Entering Cades Cove I found myself in a lovely Appalachian setting. What was most interesting to me was the various cabins, mills and churches. It was immediately evident that Cades Cove was at one time a pretty good size working farm community. I was also impressed by the amount of wildlife that was in the area. I saw many deer, turkeys and even three black bears. It's always fun to see bears in the wild. On a few occassions, in other parks out West, I have been shooting with my 4x5 equipment and I would see a bear out in the meadow, or just inside a treeline within 150 yards or so. I have gone 'under the cloth' to compose and focus on the ground glass and when I came out from under the cloth the bear would be 'much' closer. Now, I have learned to make frequent checks from under the 4x5 focusing cloth when I know a bear in the area. Note, mind you, that these encounters have all been with black bears...not grizzlies. The Cades Cove bears were easily within about 60 - 70 yards of me but paid no attention at all. That said I am quite familiar with a bears speed and always pay them plenty of respect.
From a photography standpoint I scouted some locations that I would return to before dawn the following day and a few areas that I thought would make nice evening shots. At first impression however, I immediately knew that the one GSM 'iconic' park photograph that I will make for the exhibit will most likey be made in the Fall. It was readily apparent looking at the hardwood covered hillsides that this area would be truly spectacular in autumn colors.
I'll be adding a few of the final black & white images from Great Smoky Mountains NP to the project website soon. Here's a couple snapshots from the trip....Can't wait to come back in the Fall!
