25 Comments
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Jill A's avatar

wow! Beautifully written story. And the photo is magnificent, though I know it failed to capture the live view and experience. I'm glad you got the photo shots and the memory. Live wild!

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

Thanks Jill! It was an unbelievable sunset.

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Linnea Johnson's avatar

I grew up in the foothills of the Smokies and hope they can stay wild for future generations. Thx for sharing. I miss Tennessee.

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

It’s such a beautiful area. One of my favorites. The fall is so spectacular

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Angie Stegall's avatar

My husband, also a nature + landscape photographer, always says, "You have to show up. And sometimes wait, endlessly. And sometimes turn the other direction, because the action is behind you." I'm so thrilled Nature gave such a show - and that you were there to witness it!

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

Your husband gets it. So true!

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Angie Stegall's avatar

He does! I've learned a lot from him and how he sees the world.

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Ingrid's avatar

Wonderful story, and great picture. Kudos! Nature always likes to surprise us, for good or ill.

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

Thanks Ingrid! Exactly right!

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Catalina miyahira's avatar

I've been homeless well living off grid in the mountains/ valley in San jacinto ca. And I've seen so many mornings and sunsets that will make ur eyes water in how beautiful those days were

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saundra raynor's avatar

I enjoyed the still and your writing of the lucky timing.

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

Thanks Saundra!

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Sandra Greer's avatar

It's like birdwatching. You have to be there at the moment! No guarantees.

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

Well said!

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Jayne Mills's avatar

Thank you for this and for all your important work. Spectacular and moving. You are a gifted writer.

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

You’re very kind Jayne! And it’s not lost on me that that means quite a bit coming from you

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Leslie Dyer's avatar

It's always darkest before the dawn or in this case sunset lol. Mother nature sends me little messages of hope every so often when I need them! Thanks for your story! I live about an hour away from Clingman's Dome. Have you visited Roan Mountain. They have beautiful balds as well.

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

I know Roan Mountain. That’s up almost towards Boone. Haven’t hiked it myself yet. So much beauty in that area

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Clarity…. LWest's avatar

The adventurous hike... Your absolutely gorgeous sunset photo captures the breathtaking beauty of the moment, and your words so eloquently express the perfection of Mother Nature. Truly awe-inspiring! 🌄

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Jim Pattiz's avatar

You’re too kind! Thank you. It was definitely one of those moments I’ll always remember.

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Sue's avatar

Stunning.. a natural spiritual moment ..

Appreciate your sharing.

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Clarity…. LWest's avatar

National Park News

America’s National Parks and public lands—managed by agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service …. are under unprecedented threat from the Trump administration’s aggressive agenda.

Here are some short takes about what they provide…

Eagle Cam

https://youtube.com/shorts/6l0o_7qCoso?si=W9t1VlLzxdoonfgU

San Bernardino National Park

Eagles Nest

https://youtube.com/shorts/3cibe6R5IUA?si=T6yeDlFz0iDxxRzP

Altadena, California

Bear Rescue 525 lb Bear

https://youtube.com/shorts/3SudGQ3uSkc?si=mqEytqmcQpUM8KU1

Brooks Falls Bear Viewing Platform

Katmai National Park - Alaska

https://youtube.com/shorts/Bf6Dl8ReHHc?si=x_VTWDtjZXGJS0sU

Glacier Bay national Park - Alaska

https://youtube.com/shorts/2QpJMYUM6X4?si=OwF0KAvYwOaGCnwQ

Denali National Park preserve - Alaska

https://youtube.com/shorts/GMyQ8tPCGcs?si=H59ZQDkF-oe-H41h

Mount Rainier National Park

https://youtube.com/shorts/XUXXdVqApZg?si=kFCzCb1iDEgebG4j

North Cascades National Park

Washington State - There’s a Bear!

https://youtube.com/shorts/-NPovoEN4HY?si=OrXps-Ikh2fCrhe-

Idaho

Rescue/Relocated Wildlife

https://youtube.com/shorts/Vhtizzp6EhI?si=9FhZ9ctAEAbptkni

Yosemite National Park

Restoration - Ackerson Meadow

https://youtube.com/shorts/Gv1nvDACUzY?si=rogL788rbu3HJ_vL

Sequoia National Park

Sequoias

https://youtube.com/shorts/iuts3uwzwbo?si=QRCl1FpJFagULMXY

Yellowstone National Park

Swans’ Return to Yellowstone

https://youtube.com/shorts/6_rl2db1gHc?si=FqpqNqA-p2EM_bGu

Yellowstone National Park

Another Hydrothermal Eruption

https://youtube.com/shorts/G4ezP5Cxtvs?si=BRwh0RfklclFkO3n

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

https://youtube.com/shorts/PCvGokz9xZA?si=5jOpUkJkaM56FCjn

Black Rock Desert

Desert Bighorn Release

Captured in Oregon - Released in Nevada

https://youtube.com/shorts/ph_dIsKx-Xw?si=4jq2s8fX2IiSwFm_

Lake Mead National Park

Deliberate Destruction

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZNyz_hP7aAw?si=QopqqumY0BEbB7jQ

Bryce Canyon National Park

Trail upgrade

https://youtube.com/shorts/lcf2s1pYxp8?si=qdk_bFr9TduJmzbj

Canyonlands National Park

https://youtube.com/shorts/5Uy17LgwnjE?si=F5bvlkEIshc51zum

Grand Canyon National Park

https://youtube.com/shorts/FB4iHj-K88c?si=UZaxFoHmU84AxdaY

Running the Grand Canyon

https://youtube.com/shorts/FPIdlIua98w?si=zBnHpNQrArgc-yop

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Marco & Sabrina's avatar

This is why we hike!

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CATHERINE M SLUDDS's avatar

Your beautifully written article and heavenly photo brought joy to my heart. It is amazing how, even at the most challenging times, nature can take our breath away and remind us about the real essence of life. Thank you for sharing your special memory.

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Michael's avatar

Apropos of not much, I hiked much of the AT in the GSNP in the sommer of 1962, including Clingmans Dome and Andrews Bald. I have an old faded photo of me on that bald taken by my uncle, a park ranger.. a summer to remember.

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