Might as well start at the beginning. This is why we get up at 4:15 AM. Foothills Parkway Overlook.
Changing every minute.
Fog lifting and sun rising on the mountains and Spring green.
Another shot.
Closeup of the Spring colors and what's left of the fog.
One of the other things I love about Spring in the Smokies - all the flowing water on the rocks.
A spot I try to visit every year. Above Tremont there is a narrow ledge to catch this water shot. And of course, it is different every year.
Closer view of part of this water.
And very close.
Becky Cable House and Smokehouse in the early morning fog.
So let's try a vintage Black & White. I think I like it. Do You?
Sunrise in the fog at Cades Cove. What are we doing standing knee deep in soaking wet grass?
Photographing the iconic tree!
This one!
Inside looking out.
The fairy bridge at Elkmont in B&W.
I think I like it better in color.
One of the decaying houses at Elkmont. The reflections in the partly broken windows are what intrigued me.
The Cumberland River.
These rocks on the banks of the Cumberland River reminded me of the Painted Rocks in Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
More painted rocks.
Cumberland Falls in the mist and fog. Many fallen trees n the banks.
Vertical of the same.
Clearer shot later in the day.
Guess !
The most perfect specimen of a Luna moth I have ever seen. Just sitting outside the dining room at GSMIT posing for portraits. Blow it up and check it out!
Now for the small stuff. Fire Pink. Imagine how small the spider was that crawled over it.
Violet Wood Sorrel. A new one for me, and all over the trails at Cumberland Falls.
White Pine Angle.
Fleabane.
Wild Comfrey, another new one for me.
Bellwort
Still working on an ID for this moth, but I liked how it set itself up. Common Idia?
Dwarf Crested Iris are just wonderful.
And they are good at catching things.
Harvestman arranged itself beautifully.
Glad to find Showy Orchis.
This young grasshopper found them also.
A trio of trillium.
And a trio of violets.
And creeping away................