It's what we would've done (and usually do when we find out a place we want to see is too crowded). I'm so glad your change of plans worked. Sounds like you had a much better experience not dealing with extreme crowds, and ended up with some gorgeous photos!
I've heard of the Smokies but I don't think I've ever seen photos before. Looks like a lovely place to visit - albeit that it also seems very popular! I tend to plan - a little. A general idea of where we want to go. My thing, if it's likely to be a busy location, is to research the best parking spots and get there early. Stupidly early if needs be. Nothing grinds my gears more than getting to somewhere and having to waste time driving back and forth trying to find a parking place.
I'm with you. Stupid early is absolutely the way to go! It was mind-blowing to see so many people also up at sunrise in the Smokies. It's just the most popular national park in the United States and we were able to witness that firsthand 😂
Sounds like the equivalent of the Lake District in the UK. The "fells" (hills / mountains) and lakes in that park are beautiful and there are some very interesting and quaint towns and villages to spend time in. Parking can be ridiculously difficult to locate (even in "low season" and also damned expensive. These days, we try to find some of the less well known spots elsewhere in mainland UK. They can be equally beautiful, much quieter and better value as they're a bit off the beaten track and don't have the same infrastructure to maintain.
We live in Colorado and tend to take our van west. It is much, MUCH quieter in some parts, which is why we love traveling in the van. Adam can go on extended bike rides, and I can find quiet moments on the trail with my camera :)
i've seldom gotten "good" advice for hikes or routes with the best photo opps. Most advisers don't share my aesthetic and push be toward a "money shot" that a million others have taken. Its nice that you seemed to have gotten a ranger who actually understood what a photographer would want! So rare. Yes, next time, but always with a grain of salt!
I actually find that surprising. I didn't talk about photography with the ranger, so it wasn't about a money shot. I think they knew how busy Charlie's Bunion was and encouraged us to avoid the crowds. But fair to always take advice with a grain of salt :)
slight clarification: there have been photography-aware rangers and locals who've been very helpful, but the majority seem to think in the "postcard" mindset. You have much more park experience, so our mileage varies on this for sure.
Ah, gotcha. That definitely makes sense! I haven’t had the same experience, but I don’t always talk photos with the rangers. My social awkwardness often prevents me from talking photos with almost everyone (except here on Substack!)
When I am forced to spend time in wild places with too many people around, I tend to drink and make rude and sarcastic comments. Several quality photos, especially the frost shots, some kinda meh. Probably had something to do with your mood. Be more spontaneous. Serendipitous. No one ever plans skinny dipping and dope smoking, it just happens. Lighten up and listen to Adam.
It sounds like you made the right decision on the hike - beautiful images Rachel, well worth it! I've got to ask - 'Charlies Bunion'...who or what event gave it that name, it certainly conjures up all manner of stories!😂
Thank you Lin! So the story goes... Charles Conner was hiking with renowned Smokies enthusiast Horace Kephart to the rocky overlook then known as Fodderstack. When they stopped to rest Conner took off his boots to reveal a bunion on his foot. When Kephart saw it he thought it resembled the surrounding rocky outcrop and supposedly said, “Charlie, I’m going to get this place put on a government map for you.”
Love the layered shots, gorgeous! I just read Brenda Tharp's post on managing expectations, that post having more to do with weather, but the core message still applies. I have been in this situation so many times with a fork in the road and which one is "better". Many times surprised that taking the one less traveled paid off.
Thanks Paul, and thank you for recommending Brenda's newsletter. It was immensely apropos; something I have to remind myself not to be disappointed. Someone else wrote a newsletter a year or so ago about shooting with the conditions you have, not the ones you want. When I'm frustrated, my husband loves to remind me about that information :)
Looks like a great hike! I loved the frost images in particular. I generally try to avoid the crowded “instagram shot” places, so it sounds like where you ended up was more rewarding.
A great story Rachel, and definitely a lesson learned. The views are amazing but my favourite pictures are of the frost, they are lovely. Thanks for sharing.
The frost was a good surprise, especially with those colors. It gets cold and it snows in Colorado, but because it's so dry, we don't see frost very often. I miss it from growing up in the Midwest US.
Love the mountains and a bit of valley mist.
JOMO yeah!
Ha ha! Thank you Vinayaka ❤️
Some beautiful Photos!!
Thank you Sheryl 🙏🏻
It's what we would've done (and usually do when we find out a place we want to see is too crowded). I'm so glad your change of plans worked. Sounds like you had a much better experience not dealing with extreme crowds, and ended up with some gorgeous photos!
Thank you! I'm glad the change of plans worked too. I still feel like I missed out, but we just needed more days in the park 😂
Something to return for :)
💯
Beautiful photos! I particularly like the one of the roadway snaking through ridges of trees!
I haven’t visited Charlie’s Bunyon before, but that is good to know. The crowds is the Smokies, especially on Kuwohi, have gotten absurd.
Thank Erik! *Bunyon* 🤦🏼♀️ I knew something didn't look right! Yes, insane. That traffic jam started a mile back from the tower. A MILE.
Acchhh!! No, you’re right!! It’s Bunion! I didn’t look it up when I wrote that 🤣
I swear everywhere said Bunyon. That's so weird! It might be a north interpretation of a southern term?
Lol, no idea, but everything online spells it Bunion!
😂
Beautiful light in the shots you shared. Thanks for the tip on Charlie's Bunion - I'll probably skip that if I ever make it to the Smokies!
Thank you Ken! Skip it for sure. And hike the Jump Off early or late for good light 😍
I've heard of the Smokies but I don't think I've ever seen photos before. Looks like a lovely place to visit - albeit that it also seems very popular! I tend to plan - a little. A general idea of where we want to go. My thing, if it's likely to be a busy location, is to research the best parking spots and get there early. Stupidly early if needs be. Nothing grinds my gears more than getting to somewhere and having to waste time driving back and forth trying to find a parking place.
I'm with you. Stupid early is absolutely the way to go! It was mind-blowing to see so many people also up at sunrise in the Smokies. It's just the most popular national park in the United States and we were able to witness that firsthand 😂
Sounds like the equivalent of the Lake District in the UK. The "fells" (hills / mountains) and lakes in that park are beautiful and there are some very interesting and quaint towns and villages to spend time in. Parking can be ridiculously difficult to locate (even in "low season" and also damned expensive. These days, we try to find some of the less well known spots elsewhere in mainland UK. They can be equally beautiful, much quieter and better value as they're a bit off the beaten track and don't have the same infrastructure to maintain.
We live in Colorado and tend to take our van west. It is much, MUCH quieter in some parts, which is why we love traveling in the van. Adam can go on extended bike rides, and I can find quiet moments on the trail with my camera :)
i've seldom gotten "good" advice for hikes or routes with the best photo opps. Most advisers don't share my aesthetic and push be toward a "money shot" that a million others have taken. Its nice that you seemed to have gotten a ranger who actually understood what a photographer would want! So rare. Yes, next time, but always with a grain of salt!
I actually find that surprising. I didn't talk about photography with the ranger, so it wasn't about a money shot. I think they knew how busy Charlie's Bunion was and encouraged us to avoid the crowds. But fair to always take advice with a grain of salt :)
slight clarification: there have been photography-aware rangers and locals who've been very helpful, but the majority seem to think in the "postcard" mindset. You have much more park experience, so our mileage varies on this for sure.
Ah, gotcha. That definitely makes sense! I haven’t had the same experience, but I don’t always talk photos with the rangers. My social awkwardness often prevents me from talking photos with almost everyone (except here on Substack!)
When I am forced to spend time in wild places with too many people around, I tend to drink and make rude and sarcastic comments. Several quality photos, especially the frost shots, some kinda meh. Probably had something to do with your mood. Be more spontaneous. Serendipitous. No one ever plans skinny dipping and dope smoking, it just happens. Lighten up and listen to Adam.
Ha ha ha! Thanks Jerry. Adam is just as uptight as me. Don't let my recollections fool you!
It sounds like you made the right decision on the hike - beautiful images Rachel, well worth it! I've got to ask - 'Charlies Bunion'...who or what event gave it that name, it certainly conjures up all manner of stories!😂
Thank you Lin! So the story goes... Charles Conner was hiking with renowned Smokies enthusiast Horace Kephart to the rocky overlook then known as Fodderstack. When they stopped to rest Conner took off his boots to reveal a bunion on his foot. When Kephart saw it he thought it resembled the surrounding rocky outcrop and supposedly said, “Charlie, I’m going to get this place put on a government map for you.”
Well that clears that up - brilliant tale! It opens up a whole new genre of names for rocky fells!
Love the layered shots, gorgeous! I just read Brenda Tharp's post on managing expectations, that post having more to do with weather, but the core message still applies. I have been in this situation so many times with a fork in the road and which one is "better". Many times surprised that taking the one less traveled paid off.
Thanks Paul, and thank you for recommending Brenda's newsletter. It was immensely apropos; something I have to remind myself not to be disappointed. Someone else wrote a newsletter a year or so ago about shooting with the conditions you have, not the ones you want. When I'm frustrated, my husband loves to remind me about that information :)
That’s what significant others and friends are for😁. When one forgets the other reminds.
Very enjoyable imagery here.
Aw, thank you very much ❤️
Looks like a great hike! I loved the frost images in particular. I generally try to avoid the crowded “instagram shot” places, so it sounds like where you ended up was more rewarding.
Thank you Todd! Those were my favorite too.
Great images, love that frost… looks ethereal. Lovely Rachel!
Thank you Shital! I loved the frost too - it was a nice surprise on the trail.
Great story Rachel - always go with the local knowledge! Great photos too.
Thank you James! ❤️
A great story Rachel, and definitely a lesson learned. The views are amazing but my favourite pictures are of the frost, they are lovely. Thanks for sharing.
The frost was a good surprise, especially with those colors. It gets cold and it snows in Colorado, but because it's so dry, we don't see frost very often. I miss it from growing up in the Midwest US.