15-16 May 2008
I was amazingly honored to hike up Mt LeConte and stay at the lodge with the entire Huff family and friends. This was the first time I have ever stayed at the lodge. We hiked up Alum Cave Bluffs trail Thursday, and I came down Rainbow Falls trail on Friday. The climate was wet, streams and waterfalls were full, and the spring greens were just popping with vibrance. As a photographer, I was loving it!
Smoky Mountain spring forest along Rainbow Falls trail.
Rainbow Falls shrouded in fog.
Rounding the bend of Alum Cave Bluffs trail along the ridge to Mt LeConte.
-------------------------------
The lodge was founded by Jack and Pauline Huff in the 1920's.
Jack's daugher, Cookie, opens the door to the dining room as young Huff brothers Braden, Hunter, and Cade ring the bell.
Guys, "You're the coolest!"
(The lodge operator takes the group picture looking up the steps from the dining area.)
Now that's a fun group!
A huge thanks to Lori Huff, Aunt Cookie, and Glenn Metts for inviting me to hear your stories, see the deep history you have on this mountain, and most of all to see the way you love one another. ~ Paul
