Mount Guyot, Moonrise, Clouds, 2005

The area between Pittman Center and Cosby has a number of fantastic views of the Smokies. There are several roads leading up the ridges that are west of highway 321. One evening in July of 2005, my wife and I drove up to where were were married for sentimental reasons. We stayed for as long as we could but the gnats quickly became intolerable. As we were driving down the winding road, the moon rose and the setting sun lit up the clouds. I stopped the truck, grabbed my camera and took as many photographs as possible before the light and mood changed. The timing was perfect. Much earlier and the moon would have been behind the clouds. Much later and the sunlight on the clouds would have darkened. For once, I was thankful for the gnats on Webb Mountain.

As it is, the original file is somewhat flat, necessarily so to obtain definition in the moon and the brightest part of the clouds. The file requires considerable adjusment in order to portray the exitement of the original "live" view without rendering the image too grainy.

Anthony Creek 1997

The Anthony Creek trail orginates at the Cades Cove picnic area, follows the creek, and connects with the Bote Mountain Trail which reaches the Appalachian Trail at Spence Field.

The hike on this occassion was in the fall, the goal was Spence Field, carrying my 4x5 camera, a tripod and several packs of film. I was hiking with an associate from my office who wanted to do some hiking. I think I about wore him out on this trail. It was an uphill climb the whole way.

The Anthony Creek Trail is one of the more beautiful trails in the park. It wanders through forests and beside streams. On the right kind of day, the sunlight streams through the leaves of the trees. The effect can be breath-taking.

This photograph was meant to capture those impressions. The water movement, the glow of the light on the trees behind the water, all make this photograph one of my personal favorites. I also have fond memories of the hike especially as we accomplished our goal of making it to Spence Field.