I hiked the Appalachian Trail in the dark (I forgot my flashlight) so I could be on Round Bald at sunrise. Halfway up the bald I heard a bear give me a huffing warning. He was off to my left but I couldn’t see him so had no idea how close he was...Since I was halfway to the top I thought it could be just as dangerous to go back as it would be to go forward so continued on. I witnessed a beautiful sunrise and then walked about 100 yards and made this image looking to the west. ..Catawba Rhododendron and azalea bloom in June on the Roan Mountain Highlands. This image was made near the Appalachian Trail which runs along the Tennessee / North Carolina border. The mountains of North Carolina are in the background. .