Roan Mountain Outing (June 13-14)

[jschornak]

It seemed that everyone who attended had a good outing. This is a very amazing place and it always provides wonderful photography opportunities. Even though this outing always seems to get associated with the blooming of the Rhododendron and Flame Azalea, there is so much more here (just ask anyone who shot along the foggy trail to Roan High Bluff). And yes, the sunrises and sunsets are great. And yes, the weather changes dramatically about every twenty minutes (which is actually a big plus for photographers). But “the Roan” cannot be adequately described by a single botanical event or a pre-conceived plan. The Roan is a very unique place right here in our own backyard (perhaps the world for that matter) and seems best enjoyed in the moment. Planning has already started for next year! Look for the forum thread to start very soon.

Overview
The grassy balds of the Roan Mountain-area straddle the North Carolina and Tennessee state line for about ten-miles from Carver’s Gap to Big Hump Mountain. The broad sweeping vistas here provide very unique landscape opportunities. This two-day outing coincides with the blooming of the Catawba Rhododendron and Flame Azalea, which is an awesome natural spectacle. This is also a wonderful sunrise and sunset location.

This location not only offers a wide variety of photographic subjects, but it’s also conducive to different photographic field-methodologies. You can hike and shoot here until your legs “run out of gas” or you can find nice locations to drive-park-shoot. There really is something for everyone.

Last year we “got poured on” with the rain, but most attendees told me they definitely wanted to return in 2009. Everyone is invited and there are no size-limits on the group. But accommodations in the area get tough in this area in early June, so you should make such plans early. If you plan to go, then please post to this thread indicating your level of interest (I will start compiling the attendee list here in the initial post).

Schedule (last updated 6-7-2009)
Below are our basic rendezvous date/times and locations. The first meeting point (4:30am to 4:45am - meet at Carver's Gap parking area - N36° 6.4021' and W82° 6.6436') is fixed and firm. However, the remainder of the schedule will be subject to weather and decisions made by our group in the field. We will try to post any changes to our schedule on the information board at the small paved parking area at Carver's Gap. But the surest connect point will be that first rendezvous point, so please try to be there.

Saturday June 13th
4:30am to 4:45am - meet at Carver's Gap parking area (look for my boater's bow-light ... red/green)
4:45am to 5:30am - hike from Carver's Gap to Round Bald (0.48-miles)
6:11am - approximate sunrise time

Sunday June 14th
5:45am to 6:00am - meet at Carver's Gap parking area

Saturday (June 13th) Rendezvous (last updated 6-7-2009)
The coordinates below are for the first parking lot you'll come to if you are coming south on Hwy-143 (from the State Park or the B&B) near the Tennessee and North Carolina state lines. It is a really a wide gravel pull-off next to the road and will accomodate all of our vehicles. It is possible that it will be occupied or partially occupied (even at 4:30am), so I've also marked the other two parking areas. That is why you should look for my boater's bow-light (which is split colored red/green) to be sure.

The attached map (CarversGapParkingArea_Map2.pdf) shows the three parking areas and the trailhead. I have drawn in an estimated trailhead and trail location from memory. The trailhead is on the northeast side of the highway (it goes up the bank through the split-rail fence, but it may be a little closer to the prefered parking area (this will get you close if you miss us at the rendezvous time).

Location: Carver's Gap Parking Area (there are roughly three parking areas, so see attached map)
Landmark: Intersection (3-way) of Hwy-143, Hwy-261, and SR-1348
Coordinates: N36° 6.4021' and W82° 6.6436'
Beacon: red/green boater's bowlight (Goggle it if you aren't familiar with them) on my dark-grey Honda Element
Time: 4:30am to 4:45am
Begin Hike: 4:45am (promptly)

Gear Recommendations (last updated 6-6-2009)
These suggestions are based on our Saturday shooting location on Round Bald (which does not have a convience store on the corner :cool: ) and the fact that weather on the Roan Balds can vary to the extreme and very quickly, so you should be prepared like a Boy Scout.

TP (that's toilet paper for you non-scouters)
Rain Gear
Hiking Boots/shoes (with good ankle support)
Nylon clothes are better than cotton (like blue-jeans), especially when wet
Layered outer wear (at minimum a fleece-like layer and a wind-breaking layer)
Hat
Sun screen/block
Sunglasses
Water bottle and plenty of water for the day
Snacks and meals
Flashlight
First Aid kit
Hiking stick/staff/pole(s)
And of course your favorite photography gear

Attendees (last updated 6-19-2009)
John Schornak
Edgar Payne
Ann Larsen
Tom Dills
Kathy Dills
David Hartfield
Rich Nicoloff
Shawn Jennings

Potential Accommodations (last updated 4-14-2009)

Roan Mountain Bed and Breakfast (423-772-3207)
http://www.roanmountainbedandbreakfast.com/

Roan Mountain State Park (423-772-0190) – campsites and cabins
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/RoanMtn/

Banner Elk Inn (888-487-8263)
http://www.bannerelkinn.com/

Pixie Inn (828-733-2597)
see epayne post below on 4-13-2009

Remember
THIS IS THE FINALIZED VERSION OF MY PLANS.

Thanks!
John

[epayne]

Hello John,
Ann and I are registered at the Roan Mtn B&B for Friday and Saturday night.
I know Tom and Kathy Dills are also staying there. They may have additional rooms available? 423-772-3207. It is possibly the closest lodging to the balds unless you camp.
Edgar Payne

[tomdills]

Hi John -

Edgar is correct - Kathy & I are planning to attend and have our reservation at the Roan Mountain Bed & Breakfast (http://www.roanmountainbedandbreakfast.com/). Nice place with a breakfast that is worth going back for, and I don't say that about too many breakfasts!

[jenniferbrown]

Any campground suggestions ?

[epayne]

Hi Jennifer,
There is a state park at Roan Mountain with year round camping facilities.

http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/RoanMtn/

It looks promising but you might want to call for reservations as this is a busy time of year for the area. I think John camped there in his RV last year. A "Google" of "Roan Mountain Campgrounds turns up lots of information.

http://www.google.com/search?q=roan+mountain+campground&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=com.google:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Hope to see you there,

Edgar

[jschornak]

The Roan Mountain State Park (Tennessee) is a very nice campground. But it is "first come first served" and usually fills up at this time of year. My understanding is that if you get there on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, then you'd probably get a site. The State Park also has cabins, which rent for $568.02 for the whole week (Monday to Sunday). As of 4-9-2009 there were seven of those available.

Jay and Donna Eaton stayed at the Banner Elk Inn last year. That URL is also listed in the initial post above. There are all kinds of possibilities there. You might email Donna to get her input on this lodging option.

Tom, Kathy, Edgar, and Ann stayed at the Roan Mountain B&B last year. They seemed to really like it and made reservations there again this year. That URL is also listed above in the first post of this thread. I'm sure Tom Dills or Edgar Payne would be happy to respond to emails requesting their thoughts on this lodging option.

Last year I had a reservation at Wilson’s Living Waters Campground down the other side of the mountain through Carver's Gap. It was pretty bad, so I camped on the Mountain. I may try to get into the State Park this year.

If anyone has knowledge of other good lodging option, then please post a reply to this thread.

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (which includes all those who signed the sheet at the monthly meeting last night).

Also updated the accomodations section.

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

Posted an update to the initial thread post that only 4 cabins remain available for the week of June 8th through the 14th.

Thanks!
John

[epayne]

Hello John,
As to other Lodging options the Pixie Inn in Linville is back open for the season. It provides basic accommodation at a very reasonable rate and is not too far from Roan Mountain. The last time we were there they still did not take credit cards, Cash and Checks only. 828-733-2597. It is about 20 miles from Roan Mtn by car 35 to 40 minutes.
Edgar Payne

[jbsteinke]

I'm up for this...probably will be my first outing. I will likely camp.

::EDIT::: Just booked the B&B so I'm definitely 'Inn". Won't be camping after all.

[jschornak]

Made updates (attendees and accomodations) to the initial post to this thread.

[tholcomb]

I am a new member. I would like to attend this outing. I have an RV and would be camping with my family, but Roan Mountain is only "first come, first serve". I am not comfortable driving 3 hours and then not having a place to camp. Would you please let me know of any other campsites in the area that take reservations?

[jschornak]

tholcomb,

A Google search for "Roan Mountain campgrounds" pulled up the following list:

Roan Mountain State Park - www.roanmountain.com - (423) 772-3303
Buck Hill Campground - www.buckhillcampground.com - (828) 765-7387
Doe River Gorge Christian Camp - www.doerivergorge.com - (423) 725-4010
Roan Mountain State Park: Campground Check-In Station - maps.google.com - (423) 772-4178
Holston Presbytery Camp & Retreat Center - holstoncamp.org - (828) 898-6611
Camp Spring Creek - www.campspringcreek.org - (828) 688-1000
Appalachian Christian Camp - www.campacc.com - (423) 743-3910
Camp Lutherock - www.llmi.net - (828) 733-5868
Secluded Valley RV Campground - maps.google.com - (828) 765-4810
Buck Hill Campground - www.buckhillcampground.com - (828) 766-6162

I've also attached an area map, which gives some idea of relative locations of campgrounds.

Some of these may not be avialable. But at least it gives you a starting point and some contact information. Visit some websites and call some phone numbers ... if you get some good information then please share here on this forum thread. As I do more research, I'll do the same.

When would you being going up (day and time)? If you get up there mid-week, then you shouldn't have a problem getting a site at the Roan Mountain State Park. But like you say that is not a guarantee ... that is just what lots of campers have told me through the years.

The next question to answer (especially for yourself) is: What kind of photography do I want to do? There are at least two ways to to approach this outing photographically: (1) hiking the Balds or (2) driving and parking the shooting. We did a hybrid of both last year. If you prefer the hiking option and sunrise/sunset shoots, then it will be beneficial to the a close as possible to Carver's Gap (and the State Park is the closest). But if you prefer to shoot the Rhododendron Gardens near Roan High Knob, and/or the landscape and macro possibilities in the Carver's Gap area, then option two will work and you can camp further away.

Recommending campgrounds is also a tough proposition, because people demand different amenities. I hope this has been helpful and provides you with place to start researching.

Last year I booked and paid for a campsite at Wilson's Living Waters Campground. I don't think Woodalls or Good Sam would rate it very high, but it was a good safety net. I never spent a night there ... I spent all my nights in the parking lot (alone except for a HAM radio operator somewhere on the other side of the Gardens. I know a parking lot doesn't sound too great (and no power, water, or sewer ... so boondocking). But it was amazing seeing all the stars at night on the Roan High Knob and listening to the wind through the Spruce. During the day I would park on the road-side at Carver's Gap, which put me close to our hikes up Round Bald.

The Grandfather Mountain Campground on the Hwy-105 side of Grandfather Mountain is a commercial campground with all the amenities. It's a little further away, but probably a reasonable distance. You can Google them on the Internet. Also some of the Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds (like Linville Falls) may not be too far away. Again that is a call for you to make based on your shooting preferences and your willingness to drive.

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (4-21-2009 at 7:08pm).

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

All Participants,

Please post to this thread with your reserved or planned lodging accomodations. I do not need to hear from those that are already correctly logged in the initial post.

Thanks!
John

[jenniferbrown]

99% sure to be camping...at the state park. Planning on arriving Wednesday, I think! :D

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (4-27-2009 at 8:57pm).

Thanks!
John

[journeyman]

I'm planning on camping at the state park. My fallbacks are camping at Julian Price Park or staying at the Blowing Rock Conference Center.

Rich Nicoloff
www.fromthejourney.com

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (4-29-2009 at 2:38pm).

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (4-29-2009 at 6:04pm).

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

All,

I setup a pole to solicit attendee's preferences on how they would like to "cover" the shooting locations (which are spread over a total distance of about 3-miles from Roan Knob to Carver's Gap to Round Bald to Jane Bald) for this outing. This small area is full of photographic opportunities and the outing itinerary will be in keeping with my credo: "drive less and shoot more".

The poll choices range in time and distance (from all-day/2.5-mile-hike to 4-hours/no-hike). And we can do several combinations. Depending on responses we can elimate some options or we can split into several groups. Roan Knob, the Rhododendron Gardens, and Carver's Gap can be reached by car. Round Bald and Jane Bald require hikes.

I really would like input from those planning to attend.

Thanks!
John

[jenniferbrown]

hmmm...this is a hard decision for me since we don't know what things will look like until we get there. sorry - I know that's not helpful for your planning purposes.

[tomdills]

Hi John -

We talked the other day about the possibility of Roan High Bluff as a sunset location. Do you have any information on the views from there? It looks like about a 1/2 mile hike from the furthest point of the road at the bus parking area.

Weather permitting, I like the idea of a hike out to Jane Bald for sunset. I know it would be a bit of a dark trek after the sun goes down but under the right conditions should be worth the trip.

I'd be happy to head up that way with you if you want to do a scouting trip.

[jenniferbrown]

ok...think i need to restate my statement....
Since I've never been here before, I have no idea what is what. I do know that the less driving we do, the happier I will be....it's the mountains, right??? :eek:

[tomdills]

Hi Jennifer -

I don't want to steal John's thunder here as he'll provide LOTS of information in the coming weeks. I did just upload a file that has a description of the area and a map that should help get you oriented. You might also check out the information in the thread from last year's trip.

Once you get to Carver's Gap the "driving" is only about 2 miles from the parking area there to the end of the road by the gardens and the bus parking area. All the good views are ones you need to hike to, and the distances and difficulties vary depending on where you go.

On the map, the hikes out to Round Bald and Jane Bald start from the Carver's Gap parking area. The other hikes will start from various other parking areas along that 2-mile road. It's all pretty self-contained. The different campgrounds are "down the hill" both directions from Carver's Gap, but even down to the B&B where Kathy & I, Edgar and Ann are staying is only about 10 miles. No big deal.

[jschornak]

Tom & Jennifer,

Sorry I missed all the activity here. I checked this thread multiple times on Friday and Saturday, but hadn't seen any activity other than mine. I guess there's truth in the old adage that "a watched pot never boils". But I'm real glad to hear from you guys (I hope others will chime in soon ... I sent individual emails to all of those who had not responded about lodging, but I have not heard from them).

Tom, thanks for filling in for me and providing information. It has been some years since I have been up to Roan High Bluff. The hike from the upper end of the bus parking-lot to Roan High Bluff is less than a half-mile, so it would be easy to check it out. I guess a scouting trip might be in order ... hopefully the doctor will be able to release me from my "walking boot" in the next couple of weeks.

Jennifer, the real point of the survey is to acertain how much walking people can or are willing to do. There are beautiful locations whether you drive/park or hike. The Rhododendron should be accessible by either method. Last year we were early for the Rhododendron at the Gardens (basically a drive to location), but Carver's Gap (another drive to location) and the Balds (a hike to location) were blooming like crazy. The Balds (primarily a hike to location) provide the huge panoramic views. The truth is that this is not real difficult hiking terrain, unless you are out-of-shape like me. The other point of the survey is that the 2.5-mile roundtrip hiking shoot I'm suggesting for Saturday might be a longer day out on the Balds than people can or are willing to do (so that is the other variable). These are merely suggestions or starting points for discussion.

Does that help you any? Please do the survey so I get an idea of what people "think" they want to do. We can always change our minds and the weather in the Roan area often forces changes in plans. Let me know if I can answer other questions.

Thanks!
John

[tholcomb]

John, Please remove me from the list. I will not be able to attend the Roan Mtn outing. Thanks, Tonya Holcomb

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (5-5-2009 at 5:43pm).

Thanks!
John

[journeyman]

I haven't visited Roan Mt. before so I'll defer to those that know the lay of the land. Nor have I been on an outing with the group since I tend to be more of a lone wolf when I'm shooting.

Personally, I have no problem hiking and would prefer that over driving "here & there". Whatever is chosen in the end will be fine with me, as I'm sure there will be plenty to shoot wherever and however we go.

[EDIT] - I went ahead and voted. Hope it helps.

Kudos to John for taking on the monumental task of putting all this together! :D


Rich Nicoloff
www.fromthejourney.com

[KenBarrett]

Hi John,
Please put me down as a possible. One appointment causing me a problem.
Regards, Ken Barrett

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (5-6-2009 at 9:47pm).

Thanks!
John

[debra.dandro]

Hey John! Please put me down as a maybe for this one. I really do want to join you guys but may have some problems with mine and my hubby's schedule. If all else fails, maybe I can at least drive up and join you for a day. Take care and I'll keep you posted on my status. Thanks! :)DJGD

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (5-14-2009 at 5:43pm).

Thanks!
John

[journeyman]

I just noticed that some of the folks from the Foothills Region will be out there on the morning of the 13th, too.


Rich Nicoloff
fromthejourney.com

[epayne]

Ann and I were at the Foothills meeting last Sunday and yes they have a group on the mountain the same weekend. It should make for a wonderful outing on the Balds. They have a post on the Foothills Thread with some details. It looks like they will be meeting at 7:30 AM at the Carvers Gap Parking lot. Hopefully we will already be up the hill by then in position for the sunrise.
Edgar Payne

[jenniferbrown]

Does this mean I need to make a double batch of brownies? :D

[epayne]

Hi Jennifer,
From an email I received this morning it looks like the Asheville Chapter will be in attendance as well. Better make a triple batch of brownies.
Thanks, Edgar Payne

[jbsteinke]

I'll be staying at the B&B, so no camping for me after all. Looking forward to this...

[debrown]

I just may join all you good folks on this one. I am seriously thinking of joining you and then taking off Sunday morning for Cades Cove and then a day each at Cumberland Falls (kentucky) and Land Between the Lakes (kentucky) before joining my wife for a family reunion in Cinncinatti. Now if I can only find a place to sleep (inside, not camping).

[tomdills]

Hi Don -

Call or e-mail Ann Campbell at Roan Mountain Bed & Breakfast (http://www.roanmountainbedandbreakfast.com/). Their site shows two rooms available, although you may end up with a shared bath, which is not a big deal. The rooms there are nice and the breakfasts are worth going back for!

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (5-24-2009 at 8:36pm).

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR BASIC RENDEZVOUS SCHEDULE HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE FIRST POST OF THIS FORUM THREAD. I WILL ALSO BE POSTING A MAP OF THE RENDEZVOUS LOCATION (CARVER'S GAP).

Remember to bring flashlights for the pre-sunrise hike up to our sunrise location on Round Bald! And don't forget to dress in layers and bring rain-gear.

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

The attached map (RendezvousMap_20090613.pdf) shows the Saturday morning rendezvous location, the information board location, and the destination of our pre-sunrise hike to Round Bald.

The map is oriented with North being at the top. The PDF map is very readable ... just zoom in when you open the file. The map grid has GPS coordinates. The parking-lot coordinates are roughly N36° 6.3730' and W82° 6.6530'.

The parking-lot we'll meet at is a large gravel pull-off next to the road.

Most of you will be coming south on Hwy-143 (i.e. from the Bed & Breakfast or from the State Campground). We will be hiking roughly east on the Appalachian Trail to Round Bald.

Thanks!
John

6-7-2009 11:34am update ... I removed the attached Rendezvous Map. Go to the first post to get the most current map.

[tg4jaml]

John,
I will not be joining you-all on the outing... Maybe next year.
Thanks for all you do!
Marsha

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (5-25-2009 at 4:05pm).

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (6-1-2009 at 9:20pm).

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (6-2-2009 at 10:40am).

Thanks!
John

[journeyman]

John, can you add Mike Baker (different than current CNPA member Mike Baker) to the list. He is thinking of joining CNPA and will be camping. Thanks!

[KenBarrett]

Just found out my two oldest grand children are coming to see us next weekend.
I will not be attending the outing. I know everyone will have fun. Later, Ken

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (6-4-2009 at 4:33pm).

Thanks!
John

[jbsteinke]

Backing out of this engagement. Will be cancelling my reservations at the Bed and Breakfast as well. My cancellation has opened up the Iris Room at the Roan Mtn B&B. I think it was $75 a night, so accomodations are still available.

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (6-6-2009 at 1:00pm). I also added my (Boy Scout-ish) gear recommendations.

Thanks!
John

[debrown]

You can remove the "maybe" from my name. I am at the B&B for Fri and Sat nites then on to Cades Cove sometime Sunday. My long range weather forecast is not good!!!

[jschornak]

Posted updates to attendee list to this point (6-6-2009 at 9:40pm).

Don, your right about the forecast. But that will either be very good (clearing storms can provide amazing light) or tough shooting conditions. Last year we had some very strong downpours, but would get clearing weather several times during the day. We'll hope for the best.

Thanks!
John

[jschornak]

All,

I've done all I could ... Marcia and I leave for Roan Mountain on Monday June 8th in the morning. Everything should be on the initial post. If you are printing anything to take with you (like the parking area map or the schedule), then print them from there beginning today (these are the finalized versions). Good luck and we'll see you on Saturday June 13th.

Saturday (June 13th) Rendezvous
The coordinates below are for the first parking lot you'll come to if you are coming south on Hwy-143 (from the State Park or the B&B) near the Tennessee and North Carolina state lines. It is a really a wide gravel pull-off next to the road and will accomodate all of our vehicles. It is possible that it will be occupied or partially occupied (even at 4:30am), so I've also marked the other two parking areas. That is why you should look for my boater's bow-light (which is split colored red/green) to be sure.

Location: Carver's Gap Parking Area (there are roughly three parking areas, so see attached map)
Landmark: Intersection (3-way) of Hwy-143, Hwy-261, and SR-1348
Coordinates: N36° 6.4021' and W82° 6.6436'
Beacon: red/green boater's bowlight (Goggle it if you aren't familiar with them) on my dark-grey Honda Element
Time: 4:30am to 4:45am
Begin Hike: 4:45am (promptly)

[epayne]

Hello All,
The weekend is approaching quickly. For all of us in the Roan Mtn. B&B I just spoke with our innkeeper Ann and she advised that they will have wireless internet access by this weekend. It is being installed this week. Ann and I are looking forward to seeing all of you on the mountain.
Also you might want to consider bringing a FRS radio (walkie talkie) if you have one. We can coordinate the channel and privacy code once we are in the area and use them to stay in touch with each other. Cellphone coverage could be spotty in the region.
Edgar Payne

[jenniferbrown]

Unfortunately, Al and I won't be joining ya'll this weekend. :(
Hope there is decent weather and know you will have a great time!

[debra.dandro]

Hello John! I'm not sure if you'll be able to check the Forum or not as I know you are already up at Roan Mountain camping... In addition, I left you a voicemail but with the spotty reception, that may also be an issue, so I'm trying to cover my bases... In case David hasn't gotten in touch with you, David Hartfield may be joining you guys this weekend and was going to try to touch base with you (he may have already done so). In addition, I also wanted to let you know that I will be unable to make the trip. I hope you guys have a fabulous time and get some awesome shots! Enjoy! :)DJGD

[sjennings]

John - I just wanted to thank you for putting together another fantastic outing! You always do such a good and thorough job. I didn't get to join you for the entire time, but I had a great time while I was there. Here's a picture I made of a few folks in action during sunrise Saturday morning.

Shawn

[epayne]

Hi John and all who attended,
I would like to second Shawn's remarks on your excellent outing opportunity. Ann and I are already looking forward to next year on the balds. And that's a wonderful shot Shawn. It looks even better than I remember.
Edgar Payne

[debra.dandro]

Beautiful shot Shawn and great job John! I've heard rave revues on the outing to Roan Mountain and really, really hate that I was not able to join you guys. Take care and see you soon! :)DJGD

[tomdills]

I'm a little late to this party but wanted to echo the above comments and platitudes. Thanks to John for organizing a fantastic weekend! A great location, superb conditions and good friends made for a great time for all.

I shot some traditional landscape stuff but also played around with the Scott Foster technique while I was there and came up with this image that I feel captures the softness of the early light and the drama of the surrounding landscape.

We had an interesting visitor on Round Bald and I posted a photo of him on my blog. Go here (http://tomdills.blogspot.com/2009/06/aliens-on-roan-mountain.html) to check it out!