Could it get any better??? You bet!
After three straight weeks of incredible conditions at workshops it has happened again, in the Smokies!!! We had great color, full streams, nice misty overcast, and fog. Last night the forecast for snow got more serious and we all were hoping for enough to just at least dust the trees with some color left, we had no idea what a blessing was in store. We got up this morning and there was very little snow in Townsend, but we got word from friends that all the major gates in the park were closed and locked so we knew they had gotten snow up high! We decided to drive over on 321 and see if we could find anything. By the time we got half way there we realized the snow band was heavy and just getting started near the park. We drove through Pigeon Forge and out to Greenbrier where we found wonderful conditions. We shot all morning and found 4 to 6 inches of snow even down low! Hope you enjoy these as much as I did shooting them!
This has been a great group and wow, what shooting opportunities! Next Stop Nelson Ghost Town!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Saturday, November 1st, 2014 at 8:08 pm
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OMG, Bill — that’s more snow that we’ve had in Wisconsin! 🙂 One thing I noticed in the Smokies this fall is that the water levels were better than in recent years as well. Happy shooting. And watch for ice on the rocks at Greenbrier!
You bet!
Bill, where is Greenbrier in relation to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? I’m in Pigeon Forge for the weekend, May head that way tomorrow.
Thanks
Mike
Leaving Gatlinburg headed towards Pigeon Forge, take a right at the big Y . One way goes to Pigeon Forge, bearing left, go right , several Miles down the road watch for
National Park sign on right!
wow those are some great views
They sure were Joshua, really beautiful everywhere you looked!
What special conditions you were blessed with this weekend. It’s unfortunate that when the snow hits the park has to start closing roads and there are few opportunities to get back into the park. One year June and I were there for the Wilderness Wildlife Week and woke up early on Sunday to do a little shooting before the first sessions. We found the entire area was covered in snow and the roads closed. We did find the entrance near Townsend open and had a great time down around Tremont. By the time we got back to the main road the gates were closed and we were on the inside. Lucky for us there was a ranger there to let us out!
I know they have to protect visitors, but, I agree, it’s a shame to miss seeing the park in all it’s glory!
Talk about a Blessed Day!
Amen!
Mt LeConte got 22 inches. It was snowing when I got off work about 330am. Not even a dusting though.
Amazing for November 1st!!!!
It was good to see you again Bill. Even though I was not part of your group I was stoked about my trip and I was able to get some of the best shots ever in all my 4 Fall trips to the Smokies. The weather conditions were near perfect and the timing was excellent, in fact it was spot on with what I have seen this year. The past winter hung around longer than normal which in turn pushed the peak wildflower bloom here in Texas to about 7 days later than normal. I also experienced the same 7 day push in Colorado with the Aspens and was curious about the Smokies fall colors. I normally go the 3rd week in October as this is the “historical” peak time but due to prior appointments I had to go a week later than normal. I was quite curios to see if the Smokies would follow this 7 day later than normal pattern and as you have shown by your sample photos it fell in line with the other states and their 7 day push. Snow on fall colors during both of my fall trips this year is rather astonishing and something I may never experience again, especially as you have said, one has to plan these adventures way ahead of time and HOPE the week you have selected is close and when it falls spot on well there just has to be a higher hand in helping one plan these trips. Now the real work begins….selecting and post processing.
If you ever want to do a Texas Wildflower workshop/adventure drop me a line.
Now, to start monitoring the El Nino for wildflower season.
Safe travels and much success.
Thanks Johnny, I agree, it was blessedly late and spectacular!!!!!