Helen, Jenn and I along with 227 others arrived early at the Great Smoky Mountain Nationl Park to bike the picturesque, historic, Cades Cove. The cool temp was 70 degrees as we began peddling the loop that's open to bicyclists, walkers and concession-operated hay wagons on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings until 10 am. I have lived in Tennessee since 1991 and have made many trips to the park. Not once have I ever biked the loop and I don't know why. I guess I always thought it would be to challenging, but I was wrong. We passed people of all ages, kids through adults. Like us, they were enjoying the beauty that surrounded the Cove.
Morning cast a blue misty hue on the mountains as we stopped for a break along the route. Families were taking group pictures, while others were just enjoying the view before continuing on their biking journey.
Thousands of species of plants and animals call this place home. As you can see, the deer feel no threat from the people as they graze, checking out the passerby's .
Is there anything more beautiful?
Helen, unlike myself, peddled up every hill, pushing forward and making it to the top, then flying back down again. There was twice that I had to walk part of the way up a hill. I just couldn't make it all the way.
Jenn had only been to Cades Cove loop once before and today was her first time to bike it. She and I were glad we did.
I came upon this little guy while I was in the GSMNP two weeks ago. I just call him adorable!
After 10.5 miles and 1.5 hours, we had arrived back at the truck, proclaiming what a wonderful way to spend the morning. We vowed to do it again this fall, but next time we will bring our husbands.
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