I've been following the weather forecast for the Great Smoky Mountains for several days, and today we made a decision to reschedule our hike to Mt. LeConte. The forecast was for moderately severe thunderstorms, and I have hiked this mountain in the rain so often in the past that I know how unpleasant and potentially dangerous that can be. My little diary reminds me that in 1993 I hiked by myself in heavy rain the entire way down the seven-mile Rainbow Falls Trail. There was no shelter then, and there will be no shelter on the trail we will be taking (except for Alum Cave), and wet rocks can be hazardous. In 2011 we were caught in rain only briefly, but it was enough to dampen spirits.
A slow-moving cold front is making its way toward eastern Tennessee, however, and after widespread severe storms on Monday afternoon and evening it should all clear out for a day or two. Wednesday is likely to be sunny with no chance of rain, so that is when we will plan to go.
So the running plan changed, also, and after my slow two-mile "taper" run yesterday, I went for ten miles this morning. It was a long morning, but it was encouraging to be able to complete that distance - approximately the same distance as our planned hike - with no problems. All is in readiness for my 30th climb up Mt. LeConte!
No comments:
Post a Comment