The best light for photographing water and highly saturated autumn color is generally considered to be a high overcast. The cloud cover serves as a giant diffuser, eliminating harsh shadows and the resultant high contrast that can detract from the color and texture of the scene. I began this photographic day in the pre-dawn, hiking to Erwin's View, my favorite spot for photographing Linville Falls at the head of Linville Gorge. As daylight arrived that morning, trees blocked the sky from my view, and only when I emerged from the forest onto the open cliffs did I realize the fortunate lighting conditions. Adding to the scene was a wispy little cloud that lingered in the Gorge until late morning, when crowds began to arrive and my stomach began to demand breakfast. By then, I had exposed dozens of frames on various compositions, all replete with the vivid colors that were abundant in the gorge area that particular autumn.