Friday, 8/15/08, I did a 16.2 mile loop hike to
Mt. LeConte by hiking the full length of Trillium Gap from Rainbow Falls parking to the LeConte Lodge and then back down
to the parking area via Bullhead trail. I was pleased to find that, starting above the Brushy Mtn trail junction, Trillium
Gap trail is much improved due to many improvements made to those steep, wet, eroded sections. See my photos of some
of the improvements. Apparently this work was done during the time the trail was closed earlier this year to repair
damage caused by a large landslide. I'm offering a big thank-you to the crews who did this work.
Oppressive Humidity
My hike up Trillium Gap trail reminded me that we have very humid weather conditions
during the summer season (not that I needed any reminder!). It was miserably humid and I was very happy to at last reach
the summit of Mt. LeConte.
Disinfect Your Gut with LeConte Lodge Water
I'd drank most of the 3 liters of water I'd packed so I added a bit more to my
supply from the LeConte Lodge faucet. The moment I took a sip of the replenished supply I was sorry I'd not tasted the
water before putting any into my water bladder. YUCK! This is the 2nd time I've noticed that LeConte Lodge treats
their water with iodine. I don't know if this is a regular thing for them since sometimes I've not noticed an iodine
taste in their water. Any of you who've put those water purification tablets into your water know exactly what I mean.
It is nasty-tasting stuff.
The Downhill Fun
I departed for Bullhead trail around 3:30 pm and after about 10 minutes I met the last
hikers I'd see until reaching the parking area at 6:15 pm. Bullhead offered a pleasantly cool respite from the
oppressive humidity I'd endured while coming up Trillium Gap trail. Bullhead trail may be my favorite route to and from
Mt. LeConte.
Beautiful Flower; Very Strange Name
Kidneyleaf Grass-of-Parnassus was blooming along both Trillium Gap and Bullhead trails
in wet shady areas for both trails somewhat below their upper ends. See my photos. This plant doesn't resemble
grass at all but its genus name is a hold-over from the name given a grass-like plant found by a Greek scientist
along the slopes of Mt. Parnassus.
Baby Juncos
Moving into late summer means the songbirds have gone quiet since their breeding season
is just about over. It seemed that today I heard only juncos, chickadees and wrens. I did spot a nest of baby
juncos hidden in the side of a rock face along Bullhead trail. See the photos.
I'll Take a Hike Instead of TV Everytime
Overall, today's hike wasn't particularly scenic or rewarding but it was still much
more enjoyable than sitting at home where I'm certain I'd have been wishing I was hiking somewhere instead being at home.
Even a so-so day on the trail in the Smokies is better than almost any kind of day spent at home.
