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goofry
Apr-08-2007, 08:38 PM
Spent a couple of mornings running around Gatlinburg and Cades cove to get a few shots. Here's a few. If you like, check out the rest at http://www.spotlightpicture.com

Every morning I woke up early (5:30 or 6:00 am) so I could rush out and catch the early light. Cades Cove is a great place to shoot, but too often, it is clogged with cars that for whatever reason will not use the pull-offs on the one lane road to view the wild life and scenery. This morning was an exception. When I arrived, there were about 20 vehicles waiting on the gate to open. Once inside the loop, I quickly pulled off at the fist stop and let the other cars pass. Within 10 minutes, I felt like I had the whole park to myself. I would rarely see a car pass, so I was able to take my time and have some fun.


http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/141159665-M.jpg
A Fence row at the first pull off in Cades Cove. The sun was not up yet, so I had to use a tripod.
I like the fog in the distance and the clouds were beautiful as the morning sun struck them.

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/141160959-M.jpg
Just down the Cades Cove loop road, I noticed the early imorning sun illuminating the fence post,
fog, tree, and grass. I could really spend days in this place, but I had to keep moving so I could get back to the wife and Kid in the cabin before too late.

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/141175709-M-1.jpg
Next stop was the visitor's center about halfway through the loop. There are many rustic buildings in this area. Once again, I was all by myself. I was able to setup and wait for the morning clouds to pass to get some warm morning light.


http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/141180113-M-2.jpg
Another shot from the visitor's center. Some old farm equipment under the Cantilever barn.

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/141166134-M.jpg
The deer in the cove are so used to people driving through that I was able to walk within about 30 feet of these two. They would occasionally look up to see where I was, but they never really moved.


http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/141168039-M.jpg
Spring foliage on a tree in Cades cove. I would have loved to have gotten a shot from under this tree, but I didn't have time.

On our way out of the park, the wife and son agreed to go on a short hike with me so that I could shoot the spring flower ground cover I missed a couple of days prior due to rain...

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/141172039-M.jpg
This nature trail is about 4 miles outside of Gatlinburg located in the Chimney Tops picnic area. Pictures don't really do it justice as the entire forest floor was covered in flowers.

Thanks for looking,
Jeff
http://www.spotlightpicture.com

gefillmore
Apr-09-2007, 12:50 AM
great pics of a beautiful place-

W00DY
Apr-09-2007, 03:29 AM
On our way out of the park, the wife and son agreed to go on a short hike with me so that I could shoot the spring flower ground cover I missed a couple of days prior due to rain...

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/141172039-M.jpg
This nature trail is about 4 miles outside of Gatlinburg located in the Chimney Tops picnic area. Pictures don't really do it justice as the entire forest floor was covered in flowers.

Thanks for looking,
Jeff
http://www.spotlightpicture.com

Hi Jeff,

All great images, looks like you were in the right place at the right time. I think this last one is fantastic, worth the detour on the way home.

Cheers,
W00DY

Skippy
Apr-09-2007, 04:08 AM
Spent a couple of mornings running around Gatlinburg and Cades cove to get a few shots. Here's a few. If you like, check out the rest at http://www.spotlightpicture.com

Thanks for looking,
Jeff
http://www.spotlightpicture.com

First off Jeff let me welcome you to Dgrin :D
What a beautiful first post.
Those images are just gorgeous :clap
Love that second one with mist hovering over the ground.
Glad you had a great time.

Don't forget to check out all the forums, your bound to find something else to post :thumb

Thanks for sharing :D ........ Skippy
.

dogwood
Apr-09-2007, 11:57 AM
Nice photos. I've always wanted to go to Great Smokey Mountains NP but haven't found the time-- so it's fun to get a chance to check it out through the lens of someone else.

Thanks for sharing!

ShepsMom
Apr-09-2007, 07:48 PM
Beautiful scenery, Smokey's are a great place, lots to see and photograph. :thumb

GREAPER
Apr-11-2007, 04:18 PM
Very nice stuff. I have never been to that area of the park. I am missing out. Great photos.

goofry
Apr-11-2007, 09:11 PM
Thanks to all for looking and for the comments. I could truely spend a week or two in this park.

wxwax
Apr-11-2007, 10:34 PM
More terrific work. Man, the color in the second shot is gorgeous.