Mt. LeConte this week

I realized this week that I need to go back and blog our Italy trip (May 2011) and the Blue Ridge Parkway (October 2010) - but that's a task for another day.

I've been talked into hiking Mt. LeConte by my friend Joni; we've been to Gatlinburg twice and now we're headed back to enjoy the great outdoors. I've test packed my bag, bought a bear bell, and broken in my boots, so now to mentally prepare for the following: BEARS, no medical facilities within hours, no cell service, BEARS, hiking 5 miles straight up a mountain, did I mention the BEARS?!

In all seriousness, I'm really looking forward to a challenge that will take me out of my comfort zone. I'm staring down 30 next year and I feel like this is a great time to focus on fearlessness as a mantra.

For an overview of conditions on top of the mountain at the Lodge, High on LeConte is a great blog. The weather should be good if a bit cold - but better than rain! I plan to use MapMyHike through Facebook so hopefully you can follow along as I climb.very.slowly. up the mountain.

We leave for Gatlinburg Friday and will hit the trail early Saturday morning. Wish me luck!