Doug and I spent a few days in the Smokies the first week of April. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a favorite getaway for us, only a day's drive away, very scenic, and most relaxing.
There was virtually no sign of spring in the trees and shrubs except that the redbuds were out in their glory, and the dogwoods were just beginning to bloom. The lack of any green elsewhere, really made the redbuds stand out.
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| Redbud Trees at Oconaluftee |
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| River Walk at Oconaluftee |
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| Golden Hour Back Roads Tour |
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| On Thunderhead Prong Trail |
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| Bridge on Thunderhead Prong Trail |
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| Thunderhead Prong Trail |
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| Douglas Dam |
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| On Noland Creek Trail |
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| Noland Creek Trail Plus View of Fontana Lake from Road to Nowhere |
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| Mama Bear (upper right) and Two Cubs (center and lower left) |
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Another Bear, Same Day, Different Location
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It is beautiful. Can't wait to see it when Spring is in full bloom.
ReplyDeleteBut I am screaming about the snake! ;-) And the bears...yikes!!
Ha, Sandy. The snake was more wary of us, I think, than we were of it. We stared at each other for a few minutes. When I moved slightly, it disappeared as if by magic. As for the bears, we were in a car in a bear traffic jam, so pretty safe.
DeleteLooks like you did find a good amount of beauty. Your trees look much like they do hereabout I think the grass is a little greener than ours.
ReplyDeleteThe grass was indeed green, Ruth; but there didn't seem to be a single bud on the trees. I'm sure it's looking much more colorful now, a month later.
DeleteLooks like you had a grand time and such beauty to behold. It is awesome to be out and enjoy the beauty of nature that God has created. The Smokies are so amazingly beautiful. Glad you enjoyed!!
ReplyDeleteWe did have a nice time, even though we had to cut it short to get home in time for the funeral of a friend. The weather couldn't have been better. And we think the Smokies are beautiful, no matter what they're "wearing."
DeleteI'm glad you were able to make it down here even if Spring was delayed this year. It looks as if you found plenty to do and had some very enjoyable hikes and drives. My son-in-law saw 13 bears now evening last week while visiting the Smokies.
ReplyDeleteThe weather was perfect during our three-day stay, George. We don't do any major hikes these days, but the Thunderhead Prong trail is a nice quiet walk...other than that snake. ;) Some friends of our are down there now, and they reported seeing seven bears in Cades Cove on Tuesday evening. Not as many as your son-in-law saw, but still pretty amazing.
DeleteYes, Mark saw 13 bears in Cades Cove and along the Rich Mtn. Rd last Sunday.... Then he took his brother Bert (my eldest son) back on Tuesday and saw NONE..... ha ha ..... He was definitely in the Cove at the right time....
ReplyDeleteGlad you had good weather this trip to the Smokies --but April overall was a cold and wet month for us....
Hugs,
Betsy
We were there April 2, 3, & 4. The temperature was in the 70s the first day, the 80s the next, and the 50s the third. Even the third day was pleasant, though, with lots of sunshine. We hit it just right. And our friends who are there this week are having perfect weather. The bears that we saw were on the Newfound Gap road. You just never know where you're going to find them.
DeleteGreat pictures as usual Linda! You and Doug know the best places to visit in the Smoky Mountains...even if the weather isn't the best! We certainly enjoyed our visit last week to that area. Thanks for all the tips of great places to see and to take pic of!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane. You and Terry did a pretty good job of exploring while you were there. And Doug and I have never seen the number of bears that you guys did!
DeleteSuch gorgeous pictures, Linda. I especially love the one of the church. It reminds me of the setting of a church in the area where my husband grew up. Thank you for taking us to the Smokies with you, friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dianne. We passed a gorgeous view of that church, but there was just nowhere to pull off; and I was on the wrong side of the car to try for a drive-by shot.
DeleteA great set of photos, Linda. I enjoyed them when I first saw them in May and I'm enjoying them now once more. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Petra. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the photos twice! And for taking time out of your busy schedule to come back and leave comments on my older posts. (Aren't you glad that I don't post very frequently?)
DeleteWell, I'm quite glad that there were not dozens of posts to catch up on but on the other hand, I always enjoy what you come up with! :)
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