Shortoff Mountain from the Valley Floor

Good one. I like the way those lighter tufts of grass on the left balance the much heavier right side of the picture. They make all the difference.

!!!!

Thanks, guys.  This is a special picture for me.

 

--Lannie

Shortoff Mountain from S.R. 1238 (old N.C. 105) near Nebo, North Carolina.

 

I've hiked solo in the Andes and roamed far and wide on other ranges,

but there is something special for me about this mountain.

 

I had never actually seen the cliffs of Shortoff at all, much less

from this low angle, and so it was a very pleasant surprise to come

around the curve and see the cliffs, first from NC 126 and then from

this road a minute or two later. When one has seen something for so

long through somebody else's pictures, it is great moment to see it

live for oneself. Pictures do not do justice to this "Guardian of

Linville Gorge." This mountain effectively marks the southern gateway

to the gorge, near where the Linville River exits the gorge.

 

I had climbed part of the way up from Wolf Pit Rd. February 27, 2016,

but I could not see the cliffs, which were off to my left as I climbed

up the popular hiking trail on that side of the mountain.

Lannie,  You get my vote too.  The image shows your affection for this scene and area.  The road is a key element here as well.  You make local sights into camera art.   Nicely done.   Larry

Thank you, Larry.

 

--Lannie