2011 Smokies Trip - Wednesday

Wednesday we traveled to Cade's Cove where we rented bikes.  The Park closes the 11 mile paved loop to automobile traffic until 10:00 AM, giving people time to hike/run/bike the loop.  Afterwards we drove the loop to the Abram's Falls trail head.  We hiked the 5 mile round trip to the falls and back before returning to camp.  At camp that evening, Judd Rambo came to speak to the campers.

As you begin biking around the loop the wildlife is abundant.  It is best to go early in the day. 

There are several places to stop and rest.  Most are historical sites about the valley.  Here Brett and Quint take a break on a bridge.

Near one of the mills this black snake was seen crawling through the grass.

Here, a mother bear and cub walk through a field close to the road.

Another bear is seen in a different field with the mountains in the background.  We saw seven bear while biking the loop and another four bear while driving it.

Pictures do not do justice to the beauty of the Park.  Here is one of the many streams that feeds Abram's Creek.

The Rhoda Dendren were in bloom, gracing the trail with colors and scents.

We crested a corner and were treated with a view of the creek below.

When we first saw the falls there were three girls swimming in the pool below.  It look very inviting.  Next time we will bring swim suits.

Here is our group, minus Kerry Weeks, Tyler's father, who took the picture.  There were a lot of people around, I don't know why we did not get them to take the picture.  Doh!

Back at camp Tyler and Connor got a little fishing in.

Judd Rambo is demonstrating a Chinese Button knot as part of his presentation.