I went to Gatlinburg on Wednesday to do a story on winter gear. I checked out Smoky Mountain Outfitters, a serious store in Winery Square. Then I went home through the Smokies and drove on U.S. 441 with thousands of tourists. They were stopping and gawking at the great mountain views. Yes, I was in a hurry to get home and deal with my article but I know that I live here while most tourists live someplace else.

I took the Blue Ridge Parkway home because it's faster than going through Cherokee in the middle of the day. But I had to stop for this view above. This was at Bunches Bald Overlook elevation 4,925 ft. An outstanding late summer, fall view. At that elevation, leaves were already turning though not the peak - that's for sure.

I can't let myself become jaded. You know, seen this, done that. I really think I'm seeing these views for the first time. It is all so different, based on the time of day, time of year, weather and what I bring to it.