We live in beautiful country, but my husband hears my lament that power lines and other symbols of modern America mar the landscape to a photographer’s eye. Today we spent the eve of our 25th anniversary in Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountain National Forest. This 11 mile loop, frozen in time, allows us a treasured glimpse of the past.
Yes, we saw a bear! He walked in front of the car in front of us, stopped and drank from a puddle, and then walked back and into the woods.
I sit on the pews of this small church and imagine being in the congregation on a Sunday morning, the breeze ruffling the hem of my dress in spring or warmed by the stove that once stood between the front pews in winter.
I feel the history here.
I would be thrilled and honored to have you join me tomorrow, Monday, for our 25th anniversary and my 1000th post.
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We live on the other side of the Great Smoky Mountains in Sylva, NC. I love living here and riding in the mountains. God has truly touched this land with such beauty. It has been a while since we have been to Cades Cove. However, I am thinking we need to make a visit soon. Thank you for sharing your trip there with us.
Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. We just recently celebrated our 18th at the the beginning of the month. May God bless you with many more years together.
WOW! The pictures were amazing.
So happy to see you are having a good time on your trip!
I love your photographs of such a wonderful place, I too imagined being in the congregation. Happy Anniversary!
Absolutely gorgeous photos! We’re not too far from the Smoky Mts., I’ll have to check out Cades Cove.
These pics are AWESOME! I love the Smokies. Been there many many times. I never get enough of it. Thanks for sharing! Happy Anniversary too! Ya’ll look great and very very happy!
Congratulations! I love your blog, and your continuing growth and ability as a photographer, especially in the photos of Cade’s Cove.
My husband Travis and I recently (last month) celebrated our 45th anniversary. We delayed our anniversary trip a bit but plan to leave next week for it, ending up in Miami where we’ll board a ship for a cruise in the Western Caribbean . . . looking forward to it. Looking even more forward to the trip south where we will stop in Mississippi to visit our daughter and son-in-law and five of our grandchildren!
Hope ya’ll have many more years of wedded bliss, even with the problems that come along the way.
Elaine
Beautiful photos!!
Cades Cove is breathtaking, isn’t it?
I can feel the peace and quiet in your pictures. I can almost hear the echo of the preacher and feel the dust tickle my nose.
We visited Cades Cove on our honeymoon in May! It really was so beautiful and peaceful. Walking through the old churches and cemeteries was amazing as well. I’m jealous of your bear siting! We just saw a couple of them from afar. Beautiful shots!
A great story-in-pictures of my beloved Cades Cove! I live nearby and can never get enough!
You might enjoy these photos and video …
http://williambritten.com/wordpress/great-smoky-mountains-national-park/young-bucks-of-cades-cove/