Monday, March 15, 2010

Bicycle Advantage



There are two ways to see Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains...by car and by bicycle. My favorite times have been by bicycle.

The Cove is truly a peaceful paradise for both man and animal. You can ride the 10 mile loop by bicycle on Wednesdays...this is the day that the loop is closed to vehicle traffic and you have the Cove all to yourself. All you need is a snack, some water and and a camera and you are in for a treat.

The wildlife ... bears, deer, elk, fox, rabbits...are not afraid of the quiet bicycle and you can approach then watch them for several minutes before they move on. This is always for me the highlight of the trip...the Wednesday get a way at Cades Cove.

Dan

18 comments:

Sunny said...

Sounds like a lovely place to visit.
This little deer has almost a magical glow.
Sunny :)

shabby girl said...

That is just the sweetest photo! One of the very few nice things that my EXhusband said once was, that deer were like forest fairies. I've always thought of them that way ever since.
And how wonderful that they close the cove to traffic one day a week. I'm going to have to put this on my must see list for the building on wheels.

Heather said...

I agree - biking is definitely the way to go. A car ride through Cade's Cove doesn't do it justice. You spend too much time sitting still, missing out on things happening around you. Plus, there's something about the engines and the smell of exhaust that take away from the quiet beauty of that place.

I'm so glad someone else shares my love for the Smokies. :)

Heather said...

Wonderful! There is such warmth and comfort in this photo, Dan.

amatamari© said...

Seems to enter in a fabulous book ...
:-)

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny...my favorite time for pictures is when the sun is low to the horizon...either sunrise or sunset. You get a warm glow and long shadows that many times does make things glow with the sun.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Shabbygirl...this would be a must see for the house on wheels if you are ever this far east...don;t miss Cades Cove..I know you love "critters" and you would be in "critter heaven" here!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...I was hoping you would see the pictures of Cades Cove...I now we both share a love of the Smokies and especially Cades Cove. It sounds like you have ridden the Cades Cove loop??

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Vermont Heather...I know you love animals and this was one of those peaceful moments and this photo takes me right back there again...I can smell the grass and hear the streams...I miss it.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Amatamari...I appreciate your comment.

Dan

DawnTreader said...

Lovely photo of a graceful animal! [And you could propbably almost predict some such comment from me on this one, couldn't you... Having two other dear deer photos of yours on my walls!]

Anonymous said...

I am rather quite envious of this wonderful get-a-way place you have, Dan.
A truly gorgeous image that glows with nature's graceful majesty.

Anonymous said...

I am rather quite envious of this wonderful get-a-way place you have, Dan.
A truly gorgeous image that glows with nature's graceful majesty.

Lesley said...

Sounds like one of those magical places. I love to cycle and it's true that you get to see the landscape and wildlife at close quarters that way.
Your photo of the deer is enchanting!

Dan Felstead said...

Dawn Treader...make this your third...I will email you the file and you can print it out for the wall if there is any room left!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

S. Barbie...if yo are ever in this part of the country...don't miss it. Spending a day in Cades Cove is like having your own private sanctuary.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks HazyDaisy and it is great to hear from you again. I am sure there are just as beautiful bike rides in your magical country!

Dan

DawnTreader said...

Dan, I'd love that! Thank you! ♥