The stretch of trail between the parking lot and Arch Rock saw a number of downed trees blocking the trail. We weren't the first hikers to stumble across them because limbs had already been snapped to form a tunnel through the tangled messes. Hopefully they'll be cleared by trail maintenance crews before we have to return to work in March with our much larger packs. Since the trail parallels the creek for the first part, we were quick to notice how clear that water was like we had yesterday. It must have to do with the cold or the snow melt. I remember making the same observations hiking up this very same trail last year in March. Maybe it has something to do with the lack of foliage as well.
Before we reached Arch Rock we finally broke out of the shade and into the sunlight. Immediately I felt myself getting warmer and decided to stop and shed layers. Despite the cool temps and the presence of snow, it is important to shed layers during your ascent. You do want to work up a sweat because as soon as you stop, all that water on your skin and in your clothes will make your body too cold and/or too fast; thus, encouraging hypothermia. Since you are moving constantly, your blood flow will do enough to keep your body warm even in a short sleeved shirt. If you do decide to stop for a little bit, then it would be wise to put your dry layers back on and maintain your warmth. We stopped long enough to remove one layer and get a drink of water, then it was back to moving. Arch Rock, with all of its constant shade, was pretty well iced over on the inside. Luckily, the steps were clear, but it would have been a mess if they weren't.
Somewhere in the half mile between Arch Rock and Inspiration Point we came across a rocky outcrop that sees a lot of water runoff and sits in the shade. Its surface was coated in icy columns, several of which had broken off due to the warming temperatures of late. There were at least three massive pillars of ice that had disconnected from the others and fell right onto the trail. The chunks themselves were still intact and looked rather impressive.
The rest of the way up Alum Cave was as monotonous as ever, walking through the woods, heading in the same direction, stepping over rocks, roots, and snow. The most entertaining part was when I come across snow that was in the sun and had become packable. I'd look back at Bonnie, and if she was far enough away I could roll up a snowball real quick without her noticing. After a few close calls she finally caught on to me and made me stop. I would comply...until later...haha! Anyone who's done the hike up Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte knows that the views get better the higher you get. Some of the best places are at the rockslides below Cliff Tops that afford grand views of the Smokies main ridge and the valley below. The view of Chimney Tops was especially clear this day.
It was an undescridable feeling to reach the lodge and see all the cabins again after two months. It truly felt like we were back home. The place we had come to know and love was still there waiting for us. As we stood at the top of camp and looked out, the entire valley to the north was below the clouds and here we were above it all. What made it so unique this time around was that we had it all to ourselves. Alex, the winter caretaker was off the mountain for the afternoon tending to some business in town, so not even he was there. There were no dayhikers, no shelter folk, and no guests because the lodge is closed. It was so quiet, and calm, and perfect. It was just Bonnie, me, the mountain, and a gorgeous day. How cool is that?
Our other reason for bring there was to make some preparations for this upcoming season since we are both returning. We tended to some things regarding our respective crew quarters after we warmed up in the kitchen and ate some chow. When we finished with our business, we wanted to make a brief stop at Cliff Tops. Since it sits on the mountains southern face, it loses its snowpack the fastest, so all of the jagged rocks were dry and bare. Looking around, there wasn't much snow to see because all that remained was on the ground and not on the trees. The views were delightful and the mountains in the distance were in varying shades of blue. It was difficult to leave, but we knew we didn't have much daylight so we had to head down eventually.