CADES COVE

There is an area of land in the Smokys called "Cades Cove".  It is actually a park run by volunteers and they maintain this loop road around some of the most beautiful scenery and old homesteads .  Everyone from Gatlinburg kept mentioning the spot as a "must see", and we took the scooter early one morning around Cades Cove and found it a very special, peaceful place.  And yes....I do, " DO MORNINGS".....BUT ONLY ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS!!! 

                                

 We biked up hill for awhile, until we reached the mountain valleys.  Along the side of the road was a river that grew wider as we neared the top.

 We came to a camp ground area where the river (now quite wide), was deep enough to provide a nice recreational spot for campers and visitors.

                                   
That "Scottish Scowl", is sure to deter any undesirable "shenanigans"!!  Don't mess with a Scot and his Scooter!!!!!!!!!  And this is a HAPPY DAY!!!!!!

 As for me.........I am having a great day enjoying the scenery and happy to ride shot gun......and taking the pics.

     We saw many water falls and a little white water.....plus lots of people fishing.

 Came across another bridge, and in the larger pools the kids were rock diving and swimming.

                                            

            Alistair watching the kids from the bridge.

                              Really a lovely place to relax and cool off in the "cold" mountain stream.
                              But both of us opted just to watch!

   Squatting is really NOT a good idea for me.  Sad when one needs a hoist just to get up from this position............Do I feel old????   OH YEAH!

    Just love these tunnels with all the trees and foliage covering them.


                                 

   One of my personal favourite photos.........

   Finally we arrived at Cades Cove and continued on the Scenic Loop Road.

 There was beauty in every direction.  Distant hills and lush green valleys.

                        

 We passed by an old Baptist Church.  Once used and now a historical building to walk through.

 The river was still along side the road but much calmer through the meadows.

                                 

 Stopped to rest for a bit, and found this unusual tree with large leaves and flowers that resembled tulips in shape and size.

 Yes the fence is holding me up.....and not vice-verse!!  Riding all day on the scooter is much like riding a horse.   My ass is sore at this point. :o)

   There were several old abandoned farm houses and fences.  Kept up by the volunteers of Cades Cove.

   Even old barns and farming machinery to see.

                                        

Didn't we already see this photo?????   It is a test to see if you are really paying attention or not!

                                       
Once we traveled the entire loop, it was time for a break and late lunch.  So we stopped off at a restaurant in "Townsend"  known as "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies".

    This beauty was parked in the lot at the same restaurant.  WOW.....would love to own this baby!!!!!!!  Ironically it was parked right next to a more aged, weathered and worn mode of transportation.

 A quaint little spot to have some lunch and unwind.

    We ended up in Pigeon Forge some how.  Home of the famous "Dolly World".  Was a great day and perfect weather.  We passed on Dolly Wood and headed home to Gatlinburg.