SANP Field Event

Cades Cove Before Repaving II

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Leader:  Dale Potter               Phone:  (865) 773-8114             E-mail: dalepotter55@gmail.com

Meeting place: Cades Cove Ranger Kiosk, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Time: 6:15 am

Registration available:  Beginning today

Repaving II starts Sunday night.  This is your chance to see the excellent repair job that was done last year before Repaving II attempts to fix those issues.   We will meet at the Ranger Kiosk. We will make a decision about how many cars to take into the Loop Road.  The gate will open at sunrise.  

This event is different. This is a walking event to see what animals are out, along with what insects are flying.  We might cross a stream or two.  We will be walking about 5-6 miles at a slow steady pace on a path that will be wet from the morning dew.  What will we see?  Who knows?  Maybe a bear, maybe not.  Maybe a deer or two. Maybe some lady slippers.  We might find some lady slippers, but I will have to remember where they are.  We will focus on walking first, and then various options will occur depending on the group.  We will do some exploring.  

Black & White and Infrared option.

After the walk looking for animals and other flying creatures, we may visit some buildings for Black and White or Infrared photography.  If you have not seen Lisa Flangan's infrared you should.  Just make sure you do not get caught helping her remove a fence or two.  Maybe she will show up and give us some tips of what works for her.  For those of us that are considering retiring elsewhere, Lisa's pics are a bad influence as she gets to see the bears before most of us do.  

Photography Tips:  Check out Ron McConathy's recent posts on the SANP Facebook page for some tips about how to compose your photo graph especially for birds and flowers which you may see in Cades Cove.  The tips apply to all types of photography.  If you are not a member of our Facebook page you should join at this link.  Encourage your friends to join.  It is free and you can see some great photos and get some useful tips.  

Dress in shoes that you are comfortable with as you may get wet.  

Location Description:  

Meet at the Cades Cove Ranger Kiosk at the beginning of the Cades Cove Loop Road

Learning opportunities:

This will give you a chance to explore the area without all the traffic.  Bring your short lens and your long lens. 

What to bring:

• Bring something to drink and snacks.  It is supposed to be very warm.  
• A hat and sunscreen might be useful.
• Your favorite DSLR camera and lens. Extra batteries.
• Dress for the weather
• Tripod can be useful but you may want to leave it in the car.
• Rain gear for yourself and a rain cover for your camera in case we have rain.

Remember to dress for the weather and in layers if needed.  Waterproof foot gear might be useful with recent rain it could be muddy in some areas.

Driving directions:  Cades Cove Ranger Kiosk, at Loop Road Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Restrooms:  Cades Cove Picnic area and lots of other unisex options.

How to Find Me: Red Jeep Wrangler