On the way up to the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook where last week’s picture was from, I noticed that the Clingmans Dome Road was still open… as it turns out, it was the last day it would be open for the season. After getting what I was after at the overlook, (more on that thought next week) I decided to shoot up to the Clingmans Dome parking lot (another great place in the Smokies to watch the sunrise) for a look around and I was treated to a beautiful sight. As I was getting out of my car, the sun was just starting to reach into the valleys over the shoulders of the mountains and clouds still hung around in other valleys. It was spectacular. I found myself literally running from spot to spot because the light was getting away from me quickly… but I was having an absolute blast! As much as I don’t like getting up super early, I certainly do enjoy starting a day like this.
–Dan Thompson