I just got back from a 4-day adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains with my photographer partner, Leah (Lil'Sizzler here on Rosity). Between the two of us, we easily took over a thousand photographs. Well, maybe. Our timing was perfect. Spring was in full bloom at the lower elevations, early spring at the mid levels, and pre-spring in the higher areas. In spite of the amazing countless natural sights we encountered, my first choice is a shot of the upstairs level of Mingus Mill, a still functioning historic grist mill that uses a water-powered turbine instead of a water wheel to power all of the machinery in the building. The mill was built in 1886, replacing a worn out mill from the 1790's at the same location, and of the same name. Later on I'll post a pic or two that actually shows the mill's amazing structure/composition, but what caught my imagination as I stood in this room just a couple of days ago were all the many souls who worked so hard at this location over the centuries. The mill was absolutely vital to survival; a life sustaining element providing various ground wheat and corn products to the entire southern half of the Smoky Mountains region. As I stood in this darkened room, I could feel the presence of all of those who previously stood where I was standing, and those who possibly still remain there even now.