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, November 12, 2010

Fog in Cataloochee Valley (North Carolina)

On our Maggie Valley trip with friends, Neal and Patti,   we all drove to Cataloochee Valley early on a foggy, drizzly day (October 20).   As you know if you saw my ELK blog posts,  (HERE and HERE),  we went to Cataloochee Valley just to see the elk.

BUT--once we got there,  we realized just how gorgeous this little valley is..  I have about 2 more posts of what all we saw that morning,  but today,  I will show you pictures of this beautiful valley---in the fog (or mist)...





Native Americans were the first people to visit this beautiful valley.  Following Indian trails,  white settlers pushed into the valley in the early 1800's as older settlements on the outside became more crowded,  and family holdings were subdivided among heirs to their smallest limits.  Young adults had to go somewhere else to start a homestead.





At that time,  all of the valley belonged to Colonel Robert Love,  a post-Revolutionary War  land speculator who granted homesteads to those who would settle and improve the land.  The earliest known entries on the part of the Love estate were made by the Caldwells (1814).  By the 1850's Cataloochee was well-populated, but not full.






I kept telling George and Neal that the SUN was going to come out... They laughed at me!!!!!!!  Here's proof that the sun was up there TRYING to break through the fog.... HA HA!!!!





Here's a picture showing some of the pretty color around this foggy valley.   Cataloochee Valley would remind one of Cades Cove ---but Cades Cove is much more popular and easier to get to... BUT---I LOVE Cataloochee and hope to go back many more times.





Finally,  here is one last picture of Gorgeous Cataloochee Valley --taken on Oct. 20, 2010 early in the morning!!!!!    I have two more posts from this valley --which I will post sometime soon.  Have a great weekend,  and I'll be back on Monday!!!!

Hugs,

P.S.  George and I went to Hendersonville yesterday to check on his elderly parents.  We found them in pretty good shape --but Dad seemed tired...  Bless their hearts.  Keep them (and us) in your prayers.  

We also got to see George's daughter and husband who have been in Nashville on business this week.  They joined us for lunch --so that was a great time for all of us.   Kelly and Chuck live in Buffalo, NY --so we don't get to see them as much as we'd like.

81 comments:

Twilight Man said...

Great! I am the first to comment!
The fogs are lovely and dreamy to look at. You seem to be a good nature's lover to know when the sun will be shining!

Susan Tidwell said...

OMG we were there the same day! We arrived late afternoon after the sun came out, what a gorgeous place, love it, but what about that road! Great pictures of the fog and valley and elk, thanks!

Catherine said...

Fog is my most unfavorite to drive in ~ but it sure is pretty to look at! :)

Happy Friday Betsy!
xo Catherine

Ida said...

GREAT photos - you can now be classified as PROFESSIONAL!

Cicero Sings said...

Love your pictures of the fog -- spectacular really with the beautiful fall colours,

Have a lovely weekend with your Honey.

RoeH said...

Mmmm...just beautiful!

Arkansas Patti said...

Color me strange but I love foggy scenes. The fog softens and adds a mystical quality. Those might be some of my favortie pictures you have posted.
Wouldn't you just love to own a whole valley.
Glad Georges parents are doing well. I just tucked them into my prayers.

Neal said...

Those are beautiful. As far as the sun coming out....both George and I knew you were seeing things. :) I just wondered what you had before breakfast since I know you didn't have anything at breakfast. :)

Dorothy said...

Betsy, you captured some beautiful foggy/misty pictures!! That first one is my favorite!

amelia said...

I think I like these more than sunny pics! I love the fog and it sure does make for beautiful pictures.
What is the reddish grass? shrub? not sure which, that's covering the ground in these photos?

Connie said...

Neat fog pictures, Betsy. We had so much fog here yesterday morning that the schools were closed. It's nice that you got to visit some family too. Enjoy your weekend! :)

Out on the prairie said...

Such great photos, I so enjoyed the week I spent in the park.Elk are very unique to see, they grow them commercially around here.I like to hear their bellow, especially in an area like where you are taking us.

MadSnapper said...

each photo got an ooooo and ahhhhhhh an ohhhhhhhh! what a peaceful and goregous valley. love the foggy ones, but the colors on the ground are magnificent.

pam said...

Prayers for George's parents.

That first picture is simply amazing!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Fog on the mountains and in the valley is so pretty,but right now it seems that my mind is in a fog and that is not nearly so pretty.
Blessings,Ruth

Love Of Quilts said...

It is a beautiful place Betsy, I hope you get to go back many many more time to. God Bless Trish

Snap said...

There's something magical, mystical, romantic about foggy/misty days .... BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Sharon said...

Is kind of like being in the Twilight Zone! Very pretty!

From the Old InkWell said...

Betsy, these are gorgeous intriguing shots of the fog in the mountains.

Anonymous said...

Great Photos Betsy!

I live about 7 miles from the coast and this time of the year we start to have a lot of foggy days. Of course living in California sometimes it's hard to tell the fog from the smog :-)

~Ron

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

WOW, I love these pics, they remind me of the beauty that I saw as a child. Have not been back much to Maggie Valley since then.
kim
ps. Can I copy some of these pics? They are gorgeous!

Small City Scenes said...

I love the mist rolling through the hills. Extremely dreamy shots. Again the colors are gorgeous.

Am glad yo hear the folks are hanging in there. I went to visit my Mother on Wednesday. Stayed the whole day--took her shopping etc. and for a lovely drive before it poured rain. She is getting frailer but is ok. MB

Janice K said...

Betsy, you have posted many neat pictures in the past, but these are some of the best! God has a way of adding his finishing touch, and the fog was certainly it. Some of them almost look like watercolor paintings.

I will pray for strength and good health for George's parents. It is hard to see our parents loose their vitality and independence, especially when they have managed so well for so "many" years.

Have a lovely weekend.....Janice

Sunny said...

I honestly think these are the most beautiful pictures you've ever posted. The scenery, the colors and the fog are a fantastic combination; they could be paintings.
Hope your weekend is delightful.
☼ Sunny
P.S. Prayers and postive thoughts headed your way :)

I Am Woody said...

Those last two shots are simply breath-taking!!!

Diane AZ said...

The orange grasses and red leaves look so velvety soft in the fog diffused light. Gorgeous images, Betsy!

Lynda said...

I am happy you got to visit with family and friends recently - - - and am happy that at this point the parents don't need caregivers. Keep enjoying each day that the Lord has you to the fullest - - - (like you really have to be told - - - your posts show that you do!)

From the Kitchen said...

We of the Blue Ridge call that "mist". I love it. I've driven through some pretty dense "mist" on curvy roads and switchbacks. It was always good to get home to a bowl of turnip greens drizzled with cider vinegar and a side of cornbread = ) !!

Hope that George's parents are comfortable. Good to hear when one connects with far away children.

Have a great weekend.

Best,
Bonnie

KathyA said...

How ethereal looking!! I can almost feel the mist on my face.

Ginny Hartzler said...

These are outstanding!! I love fog pictures, one reason is I'm just looking and not driving through it myself at the top of the mountain! The first shot is absolutly spectral. I love the colors when it is clearing, revealing such fall beauty!! This is my favorite post from that trip so far.

Loran said...

So gorgeous with the fog against the fall colors!

Karin said...

Sure hate driving through fog, but what stunning pictures you have of the scenery! Love the depth of colors on the meadows too. Can't quite make out what is growing there. Thanks for taking us along!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Beautiful photos! If I had to choose a favorite, it'd probably be the second one with the beautiful red trees. They are all just wonderful. I like looking at fog, but not driving in it!

Have a good weekend,
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, What a wonderful place. I so enjoy seeing all of the pictures of your travels! Have a great Friday and weekend!

Anonymous said...

I think these are some of the most awesome pictures I have seen on your blog. I just love the fog over the mountains. Enjoyed looking at these so much. Have a good weekend.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Those are beautiful and almost eery photos. Would have been perfect for Halloween. :)
Glad The Folks are holding up, will add them into my prayers too Betsy.
Glad you got to see some of the 'kids' too, I know that means a lot to both you and George.
Take care, Suz

Kelly said...

...wow....what a beautiful valley! I love that fog and the mountains. I'd like to see it some day. Also enjoyed the previous posts on the Yahoo Falls. I visited but didn't have time to comment.

Together We Save said...

My Bloggie buddies are always in my prayers....

Thanks for sharing your amazing pictures.

Glenda said...

I'm so glad you shared the fog pics! I love the misty, magical look the fog gives that beautiful valley!

God bless you and George - and his parents as you deal with the issues that are part of their lives now. Making decisions for them and about them is certainly not easy.

DeniseinVA said...

Glad you got to see George's Mom and Dad, and his daughter and husband. Gorgeous misty photos of your trip Betsy. Have a great weekend.

Kay said...

What fantastic photographs!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

This is what makes the mountains so spectacular, such raw beauty.
My heart flutters at these pictures, they are indeed heaven on earth.

SquirrelQueen said...

Betsy, these are all beautiful scenes. I always think the foggy mist gives mountains a magical, almost fairytale, look.

I love the third photo down with all the red in the foreground.

Glad to hear you and George got to spend time with his daughter and her hubby. Also good to hear George's parents are doing well.

Have a great weekend,
Judy

Diane said...

Your pictures are beautiful Betsy. I love the way things look in the fog and you captured it so well. Diane

Carletta said...

Hi Betsy,
I'm so glad I didn't miss these. I love fog pictures and these are beautiful!
Being away from home and here on the coast we miss 'fall' except for the occassional tree that stands out. I've loved seeing it through your camera.
Prayers for you and yours - always...
Hugs,
Carletta

Kirigalpoththa said...

Lovely photos! Beautiful misty mountains.

Kirigalpoththa said...

We both were in similar misty area at the same time! Isn't it ? :D

Rose said...

fantastic pictures. the trees look beautiful. god" world. thanks rose

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hi Betsy,

I love the fog filled photos..just something so mystical and divine in them.

My blogging and visiting has been at an all time low lately...I've missed visiting with you and hope to start keeping up again.

I'm a bit blue though...even though the job is a blessing..Thomas is going to be gone again for a 3 to 6 month long job in Kentucky. I think this will be the end of it though..it's just time to be still and enjoy the togetherness..having him home these past 9 months have been so nice.

Oh, we finally got the woodstove installed as of yesterday...just in time for more cold weather on the way...plenty of wood delivered so I'm ready. :0)

Hugs,
Stephanie ♥

Fred Alton said...

Fatabulous photos, Betsy! I love the Appalachian mountains from any view.

NatureStop said...

Hi Betsy,
How have you been?It's been a while since I was here. The little one is really keeping me busy. Hope to be back soon.Beautiful post and images to go with. Would love to visit this beautiful place.

So long, have a great weekend

Shantana

Jen said...

Fabulous shots Betsy. I think you should do a Cataloochee Calendar!

Sarah Knight said...

Wow! That is some magnificent scenery!
Beautiful photos!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Fantastic Fog Fotos! Your journeys take you to some truly beautiful places.

D said...

Betsy, those photos are the best!!! wow... you outdid yourself on those. ;) Sure hope you and George have a wonderful weekend.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

don't go hiking on a day like your photos, you may get a white wash,

An old classmate went to clinb the highest mountain in Sout East Asia, and got lost that way.


Here, we celebrate Anzac day.

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries

Some people think we should also celebrate Armistice day.

Elenka said...

You take the most gorgeous photos!! Would you mind if I use the sky portion of your sun trying to come out photo in a painting someday? I would combine it with something else....It's ok if you say no.

nanny said...

I love the fog shots....beautiful!

LV said...

Fog are not, you still captured the beauty of that area.

Unknown said...

Oh Betsy.. you know my love for this place. I just can not get enough of Cataloochee. When I saw your blog on the elk I thought your trip was awhile back. I didn't realize you were there just after we were last month. Half the fun is getting there I think. It's a joy to see your photos of our beautiful Smokies. :)

carolina nana said...

Those are beautiful photos of the mountains shrouded in fog. A very pretty place,I've got to get up there to see those elk.
Have a blessed weekend
Marilyn

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

These are incredibly beautiful photos Betsy! It is not often that one sees fog like this unless you live in San Francisco. It looks very quiet and peaceful.

So glad to hear George's parents are doing well. God belss them.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Beth said...

That first picture of the fields is awesome. The fields look to be so full of color against the backdrop of the foggy mountains.
Breathstealing views, Betsy.
Glad you got to be with family.

Dawn said...

Oh! I came to your blog through Kelly's...and I am so glad I did!
What amazing shots here...the mist (fog) is magical. Interesting facts on history!
Thanks for sharing...looking forward to getting to know you better:)

NENSA MOON said...

WOWWW!!! Those are beautiful fog pictures..
I love to see the fog around the colorful tree on the red grass... its incredible scenery indeed!
Thanks for showing those pics, Betsy!

About your eldery parents, hope they stay healthy and happy... I will keep them in my heart and prayer.

Enjoy your day, my good friend!
hugs'
nensa

Debbie Taillieu said...

Oh Betsy! I can't pick a favorite...these are gorgeous photos!
Keeping your family in my prayers.
Hope you had a fantastic weekend!

LifeRamblings said...

these are all incredible captures. glad to hear George's parents are fine and things are going well for you.

Anonymous said...

These photos of Cataloochee Valley are absolutely beautiful, and I love looking at the fog!!!

And yes I will keep you all in my prayers!!!

God Bless, all of you!!!

Joe Todd said...

Spectacular photos Betsy. Some of the best I've seen in awhile..

~mel said...

A W E S O M E ! ! ! Thanks so much for sharing :) I need to put this place on my wish list!! You never know ~ I made it to Mt. Nebo after reading your blog ~ and we're planning on getting away again sometime in late Feb. early March. Who knows where the open roads will take us.

Heather @ Simple Wives said...

These pictures are just beautiful! Makes me want to pack my bags for a road trip!

Anonymous said...

Wow, those photographs are stunning! By the way we saw some elk yesterday while on a "Saturday drive".

Anonymous said...

Wow, those photographs are stunning! By the way we saw some elk yesterday while on a "Saturday drive".

Jenny said...

What ethereal, perfect beauty. You capture those glowing colors so perfectly against the subdued background.

This looks like a magical place.

Your lunch sounds fun. I'm sorry you didn't find your Father-in-law better! Sending prayers for them and for you as you deal with the inevitable sadness of having loved ones grow older.

Hugs and happy Sunday.

~mel said...

Betsy ~ I was going back through your blog looking for a certain post. The one where it looks like the waterfall is coming down and it's RIGHT OUTSIDE the cabin window. Do you know which place I'm referring to??? I know... you've been to so many of those kind of places. email me donnersbait @ gmail.com

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I won't want you on my team in Fear Factor and Survivor. I have seen shows where they had to eat ants. LOL

In Borneo, they do eat them. They cut the branches of the tree where the nest is, then smoke them, and pick them and eat them, smoke salmon? smoke ants.

Janie said...

The misty mountain photos are just gorgeous. I also like the one of the sun trying to break through. I can see why you'd want to go back and visit this magical place.
Glad to hear that George's parents were doing okay on your visit. Nice to have some time with George's daughter and husband, too.

Valerie said...

Wow Betsy - how on earth do you keep up with all these comments!

These pictures are beautiful - so surreal looking -
must have been one of those moments - where you feel as though you are standing in the presence of God.

Valerie said...

PS I remember you did tell me once that you had family living here in Buffalo, I guess I must have forgotten.
Neat connection.

Mary said...

Those foggy shots are beautiful!

Rose said...

Beautiful pictures! I love any picture with fog or mist!

Loved the Elk story below, also!!!