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...

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Back to the Gorge


On our way to Ocean Isle Beach in May, we stopped by one of our favorite places, Tallulah Gorge, (near Clayton, GA) to see the gorge and waterfalls --before heading on to Simpsonville, SC where we spent the night. This was our FOURTH trip to the gorge. We have been there during all four seasons now!!!! Being there in Spring was nice, even though it was rainy, since we saw some pretty Spring blossoms!!!!


Here are some pictures from Tallulah Gorge taken on May 1st. Above is a picture of the gorge taken from one of the overlooks. You can see the bridge in the distance connecting one side of the gorge with the other ----if you want to climb up and down about 1200 steps. There is another way to hike around the gorge if you can't 'do' steps. Below are more photos!





Gorgeous Mountain Laurel in bloom;




Here is Hurricane Falls , one of our favorite waterfalls in the gorge.





There were also Azalea bushes in bloom around the gorge.




Aren't these little purple flowers pretty? I've seen them on others' blogs--but cannot remember their names. They are fairly small --and may be in the Violet family. Do you know?




Isn't this Rhododendron bush pretty??? It was nice to see all of this color at Tallulah Gorge.




Finally, here's one of my favorite waterfalls, Tempesta Falls. They had the dam opened this weekend --so there was alot of water coming over the falls. This gorge and all of the waterfalls are just fabulous. You can see other pictures from previous trips to the gorge by looking at LABELS on my blog sidebar and then scrolling down to TALLULAH GORGE. Just click there --and you can see about 5 blog posts from this beautiful place.

++++++++++++++
I found out yesterday (from the MRI) that I have torn Meniscus in my left knee on BOTH sides of the knee (Lateral and Medial). In order to get some relief from some of this horrible pain I've had for the past 3-4 weeks, I will have Arthroscopic Knee Surgery (to repair the meniscus) TODAY at 1:30 p.m. It is outpatient surgery --and I should be home in a couple of hours. I 'should' have immediate relief from the pain.

Thanks be to God for my wonderful doctors, my great health insurance , and hopefully---freedom from pain VERY soon. Please say a prayer this afternoon for me. Thanks so much --and thanks for all of the cards, comments, calls, and emails. I don't know what I'd do without YOU.

Hugs,

55 comments:

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Next time you go, please take me. I will love to camp there, have the water massage my back. Heavenly!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Your knee feeling better? Will remember you in my prayers.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

'Gorge'eous photos, I especially love the tiny violet flowers also !
What a breathtakingly beautiful place.
I had an idea, your problem was a toen meniscus, you will HAVE to take it easy after surgery, no waterfall climbing for awhile, just have to look at your pictures !
God speed your recovery...
Hugs,
Jo

Valerie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Valerie said...

You'll be in my prayers today and on my heart - for successful surgery, and quick complete healing! So glad they were able to get an accurate diagnosis and are able to deal with it so quickly!

Pedaling said...

mmm- those purple flowers.

take care- you'll be up and going in no time.

pam said...

You will be in my thoughts and prayers today.

Beth said...

Gorgeous gorge pictures, Betsy---I'm definitely going to have to make a trip to Tallulah Gorge someday.

I'm so glad they found the cause of your knee pain and glad you're going to find healing. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you this afternoon, Betsy. I'm so glad you have that sweet George to take care of you and good insurance---you are truly blessed.

Dorothy said...

Beautiful pictures in this post! Thinking of you today as you get your knee repaired!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I think the little purple flower is a type of violet. The Mountain Laurel is so sweet and old fashioned looking. You'd think we'd have them here in the mountains, but I've never seen any! Tempesta Falls is really comin' down!! Today you are on your way to being back to normal, yeah!!!!

linda m said...

You will be in my thoughts and prayers today. Yes, I agree with you, Tallulah Gorge is a beautiful place. I was there last November. Wish I could have seen it when they opened the dam. WoW!!

diane b said...

The amount of water falling over those falls is amazing. A very pretty gorge with all those lovely flowers too. Get well soon.

Connie said...

Beautiful photos of a beautiful place, Betsy. I hope all goes well for you today. I'll say a prayer for you.

Arkansas Patti said...

Wonderful news that your knee can be repaired. Just wish they hadn't taken so long to diagnose.
Praying for smooth surgery and a quick and complete recovery.

D said...

Betsy, it will be a simple surgery and you will be feeling better in no time. Our thoughts are with you.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Love all the spring color in that area!!!!
The best of luck to day Betsy...I know you will be fine and hopefully you will feel relief very soon.
hugs, Suz

Susie said...

I'm so glad the surgery isn't anymore serious than that. You'll be up and about in no time. Hubbie had that surgery a few years ago and he hasn't had any problem since.

I'll be sure to say a prayer for you my friend.

Harriet said...

I'll keep you in my prayers!

Catherine said...

I'm so glad everything is going to be well with your knees. You will be so thankful when it is all done. Good luck to you Betsy!

And the little purple flowers with the rain/dew drops are beautiful!

xo Catherine

The Retired One said...

You have my prayers, thoughts and best wishes for a speedy, pain-free recovery, Betsy. You just have to get better, fast so you can get out there and hike and take more photos of your beloved waterfalls.
BTW, why on EARTH did you not enter some of these in my Landscape photo contest??? They were fabulous...and also, btw, this month's theme is FLOWERS....there are some on this post and others of yours that you have to choose from...so enter one already!!!!

Jane said...

May prayers and best wishes that you will be pain-free in a few hours. Let us know how it goes!

Jane

Dar said...

So glad to hear that the doctors can repair your damaged knee. Know that you are always in my prayers. Take it easy after the surgery and get lots of pictures of your birds off the deck.
Your little blue flowers look like the (you will like this name) Birdsfoot Violets. I left a picture on my entry for you.
Have a great day
BlessYourHeart

Karin said...

Oh, I'm so glad to hear you've had an accurate diagnosis and will have surgery. You should be pain free today - well, except for the post surgery discomfort - but maybe save the up and running for a couple of weeks, okay? I know that I wore my knee support for a while, just to be sure. I can't recall if I read how you came to injure your knee in the first place?

Love those photos Betsy! What stunning views of the gorge! The flowers are so delicate and detailed! So pretty!

Speedy recovery dear friend,
Hugs!

Anonymous said...

The flowers are beautiful.

Glenda said...

Praying for you, Betsy! Take care of yourself and let George spoil you!

Roses and Lilacs said...

Betsy good luck with your surgery. Hope your knee is better soon so you can go back to hiking and exploring.

Love those photos from way-high up on the cliffs. I'm a little afraid of heights but I love them in photos.
Marnie

Rose said...

Betsy, that I bet that gorge is absolutely breathtaking in person...all those flowers are so beautiful.

I will be thinking of you today! I hope this will be the end of the pain for you.

Janice K said...

I am glad a diagnosis has finally been made and pray by tomorrow this time (or sooner) that pain will only be a memory.

My prayers are with you.

P.S. Your blog for today is beautiful. Even though it was rainy, what a sight to behold!

Diane AZ said...

How wonderful that you've seen the Gorge in all four seasons now. I can't get over the beautiful Azaleas, Mountain Laurels and Rhododendrons! So glad you're getting your knee fixed Betsy, I'll be thinking about you. :)

Joe Todd said...

You know Betsy I will never see another waterfal that I won't think of you and George. Let's hope for no more knee pain.

Sey said...

these were the greatest pictures of waterfalls I've ever seen. Wow! I will visit them one day and I have to start saving today!

Joe is correct, whenever I see flowers and Falls, you and George comes to my mind! I love you guys!

You're in my prayers.

Pat Tillett said...

Beautiful photos and narrative!
good luck on your knees! ( I feel your pain )

DayPhoto said...

The beauty of traveling with you is amazing....I get to see so much and to learn all about flowers.

Thank you,
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Kay said...

As usual, you visit the greatest places to photograph.

Shelley said...

Betsy - I never knew so many beautiful waterfalls existed until I met you!! :-)
Praying your surgery goes well and that you heal fast! I know George will be pampering and spoiling you!!
Hugs,
SHelley

Snap said...

Happy to hear you've found out what is up with your knee and it is being repaired quickly! Here's to no pain!!!!!!! Wishing you well....

Small City Scenes said...

Good vibes going your way Betsy. You will be fine or as my friend always says "fine as frog hair". LOL

Beautiful pics of the Gorge. I think I will move there and just live. MB

amelia said...

I hope you get some knee relief today!!I'm sure you will!!

As usual, gorgeous pictures!!

Mary said...

Gorgeous photos as always..the flowers and all that flowing water! Wonderful! I'm glad they have identified your knee problem and hope the surgery goes well. Hugs.

Peggy said...

prayers going up the surgery and healing go well. Now that I have saw your beautiful photos I am truly homesick :)

nanny said...

It is 1:00PM as I look at your very beautiful pictures....I hope you framed the waterfall ones...

I hope your relief is instant...we are thinking of you....take it easy!

Prop that leg up and BLOG/ha

MadSnapper said...

at least you will be able to hold your laptop in your lap and recline and keep blogging and reading and emailing. Hope you are home soon and pain free even sooner. you should be fine in a few days and walking up those trails on the hunt for waterfalls soon.

SquirrelQueen said...

Glad to hear the problem with you knee has been diagnosed and something can be done. I hope it all goes well, I will be thinking of you this afternoon.

I love all the beautiful flowers and scenery from Tallulah Gorge. It is beautiful in every season.

Hugs,
Judy

Sunny said...

Hi Betsy,
By the time you read this, I hope your pain is a thing of the past.
Prayers for a speedy recovery being sent your way.
☼ Sunny
P.S. The flowers at the gorge are 'gorge-us' :)

Deb said...

Hope the surgery went well and you are pain free. Beautiful photo's like always. Take care.

Love Of Quilts said...

Oh...I just read your surgery is today my prayers are with you....I sure hope you are free of pain and can go on your hikes again. God Bless Trish

LV said...

You share some of the most beautiful places and flowers. Thankful you are enjoying both. Trust your knee is better.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Lovely spot --I can see why you and George like it so much.
The Mountain Laurel is so delicate and prettym and the waterfalls look so refreshing.

Betsy I've torn the meniscuses on both my knees, so I know how mcuh pain you are in. I did not hve surgery, but that was my choice. Eventually the knees healed and I don't have any pain..just stiffness from arthritis.

Hope you heal quickly!

♥ Pat

Unknown said...

Gorgeous piccies as usual Betsy.

I hope your surgery went fine and you are now in full recovery mode. Make sure George spoils you LOTS!

Janie said...

Oh my gosh, you must be already out of surgery by the time I read this. I hope everything went well and that you'll be feeling much better in the next few days.
The photos of the gorge are gorgeous. Think about going back there as you're recovering. That should be a good incentive.

CottonLady said...

Betsy, hope all went well this afternoon. Know you will be sore from the surgery but will be different from before. Hope and pray all goes well.

Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! Here in dry west Texas, they are like a breath of fresh air!

Blessings!
CottonLady

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Beautiful pictures.The Mountain Laurel is so pretty.
Hope your day went well.
Blessings,Ruth

Kirigalpoththa said...

I can watch these pictures many a times. Fascinating place!!

Diane said...

First of all best wishes for successful knee surgery. If it was at 1:30 it should be all over by now and I hope you'll soon be getting around like normal.

I tore my meniscus a few years ago but it didn't require surgery. I was dancing by myself in the living room at the time. You know that old saying - Dance like no one is watching......well, don't believe them!!! Nobody was watching but it still hurt bad for a while. Diane

Great pictures, too, Betsy. I especially love the flowers - the scenery is very pretty too.

Anonymous said...

I am praying for your total recovery. Beautiful pictures today Betsy! You certainly have the knack for getting beautiful shots!