A drive around the loop at Cades Cove with a stop at the Visitor Center and several of the historic buildings.
1 The day started from my "hotel" in Townsend, Tennessee. You can see my room's balcony in the upper-right. Townsend is a stereotypical little Southern town with great BBQ and grits. And all the tractors, big pickup trucks, and rednecks you would ever want. And it's a quick drive to all the best areas of the National Park.
2 The view from my balcony. Unquestionably the best $99/night lodging I have ever had. I could seriously see myself living out here. Nothing but green as far as the eye can see.
3 Driving into the Cades Cove area of Smoky Mountains National Park. There are roaring cascades along the road everywhere.
4 Endless open green meadows and rolling green hills. The 11 mile loop around Cades Cove is a lot like the Yosemite Valley loop, except with 10 times the traffic. It's a solid line of cars moving at 5 miles per hour. Frustrating but beautiful.
5 The John Cable grist mill at the Cades Cove vistor center. Built in 1860 and still in it's original location.
6 The water wheel is still used to grind corn into meal.
7 One of the preserved stables from the 1800's.
8 The meadows look mowed they are so green and perfect.
