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Old 06-24-2017, 07:13 AM   #1
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About to "boondock" in Cade's Cove, TN.

Leaving in the morning for 5 days camping in Cade's Cove, in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Last time were were there was sometime in the 70's in a pop-up. Weather looks to be pretty nice with some evenings getting into the 50's, highs in the low to mid 70's except the last two days where it gets into the upper 70's. No rain in the forecast. I have a 100W solar panel which kept the battery charged during a test in the driveway for 3 days. Generally got the battery back to full charge around noon or so. Only used the battery to keep the fridge going, but I am hoping we can use at least one interior light (sparingly) while there. The camper has LED lights. Anyway, looking forward to some hiking and photography while there. From what I have read the bears are pretty active right now.
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Old 06-24-2017, 07:24 AM   #2
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Sounds like a great time! I can't wait until I can get the DW to Cades Cove!
And remember...we are needy, we need lots of pics!!!
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Old 06-24-2017, 07:59 AM   #3
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Take your bicycles!! They close the loop on Wednesday and Saturday mornings so you can walk or peddle in safety.
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Old 06-24-2017, 08:32 AM   #4
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Color me jealous! Have Fun!!

If you go in to G'burg be sure to check out the Aquarium, awesome
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Old 06-24-2017, 08:34 AM   #5
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Have a great time, and I agree with the bike suggestion. I remember that CG having a lot of trees ? That may effect your solar plans.

Pretty area, post some pics if you can !
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Old 06-24-2017, 10:15 AM   #6
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Have a great time, and I agree with the bike suggestion. I remember that CG having a lot of trees ? That may effect your solar plans.
Most certainly will have our bikes... hardly ever go camping without them.

Yeah, I was a bit concerned about the trees as well, but we'll just have to see. In the sun the battery recharged no later than noon or so, so hopefully it will get enough light to at least recharge before dark. Worst case I have another deep discharge battery as backup.
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Old 06-24-2017, 02:01 PM   #7
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I just went to the web page and here is what it says about Cades cove.

Area Trails Closed
Due to fire and storm damage on the Tennessee side of the park, some trails are closed. Go to the Temporary Closures and Alerts page for more information.

I am also looking forward someday to go there.
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Old 06-24-2017, 03:58 PM   #8
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Turn at stop light 6 in Gatlinburg and go down Roaring Fork Road if you want to see a lot of the fire damage.
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Old 06-24-2017, 04:36 PM   #9
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Due to fire and storm damage on the Tennessee side of the park, some trails are closed. Go to the Temporary Closures and Alerts page for more information.
Thanks for the heads up. I looked at the closures and I don't think any of them are going to affect us. We will spend the majority of our time in and around Cade's Cove. I do want to hike to Abrams Falls, and that trail appears to be open. Likely will make a trip or two into Townsend, at least once for dinner, but otherwise, we'll be relaxing in camp.

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Turn at stop light 6 in Gatlinburg and go down Roaring Fork Road if you want to see a lot of the fire damage.
Boy, I hate to hear that. We were just through there last November, actually while the fires were burning in the area. I would hate to see the damage now.
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Old 06-24-2017, 06:45 PM   #10
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If you hike to Laurel Falls KEEP GOING. 99% of people will hike to the falls and stop. The trail goes on. Follow it for a mile and you will see some HUUUUUUUUGE trees. Old growth trees. And you will most likely be alone.
It's totally worth a little time. You likely won't hear a sound but the woods and your heart beat! Enjoy!!

The photo INSISTS on displaying sideways! I have no idea why... it's right side up on my PC and when I view it in Picasa.
Anyway it's a really big tree!
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Old 06-24-2017, 09:41 PM   #11
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We were at Townsend in May. Love that area. Be sure to check out captain Dave's carving studio... Really different and affordable wood carvings. It is just outside of Big Meadow campground where we like to stay. Cades Cove was beautiful as always. We did not see any fire damage while there. Enjoy!
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Old 06-25-2017, 12:28 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KyDan View Post
If you hike to Laurel Falls KEEP GOING. 99% of people will hike to the falls and stop. The trail goes on. Follow it for a mile and you will see some HUUUUUUUUGE trees. Old growth trees. And you will most likely be alone.
It's totally worth a little time. You likely won't hear a sound but the woods and your heart beat! Enjoy!!

The photo INSISTS on displaying sideways! I have no idea why... it's right side up on my PC and when I view it in Picasa.
Anyway it's a really big tree!
It's not just the trees that are huge past the falls. We found this giant milapede just past the falls.
Click image for larger version

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Old 06-25-2017, 05:17 PM   #13
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Lights should not be a problem. Consider a battery powered fan to save on your 12 V system depending on how hot it is. The campground is pretty shady. We did the wildlife loop on our bikes. It was really nice but a bit strenuous. Make sure to leave enough time. If you want to go out there in the evening to view wildlife go early and expect a crowd.
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Old 07-04-2017, 11:11 AM   #14
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After action report -

Back from a good camping trip at Cade's Cove. Weather was nice, a little chilly the first night or so but not uncomfortable. Saw several bears, deer and turkey. Site was fairly shady, so I never did get a good "re-charge" on the battery with the solar panel, but it never got below 12.2V. I had a smaller 12V battery that I used a couple of nights, connected in parallel with the trailer battery, just as a little extra capacity. And a couple of times during the last couple of days I connected the truck to the trailer and ran it for about 15 minutes, although I suspect that really didn't help a lot. We were very conservative with usage inside, so the only thing loading the battery was the fridge control board and the water pump as needed. But at least I wasn't awakened in the middle of the night with the CO monitor beeping due to low voltage. Overall it was a good time. Several folks had generators going off and on during the day, but no more than we "boon dock" I don't think I can justify the expense and upkeep of one.
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