When I wake up in the Smoky Mountains birds are always chirping in a chorus that fills the foggy morning air. It doesn't matter if I'm camping or staying with my good friend Rebecca, long weekends in the mountains have became my respite and place to get creatively recharged. The four-hour drive goes by quickly with a good play list, an Americano and some dark chocolate. I've been lucky that my '84 Volvo has made so many trips diligently without complaints. (Of course my Volvo doesn't have air conditioning, but who's complaining when the mountain air is at least 10 degrees cooler than Piedmont?)

The photos posted below have been taken over several recent trips to the Smoky Mountains. I challenged myself with the composition of each photo and tried to capture the contemplative tone.