Cades Cove

Another mountain drive. Cades Cove is an historic area located within the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The drive out follows mountain creeks and streams with scenic overlooks one after the other. A "cove" is a sheltered valley with deep, rich soils. At several spots we got out and walked along the creeks. At one spot, we walked past a snake which was sunning itself. People in front of us didn't see it, I didn't see it, but Dana did. She jumped a little bit. It looked to be a Garder or Water snake, about 3' long and over an inch in diameter. It finally slithered under a log after we had disturbed it sufficiently .The site when you arrive is beautiful and set up for picnicing, which many people do professionally with multiple coolers, tablecloths etc. We just sat at a table and ate. For the ride back, we took the Rich Mountain Road. The sign entering the road warned that it was a "primative road" which meant unpaved, narrow, and poorly maintained. It was much longer than a look at the map would lead you to believe. Got home and watched a little NBA. Go Nets. After dinner we went to a new, upscale mini golf course. We pushed the front, but I came on strong to win the back and overall, finishing with back to back aces. It was $11 a head which for some reason surprised me.