Sunset from Mt. LeConte!

At 6600+ feet elevation, Cliff Top is the western point on the summit of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. After eating a delicious meal prepared by the lodge crew, most guests elect to make the short .2 of a mile hike out to Cliff Top to watch the sun set. On this particular day the clouds tried to mask the sun but they could not prevent a beautiful sunset. The sun had it's due inspite of the cloud cover. It is really an awesome experience to set and watch the subtle changes that occur as the sun, clouds and mountains interact and dance their magic for the eyes to behold.

                           These shots were taken within a few minutes of each other looking across
                                the peaks and valleys of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

                                As the day slowy gives way to the coming night, the last rays spread
                                          their beauty across the mountains in one last hoorah!

 
                                        And the bright white light softly filtered by the clouds

changes before our eyes to a warm yellow and gold

                                   before fading into that orange glow marking the end of another
                                                   beautiful day in God's wonderful creation.
                           

Oh, Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds,

And whose breath gives life to all the world,

hear me, I am small and weak,

I need your strength and wisdom.

Le me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold

the red and purple sunset.

Make my  hands respect the things you have

made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make me wise so that I may understand the things

you have taught my people.

Let me learn the lessons you have

hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,

but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.

Make me always ready to come to you

with clean hands and straight eyes.

So when life fades, as the fading sunset,

my Spirit may come to you without shame.

Native American Prayer