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Comments
Why does the NPS need a $60,000 open air pavilion at Mt. LeConte? Destruction of natural landscape & maintenance costs are by products. Leave the Lodge alone, why expand the footprint. What is next, a vendor kiosk at Myrtle Point?
#1 the office where they sell shirts is condemned. Thats the "new" office. #2 the open air Pavillion is to keep the hikers from destroying the mountain as they all try to find space in a tiny area. When it rains guests will have random people coming into their cabins. These can be shared spaces between the lodge guests and folks that stay at the lean to shelter.
What on earth does anyone need an open air pavilion for up there? What an awful idea.
While they're at it, just put in a chairlift or ski lift so no one has to exert themselves!
and $140,000 for an office! Hot showers would be a welcome addition.
The mountaiin IS an open air pavilion- no need to build one!
Why build a man made pavilion in or on a place with the natural beauty as Le Conde lodge at the rates the government estimates the pavilion would only be a 10x10 pergola
We stayed many times at LeConte lodge in the late 1990s. Although rugged, it was charming with many happy memorie. All the ideas mentioned would be awesome to have there. I wonder how many of the naysayers have made the trek there!
Dear Linda,
As a frequent flyer of all ways to the lodge and permanent resident of this amazingly beautiful place, I have to cordially disagree with you. My oldest daughter has had the privilege of staying at the lodge 3 years in a row thanks to a cooperative school program we have here and part of that adventure is learning how to minimize our impact while respecting and enjoying this wonderful park we have. I have personally carried my middle child who is wheelchair bound up LeConte and many other trails multiple times. Not only for fun but as a chaperone on many field trips throughout the park. My son who happens to be my youngest has spent his entire 9 years of life running, exploring and enjoying every trail that catches his eye including multiple trips to the lodge without the need of over priced over intrusive unnecessary structures. The experience of the mountain needs nothing more than the simple amenities already provided. To add anything else would detract, dare I say destroy the thrilling accomplishment of reaching a hard won goal and throw sewage on the hard work of so many wonderful people. Let's keep the mountain simple and rugged, our joy is found in the adventure of a small struggle rewarded by a venue no man can improve upon.
Why make it so onerous for a new operator. The lodge carries itself quite well. The charm of it is the historical nature of the structures. A new office and pavilion are silly. Don't destroy of the natural beauty of it.
My husband and I have had the pleasure of staying at the lodge several times. Headed up again in October for a 2 night stay.
My suggestions to make the lodge more comfortable? Stop using the office common area as a big storage area for covid takeout containers and what not. I have such good memories of enjoying the room with other guests, listening to guitar, stories and playing board games while gathered around the heater. The common area in the office is a great place to be when mountain weather is dreadful and one is confined indoors.
Installing rat wire on the windows would also be a great idea and not cost too much.
No to the pavilion. Yes to simple changes. Leave the Lodge alone.
I worked at the lodge in 1963 and 1965. Mr and Mrs Herrick ran the lodge back then. The price for sharing a bed for 2 people was $450 each with a $4 dollar charge for two meals!!! Wow have things changed! We earned $150 per month meals and bed included! I remember The/Browns credited us for the bed and food. that we had to pay income tax on. No problem, we would have paid them to share a summer of experiences that very few people ever had!!!