Monday, May 16, 2011

Misty Monday - Balsam Nature Trail

Balsam Nature Trail, Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok


Looping around a ridge just below the peak of Mount Mitchell, the Balsam Nature Trail guides you through a dense, dark subalpine forest of spruce and fir. The mountain is the highest in the eastern US at a modest elevation of 6,684 feet, but its prominent location above the surrounding Appalachian topography causes it to attract heavy weather. Cool even in summer months, this trail is often enveloped by clouds and mists. On this occasion, the mists began to clear just as the sun came out.
There is something about the atmosphere of this primeval forest that always reminds us of elves and dwarves and Tolkien tales. As a matter of fact, we once found Gandolf's wallet and car keys laying beside the trail. He must have dropped them on his way to saving Middle Earth.


Quick take: If you like dramatic landscape photography, take a moment to view California photographer Mitch Dobrowner's work.


26 comments:

  1. I LOVE the thought of finding Gandalf's wallet in this magical forest, Doug. Believe it or not, just a week ago Astrid and I watched the entire LOTR series in one weekend. What a saga about Middle Earth!

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  2. This is really beautiful! I like the way of sunshine through the trees. Very good B&W photo.

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  3. A mysterious wood! I would wander very carefully there...

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  4. Absolutely gorgeous light in this image.

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  5. amazing light, looks great in bw

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  6. wow, what a misterious atmosphere!

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  7. Magnificent capture!

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  8. Dramatic lights in this picture, I'm delighted here, it's an amazing artwork, congratulations!
    Léia

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  9. that gandalf is sooooo absent minded.
    this is such a moving shot, doug. it resonates deep inside the viewer.

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  10. Beautiful, mysterious photo and a good place for a stroll. Adventure is waiting for us!

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  11. absolut fantastic work.great light on this spectacular shot!

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  12. i stared at this one for five minutes before even reading the caption...its awesome. what i love about that area is it never seems to look exactly the same. Its just as great the seventh time you visit as the first

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  13. Nice B&W work. I like the composition and the sunbeams.

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  14. I like the lighting, the csenery and the tonal range
    http://krikis.aminus3.com

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  15. I am not a great fan of B&W, but I am curious to know which kind of car Gandalf drives...

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  16. beautiful forest scene, love the light here.

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  17. Great image! The lights are incredible and so dramatic

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  18. Oh wow, this is awesome! Great shot Doug--nice capture of crepuscular rays and excellent choice to go with B&W.

    Thanks again for the link to another incredibly talented photographer.

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  19. fantastic light and monochrome tones in this wonderful forest picture! these woods are one of the reasons why i like this part of the world so much ...

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  20. Ha ha... You're actually funnier than me!
    Gandolf's car keys? That road is a bit too bumpy for him.
    I forgot he's got a 4x4!

    Beautiful light! Well done.

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  21. Fantastic photo! Reminds me of Ansel Adams.

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  22. It is a fantastic shot of what looks to be a very difficult trail to hike through....glad that you found Gandolf's wallet and car keys....he will need them to pay a guide to get back home through this forest:D....peter:)

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  23. this B&W is just wonderful ! love it

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  24. A well caught moment Doug - wonderful beams of light - and the path leading off stage right is very effective.

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  25. Beautiful rays and high key back light! Wow

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