Our Trip to Cades Cove

Today my brother, Jonathan and his wife, Virginia took me to Cades Cove.  We had a blast, and I was able to snap some cool pictures.  

Cades Cove is a beautiful park in East Tennessee with open fields, and breath taking mountains.  There is a big loop you can drive around to see this scenery, and little detours along the way.  When we first entered the park, the first thing we saw was snow-covered mountains.  I immediately got a mental picture of someone pouring confectioners' sugar all over the mountain!  And of course--picture opportunity!  

Confectioners' Sugar!!!

   
Not too long after this, we noticed that the people ahead of us were slowing down.  Sometimes you will see people from out of town that slow down to look at "wild life".  (Such as a turkey ;p)  When we looked over into the field to see what they were looking at, we saw deer!  There were two right out in the open.  I rolled down my window to try to get a good picture.  Having to zoom in, I clucked and whistled, but to no effect.  I assume that the thought going through their heads were, "Oh my gosh Samantha, it's those white tall things in boxes again.  Maybe if we don't pay any attention they'll go away."  But finally I was victorious, and the doe raised her head right in time for me to 'snap'.  

After a few curves, we arrived at Sparks Lane.  Sparks Lane is a pretty little creek with trees and rocks surrounding it.  We drove through the little dip in the road, splashing water here and there.  When we finished parking, we bundled up once more.  Before I tried any water pictures, we walked down a little lane to the left.  It led to a wide open field with a beautiful twisted wire split log fence, where we also found an old red gate.  Seeing as how I love old red things, I wanted to take a picture and Jonathan and Virginia were my models.

Virginia's cold farmer face.

Aren't they so cute!

When we got back to the car, I decided to try and take some creek pictures.  Since it was only 28 degrees, crossing the "water dip" wasn't really possible with freezing 6 inch deep water.  Jonathan, (being the genius he is) had a brilliant idea.  He said that we could drive halfway across the dip, and then I could open my door and snap a picture that way.  Being careful not to drop my camera, I got as low to the water as I could to take a few pictures.  

I love how the sun glares off of the water on this one!

When we were finished with Sparks Lane, we drove a little further until we discovered yet another open field.  This one had a "lone tree" to one corner, and a little culvert running through the middle with water trickling down it.  There was a big grey boulder with moss growing on it, and I couldn't resist the chance to snap, snap, annnnnd snap!  

Me and Virginia enjoying the view. 

Love's in the air...

Sun flares are the coolest!

The miniature lake.  (Culvert) ;)

A hop, skip, and a shiver later, we were driving through a clearing when we saw not one, but two beautiful red foxes!  We were all frozen, mouths gaping, stunned because of the magnificence before us.  I quickly snapped out of my daze and grabbed for my camera.  Thanks to my camera's amazing zooming capability, I was able to take a few shots.

"Ahhhh sweet relief!"

*Sniff* *Sniff*

Huh?

After trying to recover from the beauty of the foxes, we continued to drive.  We drove to the old mill, which is a detour along the way.  It was very very cold there, especially in the shade, but despite our frigid nature, we stared in awe of the magnificent foot long icicles hanging on various objects.  By the mill there was a slew that had penny's in it.  Penny's containing beautiful wishes.  (No not really....basically it's like a trash bin for your money.)  Anyway, I was excited to get some pictures!  There was a large water-wheel, obviously not running because of the cold, but the beautiful sculptures made were definitely worth it! 

After the mill, we were almost done with our adventure.  We made one last stop before exiting.  It was a quaint little church with howling gospel singers inside.  They actually made quite beautiful music, but we were more so entertained with the cemetery out back.  There was also a pretty little bell tower atop the chapel.

William Hamby No Militia Revolutionary War 1744-1840

When we left the church, there was a mysterious but beautiful tree lined road that I had to get a picture of!

Last, but not least, on the drive home, there was a beautiful sunset.  I was able to capture another sun flare, and also accidentally focused partially on the window.  It almost gave me the thought that someone had captured the sun between two fingers.

This little light of mine, I'm gunna let it shine!