Mountainside Morning

Rising and getting out early is easier when you're sleeping in a tent. Muted daylight begins filtering through before dawn, and the songs of birds are not impeded, but become the most gentle and delightful alarm clock. On mornings in camp, I wake early and lie in my sleeping bag allowing the soft light and gentle sounds to suffuse my soul, then get dressed and begin the day's adventure eagerly. The tent walls do little to isolate you from nature: you're immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of the woods all around. On those mornings, I don't even take the time to make coffee, but just grab a quick snack and drink of water before setting off to see what the new day looks like.

On this glorious morning, I was partway up the mountainside, on my way to the summit, when I rounded a bend in the road and saw before me this scene. The beautiful patchwork of clouds above, the spreading hills and forest illuminated in dappled pastels, and the lush spring greenery of the woods lining the slope leading down to the lake, made me catch my breath and stop to take it all in. At another time of day, the scene would have been bright with harsh shadows, and therefore less magical. Only in the very early morning, when the light is just beginning to brighten the landscape, do these special colors come to life. I felt awe, a deep sense of peace, and tremendous gratitude to Mother Nature for awakening me so gently, to get out and see her handiwork.

Mountainside Morning – Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park

18-300mm lens at 26mm, hand held, 1/250” @ f/8, ISO-100