05/26/2017
"Out of darkness & into light"
On a recent trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park I had a chance to take on a sunrise hike to Andrews Bald. I started out from the Clingman's Dome parking area and the fog was so thick that I was surprised I found the trail head so easily. Leaving just after the rain stopped I figured an hour for 1.7 miles would be easy work, but with the amount of wet rock and 1100'+ elevation change it was more that I had planned. I arrived and the view was still socked in with fog and clouds, but it made for a nice rest to enjoy the morning sounds of nature. After a couple short glimpses of mountains and a couple fog shots I decided to make the trip back. One great thing I like after a dark hike out is a return trip in the light and seeing the trail for the first time. With the amazing views I could not resist stopping for a few photos.