heavy sign with engraved letters painted yellow. Saw pink Turtle Heads - cone flower - jewel weed - beebalm -Turks Cap lily and Joe Pye. 10 miles.
8/5/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge, alone. Talked to work crew on my way up. Part of them were below the bluff and others were below the pulpit, putting homemade eye bolts into the rocks for hand cables. Jerry made signs for the park and already knew abt. the Pat's Bunion sign. He said that the park service had not put the sign up. Sat on the office bench porch most of my time on top. John in office - Saw Tim & Lisa - also Nathan below porch. Met Meg coming up as I went down (near the pulpit) She had been down on her days off. Saw Bee Balm, cone flower and jewel weed. 11 miles.
8/8/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, alone. I made it up in 1 hr. 55 min. I stopped to rest and cool off on the porch. My T-Shirt was completely wet & the top of my pants. Saw Steve, Meg, John & Sean's temporary replacement. Marion Randolph and Mason had hiked up together and were in the dining room with Donna. Talked with them abt. ˝ hr. Got back home abt 3:30 - Left home this morning at 8:30. Going to Brenda's tonight because Linda & the girls are in preplay. Made it off the Mt. In abt. 1:45. Ate lunch at Grassy Slide above last steps. 11 miles. Saw Bee Balm, & yellow cone flowers in full bloom below new lodge building.
8/10/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, alone on a cloudy, humid day. Talked to several hikers as well as well as the trail maint. workers (both ways). Only saw Steve at lodge office. Saw no other crew members. Linda is in and we are going to Nancy's tonight. Had to get back early. Met Bob Betts from NC just below Gracie's Pulpit. Have met him at least 2 times before. 11 miles.
8/12/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, alone. Sunny on top - some clouds - Rained part of way down. Saw John Lambert & Jean's daughter above Styx Branch. Talked to Fred & his work crew a short distance further. - Meg in office - John came by while I was there - Met Margaret S. abt. halfway from steps to Horse Gate - Had two with her. Talked to Jerry Owenby & Randy Reagan at Ranger cabin. - they showed me inside where they had been painting & cleaning. Both were raised around the area. 11 miles.
8/19/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, alone. On way up, met Sean's girl friend & Steve at steps - John in office - tom L. came in while I was there - Talked to several hikers & lodge guests, including a women's group (Christian) from Nashville, a couple from Daytona Beach, Fla, an Ohio man & others. When they find out the number of trips I've made up they will be surprised.
8/22/87, Silers Bald from Forney Ridge park area to shelter via A.T. in great weather with the SMHC. John & Anita Crabtree, Bob Lee, E. Jones & wife, Dee M. & husband, Bill Neal. 16 in all. Met Dr Elgin P. Kintner & saw Loraine Smith, (librarian from Maryville, whom I met at Margaret Stevenson's 200th hike to LeConte) They were part of Margaret's party today, (abt 7 or 8 hikers). We met them between Double Springs and Silers. - I didn't recognize Loraine Smith but she remembered me. After she told me she was with Margaret 3 years ago and that we had had a lengthy conversation. I then remembered her but not her name. 10 miles
8/26/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, alone in good weather. I saw jewel weed & pink turtle head. Talked with several people on the trail including 2 women going down Duck Hawk. One of them hikes with Margaret S. & had seen me before - Talked with Mitchell Keller & wife fro Harrodsburg, Ky. He was real interested in my hiking and past medical history of high blood pressure. - Sean was in the office. 11 miles.
8/29/87, from Newfound Gap to Walker Prong via the A.T. with Sarge. Saw a single bluet. Late for bluets. Talked with 2 large groups, 1 from Fla & 1 from NC. They were going to Mt. LeConte for the night. Good day. Partly cloudy & some fog. - Not too hot - Sarge drove. Thought I saw Mason at Newfound Gap - Got away before I got close enough to make sure.
LeConte total 364
LeConte since Age 65, 316
LeConte last 77 Months, 321
Hikes this year 34 to LeConte, this month 7
total hikes this year 48
Miles this year 486
Club hikes this year 9
9/2/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, with Earnest Luellen & a friend in great weather. Met Melinda and Meg on trail both ways. They went down on a day run. - Talked with a group from Sevierville. - One woman I know from somewhere else. - We finally found it was from the square dance at Grand Square. - Talked to a dentist in their group at steps. - They were a church group and overnight lodge guests. - Donna was tending office. - Saw Tim & Nathan. Ate lunch in the office but sat on the porch in the sun after eating. - It was cool. - Last night's low 41 F. 11 miles. 365th trip to Mt. LeConte or one year of my life spent hiking this mountain!.
9/5/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, with Ed Jones. The sky was cloudy with a light rain falling. Talked with group of Indians (India) at footlog below Arch Rock. They all spoke good English and seemed very nice. They were interested in my LeConte hikes. John was tending the office. - The only other crew member I saw was John's wife Donna. Talked with a group from McMinn Co. one of which was Jane Williams. She Knew Bob Lee, Jane Chastain, and Cotta Fulks. This group was staying at the lodge as had the Indians on the previous night. Sarge was supposed to go hiking today but called this morning and cancelled because of the threat of rain. Ed called a little later and wanted to go hiking. - He had been by and knocked on the door but somehow, I didn't hear him. - He came back again and he drove his car. 11 miles.
9/9/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, with Lu & Jean. The weather was cloudy and socked in at the top. Saw Maryann & Lisa Oglesby (with M. Stevenson) below top steps & Margaret and Lucy Hughes at steps. Lucy is still talking abt. taking my picture. - I don't really know why she wants it but I believe they want to put it at the lodge. Stopped at Granny's Res. on way back. - Ate green beans & potatoes. - Also had a piece of delicious coconut creme pie with lots of meringue. - We three had our usual good time, as we always do when we are together. Joking, kidding & laughing. Meg was tending the office. - She gave me a letter to mail for John & he came by the office. - Saw Hollis, who was on her way back up, somewhere between Arch Rock and G.P. - Lu drove. We met Jean at the parking lot. 11 miles.
9/11/87, 17 mile loop. Up Gregory Ridge Trail to Cades Cove picnic Area, via Doe Knob - over Mollies Ridge & Russell Field with Jean Lambert. From 8:30 to 6:50. Rained most of way up Gregorys Ridge & partway toward Doe Knob. - No rain after that but grass and weeds were wet. - My feet were wet after abt. 2 miles out - Feet got wet and got blister on big toe. - We didn't see another hiker on the entire trip. - Outside the rain and a couple of steep climbs, it was an enjoyable hike. I wasn't very tired and I believe I could have made it at least 25 miles without being overly tired. Wet & Rain. 17 miles.
9/13/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, with Jean in good weather. Met John & Donna near saddle. Sean on office duty. - Steve also in office when we arrived. - Hollis came by while we were sitting on porch & talked a while. - Saw Tim as we started down. - He had been down with his family and was going back down to meet them.- He had brought Grace up and help Lisa with Nathan. - Met them all a short distance below Horse Gate. - Talked to several people on trail. 11 miles.
9/14/87, Charles Bunion from Newfound gap via A.T. with Sarge. The weather was good. We met and talked to several hikers including a party from Atlanta who had spent the night on LeConte, a young lady from Melbourne, Australia & 2 different couples from Louisiana. At lunch at Blvd. Junction of Trail. 9 miles.
9/16/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, with Lu & a Jean. No rain but lots of clouds and haze. Talked to lots of people on trail including Mary Alice Porter's daughter. Mary Alice is a member of the SMHC & both Jean& I were well acquainted with her. - She was in parking lot when we got there. We didn't hike with her, however. Steve was in the office & we spent most of our time on the porch where we also ate our lunch. Hollis came by and I gave her a cold Coke, I had brought just for her. As it was a little cool, I didn't want my cold Coke so I took it down to the kitchen and gave it to Melinda. She offered me coffee which I accepted. We stopped at Granny's in Sevierville to eat. - The cashier & apparently the manager, remembered us from last week. She even remembered where we sat & took us back to that place. When the 3 of us get together, we always have a good time. 11 miles.
9/20/87, Rocky Top, from Laurel Creek Road via Lead Cove & Spence Field with the SMHC. Weather was great but a bit cool. Jean, Lu & I rode on ahead of club. Jean & I started on trail abt. 10 minutes early but Lu got behind , talking to a man in the parking lot area. Dick Katella & party of 4 caught up with us at Bote Mt. Rd. They were going up Defeat Ridge, to Thunderhead. Bob Lee, Dave Scanlon, & 3 others caught up with abt. 1 mile from S. Field. - I went on with them and we caught up with the Crabtrees at Spence Field. - All of this group went on to R.T. - Everyone had left except A. Xiques & 3 others when I got back to Spence Field. I didn't see any of the other hikers during the entire hike. - Lu, J, & I stopped at Granny's & Mrs. Winners on way back. I ate pie at Granny's & ice cream at M.W. 13 miles.
9/23/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to Cliff Top via ACB, with Lu & Ed Jones in good weather but a bit cool, 53 F. Steve in office. - Also Lisa with Grace when I went in. - Sean, John & Hollis came by. Nathan came in too. Passed Tim. at Gracie's Pulpit on our way down. - Talked with group from Asheville on trail. They belong to the Carolina Mt. Club. - One of them knew John Carpenter. Stopped by Granny's in Sevierville on way back 38 F, last night on top. 11 miles.
9/26/87, from Fontana Dam to trail junction at Doe Knob via the AT. Now I have hiked all 0f the AT in the park except from Indian Gap to Newfound Gap. Jean L., Katie Boyd, Katie's daughter-in-law Missy, & Katherine & I hiked in great weather. Traffic across the dam was closed. We had to hike across the dam which added abt. 2 mi. to our hike. Had never met Missy or Katherine before. - We all had a good time. - Stopped at Deals Gap on way back for Coffee & ice cream. Saw no other hikers on trail until we got back to birch Springs. - Talked to a woman from Ireland there, who was part of a group from Indianapolis, Ind. (party of 6). She told me the parody mentioned in the song, Galway Bay was a potato & that turf was the dried top layer from the peat moss. - Met another group of 4 going to the same shelter. 15 miles.
9/30/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB, with Lu & a Jean on a cool cloudy day. Cool at top, abt. 40 F. Ate lunch in the office. - Steve there. - Melinda came in. - Went to kitchen and drank H. Chocolate. - Hollis there. - Donna came in to do the cooking. - Llamas there. On way down, met Tim & Lisa below Top Steps. Nathan was already up. Stopped at Cracker Barrel in P.F. on way back. - Ate beef stew. Didn't like it. 11 miles.
LeConte total 371
LeConte since Age 65, 330
LeConte last 77 Months, 328
Hikes this year 41 to LeConte, this month 7
total hikes this year 58
Miles this year 627
Club hikes this year 10
9/30/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone on a great, cool clear day. It was 38 F at my house and Mt. LeConte was 17 F with hoar frost near the top. I met Adrian Irasid at saddle and walked rest of way up with him. Walked down with Ed Jones. - Met Laura Discepoli (Lisa's sister) near top. First time I've seen her in 2 or 3 years. - Also met Hollis a short distance below Horse Gate. - Donna in office. - Steve came by. - Adrian was born in Holland. - He has a Dutch mother and an Indonesian father. - Speaks perfect English as well as Dutch. - Lives in Indianapolis. - Although he looks oriental he looks and acts like any other American. He was a real nice fellow. Abt 30 years. I liked him a lot. 11 miles.
10/7/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Lu. Passed 2 ladies below steps, also a young man from Chicago. When Lu stopped to rest - One lady was from Webstock, Mass and the other from Pittsburgh. I told the lady from Mass abt. my trip to Mass. because of my reading abt. the Bobs Hill Boys. - She (Sylvia Rothschild) had heard abt. the book and knew they were rare. She said if she could find one of them she would send it to me. - Lu told her abt. my hikes to LeConte and she was also interested in that. - She works with the V.A. and has something to do with older vets. - She wanted to use my hiking and dancing activities to encourage the older vets to be active. She took several notes abt. me as well as my address, and took a picture of me. She said she wished she was a writer so she could write a story abt. me going to Mass to climb Mt. Greylock and see other places I had read abt. in books while I was a boy. She and her companion were both very nice. - Both were married. I would estimate their ages to be somewhere around 50. Sylvia looks Jewish. I believe the Rothschilds of England were Jewish. - I asked her abt. any relationship and she said her husband thought they may be. Her companion (Flossie) didn't look Jewish. - Both were attractive and I showed Flossie some dance steps in cha cha and the rumba that she didn't know. - Lu and I had a great time with them. Melinda was in the office. Hollis came by and we had met her earlier in the trail near the Horse Gate. 11 miles.
10/10/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone on a great, warm, clear day. Sean tending office today. Tim came by office while I was there. - Had several of his school mates coming up. - Atlanta Ski Club members up. - Talked with several of them including Sylvia Talley (a Jewish woman abt. 35 years-old) She seemed to be in charge of the group. She will be back on the last Sunday the lodge is open (Non. 15) I promised I would bring up a tape player and we could dance together. Met Margaret Stevenson on my way up (near 1st cable) also Dave Scanlon coming down toward the saddle.11 miles.
10/15/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to Cliff Top via ACB with Nanci, Jean & in great weather. Nanci & I walked on ahead and got to the lodge dining room abt. 12:00. - Tim, Meg, Hollis, Sean & Steve were eating. - We went on to Cliff Top for lunch & got back to lodge abt. 1:00 where we sat in the sun outside until we left. Lu & Jean only went to the lodge. 11 miles.
10/18/87, Mt. Cammerer via Big Creek Trail and AT with SMHC. Rode with Lu. Jean & Ed Jones rode with us. Katie Carr rode back with us. - She, Ed & I came off end of Mt. to AT. Stopped at Cracker Barrel on our way back. - GREAT WEATHER. - Others: Bob Cook, Bob Lee, Ed Soler, Sam Spessard, Carroll Willis, Chris H., Ruth Y., Jean Bangham, Charlie Kla. 12 miles.
10/21/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Jean & Lu, on cool clear day. It was 23 F when I arrived. - Warmed up later. David, new crew member, in office. Sean & John were breaking him in. - Saw Meg & Hollis, just as I got there. Hollis said she had meant to talk with Nancy on last trip but we were gone before she got there. - Tim & family down. Melinda in hospital (St. Mary's) As I was going down I met Barbara Renfro & party near top of steps. - They were going up to spend the night. - Got a hug from her. - She told me that she is soon getting married. - She also told me that Gracie had given her the walking stick that I made for her on her last birthday on LeConte. Barbara said she cried because of this and asked if I cared for Gracie giving it to her. - I assured her that I was pleased as she was about it and that I had rather she have it than anyone I know. I think a lot of Barbara. 11 miles.
10/28/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Jean & Lu, on cool clear day. It was around 30 F when we got there. New man (David) was in office. - Sean was there for a while. - Went down to kitchen to take Nathan Cake & the newspaper. Talked with Hollis. Jean left early because she has to teach bridge. - Developed a headache abt. the time we got back to the car. We didn't stop to eat anywhere. Melinda Bridges in COPE at St. Mary's 11 miles.
10/31/87, #5 campsite - Lower Mt. Cammerer with Sarge. - Great day in the 70's. Stopped at the Sutton Ridge Overlook. - Sarge gave me a small pack frame & a pair of short Gators. - He will be going to hospital soon to remove intestines. - Will not be able to hike for a while. 9 miles.
LeConte total 377
LeConte since Age 65, 336
LeConte last 77 Months, 334
Hikes this year 47 to LeConte, this month 6
total hikes this year 66
Miles this year 714
Club hikes this year 11
11/1/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Jean, on a great day. New man (David) in office. - Sat on bench at office (outside) to eat lunch. - SMHC member Bob Cook and Bob Lee came by at different times. - Sean called when he saw me on porch and invited us to come to kitchen for chocolate. - David is learning to play guitar. - I played some of my tunes and others. - He seemed to like it. Met Hollis below ACB as we were going down. Stopped at Granny's Res. to eat on way back. - The owner said her name was Wanda. 11 miles. 80 consecutive months.
11/4/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Lu, on cool clear day. Went up Duck Hawk Ridge. Took 2 ˝ hrs. 4 ˝ hrs. to lodge. Meg in office. - Also saw Hollis. Frederic Deegon, PhD from Miss. abt. the last mile with us. Met Lisa & Nathan at 1st cable going down. 11 miles.
11/8/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Jean, on a cool, sunny, day. David in office. - Went to kitchen to see Sean. - He gave us hot chocolate. - Nathan & Time came by porch. - Talked with 2 women from Charlotte, NC & 2 from Louisville, Ky. Met Lucy Hughes on our way down (near office) and Hollis & Donna near double steps. They were carrying gas for generator. Lucy is still talking abt. putting my picture in lodge office. I took her picture as well as Donna's, Hollis's, Sean's, and David's. Stopped at Granny's. Res. on way back. When I paid the check, Wanda, the owner told me that I had the prettiest blue eyes! 11 miles.
11/11/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone. Snow on road & trail. Abt 2 ins. at Grassy Patch. - Lu drove & Jean met us at Grassy Patch. Jean wouldn't go up because of weather & Lu didn't go either. - No trouble getting up. - We stopped at Granny's on way back. John was in office. - Tim & Nathan came by.- Both invited me to come up on Sunday (the last day the lodge will be open this year) for a Turkey Dinner. Temperature got down to 10 F at 7:00 am and was still that when I left at 2:57 pm. - Saw Dr. Jim Reddick and a Mr. Dickey of W. Knox and his daughter from N.Y. I had met Dr. Reddick abt. 2 years ago and had walked part way up with him. - He had given me his card and invited me to call him for a hike but I never got around to calling. The hoar frost & snow made everything look like a fairyland. - Took some pictures. 11 miles.
11/15/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Jean. Tim had invited me to dine with the crew today. - After telling him I was planning to hike with Jean, he she could dine with them too. We had an excellent meal. - (Their early Thanksgiving) with Turkey, dressing, rolls, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, peas, corn, rice, wine and other foods. - This was the last day of the season. - Al Beddinger and Hollis's boy friend were up. - Sylvia, Talley, a Jewish woman who I had met in Oct. was also there and we danced to a tape I had taken up. - We had talked abt. doing this in Oct. She is a real nice person, maybe in her 40's. - Also met Jerry Risdahl, who teaches English at Walter State in Morristown. We had met and talked before and he remembered my last name. Walked abt. the last mile with him. 11 miles. Stopped to eat at Granny's.
11/18/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Lu & Jean. 383rd trip to LeConte. Walked down Duck Hawk Trail and took pictures. The Eye of the Needle is on Chanel 10 T.V. tonight. Marion Fox of Knoxville overtook us at double steps. - Saw her again outside of the lodge office. - Took her to kitchen to meet Hollis. - I thought if she met Hollis, she could gain and warm if she came up again this winter. - I could find no evidence that Hollis was on the Mt. - Stopped at Granny's on way back and watched "Eye of the Needle" on T.V. Lu wanted Wanda, the, owner, to know that he had hiked up with me. Jean had to leave early to see her daughter at UT. 11 miles.
LeConte total 383
LeConte since Age 65, 342
LeConte last 77 Months, 340
Hikes this year 53 to LeConte, this month 6
total hikes this year 72
Miles this year 780
Club hikes this year 11
12/2/87, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB with Lu. 384th hike to LeConte. 81st consecutive month. 342nd since age 65. Snow on trail. Abt. 1 inch at trailhead abt. 2" on top. Saw 2 hikers near Arch Rock. - Met 2 more near top and a young couple from Birmingham as we started down. - Walked most of way down with them. - Dr. Charles (Gregg) Banks & wife Sandy - A very nice young couple who formerly lived in Jasper. - He studied medicine at Vandy and interned at University Hosp in Birmingham. - We stopped at Granny's on way back. - Jean was waiting there. - We didn't know she would be there. She had been hiking on Cove Mt. Dr Banks recommended Metamucil for bowel trouble. 11 miles.
12/6/87, Cove Mt. Fighting Creek Gap with SMHC. B. Lee, B. Cook, Zenick, D. Scanlon, C. Smith, J. Freshour, A. Xiques, P. Brooks, E. Lee, J. Talbot, S. Spessard, Caroline?, C. Fulks & others. Rode with Jo Ann. - Alice also rode with her. - Met July Labhart, who wants to go up Mt. LeConte when I make my 400th hike. - Snow on trail but it wasn't too slick. - Weather fair & cool but no wind and it was fairly comfortable on top, in the sun. - Peggy Brooks from Morristown went on this hike. - It was her 1st with SMHC. 8 miles.
12/9/87, School House Gap from Laurel Creek Rd., with Lu & Jean via Turkey Pen R. - Boundary Trail. Left Turkey Pen Ridge Trail abt. 1 mile from Laurel Creek. - Started up Cascade on left of trail and then ridge on left of trail, which we followed to Boundary Trail. - (off trail) - We came to Boundary Trail near end of loop around Scott Mt. & followed Boundary Trail to School House Gap. - I went on ahead by myself abt. 1 1/4th mi. before School House Gap to Turkey Ridge Trail and on this trail to auto. - I drove down to S.H.G. Rd. and picked Jean & Lu up there. This cut 2 ˝ mi. of hike for them and let us get back to Knox early. - I stopped and picked up Miona, (Lu's lady friend). Went to see Lady Vol's play in new T. B. Arena. but we couldn't get in. (Full). 9 miles.
12/16/87, Old Sugarland Rd. Loop, with Lu . - 7 mi. Followed river past Boar enclosure. - C. Orchard Rd. to 1st trail. Back out near Hwy. - Stopped at Phillip's Doll & Books in P.F. on way back. - Found dance book for $5.00. - Ate at Granny's. - Stopped at Round N. Gate to get Lu's photo's. - The one he snapped of me on LeConte was good. - He gave me one. Went to see Gracie McNicol today. - Found her to doing fine and in good spirits. - Talking same as usual. - She is in the Anderson County Health Center in Clinton.
12/17/87, Sarge called this morning. - He is recuperating from operation. - First time I'd heard from him since our last hike. - He didn't let anyone know when he went back to hospital. He said that everything was OK. Evidently there was no sign of cancer.
12/20/87, School House Gap Rd. to Bote Mt., Finley Cane. - Turkey Pen Ridge & S.H. Gap Rd to car with Jean. Looked rainy when we left but it cleared off and was a nice day. Near 60 F. 9 miles.
12/30/87, Loop on Rd. - Hatcher Mt., Abrams Falls Loop, 13 miles with Lu & Jean. I drove. - We went by Jean's and picked her up. - Got late start. 11:25, at trailhead. - Went out old Rd to Oliver? House & then across to Cooper Rd. Stopped to eat abt. 1/4 mi short of Hatcher Mt. Nearly dark when we got out. Walked Rd. back to car from Abrams parking lot.
LeConte total 384
LeConte since Age 65, 343
LeConte last 77 Months, 341
Hikes this year 54 to LeConte, this month 1
total hikes this year 72
Miles this year 840
Club hikes this year 12
1/3/88, Mt. LeConte from Grassy Patch to lodge via ACB alone on an overcast day with light rain. First hike this year. - Hollis was in her cabin today. She had been down on my last 2 trips. Took her 2 apples, 2 tangerines, 2 little Debbie cakes, 2 candy bars & 2 pints of milk. She's using the same cabin as did Diana, Nancy and Regina. - She has been doing a lot of hiking, including some off trail. - She said she would like to use my little TV. - Gloomy day. - I got unusually tired today. - Also, I was unusually tired last Wed. on the Cooper Rd., Hatcher Mt., Abrams Falls trip with Lu & Jean. 11 miles.
1/21/88, Chestnut Ridge - Lu & Jean - 9 mi. From Townsend Y to School House Gap. Met a lone woman hiker from Maryville. - Forgot her name. - She said she had heard of me and she hikes with Lucy Haynes & Elsie Dotson. - She hiked back out with us. I drove and we stopped at Jean's and helped her set up a copying machine Lu had given her. - His church had given it to him. - Sure was heavy. - Jean was tickled to get it. The ink reservoir was clogging and we didn't get it to copy.
1/31/88, SMHC, Laurel Falls to Bowater Pocket wilderness near Dayton, Tn. with club. Sarge's 1st hike after his last operation. He didn't feel up to making both, Snow & Laurel Falls so we went to Brice overlook above Laurel Falls. - Rest of club went to Snow Falls 1st and then to below Laurel Falls. - Rode with Jean L. Katherine rode with us. - Forty some odd hikers made this hike., including, Jenny Hebb, Bob Cook, Bob & Efelita Lee, Julius J., Ray Payne, Chris - Jewel, Carol, Ruth Y., Jean B., Chas Klabiundy, John Clark, Andy, Bill Busing, Alice, Jo Ann, Sam Sp.,& others. 5 miles in warm, cloudy weather.
2/3/88, Mt. LeConte lodge, via ACB with Lu & Jean, on a warm cloudy day with light rain on way down. Hollis in her cabin. - All of us took her things to eat, in addition, I took her my 1 ˝" TV to her. Stopped at cracker Barrel in P.F. on way back. - Also Mrs. Wieners in Sev. for ice cream. - Hard rain on I-40 on way back home. 11 miles.
2/10/88, Mt. LeConte lodge, via ACB with Lu. 387th trip to LeConte. Hollis in her cabin. - Forgot milk, I meant to take her but I took her 2 banana's, 2 apples, 2 oranges & 2 candy bars. - She gave Lu & me some cookies she had baked today. Some ice on trail. - We used ice creepers from double steps to lodge, both ways. Great day for this time of year. - Clear sky. - Little cool. - We stopped to eat at Cracker Barrel in P.F., for ice cream at Mrs. Wieners in Sevierville. 11 miles.
2/21/88, Chilhowee Mt. via Millstone Gap and fire tower with SMHC. 6 miles. Hiked up to Walland. Among those I knew on this hike were: Jean Bangham, Ruth Young, Jewel Talbot, Chris Hamilton, Jenny Hebb, Alice Xiques, Ed Jones & wife, (I rode with them), Paul Threldkel, Bob Lee, Dave Scanlon. - Cold but sunny. - Mary Jane Johnson and I ate lunch on the south side of the building at the fire tower. - It was comfortably warm there. - Others were scattered around in the open. - Later some of them discovered our warm place and soon they had taken all of the space next to the building. - No one seemed in a hurry to leave after they found this warm place.
2/27/88, Abrams Falls from 1st parking area below Cooper Rd. with Sarge. 7 miles. We walked through the field on an old road bed to the house where there was a spring house & 3 0r 4 other out buildings. (Between Abrams Falls parking area & Cooper Rd.) We came back from the falls to the house but walked the trail near the spring to Cooper Rd. And through a field back to the starting point. Saw several deer and a ground hog in this field. - Stopped at Jean Lambert's on way out. She had visitor's (Bradley Owen & wife) and couldn't go with us. they were out at the time but she said Bradley had been asking about Sarge, so we stopped on the way back. Bradley was there but we didn't see his wife. - He was happy to see Sarge and said he had inspired him in his early hiking days. I had never met Bradley but had heard and read about him - He holds some world hiking records including the fastest time for hiking the entire AT, from Georgia to Maine as well as the fastest time on the A.T. inside the park. He said he has hiked all of Colorado's 54 peaks above 14,000 ft. including Mt. Elbert, 2nd highest in cont. US. He gave Sarge a day pack he had made.
3/2/88, Mt. LeConte lodge, via ACB with Lu. 84th consecutive month to LeConte without missing. 7 years. Great day for this time of year. Started abt. 11:00a.m. Quite a bit of ice above pulpit. Wore creepers on the downhill part from there but took them off at saddle. We had to put them back on above the upper steps and left them on until we got back to the steps on the way back. - Had to use them from the saddle to just below the pulpit. We met Jean Lambert just below this point. We walked out together and stopped at the Cracker Barrel in P.F. We ate lunch where the Horse Gate used to be. - Couple of newly weds from Cincinnati came by. They were familiar with some of the lodge crew and told us that John & Donna were on their way to stay until the crew comes. - Hollis had already gone down. - A young fellow was in her cabin. - He called me by name but I couldn't place him. 2 more men were in the kitchen and came out. One of the men I had met before. They said they had supper ready for John & Donna, whom we met just as we started down. Told them they could use my little TV which was still in Hollis's cabin. My 383rd hike to Mt. LeConte. 11 miles.
3/9/88, Loop from Abrams Falls Ranger Station with Lu & Jean. Started at Ranger Station Rt. past camp site # 17, along Abrams Creek to trail junction to Hatcher Mt. & Cooper Rd. Left for 1.5 mi. to Cain Gap South, West back to Ranger Station. - Stopped at Jean's sister-in-law's house in Happy Valley. Met her(Fay) boy friend, Houston. - He played the guitar and sang for us. - He was a good singer. Lu & I stopped at Miona's house in Maryville. - Had hamburger & Coke at Wendy's first. - Ate Ice cream & drank a cup of coffee at Miona's. Lu's girlfriend. 10 miles.
3/11/88, Chimney Top with Sarge. 8 miles. Frozen Head Park in Morgan County. I drove and picked Sarge up at his home in O. R. Took him some frozen food, corn, strawberries & green beans. - Also some tea, hot chocolate mix, choc. milk mix. - This was Sarge's longest hike since his illness and he did well. - Went in his house to see his Yamaha keyboard organ after we got back. - Mrs. Sergeant gave me some home made peanut brittle.
3/16/88, 1 mi. past Flint Gap (camp site # 14) Cold, high in 30 - Last around 20 . - Started from Abrams Creek Ranger Sta. After failing to find Gold Mine Rd., entrance to park. (Off of Parkway near Top of World) We had planned a loop hike starting there in the N.E. corner of the park. - A very good trail on a very cold day for March 16. Climbed abt. 1 mi. above Flint Gap campsite on what was probably Hanna Mt. We plan to hike to this point from the other end (Sams Gap) at a later date. - Ate lunch just below Pine Mt. 14 miles.
3/20/88, Chimney Top - Huskey Gap Loop with SMHC. 10 miles. Rode with Jennie Hebb also
Anan? Rode with her. - Jennie was a sub leader. She needed a rear leader. I volunteered Anan only made abt. 1 1/4 mile and had to go back. - We picked her up at Sugarland Center. - Snow on trail. - Known people on hike. C. Klabiundy, J. Bangham, R. Young, D. Scanlon, P Threldkel, B. Lee, Mary Evans & son, C. Hamilton, Jo Ann Freshour.
3/23/88, Mt. LeConte alone. 389th trip, 11 miles on a beautiful day. - Temp. 51 F. on top. Took up newspaper. - Saw Tim, Donna, Melinda & Keith. - Met John & new crew member (Sally from Miss.) Below Arch Rock. - Ate lunch on log near trail junction of ACB & R.F. - Got there in 2 hrs & 20 min. Left car at 9:55, back down at 3: 27. Home before 5:00. Going to sq. dance class tonight
3/24/88, Gold Mine Rd. With Lu & Jean. Cooper Rd. To Hatcher Mt. , North to Boundary Trail - west on Boundary Trail outside of park& back in at Cane Gap Trail. - Back to Cooper Rd. & Goldmine Rd. 14 miles.
3/27/88, Mt. LeConte with Jean, Katie, her son & his wife Missy. 390th trip, 11 miles on a Great day. - A little cool. - Met new crew member (Barry) as I went up. - Also met Marion Randolph & Sylvia Talley from Atlanta. I've met Marion (a male) many times on Mt. - The third time I've met Sylvia. Keith, temporary crew member in office. - He has invited Jean & me to dine at the place he works for. Dick Katell & Al Beddinger came by office. - All of us except Jean walked out to Cliff Top. - Ate lunch outside office on end of building. 3 women had already found my warm spot. Our bunch all stopped at Wendy's on way back. - Katherine had rode with Katie but rode back with me from Sevierville. - It was easier for me to take her home than Katie.
3/30/88, Frozen Head Park up to Chimney top. - Back Spruce Gap. - A Loop, with Jean & Lu. Met Jo Ann & Chris H. near top. They had hiked the loop in the opposite direction. - they didn't know we were going and we didn't know they were. Jean & I had met Chris on LeConte last Sunday. - Light rain. - Lu & Jean lost again. - Stopped in O.R. to eat at Hardee's. Called Joe Pierce while there. 8 miles.
4/2/88, Mt. LeConte with Jean via ACB. Overcast but not too cool. 391st hike to LeConte, 350 since age 65. - Parking lot full when we got there at abt. 10:30. Stayed in lodge office while there. - Got back to car at 6:20. - Stopped at Burger King in Sevierville for hamburger, fries & drink on way back. _ Met Jean at Seymour Bank. - She drove. - Several hikers on trail as we went up. - Few were seen on our way down. - New crew member (Linda from St. Louis) tending office. - My first meeting. - Tim & Grace were also there. - Met Sally abt. 15 min. from top on way down. 11 miles.
4/6/88, Mt. LeConte with Jean. 392nd hike to LeConte, 351 since 65th birthday. 11 miles. Met Jean at Kroger's in Sevierville. Abt 10:30. Looked like rain when we got to G.P. - Turned around and went back to Sevierville, where we left Jean's car. - It was clearing up by then and we headed back after eating lunch at Krystal's. - Very little rain while hiking. - Some sleet & snow. Turned cold with hard wind. - Sally in office. - Met Melinda below bluff. - Talked to several lodge guests in office. - Started at 1:35 down at 5:20.
4/9/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via ACB. 393rd hike to LeConte, 352 since 65th birthday. 11 miles. Snow on trail, around 4 or 5 inches on top. Drifts over 1 ft. Tim said total of 7" starting Wed. afternoon. Met a man and younger lady above A.C. Bluff. The lady asked abt. My ice creepers. The conversation led us to telling each other our names and where we lived. - When I asked if he was related to Weston Fulton, he replied that he was Weston's son Robert. Weston Fulton was the founder of the Fulton Co. on Cumberland or Kingston Pk. - The family lived in the most lavish mansion in Knoxville. I told him that I had a history class with his sister, Barbara. - He said he would tell her abt. Talking to me but I doubt if she would remember me. - She was a real pretty girl and didn't seem to be "Stuck Up." This was at Knoxville High in the 30-31 class. She went to a private school the next year and later went to N.Y. to become a stage actress. - She also got married there. Her brother said she was living in Riverview Estates, off Boyds Bridge Pk. - I had read a few articles in the local paper about her career but didn't know she was back in Knoxville. Sally was tending the office but was not there when I arrived and the office was cold 50 F. I sat outside on the bench and in the sun - It was warm. - Sally sat with me and we talked abt. 3 hrs. except when she said she had to register guests. She said she was 30 years-old but looks no more than 25 to me. She has been married and divorced. She lived abt 60 mi. From Meridian, Miss. - Also saw and talked to the 3 other new crew members. Hard walking up in the frozen tracks and down in the slush. - Had flat on way home. Went to O'Connor Center last night, the 8th, to dance. Ann Rollins of Channel 6 News Team was there with camera man and taped some the dance. the camera didn't do her justice. - She is very attractive.
4/10/88, Porter Flats with SMHC. 7 mi. Doris and Seaton Waters from O'Connor Center & Peggy Brock from Morristown Went on this hike at my invitation. Doris, Seaton, Kathy, Jo Ann, Jean L. & 2 friends and I went to the end of the trail at creek.
4/13/88, White Oak sinks with Lu & Jean, 5 mi. School House Gap Rd to trail, just past T.P.R/ Trail - to waterfall & blowhole. - Also went up rock wall and down dry creek bed.
4/14/88, Kephart Shelter, 4 miles, Happy Hikers, Mary A. Norine Barr, Rosemary, Daisy and others along. - My first with this group.
4/16/88, Spence Flats with SMHC, 2 mi. Lu & Miona, Jean, Bob Cook were among those going. Brenda had called and sais she and Judy N. were going but I didn't see them.
4/17/88, Mt. LeConte with Jean. 394th hike to LeConte. 13miles. Went up ACB but saw sign at the bluff saying Trail was closed due to slide. We went on anyhow and didn't have too much difficulty crossing the slide but Jean didn't want to go back across it, so we went back by the blvd. Trail - Quite a bit of snow & ice near top, on way down. There were blow downs on A.T. John tending office. Saw Donna & Sally. Sally was baking cookies and gave us one. Long climb before getting back to A.T. Hike had both of us pretty tired.
4/20/88, Mt. LeConte with Jean. 395th hike to LeConte with Jean, via Bull Head Trail on a great day. 14 miles. mA long hike on a great day. - Met a young couple from Detroit & one from L.A., Calif. The latter was a pilot. - Met and talked with several other hikers including an older couple from Iowa & a woman who remembered me from 3 years ago. - Her husband was up the trail from her & I didn't know him. - Did talk to couple from England who was with her. Talked with others as I ate lunch at upper end of office. . Talked to Sally and Linda & fed squirrels & Juncos. Tim was down on 17th but was due back today. Stopped at McDonald's.
4/24/88, White Oak sinks with SMHC. 9 Mi. Rode with Katherine, Katy & Jerry. - Saw Bob Howe for 1st time since 66. - didn't know him. He has aged very little. - 76 years-old. He left in 1966 to manage "Land Between the Lakes" for TVA. - Has had by-pass surgery. - Walked with him for at least 1 hr. Got reacquainted. - formerly from Mass. Myrtle Brown, wife of the late Herrick Brown, Mt. LeConte Lodge operator, was also along. I didn't know her at first even though she called me by name. Met Katy Crane & Mar Stevenson on Chestnut Ridge. someone had just told me that Katy was in Hosp. - she was out on pass. - Others on hike included Dave S. C. Hamilton, Ed Soler, Jo Ann F. 25, 26, 27, 28th, 29th & 30th. Danced every day this week except Sun. 15 hrs.
4/29/88, Mt. LeConte lodge, alone via ACB. 396th hike to LeConte. 11 mi. Left car at 10:00 a.m. - Arrived at lodge 12:15. Started down at 1:45. Back to car 3:45 p.m.. Left early to get to O'Connor dance. (Fri) Sally at office - Also saw Al & kids, Grace & Nathan. Gave Sally Coke & cake, the kids a cake each - Also took up salad spinach from garden & 2 papers. Cool on top but warm in the sun at so. end of office Temp last night was 9 F at top.
5/4/88, Mt. LeConte lodge, alone via ACB. 397th hike to LeConte. 87th consecutive month. 11 miles. There was a light to moderate rain for most of this hike - Wore rain chaps & used umbrella on way up. - Got a little damp on upper torso - wore Gor-Tex parka on way down & stayed dry except for the lower part of pants & some water in my shoes. - Jean called & canceled this morning because of rain. Al in office - Lost one of my rain chaps but a man in the office told me he had picked it up & left it at kitchen - Saw Melinda & Linda when I went down to get it - Took up spinach - Talked to several hikers at office including 2 groups from Chicago, one from Memphis & one from Knoxville.
5/7/88, Abrams Falls with SMHC. 5 miles.
5-11/12/13 -88, Work trip with SMHC. 17 total miles. - Those on trip were: Ken & Helen Warren, Bruce Katella, Lionel Etney & Jean Lambert.
5/15/88, Mt. LeConte lodge, alone via ACB. 397th hike to LeConte. Ate my lunch at the south end of office and then went to Myrtle Pt. - Had pleasant conversation with couple from Fla. They would like to have a cabin in the mts. and retire here. Ellis is their name. He is in postal control. Al tending lodge - Also saw Tim, Lisa & the kids as well as Linda, John & Donna. 12 miles.
5/18/88, Mt. LeConte lodge, with Jean & Lu, via ACB. 399th hike to LeConte. 11 miles.
400th Mt. LeConte Hike, Sunday May 22, 1988. A total of 11 hikers met me at K-Mart on Asheville Hwy. for this hike. - All of those were hikers who had told me earlier, they would like to go. - Others who had indicated they would like to go didn't show up. Dave & Bob went on ahead of us because Bob had to be back sooner than the rest of us. Went up Duck Hawk Ridge on this one.
Katy & Katherine were the only ones who went up with me. Katy got within 100 yards or so, before she decided she was afraid to do it. She went back down but Katherine, in spite of her fear, went on with me. - She showed a lot of spunk.
The crew had 2 qts. of strawberries and invited me to have short cake with them. I had to inform them that several others were coming with me and they said if we would bring berries, they would have short cake for all. Jean L. took 1 qt., I took 1 ˝ qts. and Lu took Cool Whip - We all enjoyed the short cake and then took a walk to Cliff Top. Tim, Lisa, their kids & Al were down. Signing the register were:
Bob Lee - Congratulations on # 400
David Scanlon - On to 500 Paul!
Sam Spessard
Jean Bangham
Nancy Travis
Steve Higdon - Way to go Paul!
Ken Warren
Katherine A Kohler
Peggy Brock
Helen Warren
Miona M. Duke
Ernest Luallen
Sally Parker (Crew Member)
Steven A. Woodall (Former Crew Member)
Donna L. Mansfield (John's wife)
John E. Mansfield (Crew Member) Onward to 500
Marty S. Cizek (New Crew Member)
Melinda Bridget (Crew Member) Congratulations
Jean Lambert
Katy Cox
Linda Tate (Crew Member)
Lee Tate (Linda's Father)
Mary Ann Tate (Linda's step-mother)
"Sarge" (O. K. Sergeant)
I and I believe everyone else had a great time. Lu, Miona, Jean L., Katy, Katherine and I stopped at Cracker Barrel in P.F. to eat.
401 5/26/88, Mt. LeConte Cliff Top, with Sarge via ACB. 11 miles. One of those rare, clear and cool days on LeConte. - Little wind and warm sunshine. - Getting up took quite a while because Sarge needed to stop frequently. He ate lunch on the way up but I waited until we got to the lodge. - Talked to several hikers on way up including Marty & Tim. both came back up before we left. - We also met Margaret S. and 2 others in her party. she had heard about my 400th hike and offered congratulations - Also saw John & wife Donna as well as Sally while there. We talked with 2 young A. P. writers at So. end of office. One of them is located in Knoxville at the N.S. branch. Her name is Christy Up- - -? She asked what my son's name was when I told her he worked for the N.S. When I told her, she asked if was Paul and asked if I would mind if she wrote something about me. - She took some notes but I don't know where, when or if she will write about it or who would carry the story. I had intended to go dancing tonight but stayed on Mt.
402 5/29/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via ACB. 11 miles. Got a late start. Met Lloyd Bell near horsegate. 1st time I've seen him this year - Ate lunch at end of office - Fed the squirrels some peanuts Laura in kitchen with her husband - first time to meet him (Laura, Lisa's sister & was Laura Discepoli before her marriage) - She also worked at the lodge abt. 3 or 4 years ago Got into a conversation with guests after they had seen on the register that I had made 402 trips. Great day.
403 6/1/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu & Jean via ACB. 11 miles. 87th consecutive month. Lu & I met Jean in Sevierville. Talked to John & Donna Mansfield below Alum Cave. They were going to Lexington, Ky. - Kirk Hiensom, son of Doug Hiensom of Sevier was with them. I think he was pleased when he found I was an admirer of his father. - He shook my hand 3 times. - Met large Church of Christ group going up. - From Chatt & Knox. - Good day. - Some clouds. - Al at office. - Also saw Tim & Linda.
6/4/88, Cataloochee Area with SMHC. Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail (˝ mi) to Long Bunk Trail (also known as Pig Pen) (3 ˝ mi.) To Little Cataloochee Trail (4 mi) Palmer Creek Trail (˝ mi) - Rode with Patty ? & Linda. - Elsie Dotson also rode in Patty's car. - Others I knew were Alice Xiques, Katy Crane, Sam Spessard, Jo Ann Freshour, Jewel Tabor, Margaret ?, (came to U.S. from Germany at age 16), - Donna (on the White Oak Sink hike), Prom Penna. 8 miles.
404 6/5/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via ACB. 11 miles. Started late - 2:10 p.m. at trailhead. Met Dave Scanlon on first bridge. . - He told me that Bob Lee 7 wife were on top & Joe Caja was on trail. - Met Joe abt. 15 min. later. - He had tried to call me last night. - Met Bob & Eflata near saddle. Lloyd Bell also stopped. - Ate lunch at bench near office door. - Al in office. - A pretty young lady came by and sat on the bench with me. - She was 39 years-old, but didn't look over 30. - Been married 20 years but divorced. - She had come from Memphis alone. - (Peggy Evans). - We had a long conversation. - She would like to live in Knox and evidently loves the Mts., - Tim & family down.
405 6/8/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu & Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Hottest day of this year hiking LeConte. - Talked with Randy Pollard from of Auburn, Ala.. - Will play for either Auburn or Ill. (football). - Met Margaret Stevenson on way up. - 2nd day in a row she has been up. - No doubt she is trying to catch up with me. - Linda at office. - She's going to St. Louis tomorrow. - Tim & family still down. - Talked with 2 girls & their dad. - We had seen the girls on Duck Hawk but didn't recognize them that far away. - Ran into them again on way down. - Thought they were abt. 15 years-old but they were 20. (twins) from Indiana. - Stopped at Cracker Barrel on way back. - Lu still depressed. - Same last night.
406 6/11/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via ACB. (365 times since age 65), 11 miles. A little cool on top but I sat outside office to eat. - John in office. - He said some folks had expressed doubt that I had hiked the Mt. as much as I claimed. - My records have been recorded accurately with dates listed, who was with me, whom I met on trail and crew members I see on each trip. I didn't keep records on the first 40 hikes but was able to account for 35 of them by the people I made the hikes with. - A big aid in this was Wally Finger's diary in which he recorded 18 hikes we had made together. I remember camping once by myself. This made 36 trips. I probably made between 10 & 15 day hikes alone but I only counted four of them. Also saw Marty & Tim on top. - The Reeds from Birmingham were up.
407 6/12/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via ACB. 11 miles. Got late start. - Made it to top abt. 5:50. Started down at 6:00 p.m. Al in office. - the only crew member I saw. - Talked to Reeds from Birmingham again. - Met Lloyd Bell near the pulpit.
408 6/15/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu via ACB. 11 miles. Jean couldn't go today. - Taking care of granddaughter. Will go Fri. - We mostly sat on porch & fed the "boomers", which were all over the place. - John was tending the office today. - Didn't remember who had suggested that I hadn't made as many trips as I have. - Went down to talk to Phil, who is working on John & Donna's cabin. - Also talked to Donna. - Spoke to Melinda as she came out of cabin. Saw Al & Marty. - We stopped to eat at the Cracker Barrel on way back. - Lu's better but still seems to be depressed.
409 6/16/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean via ACB. 11 miles. Donna in office, Lisa came up on porch and talked for a while. - Also went down to John's cabin & talked to him. - Phil said something abt. Going down with us but didn't - Donna interested in a small camera.
6/19/88, Gregorys Bald with SMHC, 12 miles. Met Jean in Maryville. We were going to go to Parsons Bald first but the road was closed to Sams Gap, so we as well as the club had to go up Gregory Ridge Trail. - Abt 40 on this & 14 on the other (Long Hungry Ridge). All in our group didn't go all the way. - Azaleas were not at peak. - We spent abt. 3 hrs. on top. Some of those on the hike were: Sarge, Jean L., Jean B., Charley K., Jenny Heeb, Cota F., Andy Z., Bob Lee, Chuck ?, Alice Xiques., Al & wife from Atlanta, Steve Higdon, Jerry B., Phil & Ruth Ewald.
410 6/22/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu & Jean via ACB. 11 miles. Lu drove to Newfound Gap. Jean left her car at Grassy Patch. Margaret S. in parking lot. News on top, a bear wouldn't get out of trail, so she didn't make it all the way up. - We spent our time at Myrtle Pt. - John in office. - Gave him a little camera for Donna. - Rained some on way up. - Had to use ponchos. Stopped at Cracker Barrel on way back. - Also at Mrs. Wieners for ice cream.
411 6/29/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean via ACB. 11 miles. 9th this month. Brenda came by to borrow tent and I was 25 mins. late getting to Sevierville to meet Jean. - Drove on to ACB trailhead and saw her car. - Assumed she had gone ahead and started up the trail alone. - After stopping at Duck Hawk Trail to talk to talk to a woman from Fla. Jean caught up with me. - She had gone to upper parking lot to see if I was there and I got ahead of her. - Nancy tending office (sub for Linda). - Also saw Lisa at bench & Tim and kids later. - Had an enjoyable conversation with Fla. group on porch. - Stopped at McDonalds'.
7/3/88, Mt. Cammerer with Sarge & Jean. 10 miles. We met at K-Mart on Asheville, Hwy. - I drove. - We went by I-40Hwy. - Met Gary & Sue Owens of SMHC on trail. - They were Scouting their trip to Mt Cammerer. Talked to young ranger for abt. 20 min. Good day, not too hot. - Stopped at Cracker Barrel in Newport on way back.
412 7/6/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Sarge & Jean via ACB. 11 miles. 88th consecutive month. Met Ed Jones with Lisa B. ? (she is a friend of Regina's and remembered me) going up and Lloyd Bell coming down. Bill (dates Sally) John & Donna (crew members). Went to Cliff Top and saw rare flower, (Appalachian Avens), which according to Ed Jones, grows only on Mt. LeConte. If this is true, it is almost extinct. We could find a small bunch in 2 places.
413 7/8/88, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Met a hiker near top from Indiana, Bill Tyler, I think was his name. - We had hiked out to Cliff Top together. - I took him down the side to see the Appalachian Avens. - John was in office and he was the only crew member I saw. - Spent abt. 1 hr. at Cliff Top and had to hurry back to get to O'Connor's, Friday night dance. Ran into Lucky (former crew member) around the 3rd cable going down. He had 4 women with him. - One of them remembered me. - Talked to a young backpacker from Mich. - Met him 1/4 mi below double steps. Regina & Lisa Burk were supposed to be up but didn't see them.
7/10/88, Max Patch with SMHC. 6 mi. Rode with Bob Lee. Rain & thunderstorm threatening so we didn't stay long on bald. - Other SMHC members included: Sam S., Tom Little, Paul T., & neighbor Paul, Bob Cook, Jo Ann F., Bob Lee & wife, Andy Z., Alice Xiques.. - Also met Chris from Argentina.
414 7/15/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Ed Jones & Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Ed Jones came by after me at 8:15. Jean was at trailhead. - Abt 2 ˝ hrs. going up. - Stayed abt. 1 hr. and started down. I needed to get back early to go to the O'Connor dance. - Stopped at Burger king in Sevierville for milk shake. Got home around 5:00. Marty was in office. - Neal huff also up for a few days. Met Al near bottom of trail.
415 7/17/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with SMHC via Bull Head Trail. 15 miles. A hot muggy day. 18 in group. Paul Threldkel, Bob Lee, Bob cook, Steve Higdon, Kathren K, Jean L. & Ruth Young who, served 4 of us tea and cookies when we got back to the parking lot. I took Paul , Jean B., Bob Lee, and Kathren down to see the very rare Appalachian Avens. Al was in office. - Also saw Neal Huff (son of owner). - Didn't see any other crew members. - Went to Cliff Top.
416 7/20/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Got a late start. - Missed Ed Jones at parking lot. - Saw him on top. - He came down before we did. - Linda in office. - Also talked to John. - Sat on porch while there. - got down a little earlier than usual.
7/23/88, Raven Fork with SMHC. 6 mi. Start at Straight fork & Hyatt Creek. - 2 mi. To Low Gap. - Down Enloe Creek Trail to Raven Fork. - Rode with Holly Overton. - Sarge & Carl Smith as well as another lady, also rode with her. - Annette Evans on this hike. - First time I'd seen her in some time. - She said it was her 1sr hike with SMHC. She had been up to LeConte abt 3 weeks ago. (She works in the library at Park Hdq.) - Other hikers I knew were Sam S., Jewel T., John & Annette, Jo Ann, Carroll, Katy & her mother.
417 7/24/88, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Didn't get started up Mt. until 1:47 p.m.. Met Lloyd Bell below A.C.B. Al in office. - Melinda's cousin Judy (15 years old) also there. Linda came by. - Also saw Neal Huff & Nathan. - Talked to lady from Atlanta. - Her 3rd trip. - will be back next year on same date. - Left to go down abt 5:30. - Met Bill (Sally's boyfriend) abt 1/4 mi above double steps. Weather good. - Not too hot. - Mostly sunny.
418 7/27/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Started up at 10:28. - Got back to car at 3:08. - total time 4 hrs & 40 mins. - Spent abt 40 min in office. - Al tending office again. Tim came in while I was there. - He asked abt pictures. Nathan was also in office. - Met Melinda on my down. (below A.C.B.)
419 7/29/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Met Mason, just as I started hike. Met Keith abt 5 min later. - Met a vol ranger abt 20 min out. - I had met her before on LeConte. Met Neal Huff just below Inspiration Pt. He was running and said he had been 30 min coming down at this point. - Melinda in office. - Talked to Vicki Law of Townsend at office. Address in back of this book. Keith invited Jean & I to breakfast at Mountain Lodge Restaurant on Cosby Rd. Coming down I met Lucy Hughes between the saddle & the double steps. - Below Arch Rock, I met Sean Mullens.
420 7/31/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Started up abt 1:00 p.m.. -Made it to lodge in abt 2 hrs & 30 min. - Stopped to talk with Lloyd Bell and also Sean Mullens & friend - (on way up). - Al in office. - Linda came in and asked if I had seen her friends (2 young ladies) as I came up. - from her description, I told her that I had seen and spoke to them at the double steps. Nathan came in office and later Lisa looking for him. - Talked to woman from Ga.
421 8/3/88, Mt. LeConte to Inspiration Point with Jean & Lu. They stopped there and I walked to the lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. - I got to the office abt. 50 min. ahead of them. Melinda in office. - John & Tim also came by. Lucy Hughes came in with Nathan. - We had enjoyable conversation with a family of 4 from near Savannah, GA, a man & wife from Ohio, and a woman & 2 pretty daughters (3 & 5) from Indianapolis. Ind. We walked down with them (the latter). The husband had gone down the Blvd Trail. It was raining when we got out so Jean was going to let them sit in her car until he got down but he came abt. The time that Jean got to the upper lot. We stopped at the ice cream place, just beyond Granny's in Sevierville. I ate a hamburger & fries, coffee and a hot fudge sundae. Ed Jones also up. 89th consecutive month of hiking Mt. LeConte.
422 8/5/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. It started raining abt. 5 min. below double steps. Got my feet wet. Marty in office. Some light sprinkles on way down. Went to O'Connor center dance tonight. Julie came by with Brenda. Julie has been to camp, the others coming tomorrow.
8/7/88, Mt. Collins from Newfound Gap with SMHC 5 miles. Rode with Sarge, Jean B. & Alice Xiques also rode with him. Others I knew were Chuck Hope, Chris H. Sam S. Jean L. Larry Deridder was the leader and Jean L. was the co leader. Larry's friend was Margaret. Also met Fran Scheidt, Wally & Tim's English teacher at West High.
8/10/88, Alum Cave Bluff with Joe, Julie, Jason, Jennie, Missie & Wally. It rained before we got to the bluff. - We got a little wet but not soaked. - Some light rain on way down. - Ran into hard rain in Pigeon Forge on way back. - Went by drive-in-windows at both Krystal & McDonald's for food & drinks. I believe that they all enjoyed the hike.
423 8/14/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Hot & humid today. - around 70 degrees on top. Met Steve & Al below steps. John in office. - He brought jean & me a cup of coffee. - Started late 120pm. - got to lodge at 330. - Started down abt. 600. - Saw Sally & Donna in Kitchen. - Saw Bill (Sally's boy friend) on way down. He was almost to the lodge.
424 8/17/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Sarge, Lu & Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. It took a long time to get up because Sarge had to rest often. Met a couple and their two daughters at A.C. Bluff. They were farmers from Northern, Ill., near Peoria. They have a 550 acres of land and tend it by themselves. They said that it was a small farm in comparison to others in that area. We also saw them on top and on the way down, at Gracie's Pulpit. - We hiked together part of the way. - All of us liked this family very much and apparently they liked us. They wanted a picture of us when we got back to the parking lot. The man & each of the daughters took our picture. They grow soy beans & corn. Meeting nice people like this is one of the rewards in hiking. John was in the office again. - We met Sally & Linda as we came up & Sally again as we came back. Linda will be leaving for good in abt. a week. She is going back to Wis. U. to get her degree for teaching. - We'll miss her. - Sat on porch while on top.
425 8/21/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Hot climbing but cool on top. Started up at 126. - Met Melinda & Marty on our way up. - Saw Sally near Horse Gate. She was jogging. - Linda was in office. - We got up at 420 & left just before 600. We stopped for ice cream in Sevierville.
426 8/24/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu, Andy & Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Some light rain. - Cool on top. - Sun came out abt. 330 making it warmer. - Met Tim Line going both up & down
Marty was also going down. - Melinda in office. - Sally came by while we were sitting on the porch. - Went down to kitchen to see Linda Tate. - She is going back to Wisconsin Friday to get her Dr. degree in English. - she plans on teaching. She took our pictures and addresses. She gave me hers for at least the next 3 years. Stopped at Cracker Barrel in P.F. - Also ice cream place in Sevierville.
427 8/26/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Met Linda & Keith going up. Shortly thereafter I met Sally. - She is going to Wyoming for a few days. Just below the horsegate, I met Bill, Sally's boyfriend. - Al was fired. BETH is taking Linda's place. - Haven't met her yet. Donna in office. I also saw Tim, & kids and John.
428 8/28/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. 101 before I started. Talked with young couple just beyond the pulpit. They had stayed in the shelter. As I started on, I met Lloyd Bell & friend and a couple of hundred yards further, I met 3 women that I had talked to earlier this year, at the end of the lodge office. Nearer top, I talked to lone man from Sevierville. Between these conversations, and a light rain slowing me down, it was almost 400 before I arrived at the lodge. John in office. Saw Tim & Donna in dining room. took up tomatoes, News-Sentinel & clipping abt. Al Beddinger's trip to Peru.
8/30/88, Picnic Grounds in Cades Cove via Anthony Creek to Bote Mt. RD to Lead Cove to Laurel Creek Rd. with Sarge. Up Rd ˝ mi. & took trail to Anthony Creek Trail. We talked with trail maintenance & walked off and on with some of them as far as Bote Mt. Rd. I had seen some of them on Mt. LeConte Trails and abt. 3 of them remembered me. 8 mi.
429 8/31/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Met John just below Inspiration Point and again as I started down near Rainbow Falls & ACB Trail Junction. Donna had started down to meet him. Melinda was in office. Tim also came in. Saw him again when I went down to dining room to meet Beth Faraday (New Crew Member), Lisa Burk had come up today to replace Al but didn't see her. Went to Cliff Top & had an interesting conversation with a Kentucky man. Picked abt 1 pt. of blackberries along C.T. Trail on top. Moderate rain started just below horsegate. Light rain most of way down. Wore poncho.
430 9/2/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. 90th consecutive month. Met Melinda going both ways. - Beth in office. - Tim & the kids came by. - Saw Bill & Al at Inspiration Pt. - Stayed abt. 1 hr. & 29 Min. on porch. - Nice day. - Came off early to go Friday night dance at O'Connor Center. Barbara was there and I danced most dances with her.
431 9/4/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Jean and I had planned on eating breakfast (courtesy of Keith Garnes) at the Mountain Lodge Restaurant on Cosby Rd. It rained all night and all morning so we called it off. I decided to go to LeConte after it stopped raining at home but it rained all of the way up and about half way down. I wore my rubber bottom boots, rain chaps, & carried an umbrella going up. - Stayed fairly dry except for sweating. - Used poncho coming down. - Lisa Burk (new girl) was in the office today. - Had met her before but got better acquainted today. - She's real nice and pretty. - From Atlanta but plans on staying in Sevierville this winter. Wants to hike with us this winter. Talked with hikers from Chattanooga.
432 9/7/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, Miona, Lou & Sarge, via ACB. 11 miles. I went ahead of the others before we got to Insp. Pt. - Met Marty going both ways. - Saw Stanley Huskey and other Trail Workers as well as Lisa Line & Nathan abt 10 min. below double steps. - Tim already down. They will be down for 6 days. Lisa B. in office.- John came by. - Mostly cloudy and cool. - We stopped at Cracker Barrel on way back. Left early to go to O'Connor Center.
433 9/9/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB, in a light rain most of the way up. Not hard enough to get me very wet but my sweat did.11 miles. John in office, Donna came in while I was there. Those were the only people I saw today that I knew on the hike today.
434 9/11/88, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top with Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Forgot to write this one up until today (14th). Can't remember who was tending office for sure but I believe it was Lisa Burk. Jean & I stopped at the Mountain Lodge Rest. for pancakes on Keith Garnes. Also saw Keith's parents as well as Bill. Bill said he would be up later in the day but we found out later that he didn't make it. We stopped at Tasty Freeze in Sevierville for Boston Shake on way back.
435 9/14/88, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top with Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Sally in office, also saw Beth, John & Tim. Met Lisa Burk as we went up. - She just got back as we left. She made it up with back pack in 1 hr & 40 Min. - Met 5 ladies from Harlan, Ky. at the top of the double steps. They said it wasn't far to the top and I told them that I had been up many times. - One of them asked if I were Paul and explained that Tim had told them abt. me and I would be up today. 2 of them took my picture and 1 took notes abt. me. Tim told me later that she was a freelance writer and was doing a story abt. the LeConte Lodge.
436 9/16/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB,11 miles. I started out alone. Met a group at Arch Rock Coming down from the lodge. - In the group were William Sanson & wife. - I had met them abt. 1 month ago. Also in the gang were Joan Cronan, Women's Athletic Director at UT and a man from Tullahoma, who makes baseball bats for the major league teams. - Joan was impressed with my Mt. LeConte hiking record and invited me to talk to her athletes. - I declined, of course. I later found out that the chairman of the board of directors, Renion, was with the Sansons & Cronan group. They were scattered out and I did not know him. October 20, 2000. Just below the bluff, I met a young man and woman whom I had met earlier on LeConte. - They were digging up a hidden hiker counter that had gotten moisture in it. - They said they were installing them on all of the LeConte trails and mentioned something abt. me reading them on my trips. - He wants to go up Duck Hawk Ridge with me. Above the bluff, I met Keith Garnes. - A little over half way between the saddle & double steps. I overtook Lucy Hughes. - I hiked the rest of the way up and all the way down with her. John was in office. Went to Friday dance.
437 9/18/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, via ACB. 11 miles. Shortly after leaving the trailhead we met Dave Scanlon. - We also met Ed Jones above the double steps. Beth was in the office. - She was the only crew member we saw. Didn't get up until abt. 415. - Stayed abt. 1 hr. Down just before dark. Weather partly cloudy. - Stopped in Sevierville. Jean came by and picked me up because my car wouldn't start.
438 9/21/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu & Sarge, via ACB. 11 miles. We talked to several hikers on the trail including 4 from Nashville. They were going up as we went down. Guess we talked abt. 15 mins. or more. Marty was in office. - Later Donna came in. Saw Tim. - Met Sally & Beth separately as we went down.
439 9/23/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB. 11 miles. Made it up in 1 hr. & 54 mins. Round trip, 4 hrs. & 33 mins. Left 2nd bridge at trailhead at 10:23 am. Got to office at 1217. - Down at 1230. - Got to car at 233. - Lisa Burk was staying in office. - Also saw Melinda in kitchen. - On my way up, I met the Nashville group we met last Sept. 21. - Lost 2 or 3 mins. there. Also lost at least 15 mins. talking to 2 different groups as I went down. - Stayed abt. 15 mins.
440 9/25/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, Katy & Katherine, via Trillium Gap. 13 miles. Went up Trillium Gap today because jean had never hiked it. - Neither had Katy & Katherine. All were with me on my 400th hike to LeConte. Melinda was in office. - Sally was on her porch. - Saw Tim & Lisa L. in kitchen also Lisa Burk. Jean & Katy got coffee. We had a good time. - Stopped at Cracker Barrel & Tasty Freeze. Had a great time last night at E.T. Dance Club House.
441 9/28/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean & Lu, via Rainbow Falls Trail. 13 miles. This was Jean & Lu's first trip up Rainbow Falls. Saw Tim. Lisa & kids in front of play house. Melinda in office. I HAVE NOW HIKED UP & DOWN - ALL TRAILS THIS YEAR. - Stopped at Cracker Barrel & Tasty Freeze.
442 9/30/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB,11 miles. Stayed at top abt. 30 mins. Went to O'Connor's Dance Friday night. Melinda in office. - Also saw Sally & Lisa outside office.
443 10/2/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB,11 miles. 91st consecutive month. got a late start. - Was raining this morning. - Went to dance at Kerbola last night (9:pm to 1:00 am) Cloudy and very light rain. - Stayed abt 1 hr. on top. Met lots of the Davis boys from McIntire Rd. above Arch Rock. - Saw Lisa L. above saddle. She was going down for the night. Sally in office. - Beth at A.C.B.
444 10/5/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Sarge, Miona, Lu and Jean via the Blvd and down ACB,13 miles. Jean left her car at the A.C.B. trailhead. Sarge took us to Newfound Gap. - Ran into Keith Garnes coming down from LeConte. I left Sarge at Sweet Heifer and hiked ahead of the rest. - Spent abt. 1 hr. at Myrtle Pt. Talked to two couples there. - Saw Jerry Owenby & Randy Regan (trail crew) ˝ mi. Below Myrtle Pt. trail. - Sally in office. - Also Nathan & Grace. - Going down we met Melinda above the pulpit. - Stopped at Cracker Barrel in P.F. - Had an enjoyable day. Got to 25 F last night on LeConte. - Cool going up but sunny.
445 10/7/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB,11 miles. Cold today 28 F last night on top. Got to the lodge while the crew was still eating (around noon). Lisa Line gave me a big cup of hot chocolate. Tim invited me to their Turkey dinner on Sun. Nov. 13. ( last day of season) Tim, Lisa & their kids were there as well as Lisa Burk, Marty, Sally & Beth. John & Donna were down. Tim & family are going down in 5 days. Talked to 3 different groups on my way down. A couple from London, Ky, took my picture and said they would send me a copy. - A man in one of the other groups also took one. - Saw Vicky Law with her small children at the trailhead. Met her earlier this year on LeConte.
446 10/9/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, via ACB,11 miles. Cold day. Got to 21 F last night on top. Met Lloyd Bell & friend Jimmy Arnold below D. steps. Saw Tim, Lisa & kids just as we left the trailhead. - Met Sally a little further up. - Donna in office. - She told me Jennifer was at Cliff Top and would be back by office. - When Jennifer Murf (former crew member) came in, she gave me a big hug, in fact 3 of them. - Hadn't seen her since she left. We plan to hike together this winter. Mailed letters in P.F. for Donna. Stopped in Sevierville for Chile at Krystal.
447 10/12/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Sarge, Lu and Jean via the ACB,11 miles. Cold today. Saw ice near top. - John in office. - Lisa Burk came in while I was there. - Saw Margaret Stevenson near Horse Gate. Also saw Mr. Cronan with his wife and the Sanson's. Stopped at Krystal in Sevierville for chili.
448 10/14/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via Duck Hawk & ACB,11 miles. Shortly after I left the trailhead Clyde Capps of Dayton, TN came up behind me and asked if I would mind if he hiked with me. We went up Duck Hawk Ridge. Lisa Burk was in office. I think he took quite a fancy to Lisa. - He also talked took a fancy to Sally, whom we met below the pulpit when we were going down. Met Tim, Lisa and kids at the bluff. Clyde turned out to be a good hiking companion. We have each others addresses and hope to get together again. He is abt. 40 years old. - Weather was clear & cold. Got down to 15 F up there, Mon. Got to 21 F last night on top. night.
449 10/16/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB,11 miles. Jean didn't call today, (Sun.) We had talked abt. going to Spence field today. Warmer today than last 3 trips. Sunny weather but got cloudy before I started down. - Got to car abt. dark & traffic wasn't too bad for this time of year. Beth was in the office & Marty came in for a while. Talked to some hikers at the Horse Gate on my way up. Margaret has gained one hike on me. She now has 363. I would like to make 500 before she makes 400. John & Donna down for their 5th anniversary.
450 10/18/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB,11 miles. Slow drizzle all the way up and back. - John in office. Marty came in. - Didn't stay long. Went to Grand Square after I got back with Carrie.
451 10/19/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu, via ACB,11 miles. Clear but cool. Met the 3 women that I met yesterday, from (Gat., Sev., P.F.) - Sally in office. - Lisa came by. - Ate lunch on the end of the office. Was joined by a young lady from Jacksonville, Fla. Her party had started up Mt. Collins Shelter, came by Ice Water & staying the tonight in the lodge. - Also met a couple in her party, while on the way down. - She was real nice & both Lu & I liked her. - Overtook Marlene Turnstall on way down (below steps). Hadn't met her before. Wants to come up Duck Hawk. - Met Scott Barker abt 15 min. from lodge. - Also Tim Line.
452 10/24/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB,11 miles. Clear & cool again. - Regina was up. 1st time I've seen her is quite a while. She and Lisa B. went out to Cliff Top. - Also saw Marty & Beth in kitchen as well as Lisa L. & kids. - Donna & John were also there. Had met Melinda below Horse Gate as I came up. Met Tim abt. 15 mins. from parking lot (on my way down). Went to O.R for dance after I got back.
453 10/26/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, Lu, Katy, Kathern & Sarge, via ACB,11 miles.
Partly cloudy & cool. - Melinda in office. - Also saw Sally as we were leaving. - Left the lodge to go down abt. 4:00 pm. Sat around the stove in office & talked while we were there (abt. 2 ˝ hrs.) Sarge drove. - We met Katy & Jean in Sevierville. - Kathern now lives abt. 2 blocks from Lu. All 6 of us rode from Sevierville to trailhead in Sarge's car. Stopped at Krystal for chili & Krystals on way back. - I think everyone had a good time today.
10/30/88 Chimney Rock in Frozen Head Park with SMHC. - 8 mi. Rode with Sarge. - Ed sunder and Jean Bangham also rode with him. - Stayed back with Sarge until he insisted I go on. - Waited for him on Chimney Top. - Others had left except for Ed, who came back with us. Others on hike included C. Klabiundy, Ruth Young, Bob Lee, Sam Spessard, Paul Threldkel, Jerry Hobbs & others. Came back the Spicewood trail. - Slight rain just before we got back. Didn't see any of party on short hike.
454 11/2/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Cliff Top, with Jean, Lu, & Sarge, via ACB,11 miles. 92nd consecutive month. Lu drove. Met Jean in Sevierville. - Cool but clean. - Met Beth & Marty going down for a day run & also as they were coming back. Met Tim & Lisa going down for the night. Sally in office. - Went to John's cabin to get letters to mail for him. - One was his absentee ballot for Nov. 8th. - Saw Marlene at double steps. - Coming up for night. - Stopped by Ranger headquarters to report an older couple who would not make it out by dark. - They were from Morristown. - We took the license # of a Hamblen Co. car & told the rangers to make sure that they got out.
455 11/4/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via ACB,11 miles. Left car at 10:30. - Got to lodge at 1:05. - Beth tending office. - Marty & Donna came in and stayed a while. - As I went down, I met Tim L. a short distance up from Styx Branch. Also caught up with 2 couples I had talked to at the office. One from Nashville, the other from Gatlinburg. They seemed impressed by my activities (hiking & dancing) at my age. - Went to Norris for dance for my first time tonight. - Sat with Sue R., Don, Edna & Carrie. Danced mostly with Carrie but some with the others including Jane Simpson.
456 11/9/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Cliff Top, with Buckey Sliger, Norine Barr, Jean, Lu, & Sarge, via ACB,11 miles. All 6 of us went in Sarge's car. Picked up Buckey at Asheville Hwy. K-MART & Jean in Sevierville. Buckey or Norine hadn't met each other or Lu or Jean. Buckey is a real nice fellow and I've known Norine for a couple of years. - she is one of the most pleasant ladies I've ever met. - Retired English teacher from Clinton High. We had a great time on a fine day. We stopped at Granny's restaurant to eat. - My first time to stop there in over a year. - Wanda, the owner, asked where we had been. Had a pleasant chat with her and the waitress who had hiked to LeConte back in the summer. Buckey is a friend and neighbor of Paul Threldkel. I've known him for a short time. I danced with Norine at O'Connor Center. It was the first time for either of them to hike with us. - John was in the office. - I took the picture of me up today and John hung it up. Also saw Tim L. Lloyd Bell Hiked from Inspn. Pt. - up with us. Saw the dentist from W. Knox, I've seen several times and was to have called him but never did. - Can's remember his name. I've got it down somewhere. Met Garry on way down. Three of the hikers that went to LeConte on 11/9/88 were recovered cancer victims. - they were OK. Sarge, Jean Lambert, and Norine Barr. By coincidence, all were involved in teaching. Sarge taught High School band, Jean still teaches bridge and Norine is a retired English teacher. All 6 of us are over 60 years old and 2 of us are over 70. Buckey's father was principal at Lonsdale School, when he was young.
11/10/88, Rainbow Falls with Happy Hikers. 5 miles. Rode with Reba. - Ted and rich also rode with us. - Norine Barr and Jack Moore's sister, were the only other hikers I knew. Light rain. - I got to falls before others. this group hikes too slow for me.
457 11/13/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Cliff Top, with Jean & Sarge, via ACB,11 miles. Last day of season. We were invited up for turkey dinner. Sarge drove alone and I drove to Sevierville where I met Jean. - She drove from there. - Sarge needed to start earlier because he is slower climbing than we are. - We had to be there at 12:00 noon. Marion Randolph & Sylvia Talley were also up. A young couple who were staying 4 nights were also invited to the dinner. They were Jim & Betsy Hawkins. - All crew members were present. Tim & Lisa Line with the kids, Marty, John & Donna, Melinda, Sally, Beth, and Lisa Burk. We had a great time and the weather was also great. We had pictures taken with Sylvia, also with Beth & Lisa whom I had no pictures of. Lisa Burk gave me her Ga. address. She promised to call me for some hikes this winter. - Also talked to Karl & Margaret Reed from Birmingham, whom I had seen on 2 earlier trips this year. - they will be back next season for opening and closing days. I always feel a little sad on the last day. The mountain doesn't seem the same when the lodge is closed.
11/13/88, Spence Field with Lu, Buckey & Jean. Lu drove. - We met Buckey on Alcoa Hwy. at new shopping center & Jean at Krogers.in Maryville. Met Cricket from Ky. The wind made it cold on top. Temp. abt. 55 F on top. Got behind a clump of rhododendrons trying to get out of the wind but it seemed to be coming from all directions. Buckey said that his father, L. T. Sliger, was principal of Lonsdale School back years ago. I didn't go there but I remember his name.
458 11/23/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu & Buckey. 11 miles. Donna was in her cabin. John was down but we met him coming back as we went down. We also met his father & mother and his 2 teenage sisters. They were nice but his mother "stood out." Donna gave us hot chocolate in the kitchen. - We helped her unload some things the llamas had brought up (last trip this year) We also loaded the dirty linens to take down. Cricket from Ky. called tonight and wants me to hike with her this week end.
459 11/25/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Cricket via A.C.B. 11 miles. Met Cricket at Sugarland Center at 10:00 A.M. We readily recognized each other altho we had only met before once 25 months ago. John & his family were in the kitchen. Had an enjoyable time with them but didn't stay long. We had come up Duck Hawk Ridge and talked to a couple of young men who were already there. We also talked to other hikers and were late getting to the top. Cricket had no trouble with the climb over Duckhawk. It was almost dark when we got back to the car. We stopped at Granny's to eat.
11/26/88, Mt. Cammerer with Cricket. We met Chris Hamilton, Dave Scanlon and Steve Higdon abt. ˝ way up to Low Gap. They had made a loop by going up the Snake Den Trail, East on the A.T. & down Low Gap. Talked to them a while and later on the A.T. , to a young man who was hiking the entire A.T. within the park. It was around 4:00 pm when we got to Cammerer. We just ate our lunch and started back down. - The wind was ferocious, especially when we were on the ridge top. There must have been gusts of up to 50 MPH. It was a fairly warm day but we got cold when we ate. We walked the last half from the A.T. to Cosby in the dark, using our flash lights. - We ate at McDonalds in Sevierville.
11/30/88, Cooper Rd. Abrams Falls Loop with Jean-Lu-Bucky. 14 miles. Parked Lu's car across from Oliver's Cabin. - Walked up Cooper Rd. on Cades Cove Rd. - 1st 1 ˝ hrs. or so in light rain but it stopped for rest of hike. - Ate lunch on Hatcher Mt. Stopped for a few minutes at the Falls. Saw several deer, 2 skunks (1 almost white), great horned owl, and a hawk. - Stopped at Krystal for chili. -
460 12/3/88, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Sarge via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. 93rd consecutive month. Quite a bit of snow & ice on trail but didn't have much trouble. - Several hikers on trail. - Left sarge below double steps and went to rangers cabin to eat lunch in the sun. Later went to John & Donna's cabin. - Took 4 soda's, 2 cheese & crackers, & newspaper. - took several letters from John to mail. Dropped them off at P. Forge P.O. Stopped to eat at Krystal. Joe Caja called tonight. Wanted me to hike with him tomorrow but I couldn't go. 1st time I've heard from him in a while. I'd just asked Sarge abt. him today.
12/6/88, Old Sugarland Rd. To cemetery #67 with Barbara Harris from O.R. 5 miles. Her 1sr hike with me. A great day for Dec. & Barbara seemed to enjoy the hike. I'd never had the chance to talk to her before although I've known her for over 2 years. I feel like we got to know each other better. At dances you don't have much chance to know each other. I had told Annette Evans (the librarian at Sugarland Park Hdq.) I would drop in and see her, so we went down in the basement to the library. Barbara seemed to enjoy it very much & wants to go back. We also talked to Glen Cardwell (Superintendent of the Sugarland Center). He is also a member of the SMHC. After this we drove to my shack on the lake to change the lock but I was able to open the old one by lubricating it. We lit the lamp & built a fire and stayed abt. 1 hr. I played the old cheap guitar for Barbara. A very pleasant day which we finished with a stop at Granny's Restaurant in Sevierville before driving back to Knoxville. Barbara had left her car at Krogers on Western.
12/7/88, Schoolhouse Gap with Lu & Buckey. 10 miles. Lu drove to my house then I drove to the mts., picking up Buckey on the way. We left the Turkey Pen Ridge Trail at the 2nd branch & & went up the ridge off trail to the Boundary Trail at Scott Mt. We were abt. 2 hrs. on this part of our hike. Lu needed to stop often for a rest. We ate in a sunny spot abt. 3/4 mi. From the gap. Stayed at our lunch site for abt. 1 hr. We had intended to go back through White Oak Sink but decided to go back the trail because it was quicker. (S.H. Gap & T.P. Ridge Trails). Stopped at Krystal to eat. Great day weather wise.
12/11/88, Cumberland Trail to Lake City with SMHC. 8 miles. Barbara Harris from O.R. went with me on this one, after which, she invited me to her house for dinner. I met her son Bruce, who also ate with us. The day was cold & windy but we were warm in the sun at our lunch spot. Others on the hike I can remember: Tom Little, Charlie Klabiundy, Dave Scanlon, Paul Threldkel, Sarge, Buckey Sliger, Alice Xequis, Jewel Talbot, Ruth Young, Jean Bangham, Chris Hamilton, Grace Foster, Chuck Hope (leaders) Pete Johnson, Lue Murray, (interested in my Gibson guitar), Key & Haley Warren, and Ed Sanders.
12/16/88, Old Sugarland Rd. With Cricket. 7 miles. - We made a loop hike by hiking toward Cherokee Orchard and taking a horse trail back to Old Sugarland Rd. We ate our evening meal (Thur.) at Granny's.
12/16/88, Chestnut Ridge Top & White Oak Sinks with Cricket. 11 miles. Cold day. - Had sausage & biscuit with coffee at McDonald's. Cricket dug up a tiny white pine from the trail and left her knife. Got pretty dark before we got back to car. Stopped in P.F. at Long John Silver for fish dinner. Sunday morning, we went back to look for knife (after breakfast at McDonald's). Total of 23 miles. School House Gap.
12/21/88, Rich Mountain with Lu & Buckey. 9 miles. Slow rain all the way to Rich Mt. We went down to the shelter to eat our lunch. We were all a little wet and got cold during lunch (especially our hands) I managed to get a small fire going and finally got my fingers warm before starting down. Met a man & his son abt 5 mins. from shelter. Talked to his other son in parking lot. Stopped in Maryville to see Jean Lambert. Her niece came by while we were there. We ate at the Krystal after a long stay at Jean's.
12/28/88, Walked around Cades Cove Loop Rd. (Against the traffic) with Jean, Buckey, Lu, Lou Murry. 11 miles. Lu & Lou came by my house. We then went to Buckey's, who drove & met Jean in Maryville. Cold rain until we got to Parsons Branch Turnoff. We climbed up in the loft of the barn (near the grist mill) to eat our lunch. - Everyone cold & miserable. The sun came out shortly after we passed the Eliza Oliver home parking area. Still cold but made the hike a success. Lu & Lou stopped and came in here. - She played the guitar for us. She is an excellent player.
12/31/88, Went to dance at the YWCA with Charlotte Williams, New Years Eve, Dec 31 - Jan 1, 1989. Have only known Charlotte abt. 3 weeks. She is a real attractive lady (a retired school teacher. Taught at Pleasant Ridge.) Just asked her name on 12-22- Asked her to go to dance on 12-29. I had a great time. Best New Years dance yet. I think she likes me and we have already planned to dance and hike together in the future.
461 1/4/89, Mt. LeConte to John & Donna's cabin at lodge with Lu, Sarge, & Buckey, Jan Auente & Steve Miller via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. 94th consecutive month. On Monday, Jan. 2, Jan Auente a reporter for the News Sentinel called and asked if I climbed Mt. LeConte every month. I told her that I had climbed it at least once for the past 93 consecutive months and some months I climbed it several times. She asked me if she could come out the next day, (Tue) to talk to me. I agreed. She was here more than an hour. She later had Sonya Doctorian (in charge of photography) to call and arrange for Steve Miller to go up with us. I told Jan about John & Donna staying on LeConte this winter and she is going to do a story on them. Steve was a nice young fellow and we enjoyed having him along. John made hot chocolate for us. - Lu & Buckey were 20 or 25 min. behind Steve, Jan & I. Sarge was that far behind them. Steve took lots of pictures, over 100. I hope the ones he uses are good ones. I wasn't feeling up to par because of a cold. Went to Claxton Dance Class with Charlotte. 1-5-89.
2/1/89, Old Sugarland Trail with Charlotte. 7 miles. First hike since Jan. 4th. My cold has had me down. - Had to go to the doctor on Jan 20. Took 3 Caclox (antibiotics) capsules per day for 12 days plus cough medicine. $74.00 worth of drugs in all. Made today's hike OK.
462 2/3/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu,& Buckey via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. 95th consecutive month. The day started off fairly warm but cloudy. Meg, who worked at the lodge is 87 was there. - Took John & Donna several copies of their write-up in the NS by Jan Auente. We stayed abt. 2hrs in the kitchen and talked to the 3 of them. Donna served us hot chocolate. - It was raining as we started down. Didn't get too wet. or cold but the temperature was dropping. We stopped at Krystal to eat on the way home (Sevierville). - It was turning quite a bit colder by the time we got back to Knoxville. We are planning on hiking Sunday if the weather is not too bad.
2/5/89, Around Cades Cove loop. 11 miles, with Jean, Tom, Phyllis, Joe Caja, Becky, and Jean's niece Barbara. Phyllis has hiked with the SMHC 2 times as a visitor. There were 8 of us in all in spite of the light rain that fell for most of the trip. Don't think that anyone wasn't glad that they made the trip. We ate under the porch of the Country Store at the site of the Old Mill. I had met Barbara once before at Jean's house but hadn't met Phyllis before. Both proved to be good additions to our hiking group.
2/12/89, North Ridge Trail in Oak Ridge with SMHC. 71/2 mi's. Jean Bangham and Ruth Young were leaders on this hike. Over 50 hikers on this one. We met at the Burlington Coat Factory in O.R. Phil & Ruth Ewald were on this one. Good weather but a little cool. Others on hike, Charlotte, Alice Xiques, the Crabtrees, Chris Hamilton, Tom Little, Ed Salen, Paul Threldkel, Lou Murray, Mary Alice Parton, Cota Fulks, Andy Zenick, & others.
2/15/89, Spence Field, Lead Cove, B. Mt. 11 miles with Buckey, Jean & David Hibaugh. Although rain was predicted, it was very nice and warm. Buckey needed to get back early so we didn't stay long on top. Beautiful sunshine on top but clouds covered all of Knoxville, Sevierville & P.F. - Was like flying in a plane.
2/15/89, School House Gap via Chestnut Top Ridge with Charlotte. 9 mi. Because of the late rain, we took this hike so we could be on top of a ridge. A little cool and overcast and a very light occasional drizzle. Stopped a little before we got to S.H. G. Rd. for lunch. Started some time after noon and got out abt. 6:00. Stopped by Long John Silver's for fish dinner.
2/22/89, From Oliver's Cabin to abt 3 miles from Abrams Falls. 12 mi with Jean, Barbara, Charlotte, Bucky & Lu. We started just below Cooper Rd and walked abt. 6 miles out starting at parking area to Oliver Cabin to abt. 1 mi past the trail junction going to Abrams Ranger Station. Overcast. - Light mist, rain & snow. Cold.
2/25/89, Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail with SMHC. 13 mi. 29 hikers signed the register. Buckey, La., Lue, Mike Coffee (teaches physics at Fulton) and Kathern Kuler made trip to # 35 Camp Site. the rest started to make the loop as planned (Snake Den, A.T., and Low Gap). I don't believe any of them made the complete trip due to the snow. Kathern and I walked out Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail to Ground Hog Ridge. - Snow up to 15 inches deep. All cars were gone when we got back and we assumed the others didn't make the club hike as planned.
3/1/98, Townsend Rd. from Cades Cove to Boundary Trail with Lu, David H. Barbara, Jean B. and Buckey. 6 Mi. Both Buckey and I needed to get back early, so we didn't take a long hike. Weather a little cool but made for good hiking. We tried both sides of the Boundary Trail but found lots of blow downs. Lu, Buckey and I met Jean, Barbara and David Hibaugh in Maryville. The sun came out after we got back to the car and it turned into a beautiful day. The group is planning a hike for Sunday.
463 3/4/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. 96th consecutive month (8 Years). Snow on trail all of the way. Weather warm. - Up to 2 feet or more on top. - Several people on trail. Met Ed Wright and Amie, new crew member. John and Donna in kitchen. John let a young man come in and warm his almost frost bitten feet. Took me 3 1/2 hrs. to get up, including 8 - 20 minutes talking to Ed. Light rain on way down. - We have a hike planned for tomorrow but there is a 70% prediction of rain.
3/7/89, Bote Mt. from Laurel Creek Rd. to Anthony Creek Trail with Buckey, Lu, Tom L. David Hibaugh, Jean L and Barbara. 10 miles. A cool day with abt. 1" of snow on Anthony Creek Trail. Barbara cooked supper for all of us. Connie, Barbara's daughter & 2 grand daughters and Phyllis also went to party. Had a great time.
3/12/89, Old Settlers Trail with SMHC. 10 Miles. Charlotte went on this one. Nice warm day. Charlotte's leg bothered her pretty badly. It was worse going downhill. The pain was just above the calf. Just below the bend of the knee, in back and on Rt. side of Rt. knee. Ed Stoner & Pete Johnson were the leaders. Others on hike were Bob & Efelate Lee, Alice X., Sam S. Kathern K., Cota F. Nancy?, Lu Murray & others.
3/15/89, Chestnut Top Ridge & White Oak Sinks with Charlotte, Lu, Jean, David H. & Barbara Y..12 miles on a nice warm day but light rain. - Charlotte's leg bothered her again.
3/19/89, Schoolhouse Gap from Townsend Y to Crib Gap with Jean, Barbara, Bill, Phyllis, David H. Tom L. & Jill. Phyllis & I came down Ridge from Boundary Trail to Turkey Pen Ridge Trail near creek. Sunny day. - Cool.
3/22/89, Cove Mt. via Boundary Trail. 13 Mi. Started at Greens Cabin. We made a side trip to the Walker sisters cabin. - Started from Rd. to Wears Valley & Greenbrier School Rd.- Came back ˝ mi. up road on boundary Trail. - In group: David Hibaugh, Buckey Sleiger, Barbara Yonkers, and Jean Lambert. A little cool. Ice blowing off trees near top. - sunny near tower where we ate lunch & relaxed abt. An hour. A couple from Fla. on top when we got there. 2 other groups came up later.
464 3/23/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Cliff Top via A.C.B. Trail with Phyllis, Jean, Nancy and Tom Little. 11 miles. Met Margaret Stevenson below double steps. Was like home coming on LeConte today. Saw Carl & Margaret Reed in parking lot and on top. Scott & Amie in office. Lisa Burk came up from kitchen and gave me a big hug. - Also saw 2 young men I have met twoce before. Took them down Duckhawk Ridge. - One of them, a teacher himself, was along when I talked with Noel Alexander with walkie talkie. His dad taught at Fulton with Noel. Saw Sylvia Tally, Marion Randolph, Donna, John, Tim & new girl Kathy below kitchen. First hike with Nancy. - She went with me to Cliff Top. - Tom came along. On way down I met Marty & Beth whom I also got a hug from. John had put the newspaper article abt me on the wall. Nancy, Phyllis & Tom were late getting to the trailhead & Jean & I went on after waiting for over ˝ hour. - They caught up with us at the saddle. I came down ACB Trail & the others came down Trillium Gap Trail.
465 3/26/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Met Carl & Margaret Reed from Birmingham just below ACB. - Also Jim Matthews. Warm day. Left early hoping Charlotte would be back from trip. Saw Lynn (works at Sugarland) Tim & Lisa on porch. Bob Lee & Dave Scandlin came by. - They had come up LeConte Creek. - Also saw John, Donna and Kathy.
466 3/29/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge and Cliff Top via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Jean, Sarge, Barbara Yonkers and her friend . 11 miles. Lisa passed us above the bluff.- she was running. she made it down in 1 hr. We talked to a manual train teacher from near Chicago. He was a real nice fellow. - Went to Cliff Top with us. A good warm day. - We met Lisa on her way back up at the double steps. Also saw John & Kathy.
467 4/1/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. 97th consecutive month. Got a late start. - Cool. - Snow on trail. Abt. 1 ˝ ins. on top. - Some ice. - Lisa Burk in office. - Said she will be down on Wed. - Forgot to write this hike up until April 6. Can't remember who else I saw.
4/2/89, Hatcher Mt. via Gold Mine Rd. & Cooper Rd. with Charlotte. 6 Mi. It was a nice day. - We went by Charlotte's cabin at Top of the world and left our food & other things to use after hike. Charlotte's leg is still bothering her. We went back to the cabin after the hike. We fried Hot dogs which we ate with chili. We also had coke, meat skins & Angel Food Cake.
468 4/5/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Sarge called to go with me but called back later and said the forecast was windy and he had changed his mind. Called Lu who said he had a sore throat and didn't want to go. Buckey said his dishwasher had broken down and overflowed and couldn't go. Jean called last night and said the weather was forecasted to be bad and she wouldn't go. She was going to Cades Cove with Hibaugh. It turned out to be a nice day with mostly sunshine & a little wind. It was cool and muddy but otherwise a good day. Amie in office. - Linda came in. - Saw John, Donna, Beth, Marty, Tim, Lisa & kids at kitchen.
469 4/12/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Owen and Sarge. 11 miles. About 9 to 10" of snow on top. Drifts much deeper. Wasn't too slick on way up but we used our ice creepers most of way down. Weather was nice and mostly sunny. A little cool. - The climb seemed to be a little hard on Owen (Lu's brother). Talked with to couple from Tampa on the trail & a couple from Miami in lodge office. - We stopped at Krystal on way back. Sarge drove. Marty was tending office.
4/16/89, Old Settlers Trail with Charlotte. 10 Mi. It was 3:53 P.M. when we got on trail. Charlotte stopped abt 4 mi out and I went for another mile. - Nice Sunny day. Almost dark when we got back to car. - Stopped for Coke at McDonalds on way home.
470 4/19/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Sarge, Lu & Buckey via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Mostly sunny weather. - A little cool. - No rain. - We talked to several people on the trail including a group who had stayed overnight at the lodge. One young lady in that group, had read the article abt me at the lodge and wanted a picture of me. A 74 year old woman in the group also wanted one. We talked to a woman and her daughter near the top. Kathy in office. John also came by. - On the way down we talked to 2 young women who worked for S. S. Appeals in Knox and got to the car at the same time as them. - Stopped at Burger King in Sevierville.
471 4/23/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge and Cliff Top with Charlotte, Muriel and Charlie via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Charlotte's 1st trip to LeConte. Her friends Muriel and Charlie Segasor went with us. They drove their van. Charlie's legs gave out at ACB on way down. - Had to hold him up from there on. Charlotte & I went to cliff Top- Came back by kitchen- Amie & Scott were there. - gave us coffee. Kathy & Lisa Burk in office. - Also saw John & Donna at their cabin. Jonn made a picture of Charlotte & me. Lucy Hughes & daughter came by office.
472 4/26/89, Mt. LeConte to Myrtle Pt. & lodge with Sarge, Lu, Buckey, Jean, Barbara & Kathern Owens via The Blvd. &A.C.B. Trails. 15 miles. A beautiful day for a trip to LeConte. There were 7 of us. - We went up via the Blvd. Trail and came back the ACB Trail. - Ate lunch at Myrtle Pt. - John was tending office. - Donna was on the deck when we got there. - Lisa Burk had left her radar detector on her sun visor and had me hide it under the seat. - Left the key in glove compartment. - Stopped at Green Valley Rest. on way home. Met Lisa Line between Lodge and Rainbow Falls trail junction.
473 4/29/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Charlotte, via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Charlotte's 2nd trip to LeConte. Light rain from just below double steps to lodge. - Lu & Barbara were there when we got there. - We didn't know they were going up. - Kathy was in office. - John, Donna & John's father & mother (Paul & Jan) came in also. He played the guitar and she sang. She had a wonderful voice. She said she had sang professionally at night clubs. - Tim Line came in while we were there. Jan brought me a cup of coffee from the kitchen to warm my hands. Lu & Barbara left abt 45 min before we did. We want to go to Greenbrier with Charlie and Muriel.
474 5/3/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Jean, Jill, Jo Ann, Barbara, Lu, Sarge, Jim via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Eight of us went to LeConte today. Cold but sunny. - Jo Ann & I got up first. - First hike with Jo Ann in abt 2 years. - Seemed like old times with her along. - John was in office. - Lisa Line came in but didn't see me. - the only other crew members I saw were Beth & Marty as we went up and Scott as we went down. - We stopped at Cracker Barrel on way back. - It was Jo Ann's birthday and Jean had a card for us to sign. _ Lu paid for her food and had the waitress sing to her.
475 5/6 & 7/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone via A.C.B. Trail. Stayed overnight. 11 miles. Rain, thunderstorm, hail, sleet, snow & sunshine. - Got down to 19 F overnight. John in office. - Marion Randolph was up. - Also saw Tim & Lisa, Kathy, John, Donna, Lisa B. & Scott. Marty & Beth were down. F
5/8/89, Abrams Falls with Charlotte. Nice day. - Got a late start. - Saw a young couple at the trailhead from Charlie's Coffer's. Tuesday Square Dance Class. Traffic slow around loop.
476 5/10/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu, Sarge, & Buckey via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Jean, Barbara & Jim met us at trailhead but decided not to go because light rain. We met Donna & Kathy on our way up. They were going down for 3 days. Lisa Burk was in office. - John came in and talked awhile. - We met Margaret S. at the double steps with her Wednesday group of 9 hikers. We met the others who didn't go up with us at the P.F Cracker Barrel.
477 5/13/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Charlotte, via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. We got a late start. Left trailhead at 12:10. Met Ed Wright abt. 10 min. from trailhead. We also met Scott & Lisa near the same place. - Mostly sunny but a little cool. Donna in office. She was the only crew member we saw while on top. We stayed abt. 1 hr. and started back. Charlotte wasn't making it down too well and it took us abt 3 ˝ hrs. to get down. Stopped for coffee in Sevierville.
478 5/15/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Started at 12:00 and got to lodge at 2:09. - Left lodge at 4:40 and got down at 6:25. - Donna in office. - Saw John outside. - Talked to a man from Ill. at office. - Saw Tim, Lisa & kids on my way down. They were just below the Horse Gate. On my way up, I met Margaret Stevenson with 2 hikers just above Arch Rock. Weather was cloudy & cool. - Rained some after I got to lodge but I didn't get wet.
479 5/17/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge with Lu, Buckey & Doug via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Lu brought Barbara Bruch's son with him and I went down Duck Hawk Ridge with him (Doug). Was one of those rare Mt. LeConte days with sunshine and warm. Amie was in office. Also saw Kathy and Lisa L. We stopped at the Cracker Barrel for lunch. - Jean didn't show up and I haven't heard from her since last week.
5/21/98, Charlies Bunion with Charlotte. Warm day. - Lots of sunshine. Her first hike to the Bunion & A.T.. Ate lunch at highest point before Dry Sluce Gap. - Stopped at Krystal in Sevierville. We talked to several hikers on the trail, including some at Ice Water Springs Shelter. - One young lady was doing the whole trail (from Springer to Katahdin). Talked to couple and their grown daughter from Rutledge.
4780 5/22/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge alone, via A.C.B. Trail. 11 miles. Beautiful day going up but started raining on way down. I talked to couple from Detroit area at the top of the double steps. - Beth was in office. - John came by and gave me some mail. - I dropped it in the box at P.F. Barry came by just before I left. - Paul Threldkel and Bill Neal came by. Hey had come up Roaring Fork from Grotto Falls, (cross country). Bill is a lead hiker with the club over the route they took. - Met Tim near the saddle and Amie just above Insp Pt. Talked to the Mich. couple on way down.
481 5/24/89, Mt. LeConte to Myrtle Pt, via A.C.B. Trail with Jill, Jean, Sarge, Tom & Buckey. 11 miles. We met Jean in Sevierville, Tom & Jill at trailhead.- Great day to go to Myrtle Pt. Buckey, Tom & I went there. - I stayed abt. 1 hr. longer than they did. Kathy in office. Also saw Tim. got to car just before 7:00 pm. - Stopped at Wendy's in Sevierville.
482 5/27/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte. Hike # 4 for her. 11 miles. Cloudy on way up. Some sun on top. A little cool. Charlotte made it both ways very well. - We met Margaret S. below Ins. Pt and others in her party further up, including a lady from Ky. who wants me to take her up Duck Hawk Ridge. We saw Tim Rogers, who used to work at the lodge going both ways. - Beth was tending office. Scott came in and said his mother was up.
483 5/29/89, Mt. LeConte lodge & Cliff Top via A.C.B. Trail alone. 11 miles. Warm & sunny but clouded up after I got to Cliff Top. Went up from near Horse Gate. - Lisa Burk was in the office. She and Amie were the only crew members I saw. - Also met Ed Wright on my way up. Lisa will be leaving Wed.
484 5/31/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Myrtle Pt. via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte. Hike # 5 for her. 12 miles. The rest of our hikers went up Trillium Gap, yesterday, (Tue.) Lu & Sarge left at our regular time. Charlotte & I left her house at 9:15. - Weather was good, some clouds but warm. Charlotte's first trip to Myrtle Pt. Beth was in the office. - Kathy also came by. Tim, Lisa & family were going down as we were going up. (Insp. Pt) Lisa Burk's last day but she had already gone down. We saw Ed Wright on our way up. Near saddle.
485 6/3/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte. Hike # 6 for Charlotte. 11 miles. We met Dave Scanlon a short distance from trailhead and Kathy (crew member) just a bit further. Slight sprinkle on the way up. - A little cool on top without sunshine. - Donna in office. - Had hot chocolate at kitchen. - Saw Beth, Amie, Sylvia Talley & Marion Randolph there. We saw a fairly large bear around the supply room. 1st for Charlotte away from the garbage cans. Stopped in Sevier. at Krystal for chili & coffee.
486 6/7/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte, Lu & Buckey. Hike # 7 for Charlotte. 11 miles. I Pick up Charlotte and met Lu & Buckey on Asheville Hwy. We hiked up and back together. - Saw Vicky Law from Townsend in parking lot. I had met her twice before on LeConte. - She went on ahead of us bet we saw her again at the office. I took her out on the deck and introduced her to Buckey & Lu. - She is a very pretty young lady (35) and I jknew Lu & Buckey would like to talk to her. I prefer Charlotte to young pretty women. - Amie was in office. Kathy was also there. John came up and talked to us. - Donna also came by. - Ruth Ewald was up with Ruby Hicks. She (Ruth) said Phil was not able to hike LeConte at the present time. - We stopped at Krystal in Sevierville on our way back. - After that we went next door to Wendie's for a frosty. - Had a good time.
487 6/9/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone. 11 miles. Slow rain most of the way up & down. - Humid. - Got started up at 11:42. - At lodge at 1:45. - Left to go down at 3:01. got to car at 4:44. Went to O'Connor dance after I got back. - Saw Betty Jane Barnett from Ky. - Have met her at least 2 times before. - she teaches 5th grade. - Wants me to take her & party up Duck Hawk Ridge on July 29, Sat. - Kathy, & new girl(Karen Webster) were in office. 1st time to meet Karen. - I like her a lot.- She's interested in ballroom dancing. - Showed her a few basic steps in Fox Trot & Waltz. - Talked to young Englishman in office. John also came by office.
488 6/12/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone. 11 miles. Met Karl & Margaret Reed from Birmingham, Ala. near trailhead. - Lisa L. & Kathy were going down. - Amie was in office. - Rained on way up but was clear coming down.
489 6/14/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey & Sarge. 11 miles. Almost called off because of rain. - We sat in car until it stopped & started up. Sarge drove. Karen was in office. - Also saw John & Tim. - Started raining hard abt 10 min from car. - Cool & wet. - Stopped at Burger King for hamburger, fries and Coke.
490 6/16/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone. 11 miles. Moderate to moderately hard rain all the way up. - Light to moderate rain on way down. - Met Lisa L. & Nathan just above the saddle. - Met Donna, John & Karen abt 10 min. later. - Marty in office. - Saw Tim as I left. - Met Sally on way down, (just above Gracie's Pulpit.)
6/17/98, Spence Field with Lu, Jean B., Jean L., Dave S., Buckey, Sarge, Barbara Y., & Charlotte G. Nine of us went to Spence Field on a beautiful day. 11 miles. - Rained the night before and the streams were up. - Coming down we dropped charlotte's shoes in the water. - One of them was washed down stream but luckily, I found it. - Stopped in Townsend to eat. First day with no rain in a wet spring so far. some went as far as Thunderhead while the rest of us enjoyed lying in the grass.
491 6/21/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey & Jean. 11 miles. Rained as usual. - Got our feet wet. - Beth in office, Kathy came in & stayed & talked to us for a while. We saw a young fox on the way down. - (In the saddle) It was coming toward us in the trail and got within abt. 25 ft. of us before it saw us and turned aside. Stopped at Burger King on the way back.
492 6/24/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone. 11 miles. Met a young lady (38) at Arch Rock who asked about the Mt.. - She was Megan McKirahan from Sierra Madre, Calif. I told her she could hike with me if she wanted to. She accepted and we made the rest of the hike up and all the way down together. We stopped by the office where I introduced her to Scott, Kathy & Beth. Scott was on office duty. We then went to Cliff Top. Stopped by kitchen on the way back where she met Karen & Amie. Lisa Burk was also up. Met Ed Wright & Margaret S. on the way up. - Ed said that Sam Venable was up. - I later saw him but didn't talk to him. - Megan was staying at the Wonderland Hotel while in the Smokies. - she said she runs her own school and teaches Latin at Junior High Level.
6/25/89, to Gregory Bald with SMHC. 9 Mi. Charlotte went on this one, her 3rd hike with the club. Others- Leader Joe Caja & Phyllis Gossett, Alice X, Ed Soler, Ed Jones, Jewel Tabor, Chuck, Barbara Yonkers, Louisiana Lu & others. I drove Charlotte's car because of the stop and go around Cades cove. We stopped at Burger King in Maryville on way back.
493 6/26/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone. 11 miles. Walked much of way up with John, Donna & Lawrence. Forgot to write this one up until 29th. Can't remember for sure who was in office. I think Beth. Slow rain all the way up.
494 6/2428/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Charlotte # 8. 11 miles. Rained all the way up. I wore shorts & carried an umbrella so I stayed pretty dry except for my feet. They got a little wet on the way down. Beth was in office. Kathy & Karen also came in as well as John. Kathy brought us hot chocolate. - Stopped at Burger King in Sevierville, on way back.
495 7/1/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone. 11 miles. 100 Consecutive months. Sally in office. - Lawrence (John's nephew) was also there. - Stayed abt 1 hr on top. - Left early to go to Charlotte's house tonight. - Saw John's step-father and Melissa's (step-daughter) on the way down. Met Margaret S. on way up. Mostly cloud - Light rain abt 10 mins from car.
496 7/3/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone. 11 miles. Late start. - Started at 11:35 a.m. Light to moderate rain on all of hike. - Met Ed Wright on way going up and Tim Line & family on my way down. Karen was in office. She brought me a sweet treat from kitchen.
497 7/5/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte, Lu & Buckey. 11 miles. Threat of rain but it didn't. We met Beth & Marty on way up and Amie on way down. Also met Margaret S. & Lloyd Bell on way up (near top). Lloyd had camcorder with him & took pictures of charlotte & me. Kathy was in office. Karen & John came by. - We sat on the office deck, ate our lunch and fed the squirrels. We stopped at burger King in Sevierville on the way back. (Free drinks for senior citizens).
498 7/10/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte # 10. 11 miles. Charlotte took Benny-Sue to doctor and we didn't get started from her house until around 1:00 p.m. - Got to LeConte abt 5:30. - We were invited (by Marty) to eat with the guests and we accepted. Talked to a man and a woman who were interested in my hiking. - We saw Tim, John, Donna, Beth, Karen & Amie in the dining room and kitchen. Sat at a table with Ben & Nancy Davidson from Knox. Met Ruby Hitch & companion from Maryville as we started up.
499 7/12/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean L., Barbara Y., Jill, Lu, Buckey, David H., and Phyllis G. 11 miles. 8 of us went up today. - It came a hare rain just after we started down and we got pretty wet. Donna was attending the office. Kathy & Amie came in. We saw Beth as we left. - I took up green beans from the garden. - Amie said she was going to bake a cake for my 500th trip. - We stopped at Alf's on the way back. As usual we had a hilarious time while we ate and had everyone looking at us. - It was Phyllis's birthday. ,She is 40. - Jean bought a card which we all signed and David collected $1.00 from each of us to pay for her meal. Lightening had struck a large tree abt. 3/4 mi. from the lodge while we were on top.
7/15/89, Andrews Bald with Charlotte, her sister, Betty L., Dorothy & Gene, 4 miles. On our way out we met John & Annita Crabtree. - Had lunch in parking area. (Vienna sausage - crackers-cheese & Coke). Stopped in P.F. for the sisters to shop.
500 7/16/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Barbara Brook, Jean B., Ruth Y., Sarge, Seaton Werton, Kathern Kaber, Jill (Morristown), Phyllis Gossett, Tom Little, Louisiana Lu, Fred Kitts, Buckey, Joe Caja, & Charlotte, 11 miles. 15 hikers went with me. Tim - Lisa - Sally - Marty - Beth - Amie - & Kathy of the crew were there. They had a party with cake, peaches, Cool Whip, brandy, hot chocolate, & coffee. - Lots of pictures were taken. - Had a great time. - Amie gave me a big hug. She would not hug Lu. A fun day with great friends.
501 7/19/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey, Jean & Charlotte, 11 miles. Charlotte & I caught Buckey & Lu at Insp. Pt. Jean caught up with us there. Charlotte met a woman (June) that used to teach with her at Pleas. Ridge. They hadn't seen each other in several years. - This lady, June, is dating Larry D. Ridder of the SMHC. Buckey met 2 class mates at Knox High at the lodge office. They are living in Hong Kong at the present time. Karen was tending office. - Amie came in while we were there. - I took quilt pieces from Charlotte to Kathy's cabin. Sally came in and asked if I would take a wallet down to the office for Karen's friend Lisa. She had left it at the lodge. - I gave Lu the job. Charlotte & I stopped at the Western Wear Store in P.F. I bought a bolo tie there. We then stopped at Burger King where the others were. - Light rain started abt. 15 mins. from lodge. Met Donna & John near Rainbow Falls Trail Junction. - Light rain as we started down. - Lu asked Amie if she would hug him when he made his 500th hike to LeConte. - She said no..
7/23/89, Suttens Ridge Overlook, off lower Mt. Cammerer Trail, with Charlotte. 4 miles. Started abt. Noon from Charlotte's house. Drank Coke at overlook.- Ate Vienna Sausage at picnic area. - Stopped by my house for fresh fried corn and brown bunch beans. - Watched Greta Garbo movie.
502 7/26/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey, Jill and Ky. group, Betty Jane, Helen, Marvin, Don & wife. Went up Duck Hawk Ridge. - Helen was stung 3 times by yellow jackets. - Amie in office. John & Donna came in. - Met Margaret S. group as we went up. - Great weather but hot. - Everyone enjoyed Duck Hawk. Vicky Law was up but I didn't see her. Someone off the side of Duck Hawk yelling for help. We shouted to them and told them how to get to ridge top. They made it out. A young man who went down D. H. to help them was stung by yellow jackets. The five of us stopped at Burger King on way back. Betty Jane called as I got home asking if we had happened to find her wallet she had left on top of her car. 11 miles.
503 7/29/89, Mt. LeConte to blow down, via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte, 11 miles. Saw Ed Webb & Margaret Stevenson on way up. Donna was in office. - We went up to Blow Down where helicopters land. - Charlotte dozed off while lying in grass./ Went down to the spring for water. - Saw Sally - John & Amie on the way. Stopped at Krystal on way home.
504 8/5/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge, via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte, 11 miles. 101st consecutive month. Met Ed Wright on way up also Amie above saddle. - Karen was in office. Tim Rogers was also there. - Saw Sylvia Tally, Marion Randolph, Al Bettenger, Neil Huff and Wally Evans in kitchen. Ir was a hot and mostly clear day. - We stopped at McDonalds for coffee on our way home.
505 8/9/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge, via A.C.B. Trail with Jill, Doug, Buckey, Lu, Jo Ann, Jewel, Julie, (Buckey's neighbor), 11 miles. A cool day. Down to 32 degrees last night on top. - Saw Tim Line in parking lot. He was going up to fix the stove oven. - There was no fire in the office stove when we first got there and everyone got cold. - Stove was later lighted and we got warm before going down. - Wally Evans was in office. - John & Kathy came in. - Went to kitchen for hot chocolate. - Saw Amie & Sally there. Three women came into dining room and wanted to talk to me. - They thought my 505 trips to LeConte was a gag until someone told them I had really made that many trips. - Two of them went to Knox High. - One graduated in 41. - They wanted picture of me. - We stopped at Alf's in P.F. on the way back. - I think Lu got a little high on beer and amused all of us.
506 8/16/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge, via A.C.B. Trail with Jill, Sarge, Buckey, Lu, Barbara Y., 11 miles. I had to come back early so I drove alone. - Sarge went on ahead and reached the lodge before I did. I left Lu, Buckey and Barbara at ACB and went ahead. - Al was in office. - John & Donna came up to porch as did Amie to talk to us. - John's sister Melissa was there. - Met Sally on her way up when I was going down. Went to Nancy's for Linda & Brenda's birthday dinner.
507 8/20/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge, via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte, 11 miles. We didn't leave until abt. 11:00 am. Went chapman Highway & Middle Creek to avoid Sunday traffic. - Nearly 4:00 pm when we got to lodge. - Left shortly after 5:00. - Karen was in office. John came by. The only crew members we saw. - We met Dick Katell near the top as we were going up. Charlotte's first hike in 15 days. - Was also her 15th hike to LeConte. I believe the lay-off was somewhat detrimental to her hiking. Charlotte said she wants to go up this winter when there is snow on the mt.
508 8/23/89, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top, via A.C.B. Trail with Charlotte & Sarge, 11 miles. Only 3 of us went today. - Sarge came by Charlotte's to get her and then came by here. - I drove. - Kathy in office. - Amie came in to see me. - I mailed letters for her. - She invited us to the kitchen for coffee. - Saw Al & Tim Line there. - We went to Cliff Top before going down. Climbed down to see Avens.- Blooms gone but saw leaves of this rare flower. Some rain & lightening on way down. Got a little wet. Stopped for Chili at Sevierville (Krystal.)
8/26/89, Mt. Sterling - Big Creek Swallow Fork, Pretty Hollow Gap, Bayter Creek - Plus Low Gap with: Buckey, Phyllis, Tom Little, David Hibaugh, Dr. Jimmy (dentist), Nancy, Carroll from Montana. 19 miles. I went 2 miles farther than the others; to the trail closed sigh above Walnut Bottoms. I out hiked all of the others plus passing several Horseback riders. Took me abt. 8 hrs. to make the hike. The others were just ahead of me getting back. Stopped at Cracker Barrell in Newport.
509 8/30/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge, via A.C.B. Trail with Jill, Jean & Buckey, 11 miles. Buckey rode with me. - Jean met us at trailhead & Jill caught up with us at Insp. Pt., also saw Luch Hughes there. - Al was in office. Karen & Amie came by. Margaret was there for # 400. - Rain this morning but turned out to be a fairly nice day.- Humid.- I saw Lisa L. outside her quarters and asked her abt. John's burns. Wally Evans gave me directions to get to Tim Line's house. We stopped by Cracker Barrel on way back. - Saw David (worked for Roden) at C.B.
9/1/89, Old Sugarland Rd. to Cemetery with Charlotte, Gene & Betty.
510 9/2/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Cliff Top, via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. 102nd consecutive month of hiking LeConte. Met Ed Wright on my way up. Only 3 crew members at lodge, Kathy Amie & Al. Tim & Lisa were also there. Saw 2 former crew members, Mason Watts & David Mixon. - Hadn't seen either of them recently.
511 9/6/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Sarge, Buckey & Lu, 11 miles. Met a couple from Signal Mt. at Insp. Pt. - Walked most of way up with them. (Hank & Joan Withers.) Sally in office. - Kathy came in. - Also saw Tim & Al. Margaret was up for 402. Lu & Buckey came back early. Sarge & I stopped at Krystal for chili.
512 9/11/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge, via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met a group of overnight hikers whom I had talked to at Cliff top last year. - Also on way up, I met Al, Karen & Linda. ( The one with the baby that left her wallet at the lodge the last time I saw her) Kathy in office. I only stayed abt. 15 mins and went back down. - Rained on way down. Karen was sick & was going to doctor.
513 9/13/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Sarge, Jean, Jill, Buckey, Tom, Phyllis & Lu, 11 miles. Hot & humid. - Walked the last 1 ˝ miles with a man from Mich. . - Donna was in the office. - Kathy came in the office before I left. - Also saw Sally & Tim. - Met the new man Andy & Amie as I was going up. - Phyllis, Jean with the help from Lu & Buckey had a birthday Picnic at the Chimneys Picnic Grounds for me as well as Jill who had a birthday on the 10th. Barbara Brock brought Jerry Alexander up just for the picnic. - Today was Jerry's birthday. - It rained about the time the grilled the hamburgers & hot dogs were done. We carried everything to the shed but still got somewhat wet.
514 9/20/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Sarge, Buckey & Lu, 11 miles. Pretty day until we got on top. Then it clouded up. Met John Mansfield at the Cracker Barrel in P.F. but went to Long John Silver's to eat. Talked to 3 ladies from Townsend on way up. Also met Ed Wright on way up. Amie in office. - Also saw Tim & Lisa there. Donna came in and gave me a couple of articles to take to John.
515 9/24/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Up In 1hr-56min. Left trailhead at 2:32. Got to lodge at 4:28. Would have made it sooner but I lost 2 or 3 mins talking to Bob Lee and getting behind a large group going through Arch Rock. My heel was also bothering me. Got sore on 19 mi. hike to Mt Sterling. Was more bothersome coming down because the heel bears the brunt of the weight. Took abt. 2 hrs & 15 mins coming down. Amie was in office and was the only crew member I saw. Stayed abt. 15 mins.
516 9/27/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Sarge & Buckey, 11 miles. Met Ed Wright on way up. Amie in office. John came by. - first I've seen him since he's been back. Forgot to write this one up until a week later and couldn't remember if we talked with anyone else. Went out to Cliff Top.
9/28/89, went to Alum Cave Bluff with Barbara Morris, 5 miles. We went to the duck Hawk Ridge Trail where we could look down on the ridge. - Ate lunch there. Saw 3 young men coming up. Talked to them. - UT students. - Barbara's first hike in some time.
517 10/4/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Sarge & Lu, 11 miles. 103rd consecutive month to LeConte. Met Ed again. This is the second time this week. Cool but clear & beautiful day. Ammy in office again. And was also in office and later Kathy came in and talked to us for a long time. Lucy Hughes came up after we did. - Luch is a very pleasant person and one of my favorites. - She said that Elsie Dotson has cancer. - Two men from Henderson, TN were up, in fact they had passed us on the trail. - One of them had a camcorder and wanted a video of the three of us. Had chili at Krystal at Sevierville. Saw Art & Karen at Inspiration Pt. Her 1st time back since getting a man from Memphis that I had talked to at Myrtle Pt. 3 0r 4 years ago. He recognized me when we met him near the top. We talked to him & his companion.
10/5/89, Sutton Ridge Overlook with Barbara H., 4 mi. Beautiful day for a short hike. - I think Barbara enjoyed it. - Stopped for apples. - She drove. - We plan a hike for next Thursday. - We saw Hoss (worker on maintenance crew). Now on road crew.
518 10/7/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Late start. - got to top abt. 4:00. Passed Jim & Phyllis Lyle abt 20 min from trailhead. Also, met Ed Wright. - Talked to young couple from Ga. - Overtook a man below double steps. - Walked rest of way with him. - Kathy in office. - Went to kitchen and gave Ammy an apple and a small amount of green beans. - Saw Karen & Sylvia Talley there. - Marty & Beth up. - Saw Marty.
519 10/9/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met a young lady, Lauren Kriston? a short distance from the trailhead. - I had talked to her on Sat. Oct 7. she & boy friend were visiting Ammy. - She writes children's stories. - From Vermont. - Originally from Mass. We had a good talk on both occasions. - Met Ed Wright. - Also met some hikers I had talked to at Myrtle Pt. 6 years ago. - Talked to a couple from Mich, in their early 70's. Talked to a doctor who said I'd better have my nose checked. - Met Karen going down to doctor. - Also ham radio radio operator WB4CX6 - Several others. - Donna in office. - Talked to 3 women from Karns. - Stopped at Burger King.
520 10/11/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Jean, Sarge, Buckey and Jim Chaplin, 11 miles. Met Ed Wright on way up. - Talked to several hikers going both ways including a doctor who said that I should have someone look at my nose and a woman (Joyce), who knows D.M. & Lois Dinwiddie. - Donna was in office. - Also, saw Karen, John, Kathy and Andy. - Nice day. - We sat on the porch and talked. Stopped at Burger King on way back.
10/12/89, Abrams Falls via Elija Oliver's cabin with Barbara H., 7 mi. We ate at the falls. - We walked back part of the way with a couple we had met on the way to the falls. The lady & Barbara walked together and I walked with the man. They were from Texas, and had been married for 29 years and were very nice. - We enjoyed their company. Barbara insisted on driving.
521 10/15/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. (Sunday) Got late start up. 1:10. Met Dave Scanlon, Tom Cronan/husband of Joan Cronan, athletic director of UT, (women), Al Bettenger, Larry Walden and Lisa, (the young lady with a baby on her back), on way up. Only saw Kathy at top. - Left abt 4:30. - Nice warm fall day with good leaf color, but not at peak.
522 10/18/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Buckey, 11 miles. Light rain, used umbrellas. - Met Ed Wright on trail. - Passed a couple from Ohio on trail. - Their daughter was ahead of them on trail. - We talked to them later in office. - Al keeping office. - Karen was in there for a long time. - John came in and stayed awhile. - Went to kitchen to see Kathy & Donna. We had met Tim at ACB on our way up. Stopped at Burger King on our way home. (Sevierville)
10/22/98, Mt. Cammerer with SMHC, 10 mi. Jo Ann rode with me. - We stopped for apples on way back. Abt. 35 on trail hike. Abt 10 made it up Ground Hog Ridge. - The rocks were covered with hikers. I hiked with Buckey most of the time. There were more hikers that I did not know than I did know. Others that I remember were: Alice Xiques, Dave Scandlin, Ruth Young, Jean Bangham, Bill Bushing & Tom Little.
10/25/98, George Parker died at age 68.
523 10/27/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. On way up, I met 3 ladies who remembered me. All of Margaret Stevenson's party including Lloyd Bell, asked where Charlotte was. I had to tell them that she quit me! Andy was tending the office. Also, saw Al as I was going down. I got a late start and it was after 2:00 before I got to the lodge.
524 10/30/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Started up at 10:52. - Passed Lisa & Nathan at Gracie's Pulpit. - Saw Tim going down to meet her (near Horse Gate). Sally in office. - Also, saw Al, Donna, and Karen. - Another nice day. - Met 2 other ladies from somerset, Ky at Insp. Pt. on way down. They knew Betty Jane Barnett. I walked the rest of the way back with them.
525 11/1/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Tim, Lu, Buckey, Jill, Jean, Barbara & Vicki Law, 11 miles. 104th consecutive month. Met Karen & Al on way up below Insp Pt. Met Margaret Steve., Luch Hughes, Lloyd Bell, & party on way up, (above Horse Gate) John tending office, Donna with him. - Kathy & her mother came in to see us. - we stayed in office abt. 2 hrs. - Tim & Vicki went to Cliff Top. We stopped at burger King in Sevierville on way back. - Forgot to mention I met Keith & Barry on my way down. Weather was good. - Some cloudiness and a little cool. - Viewing was fair.
526 11/3/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met Kathy & Barry abt. 6 or 7 mins, from auto. - They had come down "Duck Hawk". Saw Dave Scanlon and Dave Dickie at Insp. Pt. - Met rick & Joyce Hybil just above the bluff. Keith had shown them a photo of me and Joyce recognized me. - Dave Dickey is a friend of Dr. Reddick. - Andy was tending office. Ammy was there too. - Saw & talked to Kathy and her mother. - I played guitar some. - Andy said he liked my playing.
11/5/89 Flint Gap from Abrams Creek Range Station with SMHC. 11 miles. Joan & I were leaders. 36 hikers on this hike including Chuck, Tom, Chris H., Alice X., Jo Ann, Jewel T., Buckey, Phyllis, Jean L., Jean B., Ruth Y., Bob Lily, Jamie H., Dee H., Lu, & Donna Terzak. We stopped at Wendy's in Maryville. Great day, clear sky and a good hike.
527 11/8/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey, Jean & Phyllis, 11 miles. Met Lucy Hughes on our way up. Also met Lucinda and her husband above the trail to Duck Hawk. - I didn't recognize her. - She said it has been 13 years since her mother was killed. Al & Karen were in office. Kathy and her mother (Nadine) came in to talk to us. We also talked to a nice bearded man from Memphis. He had a cancellation in his party and offered to let me stay overnight. He said he would take me home tomorrow. (I rode with Buckey). We stopped at Cracker Barrel in P.F. to eat. Forgot to mention, the four young ladies from Ala. that stopped to chat with us as we went down. One was from Florence, where my great-aunt Ella lived.
528 11/12/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Talked to Wellington & Jean Lee from Covington, Ky. at ACB. - He wanted a picture of me to show his 72 year old father (a doctor) who was in bad shape. - A real nice young couple. - Also at same place, I talked with Jack & Jessica Wink from Birmingham, Ala. (been married 1 week). He also took my picture after I got to lodge. - The other couple were day hikers. - the last couple were older. - He was 60, she may have been younger. They were a nice looking couple. Also talked to Leurne Kittredge from Vermont. - I had met her before. - Said she might work at lodge next year. Ammy was at office with Andy, who was tending office. - Saw Sally, Al, Tim, Lisa, Kathy & her mother, Nadine. I got a big hug from Sally & Kathy. - Saw Dee Monte & her husband just as I started down.
11/15/89, Charit Creek Lodge, Big S. Fork, with Lu, Buckey & Jean L. 6 mi. We went in by Twin Arches and made a loop coming back by Jake's Place. - Beautiful country. - We enjoyed it. - The lodge has a beautiful layout, in a grassy valley. Sally & Barry were at the trailhead. Tim & family came in just before we started back. - Marty & Beth fixed lunch for us. We helped them unload the truck. The rest of the LeConte crew hadn't arrived when we left. (All Night Party). Stopped at Cracker Barrel in Lake City. We got caught in a hard rain on way back to Knox.
529 12/6/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & John Mansfield, 11 miles. 105 consecutive months. We stopped at burning bush to pick John up. He was still in bed. John walked with us most of the way up but went on ahead at the double steps. Lu is always slow and my sore heel slowed me down. Keith Garnes was acting caretaker until Andy & Ammy got back. - Keith had a pot of coffee on and we ate lunch in the kitchen. I took Keith 3 oranges, 3 apples, and three carrots. Lu gave him 3 bananas. I also took a newspaper which I believe he wanted most. We took John back to his apt. and went on the Burger king in Sevierville to eat. Partly cloudy and moderate temperature. Only saw one other hiker.
530 12/28/89, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Phyllis & Dave Scanlon, 11 miles. Up to abt. 8" of snow. Diane Shelton on trail. 1st time to see her in 7 years. Ammy made coffee and gave us cookies. Met Andy abt. 1 ˝ mi. down trail. I rode with Dave. Phyllis drove alone. Clear day & beautiful snow. We asked Ammy if we could come back on Jan 6 for overnight. She said we could and invited us to stay today also.
531 1/10/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & John Mansfield, 12 miles. 106 consecutive months. Walked back more than ˝ mi. to retrieve glove. Stopped in Gatlinburg for John. Abt. ˝" of snow overnight, made walking over the ice easier. Not too cold. - John had some chores to do while there. We met Ammie & Andy just below ACB. Ed Wright also caught up with us there. - Another John is caretaker for a week until Sally comes up. He was one of Al Bettenger's hiking companions on their mountain climb on a 20,000' plus peak in Peru. Cold on top with strong winds. We walked about the last mile down in the dark. (had flashlights). As we neared the parking area, a full moon came peeking over the Blvd. Ridge. It was a beautiful sight. Lu & I stopped at burger King in Sevierville to eat. We had stopped, on our way up, at Mrs Winners for coffee & cinnamon swirl.
1/19/90, School House Gap with Donna, 4 Mi. First hike with Donna Kolb. - We didn't leave until abt 10:30 am and got back before 4 pm. - Weather was good. Cloudy but no rain. Met 2 young men on trail. They were looking for hog signs and worked for the park service. - One wore an uniform and could have been a ranger. - Trail sign at Chestnut top Trail had been vandalized. The post was splintered and we could not see any part of the sign. The vandals may have taken it for a souvenir.
1/24/90, Boundary Trail from Wears Valley Rd. to Metcalf Bottoms with Lu, Jean, Buckey, and David Highbaugh. Met at Krogers in Alcoa. - Jean drove. - We intended to go the Cove Mt. Trail but because of light rain, cut our hike short. I used an umbrella and barely got wet. I drove to Alcoa. Lu rode with me.
532 1/31/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Some ice and a little snow on top. Sally was in her cabin. - Ate lunch there. Used toe creepers to Gracie's Pulpit on way down. Fairly warm day. Sunny. - We ate at burger King in Sevierville on way back.
533 2/5/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. 107 consecutive months. Got an early start. - Got to Sugarland Center at 9:10 but 441 was closed due to frozen rain on road. I hung around the Center until it opened at 10:55. - Talked with Glen Cardwell (Supt. of Center), for abt 20 mins. Glen is a member of the hiking club. Started up at 11:16. Got down at 4:30. Sally was sunning on the office porch. - I didn't stay more than 5 mins., because I wanted to go to Sq. dance at O.R. - Quite a bit of ice when I reached the 1st cable above Grassy Slide. - Put creepers on there and wore them back until I was below double steps. - Fairly warm & sunny.
2/7/90, School House Gap with Lu & Jean. 4 miles. Lu & I expected to find some hikers at Kroger's in Maryville but no one was there. It took abt. 4 different calls to contact Jean. - We went out together but stayed there at least an hour before leaving. It was getting so late we decided on a short hike.
2/8/90, Cedar Cove Loop via Hyatt Lane with Happy Hikers, 7 miles. I started ahead of them. I sat on a rock at Hyatt Lane and waited for them. David Hibaugh was the 1st to show up and was the only one to make the complete 11 mile loop. - While I was talking to David Ruth Ewald came up and I talked with her for quite a while. - Norine Barr invited us to eat lunch with them at the creek. Charlotte was with them.
2/11/90, Hen Wallow Falls with SMHC, 5 Mi. Rode with Barbara Harris. Her 3rd hike with club. - Nice day, warm & clear. - Most water I've seen coming over the falls. Geta rode with us.
534 2/14/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Buckey was going with us but changed his mind. - Sally was on the porch of the last cabin toward the spring. - Sunny & warm. there. Saw 4 backpackers coming down as we went up and 2 going up. 1 hiker on trail. - Rushed home to go to dance at W. Viest Terrace. - Saw Mrs fields who used to live near Sam Commer. Met Edna of WIVK Radio. (Real name Jan), a short, plump, black eyed and vivacious girl of about high school age.
2/18/90, AC Bluff with Donna, 5 miles. Donna's 2nd hike. We didn't leave her apartment until after 2:00 p.m.. Hike took abt 1 hr each way. - We didn't stay long at the bluff. Talked to young couple from Nashville at end of hike. Stopped at Cracker Barrel in P.F. to eat. - Talked to couple from Gatlinburg while waiting. They were interested in old radio shows and big bands. - He looked to be abt 55, she abt 45. We also talked to them again while waiting to pay. - We enjoyed our talks with both couples. - Light rain coming down.
2/21/90, Chestnut Top Ridge to School House Gap with Lu, 9 mi. Real nice day. - Warm in sun. - We saw no other hikers. - Stopped at Hardy's for ice cream. - Got home abt. 4:00 p.m.. Saw first rue anemone, chick weed & bluets.
2/28/90, Chestnut Top Ridge to School House Gap with Lu & Buckey, 9 mi. (Same as above.) Overcast, not cold & very light rain. - We ate at S.H.G. Road. Flowers seen: rue anemone, Great chick weed, pink root, hepatica & violets. Also trillium but not blooming.
3/4/90, Chestnut Top Ridge to School House Gap with Donna, 9 mi. Started on trail abt. 1:30. - Got to gap at 4:00. Abt. 200 yds up trail we met Vicki Law with her husband & 2 children. She is just getting over an operation. We talked to her abt. 8 - 10 min. - Started back abt. 4:45. - Got back at 6:15. - Came back by my house to get video "By The Light Of The Silver Moon." Stopped at Ky. Fried Chicken for a $4.99 special which we ate at her apartment while we watched the video.
535 3/7/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. 108 consecutive months. We talked with 2 young ladies from Mich. at ACB. - Talked to Stanley Huskey & Edward Grooves (maintenance workers). They were working on the slide. Sally was in the kitchen. - 2 hikers below kitchen. Another was going up short cut and still another was going toward spring. None of them came up ACB which was closed. (we did) - Sally will be up until March 15. John & Donna will go up then. - Saw Donna & John at Burning Bush. - Also Tim & Lisa & Jim Huff. Stopped at Burger King in Sevierville on our way back.
536 3/14/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Margaret Lovely, 11 miles. Real warm for this time of year. Saw Margaret S. & party including Lloyd Bell & wife near top. Margaret L. only went to ACB & waited for us. - Marty & Beth were down to help with air lift. Also Tim, John & Donna. - We watched the copters on about 4 trips. Forgot to mention, we saw Vicki Law at the trailhead. - She went on ahead of up and on way back. - Margaret had got back to trailhead by the time we got down. - Buds on some trees all the way up to trailhead. - Lu & I stopped at Burger King on Broadway in Knox.
537 3/21/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. We saw Margaret S. above saddle. Lloyd Bell was with them. She made it to within 1 mile of the lodge but turned back because of ice. We ate lunch above the ranger's shack. - Talked to Tim below kitchen. - Also Paul & Jeff (New Man) - We met John & Donna with 3 new crew members just below trail intersection. (Ricky, Michelle & Susan) - Talked with young couple whom we had seen on top, after we got down. - They were from Boston and on the start of a 2 month trip which will take them out west. - Stopped at Cracker Barrel to eat.
538 3/28/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, La. Lu, Jerry & Billie. 11 miles. The women went on ahead at AC Bluff. - First trip up for Jerry & Billie. - Billie is from Hamblen County. Jerry is a friend of Buckey. - Jerry was a major league baseball umpire for 16 years. - Billie is a friend of Jill. - Susan was tending office. - La. Lu was playing the guitar when I got to the office. - We didn't stay long because she wanted to come back early.
3/31/90, Norris flower hike with SMHC, 3 mi. - Judy Neely Goins called and asked me if I wanted to go on this one. - Kathy went also Phyllis & Jim Lyle, Anita & John and Ed were the only ones I knew on this hike.
At the end of this book, Paul enters detail tables of his hikes for all previous years. I will not duplicate those tables here. He also makes the following statement: "I go A.C.B. mostly because it gives me more time to stay at the top and to meet and talk with other hikers. This is the better part of my pleasures I get from hiking LeConte. - This trail has more hikers than all the other trails combined." He also stated: "I counted 1 too many hikes in 1987 so my next hike to Mt. LeConte will still count as 537 since age 65. I will not deduct from total hikes as I had made more than the 40 hikes I had originally counted."
Paul had a long list of people that he had met, their birthday, address, and telephone number.
539 4/1/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. 109 consecutive months. Made it up in 2 hr. 33 minutes. Several people on trail. - Weather, mild & partly sunny. Turned colder after reaching top. Also rained and a thunderstorm. Donna was tending office. The only other crew member I saw was, Jennifer (new crew member), whom, I met at the double steps, while on my way down. I believe that she will be my favorite of the 3 new girls. Had a nice conversation with Sue and John Williams from Ann Arbor, Mich. They were day hiking with their 3 daughters. (ages, abt. 8 to 15). They got to lodge after it had started raining. Other nice conversations with lodge guests including 1 party I met while on their way down, as I was going up. One of them recognized me from pictures.
540 4/4/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. Beautiful, hoar frost combined with snow on trees at top. Prettiest, I've ever seen on LeConte. A little cool but sunny. We ate lunch on the concrete slab at the ranger cabin door. - Bill Kerr & Tom Little came by as we ate. They also ate there. - they were doing trail maintenance on the Rainbow Falls Trail and going down Bull Head. Susan Tending office. - John came in later with letters for us to mail. We met Jeff on our way down. He thought that he may have seen peregrine falcons at duck Hawk. Stopped at Cracker Barrel.
541 4/9/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Beautiful day. - Little cool. - Some snow on top. - Talked to several couples or groups on my way up. One was a couple from Gatlinburg with a woman from Oak Ridge. Talked to them abt. 15 mins. at Duck Hawk Trail. - They were ball room dancers. - Two girls from New England, N.H. and Mass. - A couple & their 2 children from near Atlanta. - Others. - Jeff tending office. - He sat with me on the bench outside the office. - It was warm in the sun. - John came by and I went to the kitchen to talk with Donna. and Jennifer.
4/12/90, Huskey Gap, by Jakes Creek & Cucumber Gap Trails with Barbara H. We met the Happy Hiker's from O'Connor as they were coming down. Chuck, Norine, Daisy, Charlotte and David Highbaugh were among them. It was a really nice day. We met several other hikers with whom we talked, including the Devine's from Oak Ridge. Barbara seemed to enjoy the hike. she has never been in this section. She admired the cabins in Elkmont.
4/16/90, Snake Den Trail to Deer Creek Gap, 11 miles. 13 in group. Lu, Barbara, Chris H., Nancy? I rode with Buckey. David Hibaugh, Jean L., and Jill met us at Cosby parking area. David Scandlin, Phyllis Gossett and a man and his son, from Mich., had gone earlier looking for the bench mark on Mt. Guyot. Barbara Y. & Jim met us at the Cosby picnic area for our after the hike picnic. It was to honor Buckey's birthday. Nice day and we enjoyed our lunch on the grass at the gap, where we waited for the others. (They were scouting a planned SMHC hike). 2 rangers joined us for our picnic. As usual the Snake Den Trail was a hard & boresome trail but all in all, I think everyone enjoyed our trip. Lu & Barbara didn't get to the gap.
543 500 since age 65 4/18/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Myrtle Pt. Via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, Phyllis, Dan & Nathan Miracal, 12 miles. Dan Miracal & son Nathan, from Mich. went with us. (they went to Guyot with us on 4-16) Weather was cool but great. - Went to Myrtle Pt. Met Jeff with Nathan & Grace, a short distance from the lodge. - John was tending office. After the hike, we went to the Cracker Barrel in P.F. to eat. Dan's wife & daughter joined us. Dan insisted on paying for our dinners. - He works as an accountant in a bank in Mich. - He has a real nice family. His wife's name is Brenda and the daughter's name is Casey. The Mich. family were total strangers before we met them on the 16th. We enjoyed them and I believe they enjoyed us.
544 501 since age 65 4/20/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Got a late start, 11:45. Made it up in 2 hrs. & 38 mins. Weather cool & cloudy. Michaile in office. Can't recall seeing any of the other crew members. Talked to several hikers & lodge guests including a lady and her 78-year-old mother from Louisville & Bowling Green, KY. Also talked with a man from Chicago, who had been to the Aragon Ball Room and who was a ball room dancer. - At the end of the trail, I talked with a couple from florida, whom I had seen at the top. He had a law degree from UT.
545 502 since age 65 4/20/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey & Jean, 11 miles. It was a nice, warm, sunny day on LeConte. - We didn't stay as long as I would have liked. Buckey & I walked ahead and got to the lodge ahead of Lu & Jean. We passed Sarge and Carl at the pulpit. - Michaile was tending the office. - Since I didn't write this trip up until 4/27, I can't remember if I saw anyone else I knew. We stopped at the Cracker Barrel to eat (Pigeon Forge).
546 503 since age 65 4/26/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Got a late start. (11:06 a.m.) Made it up in 2 hrs and 9 mins. Warm, mostly sunny weather. Jeff tending office The only other person that I knew was Vicki Law. I didn't stay long as I wanted to get back in time to go to the dance class at Claxton. Talked to a hiker on my way down who was from Virginia. He had lived in Knoxville. Talked to another one below ACB who was from Oklahoma.
547 504 since age 65 4/28/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Started raining as I left the car. - Used my umbrella. - got a little damp but rain stopped when I got about ˝ way up. - Mostly dry when I reached the lodge. - My feet stayed dry. - John was breaking in as new crew member, (David), when I arrived. Michaile had quit. - Donna & Jennifer also came in office. - Met Paul as I was going down. - Talked to several guests and hikers in my 3 1/3 hrs. on top. - Met Lois Lewis who knows Phyllis Gossett. - Had a good, enjoyable and long talk with John Sibley and Pegi (ex English teacher) and their companion Pat Hawkins from Florida. Sibley's were from Atlanta. They'll be back next year on Sept. 27.- Told them I'd try to see them. Hard rain while I was there. - Thunderstorm. - Hail and a few flakes of snow. -Stopped about the time I started down. I stayed fairly dry on my way down.
548 505 since age 65 5/1/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Some sun going up but cloudy and light rain coming down. - Talked to 4 men from Charlotte, NC on way up. - Met Randy, Paul & Jeff as well as 2 girls. They were going to rappel from ACB. - We also met them again on our way down. - Met a man and his wife near the Horse Gate. They were from Ill. Talked to them again on top. - John was tending office. - Jennifer also came in. - A man & woman who had started the A.T. at Springer were spending the night on LeConte. I think she impressed all of us with her looks and personality. - She was employed as an industrial psychologist. - She was from Fla. and he from Atlanta. Rain got heavy abt. The time we reached the car. - Stopped at Burger King. - Car at first wasn't putting out any heat and then suddenly got hot. - I was 2 quarts low on oil and abt. The same on water. After that it seemed OK.
549 506 since age 65 5/4/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, Jill & Jean, 11 miles. Fairly nice day at the start but it rained as we came down. - We met Vicki Law below Arch Rock. - She was fussing because the sign closing the trail to Duck Hawk Ridge was quiet a distance up the ridge and she had to turn back after ascending the ridge for some distance. - Buckey & I walked down the upper end of Duck Hawk man way (abt. 50') to the other sign. - The sign served notice that the ridge was temporarily closed and it would be a $20,000 fine for disturbing the peregrine falcons. - Buckey & I saw at least or possibly two if the falcons. - They were brown, indicating that they were immature birds. - Randy was tending the office.- Susan & Jennifer came by the office. - Cold on top and no heat in office. We stopped at the Cracker Barrel on way back and saw Brenda & Jim Webster. - They ate there too. Brenda had bought me one of Carson Brewer's books.
550 507 since age 65 5/6/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I saw one of the falcons again. I talked to Tim Galbraith, who has invented a different kind of electrical heating system. He came by while I was watching for the falcons. I had spoken to him briefly, further down the trail. - He went on ahead of me but turned back and I saw him for the 3rd time near the saddle. - He runs a movie theater in Newport. He has made a lot of research in the patent process.- told me of a book, "How To Get A Patent Without A Lawyer" at the UT library. - Donna was tending the office. - She was surprised to see me on Sunday. - Jennifer came by while I was there. - Light rain on my way down, starting abt. the double steps. The rain got heavier around Arch Rock and I got the wettest that I have been in some time.
5/9/90, Hessie Creek Loop via Goldmine Rd., Cooper Rd., Beard Cave Trail, Boundary Trail & Cane Creek Trail with Buckey - Jean - Barbara - & Jill. 14 mi. Weather prediction was 39% chance of rain with less than .1 in that was predicted for late afternoon. - Fact; We had a light rain for the entire 14 mile hike which took over 8 hours to make. I didn't sit down during the hike. - I ate standing. We had at least 25 creek crossings. - My feet were just barely wet until the last crossing of Hessie Creek. - The water came over my boot tops. - Although I had a Gor-Tex Parka, a poncho, rain chaps and an umbrella, I didn't use any of them until I stopped for lunch. I put on the Gor-Tex Parka and wore it the rest of the way. - Needless to say I was pretty wet by then. So was everyone else. - It would have been a difficult hike without the rain, but the rain made it a miserable hike. We all joked about our miserable cond. and had fun abt. it. I got ahead of the group on Beard Cane Trail because I didn't have to be as careful crossing the creeks. - Jean finally caught up with me while I was trying to find a way to cross Hessie Creek. (The first crossing. - The one before Ace Gap). The others caught up soon as their feet were wet and needed not be careful any longer.
551 508 since age 65 5/11/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Sunny but cool on way up. Clouds on way down. - Saw the peregrine falcon again (third time). Paul in office. - Also saw David & Jennifer. - Didn't stay long. - Went to dance in O'Connor Center tonight. - Saw icicles near top. - Saw my first deer on LeConte just above the trail junction of the ACB & Rainbow Falls Trails. - Saw painted trillium abt. 100 yds above ACB. - Also below Insp. Pt.
552 509 since age 65 5/13/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, 11 miles. Rain in forecast but it didn't. Cool on top and mostly cloudy. We made it up in 2 hrs. & 45 mins. No heat in office so we went outside for occasional warmth from the sun. - Paul was in office. - He had made a deal with John to give John the coke I brought. - David came by. We started down abt. 4:00 p.m., which meant we spent 2 hrs. & 15 mins. on top. - Jean drove and we didn't stop to eat. Jean was staying with her daughter in Knox. & met me at Food Lion. - The SMHC was also meeting there. - They only had 7 or 8 hikers there, including Sam Spessard, Alice X., & Jo Ann Freshour.
553 510 since age 65 5/16/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Jean came up abt. 40 mins. after I got to lodge. - She called last night and said she didn't know for certain if she was going but for me to go on if she wasn't there. - Met Jeff, Paul & David while on my way up and again on my way down. - Paul said Sun. would be his last day. - Al will take his place. - Talked to a couple above Arch Rock who remembered me from last year. They plan to be back next year. - Susan was tending the office. Lisa and a little later, Tim came by the outside bench to talk to me. - first time I had seen them since they came back up.
554 511 since age 65 5/20/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, 11 miles. Forecast was 100% for rain but didn't get a drop. - A little cool on top, windy & cloudy. - Met Paul below the Pulpit. - His last day as drew member. - We also met Jennifer & John, her bot friend on the way up. coming down we met Al & later David. - Susan was in the office. - New man, Allen, was also there. - Also saw Tim, Donna, John, Nathan, & Grace. - Jennifer was back when I went down to kitchen. - She gave me a can of beer. - I mailed letters for John. - Jean & I sat around the stove & talked to a group from Nashville. We enjoyed talking to them.
555 512 since age 65 5/22/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Light rain all the way up and back. - I stayed fairly dry. - My feet were a little wet when I got down. Stopped at burger King in Sevierville to eat. We met David & Allen as we were going up and again as we went down. - We also met Randy as we went down. - I took strawberries & lettuce to the kitchen where I found Susan & Jeff on duty. - Lisa came in while I was there. - Jennifer was tending office and we talked quite a bit. Band members from Dayton, Ohio, were huddled around the stove. Lu was talking to them. - Lu wore 2 blisters on his feet with his wet feet.
556 513 since age 65 5/20/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I would have made it up in abt. 2hrs. & 10mins., if I hadn't stopped to talk to a group from Morristown Met Margaret Stevenson near top. Tim was in office. - Also saw Lisa & kids. - started up at 10:58 and got back at 4:05. - Left early to go to Claxton Tango Class but there were no extra women and I had no one to practice with. 122 ahead of Margaret.
557 514 since age 65 5/26/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles.Stopped by to see Brenda at P.F. - 1st time I've found her home. - Only stayed 4 or 5 mins. - She was getting ready to go to work. - Al was tending the office and was the only crew member I saw while there. - Jean, her son Harry and his wife Carroll were there when I got up. - They left abt 2 hrs., before I did. - Talked with several people including a couple from Cin., Ohio &one couple from Jacksonville, Fla. Also talked to 2 young ladies who were with St. Mary's Church in O. R., Tn. They were from Mich., Detroit area. 386 ahead of Ed Wright.
558 515 since age 65 5/28/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. A rainy day and I didn't start up till abt. 1:30. - I didn't get very wet except for sweat. - Keith Garns caught up with me near the top. - 1st time I've seen him this season. - His 2nd trip up. - On my way up, 3 young ladies from N.Y. City passed me and later I passed them. - I saw them last at A.C. Bluff. - Allen was tending office. - Nathan came in while I was there but I saw no one else who works up there. - John & Donna have gone to Ohio and Al and Jeff are at Charit Creek for the weekend.
559 516 since age 65 5/30/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Met the young couple from S.C., whom I had talked to on LeConte Mon. 28th, while in office. They will keep their res. next year. - They have 2 children, one of which is only a few weeks old. They didn't bring them but are looking forward to bringing them in the future. - The Carolina Hiking Club was on the ACB Trail to LeConte today. - John was in the office. Al came by and I went to the kitchen to meet Jennifer's mother. - Also saw Tim and the children. - Nice day for a change. - Mostly sunshine. - We stopped at Cracker Barrel in P.F. to eat. - Also stopped for ice cream.
560 517 since age 65 6/1/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, Lu & Jean, 11 miles. I stopped to talk to someone and got behind the others. - At the saddle I met an older man there. - He was very friendly and stepped aside to let me pass. - As I walked on abt. 50 ft, he called my name, so I stopped and turned around, thinking that I might have met him before. - He said he recognized me from my picture at the lodge. - That brought on more conversation. He had impressed me as being a real nice elderly gentleman, and before I started on, I asked him for his name. He said that he was Dr. Nate Smith and started walking toward me to give me his card. He was an emeritus professor of medicine at Wake Forest University. I was very impressed that this humble and friendly gentleman, a professor of medicine, would stop and initiate a conversation with me. Since I didn't write this hike up until the 6th, I can't recall who was in the office or whom else I may have seen whom I know. I believe it was this hike that I met Barbara Renfro and her group. She said her husband has cancer. It had been over a year since I had seen her.
6/3/90, Sutton's Ridge Overlook, 4 miles. My first hike with Ada. - she did well and seemed enthused abt. hiking - She drove her car and I left mine at her house. - We did some dancing practice and later went out on the patio to listen to the tapes I had brought with me. - There was a full moon.
561 518 since age 65 6/4/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jo Ann, 11 miles. Sometimes when I am busy, I only put down the information written above in red ink and write this part later. As a result, I can't recall all the hikers or crew members I may have seen whom I know. I know we met some of the crew members on the trail because I remember introducing them to Jo Ann but I see so many of them on the trail, I can't remember since I didn't write this hike up until the 9th. I do remember Jeff was in the office. Jeff seemed interested in history and Jo Ann told him, she might bring Jewel Tabor with us on our next trip. - Jewel teaches history at Karns High.
562 519 since age 65 6/6/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Great day. the best this year. Met David and Allen above Arch rock. - Jennifer and John, her boyfriend above the saddle. - I also met Debbie Way, who hikes with Margaret S She was taking a group of girl scouts (middle school) age) to the LeConte Lodge for overnight. She told them about my trips to LeConte. - Jeff was tending office. - John & Donna came in. Met Jennifer again on my way down. - She was abt. 5 mins. above the saddle. - After asking me for the time, she said she had been only 30 min. on the trail. She must have been mistaken. She said it was all walking but that was 3 miles out and would have been 6 mi. per. hr. It took me 62 min. to get down from there at a fast pace. Met Randy near the trailhead. He was going up.
563 520 since age 65 6/4/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean L., 11 miles. Met Al on trail as I went up. Saw David near the trailhead going down. Jeff & Donnas were in the office. Jennifer came in and invited us to come down to the kitchen for a cookie and coffee but I was in a hurry to get down. I wanted to go to the O'Connor dance and I had my first date with Ada. I had sat with her last week but hadn't made a date to do so. It was another great day. - Really felt like summer. - On the way down, stayed with Jean abt. 20 min and then went on ahead. From where I left her, it took me 1 hr. and 29 min. to get to my car.
6/10/90, Alum Cave Bluff to Gracie's Pulpit with Ada, 5 mi. Because of the Sunday afternoon traffic, we went the Middle Creek Rd. to P.F. Brenda was home and we stopped by to see her. - Started Hike at 3:45. As we were going up we met Cotta Fulks and Alice Xiques abt 100 yds apart. Alice didn't know that Cotta was on the trail. - It was getting a little dark when we got back to the car. - We sat in the car talking for abt. 1 hr. before going to the Burger King at Sevierville, where we had fries, hamburgers & cokes. - Got back to Ada's house late and it was early in the morning before I got home.
564 521 since age 65 6/13/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jo Ann., 11 miles. Didn't write this one up until the 18th and have forgotten some of the details. Al was in the office but I can't remember whom else we may have seen. - The weather was cool on top. Lately, I've been so busy hiking, dancing and dating Ada, I haven't been getting my hikes written up on the day I make them.
565 522 since age 65 6/15/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jo Ann., 11 miles. Didn't write this one up until the 18th but Donna was in the office. - John also came by. - I also remember a man from Alabama with a very southern accent sitting on the porch. This day was also a little on the cool side. John's mother & father with John's sister.
566 523 since age 65 6/18/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jo Ann., 11 miles. Hot, humid, muggy and partly cloudy. - We met Al who was on his way down, near the top. Going down we met him again just past Gracie's Pulpit. On the other side of the Pulpit we met David and at Arch Rock we saw Susan. We also saw Margaret Stevenson and Len before Grassy Slide. Jeff was tending office today. - Talked to Donna on front Porch.
567 524 since age 65 6/20/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Met John a short distance from the trailhead and Al near the top. - Met Alan on our way down. - Jeff tending office. - Saw Donna & David in kitchen when I took them the 2 liter coke I had brought. Lu carried another one for me. We also met Margaret St. & daughter above Arch Rock.
568 525 since age 65 6/22/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Light rain on way up. - Stayed fairly dry. - No rain coming down. Susan tending office. - Donna & John came by.
6/24/90, Charlies Bunion with Ada, 8 mi. Pretty day but a little cool. Ada made it just fine as far as I know. - she didn't complain. - There was no one else there when we got to the bunion. - We met several hikers on the trail going out but didn't get out until around 7:00. We were both sleepy as we were both up late last night. - We stopped at McDonalds in Sevierville for coffee. - It helped to wake us up a little. On villa Rd. Ada (who was driving) dozed and almost ran off the road. I yelled at her and she managed to get back on course.
569 526 since age 65 6/25/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Cloudy on top and a little cool. - David was tending office. - Susan came in while I was there. - Since I didn't write this hike up until the 28th, I can't remember anyone else I may have met.
570 527 since age 65 6/27/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Sunny as I went up but clouded up when I got on top. Cool. - Jeff tending office. - Neal Huff & Grace (5 year-old) were in the office. - Saw Tim L. outside. - Some thunder & lightening and a slight shower on my way down.
571 528 since age 65 6/29/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I made it down from the lodge to my car in 1 hr. and 36 mins. Al was in the office and Susan came by. I saw no other crew members on this day. Weather was hot and partly cloudy.
572 529 since age 65 7/2/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Ada & Jo Ann, 11 miles. 112 Consecutive months. Ada's first trip to LeConte. - She made it fine but was a little tired. We had a great day for her first trip, sunny & clearer than normal. - Met Jeff going both ways. - We also met Scott (former crew member) with 3 UT students, at the double steps. We were going up and they were going down. - We also met John & Donna on our way down. - John kidded us for holding hands. - David was tending the office. - We went to the kitchen where we saw Susan and Lisa Line. - We went to Cliff Top and I took Jo Ann down the side of the cliff to show her the very rare Appalachian Avens. I had taken David to see them a few trips earlier. -
573 530 since age 65 7/6/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. A hot day. A thunderstorm while on top. - Talked briefly to several I passed on the trail up. - Jennifer was tending the office. - I happened to see Paul Threlkeld siting on the porch after I went into the office. - He was starting to leave so I went out and talked to him before he left. - David, a crew member, came up and introduced me to his girl friend. - John came by the office. Also talked to a middle-aged couple, from Bristol, who recognized me. On my way down, I talked to two young ladies from Alabama and a Presb. Church group from Idlewild, in Memphis. - Met Ada tonight at O'Connor's for the dance.
574 531 since age 65 7/10/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I got a late start on this hot day. - It had been raining in the Mts. as the trails were wet. - Still no rain at home. - My garden is suffering from the drought and my blackberries are drying up. - I met Allen, David & Keith Garnes as I went up. They were coming down and were at the 2nd cable below A.C.B. - Met Kirk Hishom (not sure abt spelling), son of Doug Hishom of Gatlinburg, formerly ran Cherokee Mill of Knox. Kirk was with 2 young ladies and is a friend of Keith Garnes. - Susan was tending office. - I also saw John, Donna & Jennifer. - Met a lady who's father was Ed Hunt formerly from Knox. - She and her friend were able to arrange to stay at the lodge because of 2 cancellations. Met allen again as I was going down.
575 532 since age 65 7/13/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Light to moderate rain all the way up. - Light rain at the start of my trip down but it stopped a short distance down the trail. - I didn't meet anyone on the trail that I knew. A man and his wife, his mother and their child stopped me below Inspiration Pt. to talk. - They were from Cin. Ohio but the man and his children were living in Mich. Allen was tending office. - Susan was also there. got a late start and had to hurry back to go to O'Connor's dance. Ada was sitting with another man and didn't make herself available to me for abt. 20 min.
576 533 since age 65 7/16/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Nice day. Some clouds. - Met Harry Payne, his wife Mary Ann and his daughters below the double steps. His wife and one of his daughters fell behind. Harry and his daughter Angie kept up with me to the lodge. I later went with him, his wife and other daughter to Myrtle Pt. There I met Jim Thornburgh, nephew of Laura Thornburgh and friends of Ed Jones. I also met Julie Kamenoff, Sharon Williams and Jan Raney from Mich. I told them I sometimes go to dances after the hike. Jan said she would let me know when they were coming back and wanted to go dancing with me. They were all in the neighborhood of about 50 years of age. Jan seemed the most intrested in me of the three. Norine Pickle also showed up at Myrtle Pt. with her nephews. Met Jennifer on my way down. She was not quite ˝ way up Monotony Ridge. Met David as I went up. Allen was tending the office. Jan Raney took my address and phone no.
577 534 since age 65 7/18/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Moderate rain up to Arch rock, light rain the rest of the way. I didn't meet anyone I knew on the trail, but James and Katherine Sulling, from Nashville, who were coming down, stopped abt. ˝ mile from the lodge as I went up. She had read the article abt. Me while at the lodge and was looking for me. She wanted to take my picture. I got down about the same time they did and talked to them 30 to 40 min. there. They took my address & phone and may call me. They have a 11 year old daughter and she is a nurse. David tending office. Jeff came by. I also met Betty Jane Barnett and a friend from Somerset, as I was going up. - they were just starting down.
578 535 since age 65 7/23/90, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met David and Jeff on both my way up and my way down. - On my way down, I also met Tim Galbraith (Ran a movie in Newport) at A.C.B. Tim was in office. Saw a deer again near the same place that I saw it before. A bear hissed at me abt 5 min up Monotony Ridge from the saddle. It was off the side of the trail and hard to see. It retreated after I scolded it. Forgot to write this trip up until the 24th. - Jo Ann and Kris Hamilton were coming down. Met them 7 or 9 min. below the double steps.
579 536 since age 65 7/25/90, Mt. LeConte to Myrtle Pt. via A.C.B. Trail alone, 12 miles. Buckey had called and said several of our old group were going to LeConte. - I didn't know it was a club hike (Wed.). Tom said he had to be back at 6:30 so I didn't hike with them. I met Susan & David on their way down just below Gracie's Pulpit. Also met them on my way down just below the 3rd cable from the top. I had also met Tim L. at the trailhead. Mer Al, who is quitting, at the 1st cable above the top steps. I went on to Myrtle Pt. after stopping at the kitchen. Donna, John, Jennifer and Keith & his girlfriend were there. I didn't look at my watch until I got to where you go to duck Hawk. - It was 10:20. As I was walking fast, it couldn't have taken me more than 9 min. to get there. that means I left at 10:11. I signed the register at 12:01 but I usually count to where you turn down to the lodge. - So subtracting 1 min. for that and 2 min. I talked to a man from Claxton, that would have made it 11:58 or the trip took 1 hr 47 min. Only 4 mins over my best time.
580 537 since age 65 7/30/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. didn't start on the trail until noon. - Met Norma & Stafford Daniels from signal Mt. TN at the double steps. Walked the rest of the way with them. they invited me to visit them on my next trio to Chattanooga. Said they would take me on a bike on Walden's Ridge. Al was tending office. - It is his last day to work at the lodge. Although I talked to several hikers or guests, I didn't see anyone else I know.
581 538 since age 65 8/1/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Cliff Top via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Started late 11:00 - Saw Lucy Hughes & daughter just after crossing Styx Branch. (1st crossing). David tending office. - Susan was also in office, sewing. Saw John & Donna as I went to the spring. - Wore shorts for the 1st time this year. I've encountered a lot of bears during my hikes in the Mts. and have been charged by them on several occasions. Today I had gone 100 to 150 yds past the main part of Cliff Top to eat my lunch. I most often bring a peanut butter sandwich but today I brought bread for my sandwich and a can of potted meat to use for my sandwich. My pack was beside me and a few of my things were scattered around it. While eating, I felt something touch my back. As I looked around, I saw it was a larger than average bear. I jumped up and yelled while I kicked at the bear but it would not leave. It kept trying to get to either my pack or to me. I saw my folded umbrella in my pack and grabbed it and hit the bear in the head. That seemed to make it angry and it kept coming at me while I kept swinging my umbrella at it. The bear finally retreated abt. 4 or 5 ft., long enough for me to find a rock to hit the bear with. I hit the bear pretty hard in the side with a fairly large rock. It left and didn't come back.
582 539 since age 65 8/6/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Got a late start. - Left trailhead at 12:49. - some sun but mostly clouds. - John was tending office. - Donna and Jennifer were using the old treadle sewing machine. Met Paul ( EX Crew Member) as I went down just above the double steps.
583 540 since age 65 8/8/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jo Ann, 11 miles. Jo Ann called me this morning abt. 7:30. - didn't know she was back from New Mexico. - It was almost 10:00 before we got started from Asheville Hwy. Her son brought her there and used her car today. We met Jennifer on both ways. (up & down) today. - Lisa, the new crew member was tending office. Also, saw David, Donna, Susan, and Allen. - Met Tim & Nathan as we went down ( just below double steps). Vicki Law came up Trillium Gap. - Talked to her on porch. she said it was her 30th trip.
584 541 8/13/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Some sunshine and partly cloudy. - It came a pretty hard shower after I reached the lodge. - I met Peter Ricciaroi, Jr. from Norton, Ohio, near Akron. We talked for at least 45 min. He said he was coming back in Oct. and that we may hike up LeConte together. - Jennifer was tending the office. I saw Susan but didn't talk to her.
585 542 8/15/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Got a late start. Left trailhead at 11:45. - some clouds but at least 50% sunny. Met Tim L. below Arch Rock. I didn't intend to stay long because I was hoping Ada would let me see her tonight. - She has been in S.c. on vacation and I haven't seen her in 10 days. I did see her. Jeff tending office. - I ate my lunch on bench at end of office. - Paul Threldkeld came by. - I also saw Bill Kerr, Tom Little, Jo Ann and Jean. Lu had been up and left. I caught up with him below the bluff and walked the rest of the way out with him.
586 543 8/18/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean L., 11 miles. Jean met me at the trailhead. - We met Jeff coming down as we went up and again on our way down. - Jennifer was tending office. - Susan also came by. - Talked to 2 young ladies (dayhikers) in the office from Chattanooga. ( Karen Stophel & Bennie Sue Baucom) - I told them that I had lived there a couple of years. - One ask how many trips I had made to LeConte. - When I told her, the other one asked my name. - I didn't know she had read the N.S. article on the wall. - When she found out who I was, she wanted a picture of us together. The other lady also had her picture taken with me. The other lady then went over and read the article and photographed both it and my picture. I told them that I would send them a copy of the article if they wanted it. They wanted it and gave me their addresses. They also took my address and said that they would put me on their Christmas Card list.
587 544 8/20/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Got a late start and the car got hot. That made me even later. Apparently my water was low although it took only 3 pints to fill the radiator. - Met Jeff going both ways. - Also met Allen at double steps as I went up. - John was tending office. Tim was also there with the kids. - John gave me 3 letters to mail. - Talked to a man from St. Louis who seemed to be impressed at my LeConte records. - Hot day. - Partly cloudy. - Started to sprinkle just before I got to the bluff on my way down.
588 545 8/22/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. We met Jeff both ways today. We talked to some women just above Insp. Pt. David was tending the office. - Also saw Jennifer. - On our way down, it started raining just above A.C.B.. By the time we got to the car, it was raining pretty hard and we got a little bit wet. Stopped at Burger King in Sevierville on our way back.
589 546 8/26/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, 11 miles. We didn't get started on the trail until abt 11:25. - Not much sunshine today but warm. Jennifer was in office. We had met Lisa Line, the kids and Sally abt.1 mile down from the top. Sally had come to the Christmas Party (Christmas in August at the lodge). I went down to Tim's quarters to watch part of the Col - UT game. All of the male crew members were there, David, Allen, John, and Jeff. I also saw Susan in the kitchen. The only one I didn't see was Lisa (the new girl) We met a homo group from Mt. Home as we started down. They all looked weird. - One had lost a heel from his high heel shoes. - Another carried a handbag. AVOID GOING BACK ON THIS DATE NEXT YEAR!
590 547 8/27/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. We met the homosexual group at A.C.B. They were a noisome, weird group. I wondered what the other guests thought about them being there. - Jeff, who was working the office today, took the rest of the day & night off so he wouldn't be around them. We saw Donna at the office and later John as we went down to the kitchen to kid him. We also saw Allen there. Jeff gave Buckey & me a doughnut. We stopped at the Burger King in Sevierville for a hamburger. Hot day and visibility poor on Mountain. - We saw a peregrine falcon circling ACB.
591 548 8/29/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Stopped and talked to trail the maintenance crew at top of double steps. (Stanley Huskey & Ed Groves) Ate my lunch on bench outside of office. Allen in office, the only crew member I saw. Started raining at Gracie's Pulpit on my way down.
592 549 9/1/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone,11 miles.114th consecutive month to hike to LeConte. I got a late start, abt. 11:50. Hot day but cool on top with little sunshine. I met Jeff and Allen on my way up. They were going to the ball game. On my way down, I met David and Lisa, abt. 15 mins from the trailhead. - That left only 4 crew members at the top. - I saw Jennifer, who was tending the office and also John, Donna & Susan. Ed Webb & Marion Randolph were in the office when I got there.
593 550 9/5/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey, Jill & Jean,11 miles. Jill had already left when we got to the trailhead. - We caught up with her at the double steps. - Met David going both ways. - Jennifer was in the office. - Donna, John & Susan also came by. - We talked to 3 women from Cin., Ohio, who wanted to see a bear. - Weather was great, actually cool in the shade on the top. - We stopped at the Cracker Barrel in P.F. on the way back. - Had a long wait to be seated.
594 551 9/9/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge & Myrtle Pt. via A.C.B. Trail alone,12 miles. Got on the trail abt. 10:30 a.m.. - Got to lodge abt. 12:55 p.m. - Met Betty Jane Barnett from Somerset, Ky. The second time I've seen her this year. - She only went to the Horse Gate. - someone had brought her and her nephew a 5th grader to the trailhead and were to come back and meet them. - Also met Jennifer going both ways. - Coming back from Myrtle Pt., I met a group of young women who asked me questions abt. The Mt. It turned out that Tom Cronan had brought them up. They were the UT Tennis Team. - Their coach, Mike Patrick was with them. - Tom took me out on the porch to tell them abt. my LeConte hiking. He had met Tim Line's dad the day before and wanted to meet Tim. Tom Cronan is the one who mentioned me in the article abt him in the Tenn Alumnus.
595 551 9/12/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey, & Jean,11 miles. I didn't know abt. It but Jean had arranged to have Donna bake a cake for my birthday, which is 3 days away. I didn't think any thing abt. Donna coming to the office and staying most of the time we were there. - Jennifer also stayed most of the time we were there. - Lisa was tending the office. - John came in later and stayed aq while too. - Later Donna went back to the kitchen and came back with the cake. - We all had a good time. - Allen & David also came back with her. - I knew John had asked Buckey if he could go back through Gatlinburg but I didn't know the reason. John had sent a note by Buckey to the Gift Shop for them to let me have one of the Mt. LeConte T-shirt's. Jean paid for my hamburger, fries & Coke. Buckey gave me a hand-carved giraffe that he had brought back from Africa.
596 553 9/15/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone,11 miles. I climbed Mt. LeConte today on my 75th birthday. - 2 ˝ hrs. up. - Jeff was in the office. - I also saw John & Donna. - Saw Al Bettinger. - It was a beautiful day for hiking. - Cool on top when you were out of the sunshine. - Someone told me the temp. was 38 up here last nigh. I saw a single bluet blooming about 50 ft.. below the double steps. They normally bloom from May until Aug., depending on elevation.
597 554 9/19/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone,11 miles. I met Jeff on my trip going both ways. I got a late start. 11:55. It started raining just before I reached the double steps. It was light and I didn't get very wet. No rain on the way down. It was cold on top and Allen fired up the stove in the office. He was the only crew member I saw on top today and was taking care of the office. There was only one lane of traffic each way, near the Quality Inn in P.F. so, I came back the Middle Creek Road.
598 555 9/25/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone,11 miles. A great day for hiking. One of if not the clearest days this year. I was 2 ˝ hrs going up but I stopped to talk 3 times. Met some people at the bluff that remembered me. Also met Earl & Gwen Roper from near Birmingham. I later met her brothers, Leroy & Bobby Jones, on top. They were just ordinary, unpretentious people and I liked them all. I believe they liked me. - I met David & Lisa near Grassy Slide. John was in the office. - Also saw Donna & allen. Sunny but a little cool in the shade.
9/29/90, Spence field via Lead Cove with Buckey, Jean, Jo Ann, & Barbara Yonkers, 10 miles. Overcast and a short period of light rain. We got a little cool on top. - Jean drove. - We met in Maryville at Krogers. A bear had the traffic blocked at the parking area. We stayed on top abt
1 ˝ hrs. Made it off in 2 hrs.
599 556 10/3/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey, Jean, Kathern K., & Jill, 11 miles. A cool day with mostly cloudy skies. - We passed some of Jill's church group, including a very beautiful young lady named Joy, who remembered meeting Jean & me on the Blvd. Trail - when the ACB trail was out that day and we went on it in spite of the slide. - We went bqck the Blvd. Trail that day. - Also met a young lady, McElroy, who remembered me. Lisa in the office. - Mason Watts was up and came in the office. - We also saw John, Donna, Jeff, David and Jennifer in the office and allen as we went down. - All of us stopped at the Cracker Barrel in P.F. to eat. Lu drove. Met Harry Brown's nephew on top. He and a companion had come up Cannon Creek.
600 10/10/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey, Jean, Jo Ann, Barbara Y, Phyllis & friend Evelyn, 11 miles. They had expected us on Monday and had baked a cake. (The lodge crew). It rained on Mon. so we called it off. Met Jeff going both ways. - John was also down bet we met him on his way back up. Susan was tending the office. - Jennifer came up to the office. We also saw Donna, Tim, Lisa and the kids as well as Allen in the dining room & kitchen. - We took up Cokes and others took up cookies, Cool Whip (Jean), pop corn and something to spice up the pop corn. We saw some rhododendrons blooming just below the A.C.B. We all had a good time. Stopped in Sevierville at Burger King.
10/11/90, Rainbow Falls with Happy Hikers, 5 miles. I rode with Ada. Her friends, Margaret, Virginia & Carl Smith also rode with her. Others in the group included Ted, Daisy, Francis & Charlotte. I hiked in front with Ada on the way up. We ate lunch together and walked back together. The last time I hiked with the H.H. was the same trip abt. 2 years ago. - I forgot to mention Norine Barr was along and she showed me a rumba step, (In the parking lot), that had been taught at O'Connor Center for the last 2 weeks. 18 hikers all together.
10/14/90, Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap up and Grown Hog Ridge down to the parking lot. 9 mi., with Buckey & Phyllis. Phyllis made arrangements with Ranger George Minnigh to pick us up on the road at the bottom of Ground Hog Ridge. He took us back to the Cosby Camp Ground and to our car. We made good time to Cammerer. Less than 2 ˝ hrs. We also made good time down the manway. Just a little over 2 hrs. We also walked abt. 1 ˝ miles on the road until we met ranger Minigh coming after us. We also met Ranger Robby Robinson. We all slipped several times coming down the manway because it was wet and steep. I never went completely to the ground but both Phyllis & Buckey went all of the way to the ground several times. We stopped at the Cracker Barrel at Newport to eat. A group of young ladies were already on Mt. Cammerer when we got there bet we didn't know they were there because they were on the opposite side of the tower from us. One of them was Bobbie Nielsen a SMHC member I couldn't recall meeting her but Phyllis & Buckey knew her. Another of the group named Nancy, I had met on Myrtle Pt. back in July. I remembered her but had forgotten where I had seen her. She remembered. Another one of the group knew Buckey.
601 558 10/17/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Got a late start. Abt. 11:30 from the trailhead. Left the top early because I was afraid the traffic might be heavy. Saw Jim Edwards and Paul Norris whom I had met last Oct. 4th. - they had taken Video Pictures of me at that time. - I was with Sarge & Lu at the time. Jim was talking abt. Sarge's unstoppable chatter. They took still pictures of me today. - Going down, I met a young couple who asked if my picture was at the lodge office. They also wanted a picture. - Jennifer was in the office and I met Lisa on her way up not too far from the trailhead.
602 559 10/24/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jill, Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Jill went on ahead of us and got to the lodge. - We met Tim & Nathan not far from the trailhead. - We also met Susan & Jennifer near the saddle. Lisa was in the office. - John & Donna came up to talk to us. - I met a man on our way up who recognized me and later a young lady in a group who remembered me from last May. - Buckey and his friends came up Blvd. We saw them at the lodge. - Jill & Jean left before Lu & I. - We stopped at Wendy's in Sevierville to eat.
603 560 10/28/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. Nice day. - Sunny but cool. - David was tending office. - John & Donna came up to talk to us at the office. Since I didn't write this up until 10/31, I can't remember if I saw any other crew members. I did have an enjoyable conversation with Dr. John Burkhart. It was mostly about Knoxville High School and some of the UT football games. and players. We also talked about the North Knoxville neighborhood where he still lives on Emerland Blvd. He had lived on Coker before. Buckey & I stopped in Sevierville B.K. (Burger King)
604 561 10/31/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Great day for hiking. - Warm. - Met trail maintenance crew (Edward Grooves & Stanley Huskey) above the double steps. - Also met Jerry Owenby (foreman trail maintenance and now historical bldgs.) Near Horse Gate. We talked to several others on way up including a couple from Singapore and one from Georgia. The ones from Singapore wanted my picture. Also talked to 3 people from Cobley Knob who remembered me from last year. John & Donna made up like the Flintstones, Jennifer was a cat and Allen was Frankenstein for Halloween . Also, saw Susan on top and Randy on his way up for the Halloween Party. We ate at Sevierville Burger King.
605 562 11/3/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, 11 miles. 116 consecutive months. Jean went on ahead before I got to the trailhead. - We came down together. - Talked to Gaye Honeycutt (Boling). She described her husband to me and asked me to tell him who I was. He had gone to the top and she had stayed at ACB and read a book. First time I've seen them in 2 or 3 years. Also saw the German woman, Margaret, SMHC, member. Saw Gaye's husband farther up the trail. - Also saw Margaret Stev. Talked to a couple that remembered me from their last trip up. John in office. - Only crew member I saw. - Traffic at a standstill at Sugarland Center. I came back through Metcalf, Wears Valley, Townsend & Maryville.
606 563 11/7/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey & Jill, 11 miles. On our way up we met David and on way down we met David and Allen. - Susan tending office. - Also saw Lisa Line in office. - I got stopped several times by hikers who had been told by others in my group about the number of hikes I had made to LeConte. One of them remembered my birthday. (Same as his). Good day. - Fairly warm & sunny. We ate at P.F Cracker Barrel. I ordered a breakfast meal.
607 564 11/11/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean & Phyllis, 11 miles. Today is the work crew's Thanksgiving Dinner and we had to leave earlier than usual. We were to have met at 9:00. Jean was there when I got to the trailhead. - She went on ahead and I waited for Phyllis until 9:03 and then went on. I caught up with Jean at ACB and Phyllis caught up with us below the double steps. We met Sally (former crew member) abt. 20 mins from the lodge. She gave me a bid hug. The only others to attend the dinner were: Al Bettinger, Dick Ketell and Randy (Susan's boy friend). We had Turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, cranberries and vegetables: green beans, potatoes, corn etc. Jennifer won't be back next year, but she would write me when she comes back for a visit.
608 565 11/14/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Susan & Randy were not at the lodge. - We sat on the bench above the office to eat our lunch. We met and talked to Dennis Matheney (Asst. Vice Pres. & Manager of Citizen's Bank of Cookville, TN) and his hiking companion, Tommy Walker, on our way up. We also talked to them on top. Tommy works for the Utility Co. (Power). - We stopped at McDonalds for burgers, fries, coffee & ice cream. Warm, fair, clear day.
609 566 11/21/90, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Buckey, 11 miles. Warm today. Some clouds. - Mostly sunshine. - Met a couple from Norway at Insp. Pt. He is a flight instructor in middle Tn. She had quite an accent. - His was hardly noticeable. - Also talked to a young lawyer from Fla. while out on Cliff Top. He seemed impressed with my hiking and age. He said I didn't look 75 years old. a nice looking, clean cut young man. - Stopped again at McDonalds.
11/23/90, Old Settler's Trail with Cricket, 8 miles. There was a light rain coming down. Abt. 4 miles out on the trail we talked to three men on the trail. Ate at the Cracker Barrel.
11/24/90, Greenbrier Pinnacle with Cricket, 10 mi's.
610 567 11/28/90, Mt. LeConte to shelter via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. Called Lu but he had a cold and didn't want to hike today. - After listening to the weather forecast for rain, I'd decided not to go but after receiving a call from Buckey, I decided to go. The rain forecasst was accurate. It started raining abt. 1/3 of the way from the lodge and rained for the rest of the hike. Most of the time it was light rain and I didn't get too wet. I wore my L.L. Bean boots and kept me feet dry. We ate lunch in the shelter where we talked to two other hikers who had taken shelter there. - We passed Susan on both the up and down trips. Randy was at the lodge but we didn't see him. We ate at McDonalds in Sevierville.
611 568 12/5/90, Mt. LeConte to blowdown via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. 117 Consecutive months. I called Lu this morning but he wasn't going hiking today. I had decided not to go when Buckey called and we went on. - Got abt a 20 min. late start. - Sunny day but quite a bit of ice on the trail. We only saw 2 other hikers before getting to the blowdown where we ate our lunch. - The last hiker we met on our way up stopped and talked to us (near Grassy Slide). We met a young couple (backpackers) below the double steps. they were staying at the shelter. Later me met a couple of long haired young men, just above ACB. They had no gear, not much clothing and could have not gotten out before dark. As they were walking fast, we worried that they might be following the couple. Stopped at McDonald's in Sevierville.
12/12/90, Rich Mt. Loop with Lu, Buckey & Jean, 9 mi. Parked car at beginning of Loop Rd. to Cades Cove. Took Crooked Arm Trail up and down by the Oliver cabin. - It was a great Dec. day. We couldn't have asked for a better day. We talked to a man with a motor scooter at the end of the hike. Lu & I left Jean & Buckey at Kroger's in Alcoa where we had parked. - Buckey drove to Cades Cove. Lu & I stopped for ice cream at Hardee's in Knox. Got home abt. 5 pm..
12/19/90, Cades Cove Loop with Lu & Buckey, 11 mi. A great day for Dec. Hiking, a little cloudy but the temperature was just right. We saw many deer, probably over 50. - We ate lunch on the porch of the 2 story clapboard sided house near the grist mill. - After lunch we cut through the field behind the house and came out on the road near the Abrams Fall Road. - After crossing the creek on the road, we cut through the first field and hiked most of the way back off trail. - We found an old cemetery. It was a small family one of the Birchfield's. - We saw at least 3 large bucks on this part of the trip. - A rare enjoyable hike and a little something different.
12/26/90, Cades Cove Loop with Lu, Andy Z., Jo Ann, Jean L., & Phyllis, 11 mi. After lunch at the same place we ate last week, (12/19), we cut through the fields as we did last week as far as the cemetery. - with Lu, Andy and Phyllis's help, I got over 1 gal of unhulled walnuts. - Jean & Jo Ann went back to the road. - We walked through the fields & woods until we reached the road to the Primitive Baptist Church. Andy and Phyllis picked up and carried out a lot of garbage. - Lu & I stopped at McDonald's in Alcoa.
81 hikes to LeConte this year 1990.
101 total hikes.
1066 miles hiked this year (1990).
All hikes to LeConte through 1990 611 - after age 65: 568.
1/2/91, Cades Cove Loop by Hyatt Lane with Lu, Buckey, Phyllis, Andy Z., Jo Ann, & Jean L. 7 mi. We cut the loop hike and cut over on Hyatt Lane. - We ate lunch at the end of Hyatt Lane, on the rich Mt. side. I got sick after lunch and had a hard time getting back to car. - Felt better that night after vomiting but it took abt. 5 days to get over it. - Everyone called to see about me.
612 569 1/6/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Ed Jones, Phyllis, Joe Caja & Dave Scandlin, 11 miles. 118 Consecutive months. I wasn't up to par but made my 1st hike for the year to LeConte. Warm for this time of year. - Just a sprinkle of rain. No ice or snow. - Jeff at his cabin. - We ate lunch in kitchen and later went to Jeff's cabin. - Joe drove. - I didn't make it too well. - Wasn't over my upset stomach.
1/9/91, School House Gap Rd. via Chestnut Top Ridge with jean & Lu. 9 mi. Because of Jean's nurses aid training class, we had to get an early start. We made a pretty fast trip, spending abt. 20 mins. eating lunch before going back. - A little cool. No Rain. -
1/10/91, Lumber Ridge withHappy Hikers. Ada drove. Others on this hike, Carl Smith, Chuck, Norine, Seaton Waters, Ted, Virginia and others.
1/23/91, School House Gap Rd. via Chestnut Top Ridge with Buckey & Lu. 9 mi. Cold day but mostly clear. - No rain. Snow is predicted for tomorrow. Went by Jean's but she didn't go. - A lot of conversation between, but nothing eventful was seen or happened on this hike. Stopped at Revco in Maryville and bought a blood pressure kit. - Stopped at McDonalds to eat.
613 570 2/3/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. 119 Consecutive months. A very nice warm day for this date. Lots of hikers on trail and lots of cars in Park and Chimney top & LeConte trailheads. We met Jeff, who was going down for a day hike. We also met him on his way back up. There was some ice on the upper part of the trail but as the surface was melting, it wasn't too slick. There were no icicles at the bluff. Ate lunch in front of the ranger's cabin. I got hot just sitting there on the concrete slab. We stopped at McDonalds in Sevierville to eat on our way home.
2/6/91, School House Gap Rd. via Chestnut Top Ridge with Jean, Buckey & Lu. 9 mi. Same hike we usually take in wet weather in the winter.
2/13/91, School House Gap Rd. via Chestnut Top Ridge with Buckey & Lu. 9 mi. Light rain on way up but we got a little wet on the way back. We also got cold.
2/14/91, Walden Ridge with the Happy Hikers, 5 mi. I rode with Ada & 3 women. We only walked out on ridge about 1 ˝ miles. - Turned around because of threat of rain which didn't come. We later walked out to the fire tower on the other side of the road. The start of this hike was the same as the S.M.H.C. took to Lake City in 1990. This time we came in on the other side of the ridge.
2/20/91, School House Gap Rd. via Chestnut Top Ridge with Buckey & Lu. 9 mi. Light rain on way up. - Fairly warm.
2/26/91, Hall Mt. Fire Tower with SMHC, 10 mi. 27 made this trip. My 1st hike with the club since March 31, last year. - I rode with Buckey, Charlie Klabundy, Gaye Bryant & her daughter, Ann rode with us. Others on this hike: Jo Ann, Chris, Caja, Jean Lambert, Phyllis, Dave Scandlin, Bob Lee, Joe Caja, Tom Little and Bill Reagan, whom I met on Mt. LeConte.
2/27/91, Chestnut Top Ridge with Buckey & Lu. 8 mi. Mostly sunny, in the 50's. We took my folding saw and worked on the blow downs. - We got most of them out. We ate lunch abt. ˝ mi. short of School House Gap. I stayed there while Lu & Buckey went on down to work on another blow down. 61 mi. through today for Feb.
614 571 3/6/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. 120 Consecutive months hiking Mt. LeConte. 10 Years. Light rain on the way up but we put our umbrellas up after abt. ˝ mile of walking. We didn't need them anymore after that. Wind was fierce and we got cold near the top. Jeff was in his cabin. Nice and warm. We stayed abt. 2 hrs. I took Jeff a qt. of milk & a box of corn flakes. Also pretzels and a paper. We stopped at Krystal in Sevierville on our way back. - It rained hard while we were there.
3/17/91, Mt. Cammerer with Litch & Steven from Connecticut, Phyllis & Bobby Nielsen. We came down Ground Hog Ridge. Abt. 65 degrees as we started up Low Gap at 10:20 a.m.. Windy at Low Gap which made it pretty cool. Also cold on Cammerer. Some patches of snow left. Gott Ridge was tiresome. - Ranger George Minnigh met us at the highway & took us back to the beginning trailhead. I rode with Bobby. Phyllis came from Park Headquarter with Litch & Steve. Was pretty tired when I got down.
615 570 3/20/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey & Jerry Dale (umpire), 11 miles. We waited for Jerry at Sugarland Center. Dave Scandlin went up ahead of us. He was going to spend the night. Phyllis was to come up later. - She had permission to use the Ranger's Shack. - She hadn't arrived at the time we left. Today was the Air Lift Day. The choppers made several trips while we were there. - We saw Tim, John, Donna, Melinda, Allen, Jeff & Marty as well as 3 of the new girls. - Saw ice and snow on top but it was warm. - Some large rocks had fallen from the bluff. - Stopped at Krystal for chili.
3/23/91, Chestnut Top Ridge alone, 6 mi. Late start. Got to trailhead abt. 3:30- pm. - I cut 2 pine trees that had fallen on the trail (abt. 20 or 25 mins. out from the trailhead). Several people on the trail (Saturday) Warm abt. 75 degrees.
3/24/91, Charlie's Bunion with the SMHC, 7 mi. Hikers on this hike whom I hadn't seen in up to 3 years or more were: June Inman, Jim & Phyllis Lyle, Sarge, Al Watson, Nancy Morgan & others. - I rode with Phyllis. We stopped at ranger Hdq. where I met Keny Slay. Others on hike: Joe Caja & wife, Alice Xiques, Carl Smith. I also saw ranger Steve Kloster whom I had met about 1 month ago, just above ACB on LeConte Trail. He was taking some hikers off who had a large dog with them.
616 571 3/26/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via ACB & Duck Hawk Ridge at age 75l with Lu, 11 miles. A very nice day. Partly cloudy but warm. - Hiked and stayed in my shirt sleeves all day. Lu and I came up Duck Hawk Ridge even though the closing signs were still up. Keny Slay, (Ranger) had told Phyllis (in my presence) that it wasn't closed but they didn't want everyone to know about it. Lots of hikers on the trail. - Talked to a college and a high school coach from Ala. Lisa Line passed us while talking to them. - We also saw Tim, Tim's father (Dr. Line), John, Allen, Susan & Sandy. - Stopped at Krystal for chili. New crew members Sarah, Susan, Sandy & Barbara.
617 3/30/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Phyllis, 11 miles. Started late. - Weather cold. - 1" of snow at top. - Last night's low at top was 15 degrees. Socked in until we reached abt. 5,500 Ft. Sunshine above that. Beautiful sight with the peaks rising above an ocean of clouds. - Still socked in as we got lower on our way back. - Saw Sandy, Sarah & Jeff going each way. - Saw Melinda, Grace and Nathan at Insp. Pt. Also, saw Lisa going down to meet them. John was training Susan Smith to handle the office. Besides the couple from Ala, whom I see every year, we saw Ed Wright, Tim, Donna and Marion Randolph. - Clutch went out on my car near E. Town (640). I ran into Jewell Roller who drove me home.
618 4/3/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey & Jean, 11 miles & 121 consecutive months. We met Betty Jane Barnett and her party of four. I have met her before on several occasions and guided her and 4 of her friends, from Somerset, Ky, up Duck Hawk Ridge. The weather was fairly warm but we got a little cool at the top, when it was cloudy. - We saw the Cleveland, Ohio couple that Phyllis had told us about. - They had come up ahead of us on the ACB Trail. I took their car keys and drove their car to Newfound Gap, so they could come down by the Blvd. Trail. Vicki Law was also up. - We talked to her and a young man from Florida for abt. And hour (in the office). Sarah was tending the office. John & Donna came in. The 4 of us stopped at Krystal in Sevierville for chili.
4/6/91, Greenbrier School to Walker Sister's Cabin & the Wye up to Chestnut Top Ridge abt. 1 mile with Ada. 5 miles. It was a very nice, warm and sunny spring day. We saw a nice young lady and her two small daughters at Walker's Cabin. They were from Maryville. Met 4 other hikers as we neared the cabin. Ate our lunch, which consisted of Vienna Sausage, potted meat, crackers and pork and beans. We ate at the cabin. We later walked up Chestnut top Ridge to see the wild flowers which were plentiful. - We saw 1). Foamflower, 2). Fire pink, 3). Great chickweed, 4). Rue anemone, 5). White erect trillium, 6). Longspur violets, 7). Sweet white violets, 8). Yellow violets, 9). Bishop's cap, 10). Solomon's seal, 11).False Solomon's seal, 12). Cinquefoil, 13). Squaw Root, 14). Daisy Flea bane, 15). Yellow trillium, 16). Crested dwarf iris, 17). Redbud, 18). Dogwood.
619 4/8/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Warm but a little drizzle near the top. Met a couple from near Columbus, Ohio near the Horse Gate. They had seen the news article abt. me and we had a nice conversation. Barbara was tending the lodge and she was the only crew member I saw while there. I had a good chance to get acquainted with her. She brought me hot chocolate from the kitchen. I saw Bill and Gail Stansell from Lawrenceville, Ga, whom I had met last year. Bill took my picture with Gail. Several others also took my picture. - Light rain caught me at the double steps and heavier rain at Arch Rock.
620 4/10/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey, Jill & Nancy M., 11 miles. A little but a very clear, nice, sunny day. We sat on the bench at the south end of the office to eat our lunch. We stayed there in the sun about 2 hrs. before starting down. We stopped at Inspiration Point, on the way down, to rest. We talked to a very young couple who were there and had also talked to them just above Duck Hawk. I played the harmonica. We stopped for ice cream in P.F.
4/11/91, White Oaks sinks and abt 1/4th mi on Chestnut Top Ridge with Ada, 6 mi. We saw and identified 23 different wild flowers, including showy orchis on the white Oak Sinks Loop and an additional 9 on the 1st 1/4th mi. on Chestnut Top for a total of 32. They were: spring beauties, birds foot violet, longspur violets, sweet white violets, yellow violets, Bishop's Cap, toothwort, golden ragwort, bloodroot, foam flower, creeping phlox, wild strawberry, cinquefoil, great chickweed, yellow trillium, dwarf iris, showy orchis, harry buttercup, daisy fleabane, partridge berry, rue anemone, redbud, dogwood, (WQS), purple phacelia, white erect trillium, Solomon's seal, false Solomon's seal, dog hobble, fire pink, large flowered trillium, stone crop and squaw root. (CTR). We went by Helen Gatlin on way home (in Louisville) She insisted on feeding us honey baked ham, French fries & pineapple upside down cake.
4/14/91, Porters Creek Campground with Phyllis & Howard McAnally, 5 mi. Saw several flowers including abt. 12 - 15 showy orchis. None of which were in full bloom. Also saw harry buttercups, trout lily, wood anemone, acres of trillium and others. Howard and Phyllis cleaned water bars.
621 4/15/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. We met Jeff both ways going for a day run. - also John & Donna going down for a week. - Sandy in office. - Sarah came in while we were there. - Tim Line was working on water spigot. - Weather mostly cloudy early but more sun later. - Ed Wright had left a copy of the Nat. Geographic Traveler with John for me. It had an article about me and Mt. LeConte. We ate at the Krystal.
622 4/17/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey & Barbara Y., 11 miles. We met Susan, Barbara & Jeff on the way up as well as on the way down. Sandy in office. Also saw Tim & Sarah from the lodge. Also Henry? And Vicki Law.
623 4/20/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I met Ed Wright, Margaret S. and Betty Jane Barnett on my way up. Ed made two trips. - Saw a couple of others who remembered me. - Sarah & Jeff were in office. - Til and Allen were also there. - Saw Barbara & Susan in kitchen.
624 4/22/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Beautiful Hoarfrost on top. - Cool. - Saw Tim going down just below Horse Gate. - Susan Smyth in office. - didn't see any other crew members. - Had a good conversation with a couple from Nashville, while in the office. On the trail, we talked with a group from NC and a U.P.S pilot from Louisville, Ky. Stopped at Cap. D's in Sevierville to eat.
625 4/24/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Buckey, 11 miles. I only got around to writing that much immediately. I cannot place whom we saw on the trail or in the office.
4/26/90, Chimney Rock in Frozen Head with Ada 12 mi.
626 4/28/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. Forgot to write this one up and don't remember who was in the office. I do remember that we saw Ed Wright on the trail and John in the office. Also Jean came up later. We stopped at Cap. D's to eat.
627 5/1/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. 122 consecutive months.
628 5/6/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Buckey, 11 miles. We met Sandy near the upper part of the ridge to the double steps. We also met Ed Wright near the Horse
Gate. He had gotten so cold that he was still shaking. Allen was tending the office and John came in while we were there. We met Jeff and Barbara as we went down. They were near the spot where we saw Sandy. Stopped at Cap. D's, in Sevierville, for fish, fries & hush puppies on the way home.
629 5/8/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Jean, Barbara Y. & Buckey, 11 miles.
Bucky and I went down big Duck Hawk to look for falcons. Buckey stayed while I went on to the LeConte. It was rough going but worth the effort. A great view. I only had time to eat my sandwich when I got to the top before the others in our group were ready to start back. IO didn't get to rest. Met Ed Wright below the double steps. I also saw Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds from Hamilton, Ohio. - Sandy was tending office. - We all stopped at Capt. D's in Sevierville to eat.
630 5/13/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu. Jean came later, 11 miles. We met Lisa Line on the trail as we went up. - Also Jeff & Barbara as we went both ways. Talked to Sarah in the office. Allen & Tim also came in. We also talked to Bo & Shirley Henry in the office. (Bo had served in the State Legislature for 8 years from Blount County) (Maryville) A young man walked out with us from Insp. Pt. He seemed to take a real liking to me as was indicated as we parted at the trailhead. Ed Wright has 268 0n 5-13-91.
631 5/15/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Forgot to write this trip up until 20th. Can't remember who was tending the office but I do remember seeing Lisa Line, Ed Webb and Margaret S. Debbie was with Margaret on this trip. - first time I had seen her in about 2 years. Also talked with a couple from Albany, N.Y. She (Pauline) is the administrator of the veteran's hospital in Albany. We stopped at Cap. D's in Sevierville.
632 5/20/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. We worked on a fallen tree between the saddle and the double steps. - Met Ed Wright there. also met a couple from Carbondale, Ill, Ann & Mike Phillips. They were both born in England and moved to South Africa before coming to the states. They did not know each other before meeting here.They are now teachers at S. Ill. College in Carbondale. Barbara was in the office and the only crew member that we saw. We stopped at Cap. D's in Sevierville to eat.
633 5/22/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. We met Ed Wright above the double steps. - Sarah in office. - Also saw Sandy, Allen & John. - Met Jeff as we went down. - It rained pretty hard before we got to the double steps and I got pretty wet, the wettest I've gotten so far this year. - Stopped at Cap. D's. Jean had stopped before we got there and got all of us a frostie.
634 5/27/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Ada, 11 miles. We met Margaret s. & party as well as Ed Wright on our way up. We talked to a couple from Maryland who had read the article in the National Geo. Traveler. They had been married for 3 years. Talked to them again at the lodge. - Also met Bo & Shirley Henry, just below ACB. - Jeff was in the office. I offered to let him stay in my cabin, on the lake. - Talked to some ladies from Athens, Ga. They'll be back the last Monday in Sept. or first.
635 5/29/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Some light rain. We met a man just below the pulpit that was having trouble with his knee. I helped him down as far as Duck Hawk Ridge. - Met Ed Wright on the trail, near the top. Jeff again was in the office. Susan came by. Also met Jerrod, a minister, who walked part of the way down with me and left a note on my car. - Stopped at Cap. D's and Burger King for shake.
636 5/31/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Made it to lodge in 2:25. total for round trip 4 hrs. & 59 min. Met Sandy & Ed Wright on my way up. Talked to them for 3 or 4 min. Susan was in the office. I only stayed on top for abt 12 min. Stopped at Grassy Slide to eat. Met Jerry Risdahl from Morristown on my way down. I had met him a couple of other times. I also saw Allen at the second foot log (coming up) He was having trouble with his leg.
637 6/3/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. 123 consecutive months! Made it up in 2 hrs. and 32 mins. Stopped to talk to other hikers on 4 occasions. - Saw Jeff & Ed Wright on trail. Sandy was in office. Sarah came by. Took up dance tapes. Sandy got a tape player and I danced with a woman. - The tapes were for Susan and Barbara. - Talked to a lady from Fla. for abt. ˝ hr. before I left. Forgot to mention that I was Mrs Southern, who was in the dance class with Norine Burr.
638 6/5/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Met Ed Wright on our way up. Sarah was in the office. - She brought me coffee. - Barbara came with her and the coffee. Vickey came up. She along with Henry Neel from Morristown, sat with Lu, Jean and me at the end of the office while we ate our lunch. - John also came by. Henry stopped at Capt. D's with us to eat (Sevierville) and of course walked off the mountain with us. On June 5, Ed Wright has 288 hikes to LeConte. I have 638. I am 350 hikes ahead. On Sept 5th 90 I was 395 ahead and on May 26, 90 I was 386 ahead.
639 6/7/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Overtook Barbara Renfro and some of her party at Arch Rock as I went up. Saw her again above the double steps, on my way down - Also met Dave Ward, minister of the 1st Baptist church in Knox. on the trail. I met Susan & Barbara and later, Sandy (all crew members going down for a day run.) Sandy was going down to meet his girl friend Virginia. I saw them on my way down at the bluff. Also saw Susan and Barbara as I went down. Saw Ed Wright a couple of hundred yards from the lodge, on his way down. I met the Payne's from Texas and their 2 children. Both are originally from Knox and hope to get back some day. They have property in Townsend. She was a Jacobs in H.H area. He Ft. City.
640 6/10/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Got a late start. Abt. 11:30 before leaving trailhead. I had my clock set wrong. We passed 1 group from Ga. and another from Ind. near the top. Saw Virginia (Sandy's girlfriend) at Insp. Pt. She was going down as we were going up. Sandy was tending the office. He was the only crew member we saw except for Jeff, who was going down to meet his sister, her husband and 2 children. They were late and Jeff had to come back up before they got to the trailhead. We met them below the bluff on our way down. Saw Ed Wright at the bluff as we went up and again as we ate lunch at the lodge.
641 6/14/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey & Jean, 11 miles. Jean got to the trailhead before we did and got a start on us. We didn't catch up with her until we were abt. 20 mins from the lodge. We met Ed Wright just above the double steps. Met dick Katell and his 2 daughters near the lodge. He had been working on the fireplace at the shelter. We saw Susan as I passed between the ranger's cabin and the office. She was going down with her mother and another young lady. Jeff tending the office. Sandy came by and got 2 pieces of carving wood I had brought to him. (with Virginia gone he had to whittle) Sarah also came by. - Jeff brought us coffee.Stopped at Capt. D's. Rained after we got to lodge. Saw Dave Scanlon and party of 2 at top of double steps.
642 6/17/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail ALONE, 11 miles. Met Sandy and Sarah as I came under Arch Rock. Also met them again at the 1st cable above the double steps, as I went down. I meet the Reeds from Birmingham abt. 10 mins. out from the trailhead. Met Ed Wright, not far above AC Bluff. Susan was tending the office and was the only other crew member I saw. It started raining just above the double steps and I got a little wet, especially my feet. I didn't need any rain gear on the way down.
643 6/19/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey and Jean. 600 since age 65, 11 miles. Met Mrs. Fiddler, Sara Jane's mother, above the double steps. Sara had described me and told her to to be looking for me. Incidentally, Sarah was working the office today. Met Ed Wright a little further up. Both Jeff and John came by the office while we were there. Henry Neel was in the office and walked off the Mt. with us and ate with us at Capt. D's. - Light rain near top and again as we got near the trailhead on our way down.
644 6/22/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail Alone, 11 miles. I saw Larry and Linda Walden at Insp. Pt. Talked quite a while with them. Later above the bluff, saw Betty Jne Barnett from Somerset, Ky. (have met her on several occasions and once went up Duckhawk Ridge with her and party) - John was in the office and I don't recall seeing any other crew members. - Saw Sylvia Tally and party just above double steps. - I have also seen her on several occasions but this was the first time this year. - She said she would be back in August.
645 6/24/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. We talked to Jeff, Sandy and Ed Wright on the way up. Each was separate. Susan was at the desk in the office. Didn't see any other crew member but I talked to two couples from Louisville, Ky. as we sat around the office stove. The day was cloudy and a little colder than normal. It rained after we got to the lodge and didn't stop until we were close to the car. We used our umbrellas most of the way down and for about the last quarter mile from the top, when it started sprinkling. Ed said that he fell down the side of the trail about 25 feet when he tried to pass some hikers. Stopped at Capt. D's.
646 6/26/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail Alone, 11 miles. Light rain all of the way up and most of the way down. Met Shirley Carver below Arch Rock and walked to ACB with her. Her daughter and son-in-law, Bob and Ann Ackrich had gone ahead. They were from Nashville. Saw Ed Wright about 20 mins. down from the lodge. Allen was in the office. Jeff also came by. - Saw John as I went into the office. As I went down with Henry Neel, we met Keith Garnes, just past the ACB & Rainbow Falls Trails junction. Abt 20 mins from the lodge we saw Sarah Jane. Henry and I stopped at Capt. D's.
647 6/29/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail Alone, 11 miles. Talked with a man who recognized me from the News Item at the lodge. Also saw and talked with a couple that I had met on the 3rd of this month (I had danced with her then). Sarah Jane was in the office. Brought me a couple of cookies from the kitchen. Susan also came by and gave me some letters to mail for her. Donna came in to adjust the stove. - I saw no other crew members. I got up a little before 1:30 and left at 3:00. Stopped by Kroger's on way home.
648 7/1/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey and Jo Ann, 11 miles. 124th consecutive month. We all 4 went in Lu's car. - Met on Ash. Hwy. Cloudy with some sunshine. Light rain part of the way down. Sandy and his girlfriend, Virginia, were in the office. Allen and John came by. The only other person or crew member we saw was Barbara, whom we met on our way down at Styx Branch. We stopped at Capt. D's. forgot to mention. I saw ranger Steve Koester in civilian clothes and almost didn't recognize him. - He was with his wife, who is taking chemo- therapy for cancer. Steve works for Keny Slay.
649 7/3/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Jean, Henry Neel, Vicki Law and Jo Ann, 11 miles. We stopped at Sugarland Center to see Ann Forsythe. - Saw Henry Neel there. He later met us at the trailhead ane went up with us. - Vicky Law was also with us but left before we did. Sarah Jane was tending the office again and the only other crew members we saw were Sandy & John. Was a very good day. Some clouds but no rain. Henry stopped with Jo Ann, Lu and me at Capt. D's.
650 7/6/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail Alone, 11 miles. Saw Barbara, her dad and aunt just above Styx Branch. Jeff was tending the office and the only crew member I saw. Saw John's mother, step-dad and sister after I got back to car. Weather warm. Some clouds. Saw Ed Wright near the top.
651 7/8/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. A warm and good day in general. - Few drops of very light rain just abt. The time that we reached the bluff on our way down. We met Jeff just below the pulpit and Sandy at the saddle. We also met them again on our way down. Sarah Jane was tending the office and brought us a cookie from the kitchen. - John came in while we were there. I also talked with Randall D. Hall and his companion, Joe. Randall knows Buckey and Phyllis. He is the Executive Director at UT Martin. He had remembered me from an earlier trip and seems to be a very nice young fellow. - We (Lu & I) went by the shack on the lake and later ate at Capt. D's. The young lady who waits on us most of the time there is named Vicky.
652 7/10/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey and Jean, 11 miles. Henry Neel had gone on ahead before we got to the trailhead. Jean caught up with us about ˝ mile from the lodge. Sandy was in the office. John came by while we were there. Met someone below the bluff who recognized me from the articles at the lodge and wanted my picture. Brief light rain on the way up. Hard rain just as we crossed the last bridge on the way down. If we had been 2 min. later we would have been soaked. Stopped (5 of us) at Capt. D"s. Buckey drove. Met Margaret S. & party which included Lloyd Bell abt 30 mins. from lodge.
653 7/11/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I met Sandy & Barbara on my way up & Susan & Sarah Jane on my way down. Jeff was tending office. Passed members of the Happy Hikers (O'Connor Center) on my way up including Check, Frances, Charlotte & Noreen
654 7/16/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Saw John at the trailhead. He had just got off the Mt. Sarah Jane was in the office and was the only crew other member, I saw. I only stayed abt. 1 hr. Came home and mowed the grass. I did see Paul Durr as I went down. He was coming back up. - He has abt. Finished their study of the Fraser Firs killed by the aphids. He seems to be a very knowledgeable young man. He identified the Dandy line at Grassy Slide and Dwarf Dandy Line. They are leaving LeConte for Guyot next week. They will have to camp out there.
655 7/17/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey & Jean, 11 miles. We saw Margaret and her birthday group near the top. Bo Henry, his wife and Lloyd Bell were in the group. - We also saw Jeff on the trail as we went both directions. - We met Sandy & her friend David abt. 1 mile up the trail and they walked with us the rest of the way. I had talked to her when Ada & I went to the Walker Sister's cabin. She knows and went to school with Vicki Law. - Susan was in the office and Tim came by while we were there. L, Barbara, Jill & Ross ate with us at at the Cracker Barrel. - A waitress that used to work at the Krystal, now works there (C.B.) She said she had quit smoking. - I had got on to her abt. It when she worked at the Krystal.
656 7/18/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Jeff was in the office. I talked to a group from Nashville whom I saw the next day and then I talked top a man who has a trailer near my lake cabin.
657 7/19/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met Jeff & Sandy as I went both ways. - Barbara in office. Talked to the Nashville group, that I met yesterday, at the bluff. It rained from Arch Rock to the car.
658 7/20/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Jeff in office.
659 7/21/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met Virginia, Sandy's (girlfriend) a short distance from the trailhead. Talked to a man from Atlanta who recognized me from before. Sarah Jane was tending office. Tim, Sandy & Barbara came by. got to lodbe abt. 12:40 and left abt. 1 hr. later. Took Sunday's paper and read it before giving it to Tim. Went back through Metcalfe Bottoms, Wears Valley, Townsend & Maryville. Only slightly further than Sevierville. Took 1 hr.& 35 mins to get home.
660 7/22/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Susan in office. - Talked to Bobby and Amie Vasey from Atlanta. their 4 year old son Stewart was with them.
661 7/23/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Saw Allen & Sarah Jane above the saddle as I was going up. They were going swimming. Met Tim L. above Grassy Slide. Jeff was in the office. - Also saw Susan & Paul Durr at the ranger's cabin. - Paul's party was leaving via Rainbow Falls Trail today. - Their work on LeConte is finished and they are going to Guyot next. Met John & Donna as I went down.
662 7/24/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Saw Peggy Apple of SMHC on the trail. Jo Ann F. & Buckey. Met Jeff & Ed Wright on trail. Met Allen near trailhead as we went down. Donna & John came by the lodge porch. - Sarah Jane was working the office. - Henry also went up today and came down with us. Buckey, Jo Ann and her 5 others with the SMHC Wed. Hikers. Rained pretty hard going down.
663 7/25/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. 10 consecutive days of hiking Mt. LeConte. Got a late start. - Most of yesterday's water had drained off. It was very humid but a little cool once you sit around on the top. A little light rain but no need for rain gear. - Sandy was in the office and was the only person I saw whom I knew. A man named Sprague from Anderson, S.C., who was sitting at the table asked if I was Paul D. and said that his wife wanted to meet me. I gave her my address and asked her to see if James or Mitchell Willis were listed in the Anderson Tel. directory and if so, ask them to write to me.
664 7/26/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. 11 consecutive days of hiking Mt. LeConte. I had 3 people ask me if I was Paul D. The last one was from Maryville and was with a woman from Sevierville, who lives on Middle Creek. Saw Ed Wright on both of his trips. The lodge crew were eating. aw John, Donna, Susan, Sandy, Allen & Barbara. Came back early to go to O'Connor Center to dance.
665 8/1/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. 125 consecutive months. Saw John near the trailhead. He was going down to meet his sister. - Met Sarah Jane and the new crew member as I went up and Sarah again before I got to the Horse Gate as I went down. Also saw Elsie Dodson (SMHC) and a friend abt. ˝ mile from the lodge, on my way up. Above the saddle, on my way up, I met Margaret Stevenson & her party. Allen was in the office and Jeff came by later. He was on the kitchen duty and I went down and talked with him for a while and saw Donna while there. Several Hikers have told us abt. Bears they have seen this year but I saw my 1st one today. - A small one at the bluff that I scared off with my stick and another larger one below the bluff. A young man had turned back away from it but I scared it off and he walked out with me.
666 8/3/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, 11 miles. Jean left the trailhead before I got there. - Caught up with her just above the saddle. - 4 different hikers told me she was on the trail, ahead of me. - Saw Richard Boling just above the double steps. - Jeff was tending the office. A bear charged out of the brush while I was eating lunch, on the bench outside the office. I ran it off. Stopped at Capt. D's to eat.
667 8/5/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, Lu & Buckey, 11 miles. Met Margaret S., Ed Wright, Dr. Lazaro Completo and 2 women from N.C. One of them, Gwinn, was a school teacher. Dr. Completo was originally from the Philippine Isl. - He was a regular fellow. - He hiked all the way up and down with us and stayed with us on top. The doctor, teacher and I had lots of fun down at the dining room. Donna was in the office and I forgot to mention that we saw Allen on the way up. We also saw Susan & Jeff. - Took some mail for Susan & John. - Stopped at Capt. D's. I gave Buckey, Lu & Jean beans from my garden. Saw Stanley Huskey and 2 other trail maintenance workers at the trailhead.
668 8/7/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. We met John just above the bluff. Jeff was in the office. - John & Sandy were the only other crew members we saw. John had letters to mail. Warm day but we took it slow going up. Some sun. Some clouds. Thunder as we neared the trailhead but no rain. Stopped at Capt. D's in Sevierville.
669 8/11/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via Blvd. up and A.C.B. Trail down with SMHC, 13miles. Some of those that I knew who made the hike were: Buckey Sliger, Jean Lambert, Jean Bangham, Ruth Young, Bob Lee, Murry Evans & Dee Monte. Also Jay. Sandy in lodge. - Saw Jeff & brother on way to M.P. as we went back to the lodge. Saw John at lodge and Tim, Lisa Line and kids coming up, as we went down. Partly cloudy & warm. I was tired.
670 8/13/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met Jeff both ways today. Also saw Alan Householder (the ridge runner). He is paid by several clubs including the SMHC and the park service and reports anything out of order or illegal. Susan was in the office. Vicky came in and chatted for a while. - A little cool today & cloudy. Some sunshine. Saw a couple of other parties who asked who I was because they had heard about me.
671 8/17/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Going up, I met Margaret Stevenson and Jeff with 2 companions whom I also met as I went down. I also met Sarah Jane & Myrtle Brown. She and her late husband Herrick, used to operate the lodge. Coming down, I met Phyllis Gossett with a party of 4. I also met Bill Sharp from Andersonville. Forgot to mention, I also met Terry Underwood on my way up. I had met him before. Barbara was tending the office but was not there when I arrived. She gave me a big hug when she came in. I don't remember her doing that before. I also got an unexpected one from Phyllis. - Didn't stay on top long and didn't see any other crew members. - Partly sunny & fair.
672 8/19/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, 11 miles. The weather was good on our way up and while on top but it rained some on the way down. Ed Wright was the only one we met on the trail whom we knew. Noel, the new girl was tending the office. She must be of Asian descent, probably Indian. She must have been born in America because you can't detect any sign of an accent in her speech. In fact, she seemed like a typical American girl, very friendly and outgoing. I forgot, I met Lisa L. at Arch Rock as we came up. We went by the kitchen before we left to see Keith Garnes. We also saw Tim L. and Jeff.
673 8/21/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. We talked with a group of people from Georgia. Lu was telling them abt. Duck Hawk. We also had a long with 2 men from Maggie Valley. - One of them was Don Hannah. - they invited us to visit them. - We met Ed Wright below the double steps. - John was in the office. - Tim Susan and also Noel came by. - A young doctor from Georgia came in and remembered me from last year. He's a real nice fellow. Henry Neel was up ahead of us and walked off the Mt. with us as well as ate with us at Capt. D's.
674 8/24/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met Margaret S. as I went up. - Jeff was tending the office. I met Tim L. On my way down.
675 8/27/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. The only hiker I met on the trail, whom I knew was Barbara. I talked to women from Burning Bush Ga., going up from the saddle. Susan was in the office. John and Sandy came by with letters for me to mail. I got to the office abt. 12:15 and started down around 1:00. - Partly sunny and a little cool. - Going down, near the saddle, I met Regina Begliutti. She asked me if I was P.D. and said her mother and dad had met me and had talked abt. dancing.
676 8/28/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. 400th hike to Mt. LeConte after age 70! On our way up we met Regina Begliutti & her small son, the Buchanan from below Atlanta (She was Polish), they were very nice and friendly couple, and Ed Wright. We also met Henry Neel near the top. Noel was inn the office. John came by. - Light rain & socked in at top. Ate at Capt. D's.
677 8/31/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. Talked to Walter Armstrong from Greeneville, TN. He belongs to a hiking club from there. Several hikers, including Myrtle Brown, from the club, were spending the night. Sarah Jane was tending office. Allen was also there. Saw Sandy and Donna in the kitchen. Lisa Burk was up with a friend and I visited for abt. 30 mins. Met John's parents at Arch Rock on our way down and John abt. 5 mins. from the trailhead.
678 9/3/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Buckey, 11 miles. 126 consecutive months. Overcast. - Cool. - Mist rain on top. As we went up we met Barbara going down. On our way down, we met Jeff with a very heavy backpack. - Susan in office. - John came by. - A little dull on top in the office. No one was talking. - We started down abt. 3:00.
679 9/3/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. We overtook a local group who were spending the night at the lodge. Jean Lambert, Paul Threlkeld and Larry DeRitter, were among them. We also saw Ed Wright on our way up. We met Jeff on our way down. _ He was carrying a pack that must have weighed 70 pounds. - Noel was in the office. John, Susan and Sarah Jane came by. We saw Henry Neel at the bluff. He walked back down with us and ate with us at Capt. D's. A couple we saw at the trailhead wanted a picture of the wife with me at the lodge.
680 9/5/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Late start abt. 11:30. - Met Jean and Larry abt 10 min. out. Sarah Jane was tending the office. Noel came by. I went down to the kitchen where I saw Susan, Sandy and Jeff while there. Talked to two couples in the office. One couple had lived in Knoxville, Ft City & Barnard and Chattanooga. I stopped at Insp. Pt. to get a drink and talked to Bill & Jannett Mirrien?? From Columbus Ohio. they walked out with me. We met former crew members Barbara & David. David also walked out with us.
681 9/8/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. On the trail, I met Sandy on the way up and Sarah Jane & Bill Sharp on my way down. - Got to lodge abt 12:20 and left abt. 12:55. didn't see anyone I knew while there. Saw a couple from Florida. Their daughter, in her mid twenties. - She was real friendly and wanted my picture.
682 9/9/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Going up we met Jeff & Ed W. We also met Jeff on our way down. - Susan was in the office. We didn't see anyone else we knew except Margaret S. & Shirley Henry. I saw Shirley and her husband Bo yesterday. We stopped at Capt. D's. - got my car washed at BP on Granger & Broadway - on my way to Mt.
683 9/10/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Saw Jeff and Barbara near the trailhead as I went up. - Saw Jeff abt. ˝ mile from lodge as I went down. - Saw Margaret S. and Shirley Henry at bluff. - Talked to Lloyd Bell above the bluff for abt 25 mins. He was praising Margaret. Sarah Jane was in the office. - Brought me coffee. - A little cool on top. I didn't start on trail until 12:30.
684 9/11/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Saw Shirley Henry again. It was 7 consecutive days for her. We saw Susan, who was tending the office. John, Noel, and Jeff on top. - Met Ed Wright 3 times on trail today. A little cool today and mostly socked in. Stopped at Capt. D's in Sevierville to eat. Mailed letters at P.F. for John & Susan.
685 9/15/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with several hikers for my birthday, 11 miles. Phyllis, Jo Ann, Ed Wright, and Joe Caja and a couple who came with Phyllis. Later Jean Lambert went up ACB Trail. Dave Scanlon and 2 other club members came up Trillium Gap. Of the lodge crew there were John, who baked a cake, Donna his wife, Sandy, Barbara and Tim L. Noelle and Barbara made a card for me and the others signed one card. Met a woman from Brentwood, TN and a native Bavarian whom I could not get interested in if she lived here. he seemed to like me. I checked the register the next day and Frederick Stalum was listed from Germany. I hope that I see her next year. Rode with Joe.
686 9/16/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone 11 miles. Saw Ed Wright, Shirley Henry, Margaret Stevenson and Nancy Case as I went up. Noelle was in the office. Didn't stay long. Met John's mother and sister on my way down.
687 9/17/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone 11 miles. Sandy was in the office and the only crew member I saw except Jeff whom I saw on my way down. Talked, both on the trail and at the lodge, to a couple from Jackson, TN. Len & Jackie made it from the car to Gracie's Pulpit in 62 mins. but slowed down on the last part because of the heat.
688 9/18/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone 11 miles. Saw Barney Ewell at Gracie's pulpit. He is a sales rep for musical parts and said he would take the Gibson to Groners in Nashville for appraisal. - Gave me his card. Henry Neel was up and I met Ed Wright on my way up. Jeff was in the office. John came by for letters for me to mail. - Saw his mother and sister in office. Talked to two young women who were collecting cone flowers. Saw Nancy Cain, who was spending the night. Henry and I stopped at Capt. D's.
689 9/23/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Buckey, 11 miles. Met Ed Wright on the trail as we went up. - Two young ladies, who had passed us on the trail, but had run into a large bear below Insp. Pt. and were coming back down. I chased the bear off and they went on up. Barbara was in the office. John and Noelle came by. We talked to 2 women from Lexington, Ky. in the office. One was Betty Cox. I don't remember the other's name. We saw Susan and Tim as we went down. Stopped at Capt. D's. - forgot to mention. We saw Margaret S. Shirley Henry and Nancy Cain on our way. Margaret had hiked it for 5 days, apparently trying to make it to 500 before the close of the season.
690 9/25/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone 11 miles. Not far out from the trailhead, I met a group of senior citizens. Most were from Calif. and one told me that she lived in the desert, another had backpacked up Mt. Whitney. Then they asked me how many times I had been up. When I told them, they remembered seeing the article about me at the lodge and several took pictures of me. They acted as if I was someone who was important. Saw Ed Wright, Margaret S. Nancy Cain, and Debbie. - Saw Jeff in the office and 3 of the trail workers - Weather, cool & very light rain. - didn't see a single hiker on my way down. - Made it down in 1 hr. and 47 min..
691 9/26/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone 11 miles. Saw Jeff, Margaret St., Nancy Cain and Shirley Henry on my way up. - Met Jeff again on my way down. - Susan was in the office. Made it down in less than 2 ˝ hrs. Cool on top.
692 9/28/91, Mt. LeConte to lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone 11 miles. Met Margaret S. & Nancy C. on my way up. Susan was in the office and she described her parents to me, who were on their way up. I met them near Grassy Slide and had a nice talk with them. Susan had told them about me. . - Met Bob Gregory below the bluff on my way down. - He was a SMHC member. Out of the 81 days I've been on LeConte this year, today had to be the best day of all. It was a gorgeous day. Cool as I started up in my shirt sleeves but after hiking a while, I got warm. One of the clearest yet. - If I had a spotting scope, I believe that I could have seen my lot on Douglas Lake. Went to the dance at the Linz Club in Ft. City. Sat and danced mostly with Helen Payne and Dixie Westell. Also danced with Betty Settles and her friend Joyce. Joyce wants to go to Claxton with me.
693 9/29/91, Mt. LeConte to Myrtle Pt. & lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone 12 miles. Saw Dee Montre
and her husband Murray in the parking lot. they caught up with me at Arch Rock. They went up Styx Branch to Myrtle Pt. I went the usual trail to Myrtle Pt. It took them abt. 4 hrs & 20 mins to make it from the footlog to Myrtle Pt. I saw Dave Scanlon with John? & his wife Connie. Talked to a German girl and English boy. Also talked to a man who Sq. danced in Coffea's Class. Jeff was in the office. I also saw Susan, Nolle, Barbara & Sandy. A car had burned on the other side of the tunnel. Traffic was backed up for about 30 mins. Met Bill Marshall of SMHC.
694 9/30/91, Mt. LeConte to Cliff Top via A.C.B. Trail and manway, alone 11 miles. Saw Ed Wright at the trailhead and walked a short distance with him. Saw him again later, near the top. Saw Margaret S. & Nancy C.. above the bluff and Shirley Henry at the bluff, on my way up. I took the manway just past the Horse Gate, to Cliff Top. - It was rough going. I guess I startled a man who was sitting where I had fought the bear off with my umbrella. I talked to a couple I had seen earlier on the trail and also a couple from Chattanooga. Took the top trail back to the office where Susan was working. Saw Tim, Sandy, Sarah, Barbara and Keith Garnes at the kitchen. Another great day weather wise. 3 in a row. The best 3 days this year.
695 10/2/91, Mt. LeConte to Myrtle Pt. via A.C.B. Trail and manway up Styx Branch and Huggins Hell with Craig Nolan, Bill Sharp, Henry Neel, Buckey Sliger and Phyllis Gossett. It took us four hours from the footlog to Myrtle Pt. Really rough going. Difficult and a little bit of everything. Rock hopping. - Over blowdowns. - Through Rhododendrons. - Through blackberries. - Scaling the slide. - John was in the office. - Also saw Susan - Saw Sandy near the top. Bill Henry and I stopped at Capt. D's. I invited Ed Wright to go on this hike but he declined. I think that they don't call it HUGGINS HELL for nothing.
696 10/4/91, Mt. LeConte lodge & Cliff Top via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Saw Ed Wright on the way up. Sarah was in the office. I gave her the treats that I brought and went on to Cliff Top. A man there said Noelle was looking for me. I went up the trail at the ridge top and she went up the one in front of the lodge. As a result, she got there first and I found out later that she had brought me a cup of coffee. Bill Sharp came out and we walked off together. We also stopped at Capt. D's. I saw Noelle when I got back to the lodge and she told me that she was quitting her job. I hated to hear this because she's my favorite girl at the lodge. She is apparently partly black. She has black hair and dark skin. She doesn't speak a black dialect though. I will miss her.
697 10/5/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Noelle was in the office and I met Susan on the way off the Mt. Sarah came in and Bill Sharp showed up. Shirley Henry was celebrating her 100th trip. I met her party as I came up. Margaret S., Lloyd Bell, and Nancy Cain were among them. Shirley and her husband Bo were still there and Noelle brought me a piece of Shirley's cake. Al Bettenger came by the office. I walked off with Bill and hurried back to go to the dance at Christenberry School tonight. I sat with Helen Payne and danced with her. Her friend Dixie had sprained her ankle and didn't come.
698 10/7/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Buckey and Jean, 11 miles. On our way up, we met in the order listed, Ed Wright, Shirley Henry, Margaret St. Nancy Cain, George Minnigh
(Ranger off duty) and Mason Watts. George went on to Myrtle Pt. and came back to the lodge. We talked and walked down together. Sandy was in the office and Noelle came up and talked. She also walked to the Horse Gate with me as we went down. Met Susan as we went down. First time to see Mason in some time. George stopped in Gatlinburg to eat. I think that he would have liked for us to eat with hi but the rest of us wanted to stop at Capt. D's in Sevierville.
699 10/9/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. On our way up, we saw Ed Wright, Margaret S. and Nancy Cain,. Sandy was in the office. - Saw John, Sara Jane and Noelle and on top, and saw Jeff as we went down. Noelle's last day. She and Sara Jane Fidler made me a nice card as they won't be there for my 700th trip. They are going to Cincinnati to visit Sara Jane's folks. Noelle is to hike to Mt. Cammerer with us on Friday the 18th.
700 10/13/91, Mt. LeConte lodge and Myrtle Pt. via A.C.B. Trail, 12 miles. Rick, James, Phyllis Henry & Bill went up with me. Bo & Shirley were already up. They went to Myrtle Pt. with us where we spent about 1 ˝ hrs before we came back to the lodge. Donna had baked a cake and Phyllis brought up pumpkin cake. We had coffee and cake. Shirley gave me a card with a bandana in it. She's a really nice person. - John was in the office. Also saw Donna, Susan, & Jeff. Marty was also up. On the way up, I saw Sylvia Tally, from Atlanta, at the saddle. - she'll be back for the close on Nov. 17. - got hugs from her as well as Phyllis and Shirley. Bill, Henry and I stopped at Capt. D's. Also saw Linda ( ex crew member) as we went up.
701 10/14/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Another good day weather wise on LeConte. - we were late and Craig Nolan, Henry and Rick had already started up Styx Branch. Saw Ed Wright on the way up. - Jeff tending the office. - Saw Donna. - Saw Craig, Ricky and Henry at the lodge.
702 10/16/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. On the way up we met Paul Norris from Lenoir City, Margaret S., Nancy Cain, and Shirley Henry. coming down we met Tim Line, Todd, Barbara and Sandy. On top, Susan was tending the office. Jeff & John came by while we were there. Betty Jane Barnett from Somerset, Ky came by the office with 2 young ladies whom I had walked partway off the Mt. with some time ago. We also talked for a considerable time to a young lady who was staying at the shelter. She was Pam Hubble. She was an attractive woman in the face but had a broad body. She had a great personality. both Lu and I liked her. I think that she liked up too. Weather was cold. 26 degrees last night on LeConte and probably didn't get above freezing on top today.
10/18/91, Old Sugarland Rd. with Noelle Poncaole. Met Noelle at the Mountain Lodge on Cosby Hwy. Lu & Buckey were supposed to go but backed out. We had planned to go to Mt. Cammerer. Noelle had partied the night before and I am going to the Y dance tonight. It wasn't hard to persuade her to go on a shorter hike. A beautiful day. - we went to the old cemetery. - Saw 4 deer. I ate a sausage - biscuit at the restaurant and ate my lunch after the hike. Got home around 3:00 p.m.
703 10/19/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Went to celebrate Margaret Stevenson's 500th trip. Saw lots of people that I knew including Tom & Jean Cronan (He is Athletic director for Carson-Newman and she is the Women's Athletic director for UT). they had spent the night and were coming down. Others: Margaret, Nancy Cain, Bo & Shirley Henry, Lloyd Bell, Annette Evans (Librarian at Sugarland Center), Bill Sharp, Henry Neel, Ed Wright and many others that I did not know as well as some that I don't remember their names that I had met before. Of the lodge crew, I saw Tim, Susan, and Sara Jane. Met Sara Jane's mother and other relatives. Got back to car at 2:25 but it took an hour to get through the tunnel between Gat. & P.F. - More cars parked at ACB trailhead than I have ever seen before. Rick (VIP- ranger) said that he counted more than 600 hikers on the trail today. Went through Middle Creek to lake. Wally was expecting Linda & Brenda but they weren't there.
704 10/21/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Jean, 11 miles. Jean caught up with us before we got to Insp. Pt. Met a couple from Ala. before we got there and Lu told them how many trips to LeConte I had made. He also gave the couple a copy of the Journal article about me. Of Course we met Ed Wright twice on the trail. We also talked to a party that included Barbara a (crew member's) dad. He had gotten by us before I found out who he was. The young lady I talked to , Kay, knew who I was after she had asked me the number of my trips to LeConte. - Jeff was in the office. I went to the kitchen to find who was working the office Sat. Sara Jane said it was Susan so I left the treat with her that I had forgotten to leave on Sat. Lu & I stopped at Long John Silvers in Sevierville to eat.
705 10/23/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. Ed Jones caught up with us and walked part of the way with us. Saw Ed Wright 2 times. - talked to several people including a group from Chattanooga. They lived in Hixon. They recognized me from Ed's description. Lu gave them a copy of the Journal article. He also gave one to two other people we met. We met some men who square dances at Grand Square whom we had met before and two women from Sevierville whom we had met before. With all of the talking, it took us more than 4 hours to get up. Jeff was in the office and Sara Jane came in and brought me some cookies and coffee. Henry came up some time later and he and Ed J. walked off with us. They also ate with us at Long John Silvers in Sevierville.
706 10/28/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Met Shirley Henry at the bluff. She gave me a picture of Tim Line and me at Margaret's 500th trip. Met Margaret and Nancy above the saddle. Met Ed Wright abt 3/4th miles from the lodge. Also talked to a couple from Dayton, Ohio below the double steps. Barbara was tending the office. Noelle was up and came by to see me. Sara Jane came by. both gave me a hug. Saw Susan as I started down. I hadn't back to the trail when I met Jean. I went back to the lodge with her and we stayed another hour before we started down.
707 10/30/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, 11 miles. My stomach was cramping, probably from eating popcorn last night. Didn't know if I could make it up today or not. Saw Ed Wright on the trail. He said that Bill Sharp was waiting for me on top. We talked to a group from Miss. One of the ladies remembered me from a previous trip. this was at the bluff. We saw Jeff there too. He was carrying his rowing machine down. We also saw him again as we went down. Bill Sharp got impatient and walked off with another day hiker out to the Horse Gate to meet us. Sandy was in the office and gave us an invitation to his wedding. We walked off with another day hiker. Lu, Bill & I stopped at Capt.'s. Lu gave Vicky (Waitress) a copy of the Journal article. She said that if we came in ten years later she would still it.
708 11/4/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu & Buckey, 11 miles. Cold! Was down to 4 degrees last night on LeConte - We met Shirley Henry and further up Margaret & Nancy. Also met Dr. Nate Smith, (He was a professor of medicine at Wake Forest). He has retired since I met him first on June 1, 1990. As before, he recognized me and stopped to talk. We also met ed wright and David (former crew member) on our way up. Sandy was in the office and John came by. A group of women from SC seemed to be impressed by my hiking. Two of them wanted me to sigh one of the Mt. LeConte Post Cards. - We enjoyed them and I think that they did us. Caught in the dark below Arch Rock. - stopped at Capt. 's but they were closed.
709 11/6/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill S. & Henry Neel 11 miles. Started off with Bill. He went on with Ed Wright after Ed caught up with us. Henry caught up with me at Insp. Pt. Met Margaret S., Lloyd Bell & Shirley Henry on trail. Shirley wants another clipping of the article about me in the Journal. Said that her son had lost the other one. Sandy was in the office. We started down about 2:45. Stopped at Capt. D's in Sevierville. Sunny and cold on the Mt. but not near as cold as it was Mon. John came by the office.
710 11/11/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Sabine Tonglet from Belgium and Kristy Barr from Scotland, 11 miles. Bill Sharp met me but walked on ahead with Ed Wright. He walked back off with me and stopped at Capt D's in Sevierville to eat. On Friday, I received a call from a man in Newport. He asked me to hike with 2 young ladies (early 20's) who were with the International 4 H Youth Exchange. They were Sabine Tonglet from Belgium and Kristy Barr from Scotland. Phyllis Gossett was somehow involved in this arrangement. I was to have met them, at the trailhead but the road was closed. I drove into the Sugarland Center parking lot and happened to park beside them. Bill, who had started back saw me and pulled in behind me. About 45 min. later the road opened and we drove on up on a somewhat icy road. The girls didn't quite make the turn into the parking lot and skidded cross ways in the road. Some man and I pushed them until they got the car into the parking lot. The trail was icy all the way up but we made it up without falling. I did skid as I took the shortcut from the trail to the office. Both of the girls fell on the way down. I wore my ice creepers down. The Belgium girl was a little quiet but Kristy Barr from Scotland was quite talkative. She seemed right at home. Jeff was in the office and invited them up the next day to spend the night. I found out later that they did. I gave them one of the newspaper articles and plan on mailing the other.
711 11/14/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with rangers Don Utterback, George Minnigh
, Phyllis, Rick, Jill, Nancy Morgan, and Buckey, 11 miles. 100th hike to LeConte this year. Phyllis got this group together, including three other hikers that hiked ahead of us. There was a man from Vermont, Bill Clabo and Deluizior. Some frozen slush on the trail. We met Jeff and Donna on the trail Donna had cut the tip of her finger while cutting potatoes, in the kitchen. Met Shirley Henry near the double steps and Margaret S. with a group which included Nancy Cain. Susan was in the office. We also went down to the dining room where John served us coffee and hot chocolate. Saw Barbara, Sara Jane & Sandy. We met Jean & Barbara at the Cracker Barrel in Pigeon Forge where we ate.
712 11/17/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Rick & Jean, Bill Sharp came later. 11 miles. Today was the last day of the season for the lodge. We were invited up for the work crew's last dinner together. They called this one their Thanksgiving. Margaret S., Lloyd Bell, Nancy Cain, The Chamblin's, Al Bettinger, and 2 or 3 others that I did not know. They had turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, and all of the other food that goes with Thanksgiving. All of the crew members were there. Tim, John, Donna, Sara Jane, Jeff, Sandy, Susan, and Barbara. Almost forgot Todd. Shirley Henry had been invited but was sick and couldn't make it. She would have enjoyed it. Bill & I stopped at Capt. D's in Sevierville. I wasn't very hungry after that big meal on top.
11/20/91 Spence Field via Lead Cove Trail to shelter with Bill Sharp, Lu & Jean, 11 miles. We met at Kroger's in Alcoa. Cloudy most of the day. - Light rain on the way back down. - Bill intended to go on to Rocky Top but backed out because of the strong winds. We ate lunch at the shelter and spent a total of abt. 45 mins. there. We stopped at Krogers's when we got back and decided to eat in the Deli. Lu rode with me and we stopped and looked at some new Toyota's.
11/24/91, School House via Chestnut Top Ridge with Jo Ann, 9 miles. We met at Kroger's on Western. - I drove. - It was cold. - Somewhere in the low 30's. Got an early start and got back home abt 2:30 p.m.. Sunny most of the time but still cold. We met Cecil Kelly and lady friend abt 1 mile from trail-head as we went back. He and Jo Ann had a nice conversation after I introduced them. He is a member of the School Board and she is a teacher.
11/27/91, School House via Chestnut Top Ridge with Jean, Jo Ann, and Bill Sharp, 10 miles. Bill and I went to the falls in White Oak Sinks. It was warmer than the last hike but not as much sun. Jo Ann drove separately as did Bill. I rode from Alcoa with jean. Bill wanted to go back by the army surplus store on Hwy.66 and Jo Ann wanted to get back early.
12/4/91, School House Gap with Bill, Buckey and Jean, 9 miles. Pretty cold today. Around freezing or below. - Ate lunch in the sunshine and didn't get too cold doing it. - Moderate wind made it seem even colder. - We met, on our way back, Vicky Law. She turned around and walked back out with us. We followed her to her house in Kinsel Springs where she showed us her horse and took Jean and me on a little walk. Buckey and Bill went on and didn't take the walk. Vicky is really knowledgeably about flora and most of the outdoors. - She is a pretty, intelligent and talented lady and all of our gang are fond of her.
713 12/7/91, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp & Henry Neel, 11 miles. I saw John Savage in the parking lot. I used to work on his parent's TV when they lived in Chilhowee. His dad died while mowing grass. He was with Tom Cronan, (Athletic Director at Carson-Newman). Tom mentioned me in the article about him in the UT Alumnus Newspaper. He walked abt. 5 mins. with us and talked. He's a prince of a fellow. Linda Gass, nee Dalton, was with the group. Linda was on the 2nd hike I made with the SMHC up Trout Branch. They were with the Central Baptist Church. Henry caught up with us at the bluff. We spent abt. 1 ˝ to 2 hrs. with John & Donna. - Was warm for this time of the year. A young fellow who works for the Happy Hiker in Gatlinburg walked off with us. - We stopped at Capt. D's in Sevierville.
12/11/91, Chestnut Top Ridge with Lu & Jean, 9 miles. Jean drove. We met at Krogers in Alcoa. Nice day. Above normal Temp. - No wind. - We only saw one other couple. They came from School House Gap. Rd. Uneventful day.
12/12/91, Boob's Ridge, 4 miles. In the group were: ranger George Minnigh
, Phyllis, Bill Sharp, Henry Neel, Bill Clabo and daughter Tracy and ?. Left trail at just before 2nd footlog. We fought rhododendrons, dog hobble, blow downs, and green briars for abt 5 hrs. total. No one but me was willing to scale the steep cliff. We went around the cliff. of the 6 of us to reach the top, 5 went to the second ridge. I stayed behind with the packs as I had been there before. We finished this hike hopping rocks in Alum Creek.
12/18/91, Chestnut Top Ridge with Lu & Jean, 9 miles.
12/26/91, Chestnut Top Ridge with Jo Ann, Bill Sharp, Jean and Page, 9 miles.
12/30/91, Chestnut Top Ridge with Jean, 6 miles. We walked about 3 miles out and back. - A little cold but warm in the sunlight.
714 1/2/92, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Lu, Bill Sharp & Henry Neel, 11 miles. Lu Died of an apparent heart attack about 6:00pm. We had been to Mt. LeConte and we were about 30 mins. away from trail-head at Arch Rock. Today was a very traumatic experience for me. Lu had acted normal in every way until he suddenly collapsed while talking. I don't believe that he had any warning or knew what happened. I believe that he died instantly. We had made it to the lodge, somewhat later than usual. Lu told me to go on ahead at the double steps. John was in the kitchen and Lu arrived about 10 minutes later than I, around 3:00 p.m.. Donna came in while we were there. We both had taken some sugar and canned milk as well as other "goodies." We had to use our lights about 1/4 mile before Arch Rock. Lu was in front, Bill was next and I was last. Henry had stayed on top for the night. Just as we were about to enter the arch, Bill turned his light to the right and I saw Lu lying there. Lu was always a little awkward and I thought that he has slipped and fell. I called to him and asked if he was alright. He made no reply. When I got to him, I knew that something bad was wrong. I told Bill to hurry down the trail and drive to the Ranger Station for help. (We had driven separately) Lu was facing the rock and his hands were pinned under and between the rock and I couldn't feel his pulse. I couldn't turn him on his back because of his pack. It was also necessary to turn him uphill and he was very heavy. I managed to unstrap the left shoulder strap and pull the pack away from his back. With considerable effort, I was able to roll him over on his back and straighten his limbs. I could get no pulse. It was 2 hrs. before the first ranger arrived. He told me to go on down after giving me Lu's keys to start Lu's car so that I could warm up. I met several rangers as I went down and one stayed at the parking lot. After they brought Lu off, they told me to follow the ambulance to the Sevierville hospital to help them with their report. It was after midnight before they contacted Lu's brother, whom I talked to while there. It was after 1:00 a.m. before I got home. Bill followed me all the way to Lu's garage.
1/20/92, School House Gap Rd. with Jo Ann, 6 miles. Jo Ann called me last night about hiking today. She didn't have to teach because of King's birthday. At first, I told her that I didn't know because it was predicted to be down to about 20 degrees this morning. Phyllis had also called on Saturday about hiking today. She called again last night and I told her tat it was going to be too cold for me to go. (I woke up with a sore throat the next morning after Lu's death and haven't hiked since.) Phyllis had a cold also and was calling the hike off. Jo Ann had said if I didn't call her by 10:00 a.m., she would assume that I wasn't going. This morning was clear and it was predicted to warm up to around 50 degrees so I decided to go. I called her about 9:00 a.m. and let her know. She met me at Western Plaza and I drove. We hiked about 3/4 mile past School House Gap, on the Boundary Trail. It was a pleasant hike and it didn't seem to bother me or my cold. We also went up the road from the Gap to the building site. Wow! What a view. They have their well dug and power hooked up but haven't started building yet.
1/22/92, School House Gap Rd. with Bill, 8 miles. Same hike as Jan., 20 except we started at School House Gap Rd. , went through White Oak Sinks and back by Chestnut top Ridge. We also went up to the rock wall and down a dry creek bed. We ate lunch on the Boundary Trail about the same place as Jo Ann and I had lunch. We left Bill's car at the Wye and drove mine to School House Gap Rd. We stopped at the Krystal in Alcoa on our way back. the weather was moderate and partly cloudy.
1/23/92, Chilhowee Mt. from Walland with Jean, 10 miles. We went up the jeep road on the West side of Mt.. A more strenuous hike than we expected. part of it was very rocky. We had intended to make it to the fire tower but either we missed it or passed it. We walked back abt 1 mile before eating our lunch. We plan on going back again and trying to find the tower. We were both a little tired when we got back.
1/29/92, Cades Cove Loop Rd. with Buckey, Jean and Jill, 11 miles. We stopped at the 2 story house near the grist mill and ate our lunch. - The sun was shining and it was hot enough there to get a sunburn. We cut through the field at the back of the house to reach the road. We saw a large buck deer at the barn. We also went to the cemetery. We cut through other fields and woods on our way out. It was a really nice day and warm as long as you were walking.
2/3/92, Cades Cove Loop Rd. with Jean, 10 miles. This time, we parked at the parkway area in front of the old road leading to the Oliver Cabin, abt. ˝ mile before the turn off to Abrams Creek parking area. We walked opposite the traffic as we did on our last trip. Tried to cross over at Spark's Lane but we could not get across the creek there. We walked through the field until we found a place to cross and got back on the road, which was on our right, abt. 200 yds short of the road crossing the creel, going through several fences and walking fields tired us more than usual.
715 2/5/92, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 11 miles. We ran into quite a bit of ice above the double steps but made it without using my ice creepers. I did wear them down as far as the pulpit. We met Tim Line just above the last creek crossing. Talked to him abt. 10 mins. Also met Ed Wright above the double steps. He hasn't been up in several days because of a fall that he had. We also met another lone hiker near the top. We saw no one else on the trail. John & Donna were there, I kidded John by asking for his autograph. He and Donna had been on the Heartland Series on Chanel 10 the night before. I took them 2lbs of sugar, 2 cans of coke, 2 small cans of canned milk, a box of Little Debbie cakes and a pack of York mints. They will be going down again on March 5th. John doesn't want me to make my March hike while he is away. I told him that I would try to come up on Wednesday March 4th, before they leave. We got to the top late and got down late, again having to use lights for abt. The last 20 mins. Stopped at Krystal in Sevierville to eat.
2/10/92, Charit Creek Lodge in the Big South Fork with jean & Bill Sharp, 6 miles. We made the loop by Twin Arches and Sams Gap. We saw Scott Barker & wife Karen and their new baby. A sunny day but a little cool. We stopped at the ranger station on our way out to get a map. The female ranger on duty, said that her husband, Howard Duncan, knows Geo. Minnich, S.M. Ranger. He was at B.S.F. before coming to the Smokies.
2/13/92, Chestnut Top Ridge alone to the top of the ridge, 6 miles. I didn't start the trail until abt. 1:30. - Light rain, most of the trip. I cleared the split, decayed log from the trail, near the top of the ridge and the pine that had fallen on the trail a little further down. It rained a little harder as I was finishing up and I got a little wet. About 1/4 mile up the trail, I met Lucy Hughes and companion (Elizabeth). I have met Lucy many times on Mt. LeConte but hadn't seen her in over a year. Jean and I were wondering about her the other day and wondered if her health had been bad. I was pleased to find her OK and looking well. She's one of the nicest ladies that I have ever met.
2/15/92, Chestnut Top Ridge to School House Gap with Jean, Phyllis, Buckey, David?, and Jim, (Barbara Yonkers friend), 9 miles. Jean called and said that several hikers were making this hike on Sunday and asked If I would like to join them. I rode up from Alcoa with David. I rode back with Phyllis. It was a really nice warm day for a hike. - We saw one other hiker on the trail. John Adams from Townsend. I stopped at Airport Toyota to look at cars and the others stopped at Shoney's to eat.
2/17-18/92, purchased 92 Tercel and put deposit up on Feb. 17. - Joe & Linda took me over on 18th. I paid for the car and took it home that night.
2/19/92, Spence Field with Bill Sharp, 9 miles. We were concerned that the president's visit to Knox would keep us off the Alcoa Hwy. but we had no problem. Sunny as we started and partly sunny at Spence but then it started getting cloudy. We stayed abt. 2 hrs at Spence. It seemed to have turned colder as we went down. Abt. 2hrs & 15 mins coming down. Stopped at Krystal in Alcoa to eat.
2/22/92, Meigs Mt. Elkmont to Tremont, with SMHC, 10 miles. I drove to the Townsend Wye and rode from there to Elkmont with Phyllis. I rode from Tremont to my car with Ron, an Ohioan, whom Phyllis had talked to by phone. Others in the group of 30 plus were: Mary Jane Johnson, Ken Warren. Craig Noland, Alice Xigues, Jo Ann Freshour, Bobby Nielsen, Nancy Morgan, Ruth Ewald, Ruth Young, Jean Bangham, Pat Cromwell, Ray Payne and others. The weather was really nice and warm.
2/26/92, Chestnut Top Ridge with Bill, 10 miles. Abt ˝ mile past School House Gap. We got a late start because of the rain. It was still misting enough to get your hair wet. I didn't feel too well and got pretty tired. When I got home I was so tired and cold that I was shivering. I got in front of the heater until I got warm and laid down. I also got cold while hiking. Bill drove.
3/4/92, Cades Cove, Hyatt Ln. Loop Rd. alone, 7 miles. I walked the loop because I have not been feeling well and I didn't want to go on trails where there would be few of any hikers. I saw 2 deer, a hawk, 3 grey squirrels and 2 RED WOLVES. I was lucky to see these recently released wolves. I had just finished eating my lunch on the bank of Abrams Creek at Hyatt Ln. As I started to cross the bridge, a Dept of Interior truck and an excited man asked me if I had seen the wolf. I said "no." He then told me that someone had reported seeing, near where we were. About that time he said "There it is." It was running in the field toward the creek and away from the road. He tried to get a picture of it and then drove off. I stopped about 100 ft. from the creek and kept looking across the field to see if I might see it again. In a few minutes, I saw 2 of them walking in the other direction. I watched them abt. 5 mins. before they disappeared behind a hill. Jonquils were everywhere. Also saw periwinkle but no native flowers.
3/9/92, Cades Cove, Hyatt Ln. Loop Rd. With Bill Sharp, 7 miles. It is a beautiful and warm day. - Clear this morning but some clouds moving in about noon. We made this hike unhurriedly. Took three side trips. First to the log house on the left about a mile out. ( We walked in reverse to the traffic.), Next , an old road that leads to an elevation. (On the right about 200 yards out.) We ate lunch at Abrams Creek. Stayed about an hour. Last, just after getting back to the main long road, we took to the field on the left, walked near the edge of the woods, making a wide loop past the church. We took another rest under the largest cedar tree that I have ever seen. Abt 10 ft. in circumference. Just as we started pulling out from the parking area, we saw Jean coming toward us. We stopped and found that she had hiked the Rich Mountain Loop. She had started ab. an hr. later than we did but didn't notice my car even though she was parked about 3 cars away.
3/11/92, The first and only snow so far after an unusually mild winter. Only a light dusting. Temp on the 9th was 70 degrees.
3/12/92, Chestnut Top Ridge from Wye to School House Gap Rd. to Laurel Creek with Happy Hikers, 6 miles. The main group of hikers just went beyond the highest point and after lunch went back to the Wye the same way. Chuck Hope, Ruby Hitch and I took School House Gap Rd. to Laurel Creek, where Ruby's companion picked us up and took us back to the Wye. Norine Barr and Carl Smith were 2 others of the 20 plus hikers. Weather, cool cloudy and snow flurries. The Happy Hikers are more fun to hike with than the SMHC.
3/15/92, Foothills Parkway from abt 5 miles out of Walland with James, David S. and Phyllis, 10 miles. Weather was clear to partly cloudy but windy and cool. We walked toward Wears Valley to Carr Rd. Talked to a couple from Pigeon forge about 3 miles out and also at cars. Some very nice views from this unfinished and closed section of the parkway. We ate about 3 ˝ miles out and got near a small hill by the road, which gave us a wind break. Facing the wind on our way out, I got a little cold.
716 3/18/92, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp & Henry Neel, 11 miles. 132 consecutive months of hiking Mt. LeConte. 11 Years. Phyllis had intended to go with us but decided not to because of the weather. It was a miserable day and it rained the whole day. According to Bill's thermometer, the temperature got down to 32 degrees. The sleet stung our faces in wind gusts which must have been up to or over 40 MPH. This was near the top. Bill stayed pretty dry as he wore waterproof clothing, although his feet were soaked as ours were. Henry and I were soaking wet when we reached the lodge. I tried wearing my waterproof parka but I got too hot under it and had to pull it off. I did wear my rain chaps, but they were only water repellant. We got mostly dry by the stove in the dining room. I was able to wear my parka on the trip down and kept pretty dry except for my legs and feet. It was a miserable hike and it felt good to get back home and into dry clothes. All of the crew members were there: Tim, Donna, John, Mason, Barbara, Todd, Sara Jane, Rich and a new girl. the only one that I didn't know previously. They had part of the air lift yesterday but they could not fly today because of the weather. Tim was hoping for good weather by Friday to get the rest of the supplies up. - The airlift was scheduled for today but the choppers were a day early so they moved the first loads yesterday. We stopped at Krystal in Sevierville to eat.
3/23/92, Chestnut Top Ridge from Wye to School House Gap with Jo Ann, 9 miles. Jean was supposed to go with us but called it off. The weather was cold with occasional sunshine and low visibility. We saw a couple from Indiana on the trail. I stopped and talked to them after they asked about the trail. We got out around 2:30 p.m. and it took around an hour to get home.
3/25/92, Chestnut Top Ridge from Wye to School House Gap with Jo Ann, Jean & Bill, 9 miles. It was a little warmer than Monday but overcast. Started light rain about half way through lunch so we didn't stay long. Talked with two women from Madisonville. We passed them about a mile out. On the way back, I talked to a ranger and someone from UT, who were collecting chestnut tree sprouts for grafting. They are trying to come up with a blight resistant tree. I told them about 2 trees on the A.T. between Low Gap & Mt. Cammerer Trails. I also told them about finding a chestnut on the horse trail past Bull Head trailhead, 2nd Rt. They already knew about Sutton Ridge and the one on Chestnut Top Ridge.
3/26/92, Norris Dam Flower Walk with Happy Hikers, 7 miles. Bill Sharp went with me on this one. He lives about a 15 minute drive from the trail. There were better than 30 hikers on this one including Norine Barr, Carl Smith, Chuck Hope, Ella Jacks, and others that I know but can't remember their names. After the hike they ate lunch on the picnic tables on the hill. Bill wanted me to drive by and see where he lives. His mother came out from the house and said to me, "You must be Paul." She insisted that I come in and see her granddaughter whom she was keeping for her daughter. She was a very friendly, down to earth lady who told me to call her Bobby. I liked her very much. - She has some antique furniture that was very nice. - She said that she had graduated from Central High School and knew Rod Bailes and Col. Rod Eubanks. She was related to the Whittles and lived for a while on Broadway. She knew about Camp Deland. She would like to have a picture of it. She also knew the Irwin's on Shipman Pl. ( the ones that lived a block below and on the same side of the street as we did.)
4/1/92, Chilhowee Mt. to Fire Tower with Bill & Jean, 12 miles. Before starting the hike we drove up the Maryville side of the mountain to Millstone Gap. We had seen radio towers but hadn't spotted the fire tower. Finally, after we turned around and started back from Millstone Gap, I saw an object on the Mt. that from our distance looked like a tree with thick foliage in the top but spare below. I asked Jean and Bill what they thought that it was but they couldn't tell either. Jean had a pair of small binoculars with her which, to our surprise turned out to be the tower. It took about 3 ˝ hrs to reach it from Walland. We estimated the distance to be 6 miles. It started raining and sleeting just as we got there. We ate our lunch on the back porch of a small house, which I don't remember being there 3 years ago when I went there with the SMHC. That time, we went in by Millstone Gap and hiked the ridge top out. We made our trip on an old road. It was cold (About 35 degrees) and we started back as soon as we finished our lunch. It finally stopped raining and sleeting (Light), but we were cold and tired. My spur on my right foot gave me trouble & Jean's knee was troubling her. Even Bill said that he was tired. the rocky part of the road made for bad walking. We were happy to get back to the car.
4/2/92, Snow flurries this morning. Temp. in the 30's last night and to go there again tonight.
717 4/4/92, Mt. LeConte lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 11 miles. 133 consecutive months of hiking Mt. LeConte. It was a nice day but ice and snow on the trail. We stopped at the bluff and talked with a couple from Knoxville. His name was Geo. Ninsteel and her first name was Wilma. Forgot her last name. - Debby Way and her husband passed us below Arch Rock, but when we got below Gracie's pulpit, she met us coming back down. She said that the ice was too dangerous to hike. We put our ice creepers on there and wore them the rest of the way up. We also used them on the same part of the trail as we came back down. The sun had made part of the ice and snow, slushy. About 6 to 6 inches of snow on the top. Ed Jones came in while we were in the office. Both he and Bill went to see Mason and Rick who were out there. I met the new girl crew member and her dad. She seemed very nice and friendly. She's from Dayton, Ohio. I had some enjoyable conversation with other lodge guests. One man, a chiropractor, who was originally from Mass. and I had a lot in common to talk about as a result of my trip to that state. Two men were from Chattanooga. We talked about Brown Town Rd. , Walden Ridge, Red Bank, White Oak, Signal Mt., Soddy Daisy and the W road to Signal Mt. Others who had seen the number of trips that I had made, came over to talk and shake my hand. One woman said that she wanted to touch me. Another lady, who remembered me from last year, (I remembered her also),took video pictures of me. Ed Jones with Bill and me. - We all stopped at Capt. D's to eat.
718 4/8/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 11 miles. We met Tim & Nathan abt. 15 mins. from the trailhead. As we went back down, we met Barbara abt. 10 mins. below the double steps. The new girl, Holly was the only other crew members that we say. Mostly cloudy but clearing when we left at around 5:30 p.m.. Temp. - warm - in the 50's. - Still got a bit of ice and snow but we didn't use our creepers. Much of it had melted before we went down. - Betty Jane Barnett had written me after hearing of Lu's death and said that she was coming down with a group from Somerset, Ky. The first one of her party that I saw was Joe Richard, whom I met the last time that I saw Betty Jane. She got there a little later and after talking to another one of her party, Karla?, I found out that I had also met her. Last year, she and a female friend were going down. I overtook them about a mile from the car and it was getting dark. they were concerned about 3 rough looking young men. I walked out with them, using my flashlight. I talked to several overnight guests including a middle aged couple who were observing their first wedding anniversary, at the lodge. they had dated for 9 years. they were just down to earth, unassuming people and I liked them. They have a house in Maggie Valley. Another enjoyable day, sitting around the stove and talking to other hikers and overnight guests. One couple, the woman was born in Germany, hiked up the Rainbow Falls Trail. She had been here for several years and had very little accent. they were an older couple. He looked a lot like Buddy Ebson, (Barnaby Jones). they hadn't brought any food and had expected to find and buy it at the lodge. Other guests included Betty Jane and crew members shared with them for which they seemed most grateful. I also talked to a professional photographer, who was wanting to get the sunrise tomorrow. After finding that I knew something about photography, he showed me some of his equipment. We stopped at Krystal in Sevierville to eat.
719 4/14/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp & Jean, 11 miles. Warm but very little sunshine. A little cool on top. - We met Tim, Lisa, Nathan & Grace Line at Gracie's Pulpit. They were going to Cincinnati for Easter. Bill & I stopped at the double steps and talked with a young man from Charleston, S.C. - Jean went on and we didn't catch up with her until we reached the lodge office. The new man, Richard, was on office duty. Holly, the new girl, came in while we were there and we saw her again in the dining room. John & Donna were there also. Holly was helping in the kitchen and gave us a cookie. Donna, later gave us another one. Rick came in just before we left at 5:00. We stopped at Krystal in Sevierville for Krystals & Coke.
720 4/18/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge & Myrtle Pt. via A.C.B. Trail with Jo Ann, 12 miles. It was a rare day for this time of the year, warm and sunny. We were a little late getting to the trailhead but Noelle was late too. I didn't know it but she was in the car behind me. that was good connections. I met her friend Eric. He seemed to be a real nice fellow. I also met Jay Swann. (His dad ran Swann's Bakery before it was sold.) Later, near the lodge, I met Holly & Richard. (New crew member). It had been about 3 years since I had seen Holly, former crew member. She was prettier than ever and seemed pleased to see me. Allen (ex crew member) was up and had gone to Myrtle Pt. with John, Donna, Mason and Rick. Jo Ann and I went to Myrtle Pt. and sat with them for over an hour. A man brought a giant kite out and put over a thousand feet of line. It could be seen from the office where Barbara was on duty. She looked up Lu's last recorded hike. It was # 140. The Jan. hike on which he died made it 141. Noelle and Eric walked back to the Horse Gate with us. Erik took a picture of Noelle and me there. I am really fond of Noelle, she's like a daughter to me. It was a great day with good weather. I enjoyed seeing the people that I hadn't seen in some time, including Andy Zenick, whom I met with a group while going to Myrtle Pt. Mt. LeConte is a very special place for me and it was a great feeling to be there among so many of my friends on this beautiful day.
721 4/20/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, 11 miles. I didn't write this up until later and can't remember all of the people that I way. I do remember seeing Ed Wright and Sara Jane. We met Helen Cornelius and another woman. We spoke with them but didn't recognize Helen Cornelius . She is a Nashville singer and has appeared on TV many times. Ed Wright told us who she was when we saw him on April 22.
722 4/22/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge & Myrtle Pt. via A.C.B. Trail with Jean & Buckey, 11 miles. Again, I failed to write this hike up until later. I do remember seeing Diane Burk, a former crew member and that Mason was tending the office. It was on this trip that Ed Wright told us about Helen Cornelius. He said that she had an entertainment and show restaurant in Gatlinburg, called Nashville South.
4/23/92, Frozen Head Park with the Happy Hikers from O'Connor's, 3 miles. 39 hikers made this short hike. Jean came by and rode with me. A beautiful day and lots of flowers. I saw trillium, foam flower, ladies slipper, showy orchis, S. Seals, false S. Seals, wild phlox, wild geraniums and others. Claudine Clevenger, Betty Urick, Bill Marten, Carl Smith, Charlene and others.
723 4/25/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. As I started off the Mt., I met Jean just beyond the R.F. Trail Junction. I turned around and went back with her. We stayed about 45 mins. and went down together. On the way up, I talked to several hikers including some from Chattanooga, one of which remembered me from another trip. I also met a large group at Insp. Pt. The Lang's who hike with the H.H. were with them. They had spent the night at the lodge. I talked to a nice young couple about half way up and walked the rest of the way up with them. We also ate lunch together in the office. They were from near Atlanta. I met Holly as I went both ways. She went down and brought back some ice cream. Richard was tending the office. Tim and Barbara came in while I was there. I also saw Karl Reed & son Rick from Birmingham. the couple from near Alberta were Ken &b Pattie Williams. Weather was cool and the office was full of day hikers trying to get warm.
724 4/29/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill S. & David Weaver, 11 miles. Snow on the Mt. It got deeper as I went up. 9" on top. Saw Ed Wright above Arch rock. Talked to others whom we later saw on top. One was a man, a truck driver, whom I had met on April 4th. the last time he was with his wife. This time, he was with another Greenville, S.C. man. rick was in the office. Barbara came in and I talked with her briefly. She was cooking. Bobby McCarty from Harriman and Jo Ann Cochrane from Memphis were one of the couples whom I had met on the way up. They were very friendly and wanted a picture of me. He is a claims adjuster and she is a veterinarian. She's also a ballroom dancer and we talked to some extent about that subject. She also invited me to look her up and go dancing together, if I go over to Memphis, which seems unlikely. She is going to send me one of the pictures that she had taken with me. A nice lady. Probably somewhere in her 40's. We stopped at Krystal in Sevierville. It was nearing 11 p.m. when I got home and I had a call from David's father who was worried because he was so late getting home.
725 5/2/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Jean came up later and we hiked off the Mt. together. I met ed & Bill abt 10 mins. from the trailhead. Mason was tending the office. Late lunch on the bench at the end of the office. John & Donna came out, also Marion Randolph. Donna and I put the "Keep Out" sign back up. I dug the hole and she set the post and filled the hole. Jean came in with Pat, a third grade teacher from Fla. She remembered me as did her friend Peggy, from last year. Another lady, Sally, came with them. The latter two were from Atlanta. I had a good conversation with these three middle-aged (low) women. It was warm in the sun and a clear day. Carson Brewer was up but I wasn't sure that it was him. I told Jean that I thought that he was and she later confirmed it. If I had known for sure before I left, I would have thanked him for the article he did about Mt. LeConte hikers. Mostly Me.
726 5/4/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I met Ed Wright about 10 Mins. out on the trail. He passed me again at Grassy Slide. He was coming from the office and said that Holly was hoping that I would bring her a cake. I asked him if she was tending the office and she said yes. Although Rick was sitting on the porch, I assumed that Holly was on duty as she was sitting at the desk and I gave her the treats. I usually bring the treats to the one doing office duty. I found out later that rick was on duty. I told Holly of my mistake but she didn't offer to give the treats to Rick. She had no reason to expect me to bring her a coke unless she on office duty. I think that this was very selfish of her and it lowered my opinion of her considerably. I apologized to Rick for my mistake. Sara Jane also came by the office. I gave her an 8 ounce container of orange juice since she doesn't drink coke. This got me a big hug. She is one of the sweetest girls that has worked at the lodge and I would say my favorite for the year.
727 5/6/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. A misty rain was falling when I started up the trail. This turned to sleet and before I reached Arch Rock, it was snowing. The flakes were large but most melted as they touched the warm trail. By the time that I reached ACB, it was snowing pretty hard and was laying in spots. It was a beautiful sight to watch those large flakes falling as I stood beneath the bluff. Although I have been in snow several times as I hiked LeConte, this was the first snow that I have actually seen falling. We had only a light dusting in Knoxville this year. The flakes got smaller and the accumulation got larger as I went up. The trail was mostly covered from the Double Steps to the lodge. Total accumulation was only about 1 ˝" when I left. On the way up, I did meet Richard at the bluff and again near the top as I went down. I also met Margaret Stevenson, Nancy Cain and about 4 others who were with them. Mason was on office duty and Ed Wright was there with a reporter. She was doing a story on his 500th hike for the Oak Ridger.
728 5/11/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. A warm day. I met Holly near the saddle as I went up and again at the Double Steps as I came down. I also met Wally Evans, a former crew member, just above AC Bluff. He was with a younger man from New Zealand. When I asked if his wife still worked at Sugarland Center, he said that she was no longer his wife. They were divorced. I hadn't seen Wally in about 2 years and didn't recognize him with his beard shaved off. I saw Annette (his ex wife) at Margaret Stevenson's 500th hike last fall. Almost no snow before the Double Steps and very little on the trail before the Horse Gate. There was about 5 to 6" in some spots. This is all that was left of the 17 inches of snow on Friday, May 8th. Barbara was working the office. I sat on the porch and talked to her most of the time that I was on top. Richard came up for a while and Rick brought me two cookies from the kitchen. I stopped at Capt. D's in Sevierville to eat on my way back. Ed Wright didn't show up. this was the day that his story was to be in the Oak Ridger. Bill called and said that Ed's knee was giving him trouble.
729 5/13/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp and Buckey, 11 miles. We were over 3 hrs going up today. Warm and humid with a light rain part of the way. We cleared limbs off of a large tree that had fallen across the trail. This was just above the saddle. Two ladies, who were overnight guests, held our umbrellas over us (Buckey and me) while we sawed with my Sears saw. It made it easy to get under the tree trunk. Elsie Dotson was sitting in the office with her husband, when we arrived. It was only the second time that I had met him (Bill). I've been on several hikes that Elsie has been on including my 2nd hike with the SMHC. That was a hard hike up Trout Branch to Cliff Top. 10 hikers started but only 5 of us made the whole hike as planned including coming down Duck Hawk Ridge. I forgot to mention seeing ranger Steve Kloster. - He was working on the blow-down with another ranger and came into the office to see me. Rick was in the office. Mason came in with Henry. They had walked up together. Bill & I saw what I thought to be a weasel just above Inspiration Pt. My book confirmed that it was a weasel. The 1st that I have ever seen. Phyllis and don Utterback said that they were rare in the Smokies. That was the second rare animal that I've seen in the Smokies this year. The other was the reintroduced red wolf. Bill & I stopped at Capt.'s in Sevierville.
730 5/16/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jo Ann & Jean, 11 miles. Met Jo Ann at Asheville Hwy and I drove. Jean caught up with us above the saddle. Mason was working the office. Richard was sitting on the porch with him when we got to the lodge office.
731 5/19/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 11 miles. We saw Margaret S. on our way up. Weather was good with a few rain drops near the top. Jean came in about 10 mins. after we did. She also left about an hour earlier than we. Mason was working the office and the only crew member I saw. It started raining not long after we reached the office and continued until we were almost back to our car. My poncho kept me dry except for my lower pants legs and my shoes. A man had fallen off the trail and broke his leg. It happened between the 1st and 2nd hand cables above Inspiration Pt. or about 2 miles out of the trailhead. Ranger Bobby Holland got shortly after we did. Several more rangers came up at intervals including Steve Kloster. Bill went part of the way down to help bring the litter up. The rangers were very conscientious abt. their job, especially ranger Holland. The injured man and his fiancé were helped by other hikers until and after the rangers got there. We got home around midnight after stopping at Krystal in Sevierville. I also saw Anita Crabtree and two of her friends. They were spending the night.
732 5/21/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I took my time going up. Beside 305 other hikers, I talked to John & Donna on my way up. It was cloudy with occasional sunshine. Mason was in the office. Henry Neel came in while I was there. I met Holly as I went down. From the first hand cable from the Horse Gate, I had a beautiful view of the clouds dipping down into the valleys and partly obscuring some of the ridge tops. This was looking toward Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap. I took a break at Inspiration Pt. Except for the faint sound of distant rushing streams, there was silence. Even the Juncos and red squirrels made no sounds as they moved about, looking for a hand- out. I also saw a grey bird that I was unable to identify at Inspiration Pt. It was similar in color to a cat bird but more plump and a shorter bill. The bill wasn't thick such as a finch. It was smaller than a robin and the tips of its wings were drooped. It's tail and wing tips seemed darker than the over all grey.
733 5/25/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I got started on the trail at 9:20, a little earlier than usual. I thought that there would be lots of traffic but there wasn't. It was Memorial Day. Met Ed Wright above the saddle and a little further up I met Bo & Shirley Henry. Richard came by going down as I talked to them. Still a little further, I met and talked to Tom Ellis, who hikes with Margaret. Rick was working the office and Sara Jane came up. She was baking cookies and brought me up a couple of them later. Went by the lake shack to check on it on my way home. - Got to the lodge at 1:00 and left at 3:00. Sunny on top but cloudy down below. Took pictures of the clouds below but dropped my camera and it came open. I probably ruined my exposed film.
734 5/27/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 11 miles. Sunny at the beginning but overcast and cold on top. We met Ed Wright above Arch Rock. Mason was in the office. . Barbara and Sara Jane left just as we arrived there. Rich, who had been down, got there a little later and came back later to talk to us. Henry Neel came in a little later. He was going to spend the night. We also met Holly going down, as we came up. I had an enjoyable conversation with 3 women from Mich. and 2 other women from Fla. All of them were overnight guests. We stopped at Krystal in Sevierville and drove on to Krispy Kreme on Kingston Pk. for donuts for desert.
735 6/1/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. 135 consecutive months. I got a late start up. I met and talked to several hikers, on my way up. Those that I met and in the order that I met them were: Ed Wright, a land and 2 children, who had been told by Ed wright to look for me, Bill Sharp, Mason Watts (crew member), Kate Todd who lives on Nobert Springs Rd. in S. Knox., Hollis (former crew member), and Richard, Denver and Betty Anderson from Bristol, whom I have met several times, and the Bakkers, a couple from Ontario, Canada. They were probably in their 60's and had immigrated to Canada from Holland thirty-two years ago. I was over four hours getting to the lodge. - Rick was working the office. Went down to the kitchen and saw John, Donna, Sara Jane, and Holly. - Mailed a letter for John. Talked to several over-night guests in the office while waiting for Bill to make his fourth trip today. He got there about seven and stayed about 30 mins. before we started. got back to the car at 10:00 p.m., where Bill's dad and uncle were waiting. They were afraid that Bill might be too tired and sleepy to drive home. Bill's uncle was a golfer and had known Olin Dinwiddie. We stopped at Sevierville for Krystals. - Bills uncle's name Hubert. (Paul wrote a note that said: "I believe I took one more hike than I wrote up.")
736 6/6/92, Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Nice day, some clouds. Had a hard time getting to the top. It took me 4 hrs. but I talked to some people including Holly's parents. They had been up for 3 days. Also talked to a man and his teenage son. We talked on abt. 3 different occasions. They would stop and I would catch up with them. They would then go ahead. Todd was working the office. He was filling in for Sara Jane who was down. He has been working weekends at Charit Creek. I didn't see any of the regular crew.
6/11/92, Lead Cove to Bote Mt. down to Finley Cave to original trailhead with 20 Happy Hikers, 7 miles. Bill Sharp and I went about 15 mins ahead of the club. Bill went to the Anthony Creek Trail to make it a 9 mile hike for him. After abt. 20 mins. on the trail, Bill went on ahead of me. I got to Bote Mt. around an hour before the Happy Hikers made it. We waited there for them and hiked the rest of the way with them. Fran Scheidt, Tim's and Wally's English teacher at West, walked up and started talking to me. I hadn't seen her in some time and didn't recognize her until I was her name on her Happy Hiker Badge. I didn't let her know. the badge saved me. She asked abt. Wally and Tim. I walked with her part of the way back. Others on the hike included Carl Smith and Chuck Hope.
On June 15, 1992, I entered Park West Hospital. I was sent to Vanderbilt that afternoon and was operated on for an aneurysm and double kidney bypass. - They also removed my gallbladder.
!2/30/92, today Dec. 30, 1992, Phyllis Gossett took me on my first hike after my illness. We went to the Chestnut Top Lead Trail on School House Rd., a distance of 4 miles. It was a nice warm winter day and sunny in the Mts., even though it was cloudy in Knoxville and Maryville. I had to stop abt. 3 or 4 times on the way up, but came down in less than 50 mins. for the 2 miles. I made it fine. Phyllis had previously taken me to Cades Cove back in Nov. We did walk to the John Oliver House, a round trip of 1 mile.
Sun. Feb. 7, 1993, Old Settler's Trail with SMHC, 5 miles. My first hike with the SMHC since my operation at Vanderbilt Hosp. I rode with Phyllis & Buckey. Phyllis was the rear leader and had asked me to go on this hike. Others on the hike were Ed Soler, Chris Hamilton, Fran Schiet, Bob Cook, Jean Bangham, Louisiana Lou, Grace Foster, Holly Overton, Chuck Hope, Larry Deridder, Tom Little, Howard McAnnally (Other leader) and others. (Total 39). Also Audrey Little Crawford. A beautiful, warm day. Temp. abt. 60 deg. and sunny.
Feb. 28, 1993, Cades Cove fields, abt. 4 miles, with Phyllis Gossett & Dave Scandlin. We started at Pratt Rd. - Crossed Abrams Creek on Rd. and back to Hyatt :n. Went West back through fields to Pratt Ln. A nice day. A little cool & windy.
3/7/93, Cades Cove fields, abt. 4 miles, with Phyllis Gossett & Carl Smith. Saw entrance to cave near Abrams Creek. Left side of Hyatt Ln.
March 28, 1993, Jo Ann Called today and came and picked me up. We went through Townsend to Wears Valley to Metcalf Bottoms, on to Sugarland Center and on up to Newfound Gap. On the way down, we stopped at ACB trailhead and walked up the trail abt. 1 mile. A little cool.
April 7, 1993, Went to Cades Cove with Phyllis & Steve Ditner from Conn. (near ). We walked through the fields and went to the old cemetery where Dave had shown us on Feb. 28.
April 12, 1993, Went to Inspiration Pt. with Bill Sharp. Nice day.
April 18, 1993, Cricket came by and we spent the day at my shack on Douglas Lake. We grilled hamburgers late in the afternoon. We had stopped at Hardy's in Sevierville for lunch. She slept on the couch Sun. night and we went to the Mt. Mon. morning.
April 20, 1993, The nurses's aid who came by most often from H.H. Care, came by to see me today. - She was my favorite. She used L.A. as her name.
April 27, 1993, Inspiration Pt. with Bill Sharp, abt. 4 miles. On the way up we met Jeff at Arch rock. Later we met Ed Wright and behind him was Margaret S. Lloyd Bell and two others were in her party. After we got down we went to the lake shack and had roasted Hot Dogs, pork and beans and a coke. It was dark before we got away. Weather was cool & clear.
5/5/93, Cades Cove Loop via Hyatt Ln. with Buckey & Jill. 7 miles.
May 11, 1993, Went to Gracie's Pulpit by myself. Met Margaret with and two other companions, Lloyd Bell & Kay
Met Margaret with Nancy Cain on another trip on the ACB Bluff Trail, but I can't remember which trip that was. (Note Paul dated this for April 11, 1993 but it was in the May location in his journal.)
737 5/17/93 Tue., Mt. LeConte Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 11 miles. My first trip to LeConte since my operation. I really didn't intend to go all of the way up, but with the coaxing of Jean, who caught up with us, Bill & I went to the lodge. Met Sarah, Doug and Scott (New crew member), John & Donna. Also saw Betty Jane Barnett. She is going to make her 100th hike in Sept/.
738 5/27/93 Thur., Mt. LeConte to Horse Gate via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 10 miles. Jean caught up with us. Saw Ed Wright also Graham Dinwiddie Cooper. who is related to me His grandfather married my grandfather's sister. Met Dr. Nat Smith near the top. He was with his son, walking part way down with him. On his way back up , he stopped to talk. (This was my 3rd meeting with him.)
739 6/6/93 Sun., Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Talked to several hikers on the trail. Made it to a little above the saddle in 2 ˝ hrs. Chris Gray, Gen Manager of Greenbrier caught up with me abt. ˝ way up Monotony Ridge and asked if he could hike with me. He stayed with me for the rest of the trip, all the way to the parking lot. He was a very nice young man and asked me to call him for future hikes. Doug was in the office. Also saw Donna in the kitchen. She gave us cookies. Jeff Owenby, husband of Judy (new crew member) was there.
740 6/9/93 Wed., Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Jean Lambert caught up with me near the top. Talked to several hikers on the trail, including Ed Wright. Also met John & Donna, who were coming down, and John's sister, who was going up. Scott was in the office. Tim Line came by office to see me. Jean hiked off with me and stopped at Grassy Slide, where Sara Jane & Todd passed us. Sarah, (New girl) also came by, while we were there. Clear & hot.
741 6/11/93 Fri., Mt. LeConte to Horse Gate via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 10 miles. Bill made 2 trips up. Ran into Graham D. Cooper above Duck Hawk Ridge. (He was on his way down) Talked to several hikers including some from Atlanta, Cincinnati, Nashville & Indiana. Ate lunch abt. 100 yds. past the Horse Gate. Stopped at Krystal in Sevierville. Sent chewing gum to John's sister, by Bill.
742 6/17/93 Thur., Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Bill Sharp, 11 miles. Talked to 2 maintenance workers for abt.15 mins. Saw Nancy Morgan & friend above the saddle. Got caught in rain. Scott in office. John & Sara Jane came to see me. Kay Bridges from N.C. wanted a picture made with me. Joan Finley, a reporter from Fla. took several pictures of me and plans to do a story abt. Me. Stopped at Krystal.
6/23/93, Gregorys Bald - Sams Gap, with Jean & granddaughter Page. I drove and we met Phyllis & Bill Clabo at the Gregory Ridge Trail. - They worked on the trail, going up and came down Gregory Ridge Trail. Met Margaret Stevenson and several of her companion hikers. I also saw Bill Landry on top and asked him about his Harvey Logan Heartland Program. He said that he hadn't shown it yet but would eventually. Nice weather. - Some clouds - hot. The azaleas hadn't peaked yet. - Lots of blueberries but not ripe yet.
743 6/26/93 Wed., Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Nancy & Allen Woods, 11 miles. 700th Hike to LeConte after age 65. Allen Woods plays sax & harmonica in Red Miller's Band. Phyllis caught up with us later as did Jo Ann. George " (A dentist that Jean knows), came with Jean and Page. Met Margaret S. & party. Also met Doug, who works at the lodge, as we went up and again as we went down. Tim, Jason & friend came up Duck Hawk Ridge. Ed Wright passed us, shortly after we started. Henry Neel also came along. Sarah was in the office. Also saw John & Allen. Donna baked a cake and served it with hot chocolate to celebrate my 700th trip after age 65. I met Sam Venable & party, including a doctor who is now a partner with Dr. Moechum. He took lots pictures and we had a good time. We also saw Steve Kloster, on our way up. (park ranger) and Al Bettinger.
July 8, 1993, House Mt. with Happy Hikers. First hike with this group since my surgery. Temp. at the airport today - 100 degrees. 30 in group. Judy Coleman, park ranger/manager, led the hike. - Others included Carl Smith, Chuck Hope, Fran Schite, Claudine Clevenger, Charlotte & Ted. - Carl didn't make it to the top. A great view from the overlook. Anna Lynn, who used to be in the O'Connor dance class was also on the hike.
7/18/93, A nice article in today's paper about Margaret Stevenson's 602nd hike to Mt LeConte.
744 7/28/93 Wed., Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail with Jean, 11 miles. Started at 8:45 a.m., Jean came up later and we walked down together. Saw Ed Wright, just above the saddle. He is going to Utah for a few days. Met a couple and their 2 children, just before seeing Ed and talked to them again at the lodge. They were from above Birmingham. She teaches kindergarten. Near the top, I met a lady & her son, her name was Nielsen, along with Sam Venable's son, Clay. She knew who I was and we had a nice conversation. Just before this, I met Keith Garnes and 2 companions, one of them being Doug Hinson's grandson. He was carrying a guitar. Doug was in the office. Saw John & Donna and took some mail down for them. My first trip up since June 26 and I got terribly tired coming down.
745 8/18/93, Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. I met John, donna & Mason, after the new slide, as i went up. John & Donna were going to Texas. I stopped to rest at Insp. Pt. There I talked to a N.C. man and daughter from Sylvia. A short distance up from the saddle a couple and their son, caught up with me. They stopped to talk. they were from Bloomington, Ind. She asked me how many times I had been up. When I told her, she acted like I was some sort of celebrity. They took my picture, after we got to the lodge. She asked me to autograph a Mt. LeConte post card. She had read Gracie's book at the library, in Bloomington and wanted to know if I had known her. Their names were, Paul, Kathy & Ryan Spicer. Barney Ewell came along as I talked to them. He was going up. Ed Wright came along on his way down. A new girl, Carol was tending the office. She appears to be a nice, friendly and attractive young lady. Also saw Allen. I promised to send Kathy a copy of Venable's article.
746 8/18/93, Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Jean & Larry Deridder came up later as did Paul Threlkeld. Met Graham Cooper and Ed Wright on the way up. Graham was walking down with some hikers from Middle Tennessee. I talked with them at Gracie's Pulpit. After Graham told them abt. The number of hikes that I had made, they wanted their picture taken with me. I also talked with a lady hiker from Boston and walked to the saddle with her. Another lady, whom I had previously met, came along while I was at the pulpit. I talked to her and her two companions, as well as a French lady at the lodge. John & Donna came up to the office to see me. I mailed letters for John. Donna invited me up for their Thanksgiving dinner. Also invited me to spend the night before. Allen was tending the office.
747 9/8/93, Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail Up with Dr. Nat Smith, down with Bill Sharp, 11 miles. Dr. Smith called me last night and we met at the trailhead today at 8:30 a.m. Took 7 hrs to get up. Saw Ed Wright & Bill Sharp. as we went up. Bill made his 2nd trip and came down with me. Tim Line passed us as we went up. Doug in office. Also saw John, Donna, Carroll, & Allen. Rained on the way down. Bill & I stopped at the Krystal to eat.
Met Dr. Nate Smith about 4 years ago while going up Mt. LeConte. He was coming down. We stopped to chat and seemed to "Hit it off" with each other, right off and I was impressed with his down to earth friendliness. Before this trip today, we had met and talked on 2 other occasions. He had written me after out last meeting and told me he would be back on this date and requested that I come on this date. He is 70 years old and recently retired from his job as a professor of medicine at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, in Winston Salem, N.C.
748 9/13/93, Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone, 11 miles. Started up at 9:00a.m. Still took me abt. 5 hrs to get to lodge, but I stopped to talk to several people on the trail. A nice couple from Ind. passed me below Alum Cave Bluff and I got ahead of them again at the bluff. We got into a conversation when they passed me again, above the bluff and another as I met them coming down near the top. They were Mr. & Mrs Darryl J Kiraly from North Ridgeville, Ohio. She had twice been diagnosed as having Hodgkin's disease, but her last exam didn't show it. Her husband wanted her picture with me. I also saw Ed Wright on my way up. I saw John, Allen, Jeff & Scott at the lodge. I also met Scott's girlfriend, Jill, a pleasant, friendly young Jewish lady from Cincinnati. I talked to several lodge guests on the porch including a couple from Athens, GA, who were disappointed over the Tn. Ga. ball game. I walked the last 2/3reds of the trail with a young couple from Maryland. He had applied for his amateur novis license.
Sun. Sept. 19, 93, House Mt. with Ed Jones, abt 6 miles. We went to both the East and West overlooks- We also went to the North Overlook and the Fire Tower. Ed took his infant son, Jonathan on his back.
749 Sept. 23, 1993, Thur. Mt. LeConte to Lodge via A.C.B. Trail alone but Jean came up later, 11 miles. Got started at 9:33 a.m..- Didn't get to the lodge until abt 3:00 p.m. - Very light rain on way up. A littler heavier on way down. Met Scott as I went up and later Rick and his companion. Also met Scott as we went down. He had an abscessed tooth and had gone down to get penicillin & pain pills. Going home next week and have it taken care of. Carrol was in the office. Saw Tim & Jody in kitchen. Rained on the way down. I didn't make it very well. I believe the cold air hurt me.
750 Wed. 9/29/93, Mt. LeConte to Horse Gate via A.C.B. Trail alone, 10 miles. Got a late start and only went to the Horse Gate. It was pretty cold and it seemed to hurt me. I met Graham Cooper below Ins. Pt. and Bill Broom & wife at ACB. Met Dave Scanlon above the double steps. Jay Erickson of Fla., overtook me at ACB and walked back to the trailhead with me. Talked to a couple from Ind. and a couple from S.C.
10/5/93, School House Rd. and Chestnut Top Ridge to Chestnut Tree alone, 6 miles. Started walking at 1:35 p.m. - Beautiful day. - Ate lunch at chestnut tree. - Saw one burr in top of tree. - Found one burr with three undeveloped chestnuts in it. - got a glimpse of an animal on the trail ahead of me on the CTR Trail. - About the size of a wolf or coyote but looked gray. - Didn't believe that it was a dog. I tried to follow it on the trail to get a better look at it but didn't see it again. If it left the trail, it made no noise. You could have heard a dog going through the underbrush.
10/7/93, Cades Cove, at Hyatt Ln. with Nancy, 5 miles. We walked Hyatt Ln. to the back side of the loop and turned Rt. and walked Rd. in reverse of traffic to the Cable Mill. - We ate our lunch, under a shed behind the 2 story house. After lunch, we walked through the field behind the house to a point on the Loop Rd. Near the Abrams Creek turn off. We saw a bear some distance ahead of us as we started. It was walking from near the road toward the creek. When it reached the open field, it started loping until it got to the creek. After we got past the creek, it went through the field to the Burchfield Cemetery and the one behind it. We continued through the fields until we reached Hyatt Ln., abt. 10 mins from the car. We didn't see a single deer until we were almost half way around the loop. A beautiful day. It must have been an unusual experience for Nancy, she really seemed to enjoy it. The creek that crossed under Hyatt Ln. was dry.
10/12/93, School House Gap, White Oak sinks with Floyd, 5 miles. Good. Warm. Met 9 other hikers.
11/3/93, 2 miles out chestnut top ridge with Buckey, 4 miles. Other members on Wed. SMHC hike were Lionel Etney, Chris Hamilton and others.
11/7/93, Cades Cove with Phyllis, 5 miles. We started at Sparks Lane and walked though he fields and creek bed past Hyatt Lane. Also saw 2 concrete Forges in the creek bed and the cave. Many deer. Cold but sunny.
11/23/93, Charit Creek Lodge with henry Neel, abt 2 ˝ miles. Holly (ex LeConte crew member) and her husband, Travis, are the caretakers. It was a nice day but a little cool. Was warm in the sun. We went in the short way but came back the road. Holly was baking cookies when we got there and Travis had gone after propane. We met him on the road when we left. Regina Parotte is coming up Thanksgiving Day. (former crew member).
May 1, 1994, From the beginning of the Cades Cove Motor Loop to John Oliver's Cabin and back with Phyllis, 3 miles. First hike this year.- Also first hike since Nov. 11 last year. - I made it much better than I expected.
May 22, 1994, Nature Trail behind Sugarland Center and Old Sugarland Rd, 4 miles. Phyllis called last night and wanted me to meet her and others at Ranger Don Utterback's office. Don, his wife, whom I had met once before, and their 2 teenage daughters, went with us. Also, Roger, a part Cherokee Indian, lectured on edible plants and flowers with slides to identify them, 2 young ladies and a young man who's names I do not remember. - A great day. We ate lunch on the rocks on the edge of the Pigeon river. All were strangers to me except for Phyllis, Don and Mrs. Utterback. Everyone was really nice, especially Don and his family and of course Phyllis. So was Roger.
May 26, 1994, To Alum Cave Bluff with Dr. Nat Smith, 4 ˝ miles. Dr. Smith called me from Winston Salem, N.C. on Tuesday night and asked me to meet him at the trailhead. He has reservation at the lodge in May and September. He didn't know about my last illness, so I told him that I couldn't make the complete trip to LeConte, but that I would go part way up with him. I made it to the bottom of the steps below the bluff. I did better than I expected to do and I am encouraged now that I can make it all of the way up this summer. the weather was cloudy and a little cool. Light rain near the trailhead on my way down. Tonya, new crew member, overtook me on my way down. I went by the lake on my way home and ran into a heavy rain.
Sunday June 5, 1994, To Alum Cave Bluff with Phyllis, Nancy M., Buckey, and a couple of Phyllis's friends, The husband is from Australia, 4 ˝ miles. It sprinkled lightly as we neared the trailhead. It came a really hard downpour as we got started driving, but when we got to Pigeon forge, the streets were dry. We stopped at the Texaco Station to see Roger ( the Indian mentioned in the May 22 hike.) Phyllis had told him about me playing the harmonica and he wants me to teach him.
Saturday June 18, 1994, School House Gap with SMHC, 4 miles. Up Chestnut top ridge and down School House Gap Rd. Nancy & her friend July made the full hike. I went up School House Rd and hiked back with the club. Chuck Hope was the only other hiker that I knew. I rode with Dr. Richard M. Briggs, head surgeon. He took my name and telephone number and suggested that we hike together. He also gave me his card. He hikes with a Dr. that Nancy knows.
8/18/94, Inspiration Point on ACB Trail alone, 4 miles. I met the Spicers from Bloomington, Indiana. They had been up Mt. LeConte last year, when we met. Kathy had corresponded with me on 2 or 3 occasions. The last time, several days ago, she wrote that they had reservations at the lodge on Wed., 17th. She didn't know about my kidney failure, so I had to meet them on their way down on Thursday. On the trail, I also met Graham Dinwiddie Cooper, George Minnigh , & Margaret Stevenson, all of whom, I had previously met. I also talked to others on the trail.
Sun. Sept. 11, 94, Above Davenport Gap shelter with Phyllis, 2 miles. Phyllis did trail maintenance from the Gap to Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail. I only went a short distance above the shelter. We met a back packer who was on his way to Wesser. We also met and talked to a ham radio couple. They are planning to hike the A.T. from Newfound Gap to Davenport Gap. He has a 9 call. We stopped at McDonalds on Strawberry Plains for ice cream.
1-12-95, from Sugarland Center to Burning Bush in Gatlinburg with Happy Hikers, 4 miles. My first trip to the Mtns. since Sept. Got a little short of breath and had to stop a couple of times. - About 20 hikers. Met Pat Tarver. Said she would hike up House Mt. with me. She lives near the West end of the Mt. Tried to find Scott from Dialysis Center, but turned too soon.
Jan. 22, 1995, Cades Cove, walked the fields from Sparks Lt. to Hyatt Ln. with Phyllis Henry and Carl Smith, abt. 1 ˝ miles. Cold & and windy. - I had difficulty breathing against the cold wind. Stopped often. Phyllis went back to car about 1 mile out and picked Carl & me up at Hyatt Ln. Hoar Frost was beautiful on Cove Mt.
3-14-95, Old Sugarland Road with Clint, abt. 3 miles R.T. Beautiful day. Temp. in the 70's. - Stopped by to see Scott. Scott gave me 2 coke cases for Linda. We went by the cabin on the lake.
3-19-95, School House Gap - White Oaks Sinks with Clint., over 4 miles. Great day. Sunny - Warm. Talked with other hikers including a threesome & baby, who knew Ray Payne. Another couple & young girl at the blow Hole (from Knox) 2 young ladies from Rutledge, one who works for Blue ridge Sports at the same place. We met them again at the end of the sinks manway and walked out with them for the last mile. Gave them a copy of my write-up in the Journal & Sam Venable's.
4-2-95, To lake & Scotts with Alma, 1 ˝ miles. Nice day. Scott gave me 2 coke cases for Linda.
4-9-95, White Oaks Sinks with Clint & Alma, over 4 miles. Saw lots of rue aneome, phlox, long spur & birds foot violets. - Nice day.
April 23. 1995, Porter Creek flower walk with SMHC, 4 miles. Clint met me at the Asheville Hwy meeting place. People who I knew were: Alice Xigues,, Carl & Mary Alice Porter, Carl smith, Chuck Hope and Doris Grove, whom I hadn't seen in about 8 years. When she said "Hello Paul," I didn't recognize her. She had to tell who she was. I met her on my first club hike. She was wearing sunglasses and that may have been why I didn't recognize her. - Except for being 8 years older, she looked the same. Flowers seen: phlox, dwarf iris, Jack in the pulpit, foam flower, wild geranium, showy orchis, false Solomon's Seal, fringed Physalia, and 3 kinds of violets.
May 7, 1995, House Mt. with Alma, to West Overlook. - got started abt. 3:00 p.m. Made East Loop first before going to West Overlook. abt. Miles. Alma picked some polk for greens. We came by my house and I picked some more here. I also gave her some green onions. 3 other couples came up after we got to the top. I identified some flowers for the couple with 2 children. I identified fire pink, coreopolis, phlox, bluets, yare and Solomon's seals. She knew Allen Hunter, crew member at LeConte Lodge.
8/17/95, Arch Rock, alone, 2 ˝ miles. It took me 1 hr and 50 mins. to get there. I made it back in 45 mins. On my way up, I met a man who asked me if I had made a lot of trips to the lodge. John had told him about me and somehow he knew me. We had a nice talk and he wanted to take a picture of me with his 2 small daughters. I also saw the trail maintenance workers whom I knew, Mike Cameron, Ed Grooms, Darris Clabo. They all remembered me.
May 25, 1995, Arch Rock, alone, 2 ˝ miles. Met Dr. Nate Smith at Grassy Patch. He had sent me a letter asking me to meet him and his son. He also called me on Wed. night from Gatlinburg. I didn't expect to walk any because, I just got out of the hospital yesterday. (I went in Park West Sunday night). I walked about 10 minutes with then and then told them to go on because I was holding them up. I had no idea that I would be able to go that far. I am encouraged and hope to make it to the top before the summer is over.
Notes:
Ways I've Hiked LeConte.
1. Anakeesta Slide & ridge to Blvd.
2. Ridge to Pt. of Anakeesta Slide to Blvd.
3. Boobs Ridge from Styx Branch at footlog.
4. Boobs Ridge from 2nd bridge below Arch Rock.
5. Duck Hawk Ridge.
6. Styx Branch Huggins Hell left fork.
7. Styx Branch Huggins Hell right fork
8. Trout Branch
9. Bear Pen Hollow via W. Pt. 7 hrs. up
10. Roaring fork from Grotto Falls
11. Cannon Creek, 9 hrs. up.
12. Lows Creek, 10 hrs. up.
13. Down Big Duck Hawk.
14 Down from Camp Ground to ACB Trail
15. Down Styx Branch
16. Down Walker Prong from Blvd.
17. Down from Insp Pt. to 1/3rd mile below Arch Rock
18. Down from Cliff top to trail below Horse Gate
19. No Name Ridge via Alum Creek. to Blvd.
+ 6 trails for a total of 25 variations of trails, off trail or combination of both.