Thursday, February 23, 2012

Time keeps on slippin' into the future

Backing up to last Saturday. I know. I'm all over the place lately and I'm pretty sure I said I was going to get my writing act together this year.

One can still hope.

Today's photo challenge prompt is 'shoes' but since I'm making my own rules these days (have I mentioned that?) I'm posting one of the prompts I missed. Day 17-'time'.

If you'll recall we were in Tennessee last weekend. Once daughter2 made it over the mountaintop on Saturday, we piled back into the car and headed over to Cades Cove. For those of you who've never been I highly recommend.


Cades Cove is a wide valley surrounded on all sides by gorgeous mountains. Are there any other kind? Its the most visited spot in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and a great place to hike, bike, think, and dream.


An 11 mile loop wraps around the cove and cars meander along this road keeping a close watch out for wildlife. We've been coming to the Smokies, and in particular Cades Cove, for a long, long time.


When the girls were little we liked to count the deer as we drove thru the park...


Still do.


Sometimes you get lucky and will see a bear.
No bear this trip but we did see lots of daffodils in bloom.
In the middle of February.


Not sure I've ever seen that here before.


In addition to all the wildlife there are churches, cabins, and a gristmill dating back to the 1800's.


Even with all its many visitors Cades Cove remains a place of serene beauty.


And for us, this picturesque little corner of the world is a place where some of our most treasured memories were born. A place where little girls learned to love and appreciate God's creativity...


and the beauty that is found in spending time outdoors with the people you love most.


It still is.

11 comments:

  1. Now you've convinced me that we need to add some time in the Smokies to our upcoming trip to Hilton Head in May. We pass right through the Smokies on our way (we go through North Carolina and eastern Tennessee in order to bypass Atlanta). ;-)

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  2. What a wonderful family tradition this is. I've been coast to coast, up to the Canadian line and down to Mexico but I've never been through the Smoky Mountains.

    A fall visit has always been on my bucket list.

    You have a beautiful family girl and I loved lookin' at your pictures.

    God bless ya from the happy hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa!!! :o)

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  3. Love the family tradition. I am looking forward to seeing the west coast :) I love the smokey mountains.

    Thank you for stopping by...my lil frogs have always been a hit ;)
    gina

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  4. Nice pictures - and nice getaway. Perfect family time!

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  5. We are planning our vacation and will be going to Alabama. We just may have to add a drive through the Smokey Mts. to the itinerary! :-) I don't believe I've ever been to the Smokey Mts. so this would be wonderful! Loved the pictures of you and your family!

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  6. Aw! What a wonderful post. I feel like I've been there now with you and your family.

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  7. I love how you tied the past in with the present :) I love the mountains, too. It's just the ride to get there that I don't enjoy. (Kathy)

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  8. Love the pictures. We have got to go back to the Smokies. We did not spend enough time there! Love your pictures and love your traditions! Nothing like making memories!
    until next time... nel

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  9. What a beautiful place to be! Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Love Cades Cove! Such a beautiful place. Glad you could enjoy it with your family.

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