Anyone familiar with cloud, or temperature, inversions knows how hypnotic they can be.  Warm air traps cooler air, the pressure and temperature difference bringing intangible elements of the landscape to life.  A layer of misty fog seems to crawl across the lush, forested peaks, some invisible force holding it down, only allowing it to move horizontally over the countoured landscape.

I saw this cloud inversion while rounding a corner just past Black Balsam, North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  At first, I thought little of the sight.  There were better and more convenient vantages up ahead of the same peaks and cloud inversion.  However, the low-angled sun was almost just so where warm light was getting underneath the crawling clouds.  That was enough for me.  My rule is simple:  if it makes you stop and look–think–then you ought to get out the camera and at least explore the scene.  I didn’t fully capture the spirit of this moment, I don’t think.  I needed a lens with a bit more reach, to start.  But, it was a good attempt.  I’m glad I stopped.

Camera:  Nikon D850
Lens:  Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 @195mm
Tripod:  Really Right Stuff TVC-33

Date taken:  May 20, 2024
Settings:  f11, 1/80 second, iso 125