Although it is no longer called “Luftee Overlook,” nearly all of the Internet resources have not yet caught up to the fact, and they probably never will, for it has been Luftee for more generations than the mind can recall; and because it is so accurately descriptive of its geographic reality, it will remain Luftee until newer generations, some unborn, no longer recall what it describes.
For me, it will always be the best easily accessible sunrise location in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during most of the year. And even when it’s bad, it can be worthwhile. The fact that it sees over the headwaters of the Oconalufee River, that Ocona Luftee watercourse sacred to the Tsalagi, makes it even more special.
A focal length of 250mm narrowed the angle-of-view considerably, into medium telephotoland, and allowed for compression and magnification.The result was to nearly fill the frame with the rays of the rising sun and the layered ridges off Mount Ambler and Kephart upon which they were falling. An aperture of f/22 provided depth-of-field; and a shutter speed of 0.5 second at ISO 100 gave me an overall somewhat darker than medium exposure.
There is something magical about the hour of sunrise – the early, golden light – when seen from our public lands that speaks to our connection with the earth and with all of life and existence.
Hey Don. What’s it now called?
This is a beautiful image!
Hey Tammy, it’s great to hear from you! I hope you have been very well and are staying quite safe in these uncertain times. I really appreciate your kind words and your question. Somewhere in recent history – and I do not yet know exactly when or how – the name by which I have always known this wonderful location – Luftee Overlook – was changed to Mills Overlook. The sign in the entrance to the overlook now clearly reads “Mills Overlook.” The view hasn’t changed and there is no indication, that I have found, about who Mills was; but I’ll keep searching for the answer and post it when I do. Walk in Beauty
Another beautiful image to soothe my soul, while dealing with my mom’s auto accident!
Hi Joani. It’s always good to have you join us, even, and especially, when you are troubled. I’m really sorry to hear about your mom’s accident and hope she was not seriously injured and is recovering completely and speedily. That has long been one of the great solaces in my life – the capacity of photographic art to ease and calm my mind and soothe the turmoil in my heart. I am honored that my work can help you to also find that place within where there is some peace of mind. Take good care and be safe.
Breathtaking
Hey Mike. It’s always a pleasure to have you with me. I hope you have been finding and enjoying creative opportunities wherever you have traveled. Your single word is as honoring to me as an oration and I very much appreciate it. Stay safe and Walk in Beauty as you go.
Thanks, again, Everyone for all of your kind words and thoughtful comments. For what it may be worth, we are entering the season in which the sunrise from Luftee (Mills) Overlook will once again be the spectacular event that it can be – all that is necessary is the cooperation of the atmosphere at dawn. A check of the forecast for the coming, or chosen, day for Cherokee or Gatlinburg can give you a good idea of the conditions you might encounter on the morning. Beyond that it’s a matter of willingness to rise early and make the journey up the mountain. Even if the sunrise is less dramatic than you might have wished, the journey up the mountain will always be worth the effort. Take good care, be safe and walk in Beauty.