The heat that has descended on our area the last few days has been pretty intense with the highs reaching 90F, pretty hot for this region and this time of year. So, taking a queue from Jimmy Buffett, I decided to make a change in my altitude and take off to the mountains where the the temperatures and the scenery were much more enjoyable!
I’m lucky enough to be within 45 minutes of two of the highest points in the Appalachian Mountains, Mount Rogers and White Top Mountain. The closer of the two is White Top Mountain so that’s where I headed to catch some late day light and hopefully a few sunset photos. Another plus for this area is that there is no cell phone coverage so you can really unplug and decompress! This location is one of the more popular spots on the mountain and also has the added feature of the Appalachian Trail meandering across it.
Taken less than 20 minutes before sunset this view is looking to the east over Grayson County, Virginia. The sun was already setting behind me casting an red and orange glow on the haze in the lower elevations.
This is just one of many shots that I took away from the evening and the sunset I was hoping for did not disappoint…but more on that later in the week!
Camera settings: Canon 60D
Processing: Adobe Lightroom 3
9 Comments
Lovely colors in the sky – almost looks like a painting!
Kristi Hines recently posted…Going Up
Thanks Kristi! I think I’m starting to get the hang of Topaz!
Beautiful shot! Beautiful country. I wish I could shoot some sunrises or sunsets there…
Jan Winther recently posted…Watch your step…
Thanks Jan! I actually went back the following night for the sole purpose of shooting the sunset…will hopefully be posting the results next week!
Some nice colors there Curt! Good thinking getting out of the heat. It’s been mild in AZ so far but we’re getting up to 100º this week.
Jason recently posted…Adventures in UrbEx – Phoenix Trotting Park Part I
Thanks Jason! I’m not built for this kind of heat!
The variegated sky and gentle hills make you want to take a deep breath, close your eyes and wave away the city and the heat. Thank you, Curt.
Barbara Youngleson recently posted…Dunwanderin
I’m laughing because the minute I read your title I had that song going through my head
This is just, so, Beautiful!
Thanks Cathy! I had Jimmy in the CD player all the way up the mountain and that seemed like a fitting theme!