“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir

John Muir, known as "John of the Mountains," was a naturalist, writer, and conservationist. During his lifetime from 1828 to 1914, his advocacy helped create Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

He also co-founded the Sierra Club, whose mission statement is “To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth.” In addition, he was a champion of preservation, inspiring US Forest Service policy and the National Park Service.

Finally, he authored thirty-seven books and over three hundred articles. His writings vividly convey both his adventures in the wild and his deep belief in the spiritual and ecological value of being in nature. His influence inspired generations of environmentalists and political leaders.

A Walk in the Smoky Mountains

I wish that every foray into the landscape resulted in an image that made your heart jump. But three-dimensional, multisensory, and emotional landscapes are difficult to capture in a paltry two-dimensional medium like photography.

Sometimes, the beautiful building blocks of a scene don’t unite in a pleasing composition. Other times, the light isn’t favorable. And occasionally, your equipment and/or your skills fail you.

But the enjoyment of being there is always rewarding. I think that’s the point that Muir was making in his statement.

The Shot

October 28 was a crisp, clear fall day in the Smoky Mountains. Our small group parked in the Big Creek trailhead parking lot. After donning our photo backpacks, we hiked up the trail, an abandoned railway line, towards Mouse Creek Falls, about two miles ahead.

The leaves were at peak color, with an occasional breeze brushing our cheeks, filling the air with a rainbow of colors fluttering to the ground. A bit of wood smoke from the campground perfumed the air. The birds serenaded us, hidden by the rustling leaves above.

Just short of the falls, we noticed a scene that took our breath away. Under a shady canopy of overarching tree limbs, Big Creek stretched upstream into the distance, ending in a sunny, glowing patch of forest.

Even before taking a photograph, I had received far more than I had sought that morning.

Thanks for looking, Chuck Derus