Picture of the Day - May 15, 2009

"A different view of Backbone Rock"

Photo by Rick Rouse.            (Click on the photo for a larger view) Johnson County, Tennessee's Backbone Rock is a rather interesting geological feature, and it has been photographed countless times over the years. Virtually all of those pictures were taken from the "classic" vantage point of the photographer standing on the edge of the bridge, including this one that I took several years ago. Today's picture features "the rock" photographed from a slightly different angle, but the difference in views is dramatic. In the "classic" view, we see the rock itself along with the road passing through the tunnel, and little else. But in this view we can also see Beaver Dam Creek, the beautiful, but sometimes raging river that carved Backbone Rock out of the surrounding mountains over the course of several eons. The camera and settings used to capture this image: Camera: Nikon D50 Lens: 18mm-55mm "kit lens" Focal length: 18mm Shutter speed: 1/90 second Aperture: f/8 ISO: 200   Visitor Comments... Name: Myra Shortt Town: Mountain City, TN Being a "local" I have seen many pictures of Backbone Rock over the years, probably hundreds if not thousands. I can honestly say that I have never seen once taken from that vantage point. Thanks so much for sharing a different view of one of our region's most beloved landmarks.     Name: Herb Carlson Town: West Jefferson, NC Back in the late 1980's I was at the Backbone Rock National Recreation Area for a family reunion, and while I was there I took a number of pictures of the rock, including one from what I believe to be from the very same spot. Yours turned out a lot better than mine, but I have that old picture hanging on my living room wall at this very moment. As Ms. Shortt said, thanks for sharing this different view of Backbone Rock with the world, and thanks also for this wonderful site. Nowhere else on the web that I'm aware of can someone like me experience places both distant and "just down the road" on a daily basis.     Name: Gordon Brugman Town: Gatlinburg, TN Great job, Rick. This vantage point gives us a real reference point for the size of the formation. Plus the tree and its branches in the foreground add depth to the image. Thanks for another great glimpse of your lovely part of the world. I’m going to have to hop in the car one of these days and explore your area. You are, after all, just “up the road!”     Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Best view of the rock I have seen.     Name: Mary Blevins Town: Meadowview, VA Great job on today's photo, Rick. Since Backbone Rock is just a few miles up the road from my Pappaw's old home place, I have been there many times. I will have to say though, because of my fear of heights I have never been across the top of it, as many others have been. Every time my family goes up there they try to talk me into it, but...... I don't think its gonna happen anytime too soon. I think I will just enjoy the view from the ground, unless you want to venture up there and take a shot for the rest of us to see.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA I almost missed your photo today. What a day it was!! I am glad that I did get to see it though as it is very nice. I really like all of the green. Backbone Rock looks like it would be a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for bringing it to us!     Name: Barbara Shupe Town: Norton, VA Rick, I enjoy this photo so much, and also the one looking down from the Rock. I have not been to Backbone Rock since I was a child and would love to go back. Just never take the time to do so. You do such a great job. Thanks so much.     Name: Robert Schwarztrauber Town: Buffalo, NY That's a great photo Rick. Really nice composure elements. Your eyes are instantly drawn toward the centerpiece while taking in the lush greens and movement of the water. Thanks for sharing that view.     Name: Rick Rouse Town: Abingdon, VA Mary, here's a view from the top of Backbone Rock. Also, thanks for the kind words everyone. They are greatly appreciated.     Name: Scott McVey Town: Beatrice, NE Great picture - certainly reflects my many great memories at the rock.   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"