Today I’m sifting through my entire collection of images as I assemble a slideshow that will play on a computer at my gallery.  I came across the image above from six years ago.  In 2005 Melissa and I moved to Georgia for a few months to help care for my ill father.  While there we made two short trips to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Both trips were made in early spring of 2006.  Having moved from the Rockies, where big views and dramatic peaks dominate the landscape, we didn’t expect to be overly impressed.  How wrong we were.

We packed in a lot of hiking during our two visits.  Though the trails are at low elevation compared to the Rockies, it seemed like every one of them went straight up for 3,000 or more vertical feet.  What we call rivers in the West are but little streams in the Smokies.  Waterfalls are everywhere and wildflowers bloom in profusion but most amazing of all, there are infinite shades of green.  I know it is blasphemy to say this but living in Moab and seeing nothing but red rock day in and day out gets a little old at times.  This photo, of a huge hillside covered in foliage bearing the vibrant early leaves of spring, was a welcome sight when I discovered it in Lightroom today.  I don’t think I’ve ever shared this image publicly before and I hope you enjoy it.

This image is available as a fine art print, canvas gallery wrap or archival plaque in sizes up to 32″ x 48″.  Please email me if you’d like to inquire about purchasing a print.