A Poor Substitute for the Real Thing

Yesterday, we made a side trip to Galtlinburg. Apparently for a lot of folks, it is the main destination for those who go to the Smokies. It mystifies me that at the edge of one of the most beautiful spots in the country is this monstrosity of touristy consumerism. I hadn't been there in about ten years and it has only gotten worse. It may be more expensive and slicker but it is just as offensive as it was ten years ago. The on-street parking is gone as now the streets are four-lane thoroughfares, although traffic moves agonizingly slow. We paid $5 to park in an off-street lot and stayed less than an hour. We had ventured to Gatlinburg to return to an outdoor gear store and visit some galleries. But I was disappointed in the photography gallery. The photos were disappointing in their quality. The mats were gorgeous, must have been computer designed and cut. But too many of the photos could have been composed differently and printed better. It is possible that the original exposures were deficient but in these days of digital enhancement there are many adjustments that can be made to less than perfect exposures. No, it was disappointing prints. It took me a little while to gather my thoughts about the experience. I have been to several photographers' galleries, notably Tom Mangelson and others. To visit their galleries is a mystical, spiritual, renewing experience. Each photo is carefully exhibited and well-lit like a museum. Just to stroll through the gallery is a joy. I would never be bored revisiting either of their galleries. But the Gatlinburg gallery was overwhelming with hundreds of images, as if one could make up for the lack of quality with a quantity of work. I found it boring, stifling, and enbarassing for those photographers who insist on quality in the presentation of their work. The other thing was that it was such an injustice to the beauty of nature that was just a few miles away.

Good Day

My grandaughter is beginning to develop a vocabulary which sometimes is dependent upon one's imagination or generous interpretation. I do believe that after the fun of a Sunday outing in the park she proclaimed it to be a "Good Day!" I could say the same for this day of being in the Smokies. We are staying in Townsend which we like much better than Gatlinburg because there is not the emphasis on all the tourist gaudiness and clutter. Although development is certainly more pronounced here than it was ten years ago by the evidence of banks, gas stations, and grocery stores. But the beauty of the mountains is still obvious. The lack of rain has significantly affected the autumn color and the warmth of October has delayed its peak. We went up the road past Tremont this morning and the air is crisp and the color is deeper and the on the Parkway this evening for sunset. I have enjoyed the opportunity to take some photos and learn more about my camera. And it has been delightful to spend this day with Judy. Madeline is right, it's been a good day!