There is something about a sunrise. With its warmth and light comes a primal sense of hope and renewal. It is a restart, a chance to put the past behind us and focus on the glory of the coming day.

To be witness to the miracle of light once again overcoming night's darkness is always a special time, but on this day it was even more profound.

I arrived at Clingmans Dome in the cold, black of pitch darkness. My only reference was the research I had done the day before on the best places to capture a sunrise in the area. I set up my gear up near some other photographers believing they might know the proper place to be. It was in this state of relative ignorance that I watched and waited for lights arrival.

Sunrise often begins with a faint glow on the distant horizon that barely illuminates the landscapes foreground. In that dim light what I saw was an ocean of waves, not a vista of mountain tops and valleys. At first, I believed it was an illusion, some trick of reflection. It was not until minutes later, when she crested the horizon, that I realized I was looking at an ocean of clouds. Of the many sunrises I have witnessed, this one was unique. I knew I was receiving a sacred gift, but one that must be shared for it to be complete.

I have many shots of this sunrise. I will share them as I can. For now, I hope you enjoy this prelude.