Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, May 22, 2009

Ice Castle Falls


In March of 2008, George and I drove north of Crossville to the Big South Fork area. We wanted to do some hiking and 'waterfalling' on a beautiful, early spring day. So--we went to the Honey Creek area to hike part of the loop trail there.


We accomplished all that we set out to do. Our accomplishments: We took a great 3 mile hike (the exercise we needed) AND got to see FOUR new waterfalls (Christopher Falls, Ice Castle Falls, Brooke Falls and Honey Creek Falls). All were nice---but my favorite by far was Ice Castle Falls. The big cliffs, boulders, rhododendron and laurels, and a cave-like rock-house made an incredible setting. It was just one of those serene, gorgeous places to visit!!! Today, I want to share some photos from Ice Castle Falls. Above is me standing by the Ice Castle Falls sign. Below are more!







This is the actual waterfall (Ice Castle). As you can tell, there isn't much water coming over the falls. However, it is still one of my favorite waterfalls, mainly because of the setting.









George stands at the base of Ice Castle Falls. You just cannot imagine how neat this rock-house was all around the area.







Besides the rock-shelf and the waterfall, there were gorgeous Rhododendrons all around. Awesome!!!









You can get more of an idea about all of the huge rocks in this area. It was like a HUGE bowl!!!







Another view of the rock-shelf and the Rhodies; It's hard to show its beauty in pictures. You just need to be there!!!!







George wandered around among the Rhodies and rocks to get lots of pictures from all different angles.







Look what I did while George wandered around... I could have sat here FOREVER---well, at least until the nighttime critters came out!!!!! Yipes!







Look at those enormous rocks.... Like I said, it was like a huge bowl. Even with only a little water coming over the falls, the sound was loud because of the echoes.







Another picture of Ice Castle Falls







And finally, here is my favorite picture of Ice Castle Falls. If you ever get in the Big South Fork area in Tennessee, check out this beautiful area. There were three other waterfalls that we saw that day--but this one was definitely our favorite.

As I've said many times, some of our favorite waterfalls (out of the 350 or so that we've seen total) are the smaller ones in perfect settings. AND--if we have the falls to ourselves ---like we did that day, they will always be VERY special.







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My Bluebird babies are doing fine and really growing. I should be thankful there are only FOUR in the nest. I don't know what they'd do if there were more!!! If you look carefully, you can now see 3 beaks...


We went to Hendersonville yesterday to see George's parents. They both are doing fine.. Dad (age 97) got out on his tractor this week and mowed his lawn... Mom was so cute yesterday. We were sitting around their dining room table talking to them. Dad was trying to say something but couldn't get the words out. Mom looked over at him and said: "Having a Senior Moment?" The way she said it made me laugh outloud. What a pair--and an inspiration.


Have a wonderful day.
Hugs,

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos of the waterfalls. That is a pretty setting with all the rocks and plants.

Jayne said...

I'm with you Betsy... the waterfalls are all lovely, but the setting makes it even more special. My nest of six have fledged (while we were in Nashville, darn it) and I am looking forward to them starting another nest soon. :c)

Tina said...

I'm with you Betsy, I could sit and listen to those falls for a long while..so serene! Three miles is a nice ways to hike and you both seem to have had a great time.
What brand are your bino harnesses? I need to buy some straps for my binoculars and just started looking at them on line?
Hope you have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

jlshall said...

What a gorgeous place - I can see why you love it. I like waterfalls, too - especially the smaller, secluded falls like this one. The big ones are scary!

Carol Murdock said...

Falling water is very soothing!
Photos are great!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Loved these photos Betsy...Tennessee is such a scenic place...of course there aren't any waterfalls that I know of on the west side...Thanks and have a great day...

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Beautiful falls with the limited water flow. You could certainly get close.
Glad to hear the parents are well.

RA said...

Magnificent scene! I can see why you love this place so much. It is very special just seeing it through your photos. The little birdies are doing great. I love your stories about George's parents. I so agree to you: What a pair and an inspiration. Have a wonderful weekend :)

Arkansas Patti said...

Lovely pictures though those boulders gave me a bit of pause. Still it was so nice that you could get so close.
Your babies are doing great. My BB are starting nest two.
Sure hope I am mowing in my 90's What a wonderful pair.

Unknown said...

Some of the falls that you visit must just take your breath away!!

Judy said...

Those falls are beautiful and I am sure they are awesome as are your pictures. The baby birds are so cute. I have some in my yard and the mom and dad make an awful fuss if I go anywhere near them. Your in-laws just amaze me.

Small City Scenes said...

What a wonderful area. I love the rocks. Rocks and roads through rocks have always fascinated me. The feats of engineering--whether nature made or man made. And out here with roads through huge maountains, I just marvel. MB MB

Dorothy said...

Love those waterfalls!!
Hope you get a picture of the baby bluebirds when they leave the nest!

Connie said...

I love the Big Southfork area. Your pictures reminded me it's time to go back. You go such great places Betsy.

Just luv those bluebirds.

Loran said...

Every time yo post a waterfall picture I wish I could have gone on the hike with you two!

Bj said...

All these pictures are great! I loved how you framed Ice Castle falls within the trees. You two must have great legs! With all the hiking you do.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Georges parents make me laugh so hard!!! They are the best.
Love those babies...yes, this give close quarters a new meaning!!!
Beautiful waterfall pictures...looks like a perfect day spent together.

NCmountainwoman said...

Beautiful waterfall. It looks amazingly like Moore's Creek Falls with the low flow and rocky outcroppings. Have a good weekend.

Diane AZ said...

That is an interesting waterfall with the bowl shape. Glad to hear all is well with the bluebirds and George's parents. :)

Karin said...

Sounds like you had a great day! The photos of the waterfalls are beautiful, even if there is not that much water cascading. I love the interesting rock formations. Have a lovely week-end!

Pigeon said...

You and George are really living your dream. You are such a inspiration to me.

Mary said...

Beautiful....and the baby birds are adorable!

Midlife, menopause, mistakes and random stuff... said...

Besty, your blog couldn't have a better name.........I always find joy here at your place. It's like visiting a sweet friend.
I would just sit and look at that waterfal for hours like you did. I once went to Angel Falls in Venezuala and oh my gosh.........I was mesmerized by the sight and the sounds.
Your father in law mowed the lawn with his tractor?? That's amazing and what an model pair they are of true love and devotion. Ahhh....that makes me smile.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day filled with love, joy and laughter and......

Steady On
Reggie Girl

Natalie said...

Beautiful pictures! Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Rose said...

Such big beaks on such little bodies! Aren't they cute? and I love that waterfall best I think of the ones you have shown since I have been visiting your blog....I would love to see it and the surrounding area after a snow.

amelia said...

Just lovely little babies but it's always such a tense time waiting for them to become self sufficient and hoping no predators get them first!!

I Am Woody said...

What beautiful place! We are so lucky to live near such amazing places:)

Check out this video of Rutledge Falls after all the rain around the first of the month. It's crazy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFERllp3wgs

Deborah Godin said...

Boy oh boy, that is a stand-out falls among the many beautiful ones you've visited!!

Jane said...

Oh, the babies are getting bigger!

Jane

Shelley said...

Those Ice Castle falls are pretty and I love the name! Lol at George's parents and his mom's comments about a "senior moment." So glad to hear they are doing well - they are lucky to have you both!! Have a wonderful memorial weekend my friend!!!

SmilingSally said...

It's amazing that George's parents are doing so well.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

That falls is spctacular.I would agree that anytime one has such a place to oneself is special.George's parents are an inspiration even to me and I don't know them.A 'senior moment' how cute.
Blessings,Ruth

Anonymous said...

The lil birdies are coming along - so cute!

I don't blame you for wanting to sit there & gaze at the falls forever, but I also understand not wanting to be there when the night critters come out either! hehehe

Susie said...

I love it Betsy! So beautiful! Your birdies are growing much.

Janie said...

I love that last shot of the falls especially. The view from the side gives more depth so I can imagine the scene better.
the bluebirds are looking good.
I can sure identify with the Senior Moment.

Dianne said...

I saw about 10 baby quail in between mom and dad in our yard the other day. Nothing cuter.

We are taking a road trip so I'll look for some waterfalls and get shots for you!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Incredibly beautiful..
You and George do get about ;)
It's a treat for the rest of us, each time you take a trip, I feel guilty not buying a ticket ;)
Birds are growing !!

Clara....in TN said...

Beautiful Falls. I always enjoy your pictures. I love the baby birds too. Mine are gone.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful place!!!And the babies are coming along nicely.

Anonymous said...

This brought back a memory of our cabin on a hill. There was a gorge with water flowing down over rocks like this. We used to climb it when it got drier toward the end of the summer...boy..good times..thanks for the memories....Michelle

Femin Susan said...

That is surely a beautiful waterfalls with a limited water flow.
Love the baby birds too. I always love your photography. They always look gorgeous.
Cheers!

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures....m.

Diane said...

Beautiful falls, Betsy. And those little baby bluebirds are growing by leaps and bounds, aren't they.

Lori said...

That is a beautiful waterfall, Betsy! I can see why you like it. And even though there wasn't much water falling, it added something to its beauty, I think.

Now that school is out I'm hoping to be able to write and read more. That's the plan! I haven't forgotten about you..promise!

Unknown said...

Those birdies are getting big. Great waterfall photos too. Is that first photo a slow exposure, or just a simple click?

Leedra said...

I can see why this waterfall is one of your favorites.

Leedra’s Photos For FunLeedra’s Greeting CardsPhotography By Leedra

Connie said...

Those falls are so impressive and amazing, Betsy. Thank you for sharing the photos. I'm loving the updates on the baby birds too! :D

Cicero Sings said...

Ahh ... George's folk are something else!