A couple of Saturdays ago with our cameras and picnic bag in hand, we headed out the door for a fun-filled day to drive the Cherohala Skyway.
From Knoxville, Tennessee, we took I-75 southwest to the Sweetwater exit heading toward Tellico Plain on TN-68. Once there, we got on TN-165 where the byway begins. One of my favorite spots off the skyway is Bald River Falls.
The water was moving rapidly and the river littered with canoeist. Do you see the canoe resting near the bank? Car and people congestion was a real problem that day. The best place to take a picture is to the right of this photo, which you can’t see, on the other side of the bridge. However, there aren’t any parking spaces on that side and the water was splattering too much to risk getting nasty water on my camera and me. If you wanna see another shot, I snapped years ago, then click here.
Another beautiful spot off the skyway is Indian Boundary lake. Over the years, we have visited this tranquil picturesque area. On the opposite side the lake, where I stood is where we started. There is a nice trail that circles the entire lake (approx. 3 miles). It was wonderful being outdoors to soak in the peaceful, ambiance. A visit here never disappoints us, melting away all cares of the world and look how the sun’s rays make the lake sparkle like a thousand tiny diamonds. Isn’t it simply gorgeous?
It goes without fail, every time we have spring-like weather, then motorcycle enthusiasts abound Tennessee scenic parkways creating more traffic than we care to enjoy, but who am I to deny them of the same pleasure? This is God’s country!
While I may not be a big fan of motorcycles, I do appreciate seeing an old classic car out for a joyride.
We had a couple of options for heading home after we drove the skyway. We extended the scenic wonder with our decision to go home by way of the Smoky’s. On US-441north in Cherokee, North Carolina just south of the visitors center near the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance we met a pleasant sight ~ elk!
Several years ago, the government re-introduced elk into the Smoky Mountain population. Ever since then the herds have grown and on rare occasions, we are fortunate enough to spot them. There must have been a dozen or two grazing along the roadside. Some of them would just walk out into traffic and stop. A smart-cracker driver began honking his horn scaring one of the elks. I thought sure as the world it would run head-long into a vehicle, but it didn’t. Another time an elk licked the headlight of a car, while it blocked on-coming traffic. We suspected it liked the road salt on the vehicle. It was a delightful experience to see such big animals in the wild.
Nearing the top of the Smoky’s on the North Carolina side, we pulled off to photograph the sun’s glow dipping over the edge of the mountains while we had light. Visibility was crystal clear, and you can see from this picture that we were able to see for miles.
A day trip for a quick getaway is always a welcome treat. Here’s hoping you enjoyed the views through a camera lens.
Sending a round of applauds and cheers to this week’s featured WW shutterbug, my good friend, Marie from Reading Challenge Addict.
Please, be kind enough to hop over to leave her place and show some love. Oh, yes…don’t forget to link up below to be considered for the photographer hotspot next week! 
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To join other bloggers/photographers in today’s fun, scroll to the top of my Home page for Daily Blog Hops for more Wordless Wednesday communities! It’s so nice of you to come by and I hope you decide to make it a repeat visit to share in my photo ops. Wanna make me or someone else happy? Then, leave a comment! I’ll be hopping over to see you soon!
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Love the Smoky mountains… Hope to get back to Cades Cove this spring
I have fond memories of Tennessee, I got married in Memphis
I have yet to visit Memphis. I would like to do this someday. Maybe, I can see Elvis’ home.
I did. Not my favorite place, it had a very odd, anxious feel to it – I really sensed the fibs – it was not a happy home.
beautiful roadtrip !
lovely to see and anticipate [not sure when, but still anticipating!]
HapPy Spring =)
Beautiful photos and I love the old car!!
just gorgeous! absolutely stunning shots – I love the mountains and how awesome to see those elk! I cannot wait for spring to get out and take pictures of something other than snow (which it is currently doing – the day before the first day of spring.) *sigh*
Snow on the eve of spring. Well…I wouldn’t expect anything less for most of Canada. Hopefully, warm weather will arrive to your neck of the woods soon. As the Bible says, there is time for every season. That’s something I don’t focus on when I should. I need to stop and smell the roses more frequently so-to-speak. Keep warm and drink lots of hot chocolate!
Thank you for the feature today my friend! Such a pleasant surprise. Loving your picks, and I went back to see those waterfalls how beautiful that one is too. So many wonderful pictures makes me want Springtime all the more. Love your new banner too. Kitties are such fun!
You’re welcome!
What a cute blog banner and WW button! It looks like you had a delightful drive.
Love those pix, and what a gorgeous view. And how cool to see the elk!
It’s not often we see elk, but when we do it is a huge treat.
I would definitely have taken the scenic route home too! What a beautiful place! I’d love to visit!
We love crossing the mountains when we aren’t pressed for time. I secretly hoped that we might spot some wild life. I’m glad that we chanced it, as it paid off.
I too enjoy seeing the classic cars out for a joy ride. You saw elk! I’m jealous.
Spotting wild life isn’t a frequent occurrence. When we were first married and moved to the area it seemed we saw a lot of bear (Elk hadn’t been re-introduced yet), but nowadays, bears in the wild seem to be hiding or least when we are there. The last time we enjoyed a bear sighting must have been three years ago. Maybe, things will be different this year.
Beautiful! Love the last shot!
I enjoyed those photos with the descriptions a nice bonus
Have a fantabulosa week …well rest of it anyway
I’m glad that you enjoyed the views. You have funtastic week, too, my friend!
Your pictures are awesome!
Awesome, really? Why thank you! You put a big ole smile on my face today.
Lovely BW photo ~ looks like a wonderful spot ~ xxx
artmusedog and carol
I’ve always liked Tennessee, such a beautiful state.
Hi Cathy thanks for the party and thanks for sharing those lovely photos! It’s so pretty there and such a nice place to visit some day. Have a nice day!
Julie
We see many outsiders in our area from all parts of the country, and even friends from Canada filter down this way. The Smoky Mountains are truly beautiful, but then again there are many scenic wonders around the world worth seeing. That’s why I love Wordless Wednesday so much. I can visit many places without the expense of travel.
Beautiful pictures, everything looks so beautiful and peaceful
What a great trip. Your words and pictures brought it to life.
I can’t wait to get our classic cars out on the roads again!
Is spring really coming? Are you sure? It is hard to believe when I look out and see a world of white.
Yes, spring is coming! It may come early or it may come late, depending on where you live. lol No white stuff here. *knock on wood* But, it doesn’t mean we won’t by chance see a few more flurries between now and mid-April. Of course, in the Smoky’s it has snowed on us in mid May before. That’s really crazy!
Is it an accident that your Linky doesn’t open until 8:00 Wednesday night?
One of the designers of that ’49 Ford was Robert Bourke who went to Studebaker and designed what is one of the most beautiful cars ever built, the ’53 Studebaker Starliner.
«Louis’» Wordless Wednesday post is a view of the San Francisco skyline.
Oops, I goofed. I set the date wrong! Thanks for pointing this out to me, friend.