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...

Monday, April 26, 2010

Almost Heaven ---West Virginia--Part I


George and I had a fabulous and SHORT (Thurs-Sat) trip to West Virginia to find some NEW waterfalls.... We found NINE. I think we have seen about 425 different waterfalls now --since 2001. This was our first trip to West Virginia---and definitely will not be our last.

We only went into the southern part of the mountains of West Virginia --staying at a town called Princeton (north of Bluefield). The first day (after driving there), we saw two waterfalls in the Camp Creek State Park area. The second day, we saw four waterfalls in and near the Pipestem Resort State Park. AND--on that second day, we visited the New River Gorge National River area --seeing a couple of fabulous waterfalls there. Then, on our drive home Saturday, we saw one more waterfall near Bland, Virginia.

Today and tomorrow, I will share pictures of all nine waterfalls. It's so much fun searching out waterfalls because they are all different, one from another. I will go into more details about the areas and the waterfalls in future blog posts. BUT--today I share with you FIVE of the nine. Above is MASH FORK FALLS (located in the Camp Creek State Park). Below are more.




CAMPBELL FALLS (in the Camp Creek State Park)




INDIAN BRANCH FALLS (located in the Pipestem Resort State Park)




BRUSH CREEK FALLS (in the Pipestem Resort State Park)



UPPER PIPESTEM FALLS (found near the community of Pipestem)

Besides seeing all of the beautiful waterfalls, I also got to enjoy working on my Bruce Family History on this trip. Since we went through Bland, VA on our way home, I got to see some of the old stomping grounds of some of my relatives from the 1800's. You can only imagine how joyful that experience was for me.

Because I have working on Family History, I have not commented on anyone's blog since Wednesday.... I don't know when I'll catch up (since our beach trip begins this coming Saturday--for a week)---but I'll try my best!!! IF you have a specific post that you don't want me to miss, please let me know so that I won't accidentally miss it. Thanks!!!!

Tomorrow I'll post more of the Waterfalls of West Virginia... I truly did feel like I was almost in Heaven!!!!

Hugs,

58 comments:

Snap said...

Wow.I really think you and George need to write a *travelers guide to waterfalls*!!!! Beautiful photos.

Valerie said...

I love the way the water looks in the first and fourth pictures. Almost smooth as it flows.

Curious if you use a specific application for your family history. I was a member of ancestry (dot) com for a while - I did great researching my moms side of the family - but the records just kind of stopped for my dad's side.

It's been a few years since I was so immersed in it - I bet now they have more documents. I will have to do some more searching - perhaps this summer.

MadSnapper said...

I can not even imagine seeing 425 falls. I had not idea there were that many to see. I especailly liked the stacked rock look in the Campbell falls. they are beautiful and what a wonderful place to be with a camera or even without one.

Jayne said...

How fun to find that many new falls you all had not yet seen Betsy! They are all beautiful. :c)

Beth said...

Welcome back, Betsy! The West Virginia waterfalls are truly lovely. I think I like Campbell Falls the best---they look so gentle and peaceful---somehow I can imagine going to sleep listening to the water.

June said...

The names of these falls alone are worth the trip!

Peggy said...

You guys need to write a waterfall guidebook! And be sure and add your beautiful photos

Kelly said...

I love all the waterfall hunting you do. I hunt out birds, but I think I'd like to add waterfalls to the mix! (425 is impressive!) Beautiful scenery...

T said...

Campbell and Brush creek are my favorites!

You are so blessed to have seen so many beautiful falls.

Dorothy said...

Wonderful waterfall pictures, Betsy!

amelia said...

I just love John Denver and this song! Such a shame he died so young...
Campbell falls is my pick for this series of pictures, very pretty indeed!!
I'm with the others, you guys should be writing travel guides!!!

Unknown said...

I knowit is so soothing to listen to the water falls and nature all around.

Have you ever been to Cumberland Falls in Somerset, KY? They call is the southren niagra falls. not quite that big but it is something to see.

Cindy

RoeH said...

Great shots and waterfalls. I just love the eastern states. Just beautiful.

Harriet said...

Beautiful waterfalls!

Arkansas Patti said...

Oh great,now I will have John Denver in my head all day. Could have a worse companion I guess.
My vote is for Campbell falls also. There is a gentle and peaceful feel there.

Tabor said...

Glad you have such a hobby to keep me informed of nearby wonders.

Catherine said...

Virginia...home of The Waltons!! I watched 4 hours of The Waltons yesterday ~ love that TV series!

Wonderful photos!

xo Catherine

Susie said...

Ya'll sure are lucky to get to visit so many beautiful places. These falls are all so pretty.

Kirigalpoththa said...

425 different waterfalls since 2001! That is amazing!!
CAMPBELL FALLS, BRUSH CREEK FALLS and the rest really make West Virginia a heaven!

I Am Woody said...

One of our most favorite vacations was to WV. We did not have a plan or a destination. We just drove on back roads and turned when the mood struck us. It was fantastic!

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

I agree! You and George should write a guide about waterfalls and highlights around them! You have the photos that will help make the book!!
Have a great day, Betsy!
xo, misha

Busy Bee Suz said...

These are all so beautiful!!
I was wondering if you had roots in Bland...so cool.

Joe Todd said...

Sorry I haven't been around more Spring means Garden,Golf,hikes in the woods and did I say Golf LOL. May be going on short roadtrip next month haven't decided where yet. West Virginia looks pretty good

LV said...

Another great falls show. You two need to write a book on all the ones you have visited. We will miss your comments, but certainly understand. I would like for you two to catch my blog for Wednesday, April 28th.

Jen said...

Who knew there were so many water falls around to find!?
great pictures Betsy- I really like the second one.

Glenda said...

I think it's so amazing that every waterfall is so unique - and beautiful! The Campbell Falls are so very pretty, and I like the way the leaves are beginning to open up in the backgrounds!

Don't worry about trying to comment on our blogs; just enjoy your week and preparations for the beach! BTW, I now refer to you and George as the Tennessee Travelers when I'm telling my husband about your latest trip/photos!

Sunny said...

Your pictures are so lovely and crisp I can almost hear the water. Really beautiful.
Sunny :)

Roses and Lilacs said...

I love the Campbell falls. For some reason they really appeal to me. Almost a horseshoe shape.
Marnie

Anonymous said...

What beautiful waterfalls! My favorite photographs are #1,#3 and #4. I'm looking forward to your blog post on New River Gorge. We have passed through that area several times, stopping only at the visitor center along Rt. 19. I've taken pictures of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. That area is a 5-hour drive from our house. One day I would like to spend the weekend there and see more than the gorge and bridge from a distance.

SmilingSally said...

1 short trip + 9 new falls = fabulous!

Love Of Quilts said...

Betsy I'm envious of you getting to do all of this marvelous traveling LOL...but so glad for you to....just keep the beautiful picture coming so I can travel with you. Be careful and stay safe so you can catch up with us when you return. God Bless Trish

Love Of Quilts said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ms. ~K said...

I can almost hear the rushing water...beautiful shots!
Enjoy,
Kit

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yeah, you're back!!! I'm glad you had a fun trip! My favorite here is Campbell Falls, because it looks like you could have a picnic begind it and it looks so gentle. But Brush Creek has the prettiest water. I have remarked many times that each one is just so different. Can't wait to see the rest! Yes, I do have a certain post I don't want you to miss. Saturday- "The Heart Of The Matter". I hope you take plenty of pictures at the beach. Do you ever look for sea glass? If you find any, will you post it? I've heard it can be hard to find, but then sometimes there's quite a bit. I don't think i've ever seen any, never having been to the beach except once when I was too tiny to remember.

Together We Save said...

Wow - your pictures are wonderful. I have only driven thru a small part of W Virginia once. It looks beautiful!

From the Kitchen said...

I drive "home" to Virginia from Chicago every October. When I cross the West Virginia line, I arrive in those beautiful and colorful mountains. I start humming "West Virginia" and keep it up all the way to the Virginia line! I love waterfalls! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos of them.

Best,
bonnie

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Gorgeous photos Betsy...so glad you and George had a great trip!!!

Cheryl said...

What unique and lovely waterfalls you discovered. All the photos were stunning. 425 waterfalls since 2001? Amazing!

D said...

Betsy, thank you for featuring my home state. ;)

The Campbell, Brush Creek and Upper Pipestem Falls are exceptional photos: not just the water flow but the detail of rock patterns are simply amazing.

Can't wait for the other shots.

Kay said...

Just beautiful. I really love the layered rock that the falls tumble over. We do not have anything like that here in SoCal.

Kay

Leedra said...

My pick is the Campbell Falls, has to be good with that name. No, all kidding aside, it is my favorite one of the ones you show here.

Diane said...

Now I'm going to be humming that song for two days. Great shots of your trip, Betsy. Hope all is well with you today. Diane

Diane said...

Now I'm going to be humming that song for two days. Great shots of your trip, Betsy. Hope all is well with you today. Diane

Connie said...

I'm edging closer to retirement and I'm planning to use your blog as my travel guide.

nanny said...

Just when I think I have my favorite picked out...you show another one equally if not more beautiful!!!!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Once again,you have found some spectacular falls.Each one is beautiful in its own way.I am glad to hear that you are home and safe.The tornados passing through Tennessee,had me somewhat worried about you.
Blessings,Ruth

The Retired One said...

Gorgeous, Betsy!!!
I see you are enjoying the slow shutter speed on your camera to make the water look dreamy! :0}

Dar said...

You are so right Betsy. Each waterfall is so different and unique in its own way. All of these in this entry are wonderful. Campbell and Upper Pipestem look like a 'walk in the park'...how do you remember all of them...over 400 some? WOW
You sure are a dedicated falls gal.
Glad you got to tread on 'homeground'.
How cool is that.
BlessYouBoth

Judy said...

What beautiful waterfalls Betsy. I can never get a good shot of those. I'm glad you had a nice but short trip.

Julie said...

What a great waterfall trip you had! Glad you could look at some family history also!!! You are so busy...now off to the beach!!! Goodness! Have a wonderful trip!
xoxo- Julie

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, these are some of the most beautiful waterfalls ever. They are gorgeous!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Neat captures from a neighboring state.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Such beauty, Betsy! You are right that every waterfall reflects something new. It is hard to chose one over the other as the prettiest!

♥ Pat

SquirrelQueen said...

I am picturing a large, full-color coffee table book, Betsy & George's Waterfalls of America! Love these falls Betsy, Brush Creek Falls is gorgeous.

We are headed out of town next week too, no beach just the mountains of ID and MT. Maybe we will see a waterfalls or two.

Speaking of family history, I will be auto-posting a story about my hubby's side of the family while we are gone next week.

diane b said...

It is hard to keep up with commenting when you have other hobbies to pursue. Family history is time consuming but fun. Enjoying outdoors also takes a chunk out of blogging but we have to keep life in perspective. I often wonder how you manage with 50 plus commenters. Have a great time at the beach. Your waterfall shots are great as usual and I like your new header.

Mary said...

Wow...all so beautiful! YOu guys must have had a wonderful trip, even if it was short.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I keep thinking I'm going to go get the rest of my laundry sorted, but then, read one more of your posts. LOL I love waterfalls. Thanks for posting your awesome photos of them!

Angela said...

I found you via a comment you made on Lisa Two Bears blog. Had to check out your West Virginia posts! I believe I have seen the Sandstone Falls years ago but I haven't seen the other ones. We love waterfalls too! Take a look at some of the waterfalls that we have visited here if you'd like: http://wvtreasures.blogspot.com/search/label/Waterfalls

Have a Great Day!
Angela