Walkabout

Rainbow Falls-Bullhead Trail Loop ~14mi
Mt. LeConte-Great Smoky Mountains National Park

After Saturday's race, I woke up Sunday morning with great temptation to just take it easy. But it was warm, the sun was out, and sometimes I just can't help myself. Instead of rest and recovery, I decided to make a trip up Mt. LeConte.
For this journey, I was flying solo. Caitlin is at the Grand Canyon, Cody was wisely resting (as I probably should have been), and Dad had to work. No problem, a day on the trail by yourself is a fine thing.

"Wildlife" near the start of Rainbow Falls Trail

Generally, I avoid Rainbow Falls Trail due to being choked with people much of the year. Today wasn't bad, saw two folks between the parking lot and the falls. Saw no one except a grizzled mountain man (LeConte caretaker) above the falls until I reached the summit.

Trail above the falls

Trail Conditions:

Pretty good really. As you can see there is still plenty of snow, but the ice is minimal. Made it up and down the mountain without the use of crampons, icespikes, etc. There are opportunities to post-hole on the upper parts of Bullhead if you're not careful. No exceptionally gnarly blowdowns on the entire loop.

View of Mt. LeConte from Rocky Spur

The summit was fantastic, warm enough to be comfortable in a heavy sweater or light down jacket. Minimal crowds. 

Here's some eye candy:

Near the Summit

Looking towards Clingman's Dome

"There are lies, damn lies, and statistics"   Mark Twain.

Trip up 2hr 44 min
Trip down 2hr 20min
2.75mile per hour average

Solo hiking is an opportunity to think about so much and so little at the same time. It was truly a sublime day.