Cades Cove Ride

Monday, Dec. 11, 2017.  Since it was such a pretty day Paul and I decided to take a ride to Cades Cove to see it this late in the year.  So Mr. Red Bug and I lit out taking the back way down to Walland over to Townsend and the Cove.  We rode easy as it had snowed in the area not too many days prior to the ride.  Shady sides of the mountain can be rather treacherous.

Wye Road, one of the longest stretches of straight highway in our are.

Nice red barn standing out against the blue sky.

The UT Agricultural area fence makes the mountains look as if they are behind a corral fence.

Now we're running along the river which is a bit low and rightfully so at this point in the year.

No, not the Bridge Over the River Kwai, just over the Pigeon River or one of its forks.

Quiet waters, no troubles, semi-quiet bikes.

Then we jump on US321 riding into and through the town of Townsend, TN.

Past one of my once favorite dining places, The Riverstone Restaurant.  But they have changed chefs or something for the food is not as good as it once was.

Heading into the Smoky Mtn. Nat. Pk.

Traces of snow along the shady side of the mountain and road.

The split rail fence is almost blended into the rocks along side the road.  And the road is damp here.  The temp has also dropped.

Then you pop out into the sun and no snow and it's warmer.

We did the snow, the sun, the snow quite a few times getting to the Cove.

Tunnel coming up, look out for ice at entrance, inside and going out.

Snow getting a bit heavier as we climb in elevation.

White of the snow does a good outlining of the black road surface.

 If you have to pull off just remember, it could be a ditch beneath that snow in some places.

Last of the snow road before getting to the Cove.

At this point we have entered Cades Cove so the following pictures are of the Cove area.  At one time there were 5 families that lived here.  Now it is all part of the National Park.

One of two churches in the Cove, a Baptist and a Methodist.

We parked at the Old Mill in the back of the Cove to use the facilities.  A lot of people even on a cold winter day.

 Old cemetery.

Such a peaceful place to visit.  And remember, in their time, there wasn't a Walmart to run to.  You either had it or you did without.  Town was a hard day's ride.

Still a little snow in places even in the valley of the Cove.

We visited Cades Cove and left it behind for another trip.  We are about to enter the same tunnel we went through earlier.  Afterward we head back to the house on almost the same route.

It was a great day to ride.  Only 103 miles covered but the views were spectacular.  Until the next Adventure, stay safe and stay warm.  Life is short so enjoy  it.