The upper story in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is very dense in most places. As a result, small waterways in deep valleys are often shaded, even when brilliant sunlight falls on the tree tops above. In such conditions, water in relatively still sections of the almost innumerable streams beneath the leafy canopy often appear to take on the color of the leaves high above. Such was the case this autumn day. Birch, beech and maple leaves high above Lynn Camp Prong had already donned their full autumn coats of yellow and orange. Backlit by a bright late afternoon sun, the leaves caused a smooth-surfaced pool on the picturesque little creek to turn a brilliant gold hue, making it seem as if the valuable metal was there in liquid form just waiting to be scooped up and turned into wealth. The real wealth, however, lies in having the opportunity to view such a scene and in adding the experience to one's list of personal observations of nature's marvels.