For the Win!

If you are a follower you perhaps have read that I have long been attempting to ascend Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Trail in under 2 hours (As previously mentioned in Snails and Fails). This goal of mine started as a way to make my trip quick and fun while hiking up to stay with Dave after working all day at the visitor center.

I learned quickly that people are concerned for your well being when they see some chick huffing and puffing slowly up the side of a mountain as the sun is going down. It became my goal to not only get into better hiking shape, but also make myself look more competent while hiking into the evening alone.

This is the point in every journey up LeConte that I decide whether I will try to make my record attempt or not.



I have gone up Alum Cave Trail during all times of day, and even though early morning is nice, there is something really special about hiking into the twilight on the other end of the day. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the troubles from a busy week dissolve while climbing up that mountain alone.

Many of you likely know that Dave has moved to Franklin, NC to begin his training to become a law enforcement ranger. This means more time apart than usual, which is...admittedly...hard on us. He misses home all the time, and I miss having him around. I also have found myself really missing our little home on the mountain where Dave has spent so much time the past few years as LeConte Ranger.

One good thing about him being in school is that we finally have a day off together, so last week we took one of our first treks up LeConte together in a really long time. When we crossed the first foot bridge Dave said, "Well ... are you gonna go for it or what?". Although I was hesitant to commit to a speed attempt, it seemed like there was no time like the present so I replyed with something like, "I guess".

Made it! Mighty pleased with the effort apparently.

1 hour 52 minutes and 28 seconds  later I was standing atop the stairs to camp, goal achieved, and as you can see from the photo above...quite pleased with myself about it. This was the speediest trip I had ever made up Alum Cave Trail by at least 10 minutes. And actually the fastest round-trip I have ever done on the mountain, even including a stop to have lunch with the Crew. We made it up and back to the parking lot in about 5 hours with at least an hour spent on top hanging out with our LeConte Lodge Family.

Showing off my time...like a boss!

Grass of Paranasus near the top of Alum Cave Trail.

On the way down the mountain we took it easy. It is not that often that we get to hike together in the park. It seems like we often have to take a vacation to get a chance to go hiking together (pretty strange considering we both hike as a regular part of our jobs). Descending we took plenty of stops to enjoy the mountain and all of the things it has to offer. An amazing day!

~~ Caitlin~~