Sunrise on Buck Bald

My last article took you on a back-road exploration, sharing a favorite spot along the Hiwassee River. See it here if you missed it: https://www.knoxtntoday.com/fall-soft-palette/

Along that same stretch of road, there is a single, nondescript green sign that simply says “Buck Bald”, an obvious invitation to explore. A turn leads to about 100 yards of old asphalt, followed by a couple of miles of winding, rocky dirt road. A careful driver could make the trip in a car, with an SUV the better choice.

Headed to drop off some artwork at the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Center, I departed about 4:30 am, early enough to catch sunup from the bald.  My arrival woke up a couple of campers who should have thanked me; otherwise, they might have missed the sunrise.

Here are two images from that morning.

A cloud inversion had developed, with light clouds in the sky and the valley below filled with heavy fog. The first image at the top of this article captures the scene shortly after my arrival, as the sky begins to warm from the approaching sunrise. The second was taken when the sun finally breaks above the horizon of the distant mountains.

Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer share a photograph or painting each week that has captured their interest, in hopes that it will also capture yours.

Visit their studio and gallery in the Phoenix Building, 418 S. Gay St., to see more of their work, or explore their collection at www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright-protected.

Enjoyed this article and artwork? Read more Christopher Robin features on KnoxTNToday.