Sunrise on the Smokies

Almost the Top

 

Three views of the final rise of the Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  None of us climbed to the pinnacle which was a bit intimidating on a windy day.  Or maybe any day for such as myself...not a rock climber.  This was one of the most strenuous hikes I've personally made but totally worth it.  The final photo is me taken by Beth who's in the first photo.

Micro Forest

Towards the end of my Chimney Tops Trail hike I stumbled (literally stumbled because by this point my legs were shaking) upon this little micro forest.  Not knowing if I'd be able to stand up after (but being close enough to the end of the trail to risk it) I sat down on the ground to get these shots.

Ice

I've just discovered that these are known as frost flowers. An amazing phenomenon.

Chimney Tops Trail

These are from my 4 mile Chimney Tops Trail hike.  2 miles straight up a mountain and 2 miles down.  Ouch.  We started out just as the sun was rising and didn't see another person until after we turned around for the hike down.  It was a beautiful morning and a beautiful hike.  It was also completely exhausting.  My legs were trembling the last 1 1/2 miles down.  Way better than a stair climber.

Winter Textures

Mountain Color

I went on another fantastic hike today.  2 miles straight up the mountain.  Very beautiful and very tiring.  I'll have photos to share when I get home.  In the mean time here are more from the Laurel Falls hike.  So many great colors!

Rocks

Up Close

Back Online

After two months away from hiking and taking pictures I'm back online.  I'm spending the week at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN.  Today I took advantage of the nearby Great Smoky Mountains and had a lovely walk up to Laurel Falls.  It's unseasonably warm with a mix of sun and clouds and an all around beautiful day in January.  I spent the first five hours of my day in the studio working on something new with a lot of other interesting artists.  And this is just the first day.  It's going to be a great week.