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, January 14, 2011

2010 Best of....: WATERFALLS

Most of you know that George and I 'collect' waterfalls ---pictures, that is!!! ha..  We have seen over 435 different waterfalls since 2001, many of them several times.  Picking out favorite ones is always hard,  but I chose 11 favorite waterfalls which we saw in 2010. I will show you 9 of them today.  Above is a picture of LODGE FALLS--found at DeSoto State Park,  Alabama.  We had seen this waterfall before,  but this is the first time we have seen it with ICE all around.  George surprised me with a Valentine's trip to DeSoto that week.  The picture was taken on 2/14/10.





We drove WAY back into the woods, and then went on a beautiful hike in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas to see this beautiful waterfall.   This one is named the LITTLE MISSOURI FALLS.  This picture was taken on 2/22/10.





This is the MT. NEBO WATERFALL in Arkansas.   As you probably know if you have followed my blog for awhile,  George and I go to Mt. Nebo State Park at least once a year.  We stay in a cute little cabin with a view of the valley below while we are there.  Mt. Nebo is one of our favorite places.  This waterfall also looks different each time we see it.  This picture was taken on 2/23/10.





Another of our favorite places is SERENITY FALLS (near Cosby, TN)... We stay in a cabin right beside the waterfall --and enjoy its beauty 'up close and personal'.  I took George to Serenity Falls for his birthday this past year.  The picture was taken on 3/9/10.





In April,  we took a little trip to West Virginia to check out some new waterfalls there.  We saw many pretty ones --but I chose my favorite one to feature today.  This  1500 feet wide waterfall (you can only see part of it in this picture) is named SANDSTONE FALLS.  This picture was taken on 4/23/10.  (There are two other West Virginia waterfalls which I had chosen as favorites.  One is Campbell Falls and one is Brush Creek Falls.  IF you want to see pictures of these two falls,  click HERE. )





This waterfall is found near Bland, Virginia (where many of my Bruce relatives used to live).  Its name is the FALLS of DISMAL,  and the picture was taken on 4/24/10.





After my knee surgery in June,  George took me on a little outing to Tellico Plains, TN.  We saw some of our favorite waterfalls in that area (Bald River and Baby Falls).  BUT--we also drove back in the mountains and found a new waterfall for us.  This one is named NORTH RIVER FALLS..   Isn't it pretty?  This picture was taken on 6/18/10.





In September,  we took a trip to the Cumberland Gap area of TN/VA/KY.  During that trip,  we stopped by to see CUMBERLAND FALLS... And--as you can see,  God smiled down on us that morning,  giving us a beautiful rainbow to enjoy in addition to the waterfall.  This picture was taken on 9/25/10.





Finally,   on our way to Ocean Isle Beach in December,  we stopped near Tiger, GA to see  STONEWALL FALLS.  We had to drive back into the mountains for awhile and then hike to this pretty little waterfall..  The setting was beautiful --and I could have stayed there forever.  However,  the beach was also calling my name!!!! ha... This picture was taken on 12/19/10.

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of my 2010 favorite Waterfalls.  As you can tell,  waterfalls don't have to be huge.  In fact,  some of my fav's are the smaller ones in great settings --where we can enjoy them from up close.

Well--the good news is that the SUN CAME OUT at home yesterday.... Hooray!!!

Have a wonderful weekend.  I will see you on Monday.
Hugs,

82 comments:

ratieh said...

waterfall with rainbow...i love it so much! it's sooooo beautiful!

diane b said...

435 waterfalls...wow! They are all lovely but I like Serenity falls the best.

Beth said...

I can see why these are all your favorites. Stunning! I'd never thought of planning trips around water falls, but I think that's a wonderful idea. I too love waterfalls.
Great way to start my day---thanks, Betsy. :) Blessings --b.

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, these are all wonderful waterfalls. I can see why they are your favorites. 435 is a lot of waterfalls. I wonder if there are many left around there for you to see?

mamahasspoken said...

Looks like you do a lot of hiking too;o)
Beautiful pictures!

Catherine said...

You and George sure saw some terrific water falls last year.

So glad to hear your sun was shining yesterday.

Keep warm!
xo Catherine

Ruth Hiebert said...

he beauty of these is amazing.My favourite would have to be Serenity Falls though.Maybe it's the name.
Have a fantastic weekend.Right now my area is under a snowfall warning,supposed to get up to 4 inches.This could get interesting.
Blessings,Ruth

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I don't know how you pick out favorites...they're all beautiful...I picked one out and the next one took it's place...over and over...So much for decision making!!!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!

Fred Alton said...

Serenity Falls or Stonewall Falls...the two most beautiful pictures. Of course they are all beautiful.

floweringmama said...

Oh my goodness, what beauty. I've never seen a waterfall only pictures of them, but imagination is a wonderful thing -- I can just imagine the wonderful sights and sounds!

Harriet said...

I love the Serenity Falls and the one with the rainbow!

Unknown said...

These photos are so refreshing. I love the one with the rainbow.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

These are all beautiful. Our favorite hikes are to waterfalls, too; but I don't think we'll ever match your and George's record. :)

Ginny Hartzler said...

I remember all of these! Of course my favorite is the amazing ground rainbow, a water bow?? I could look at it all day. Have you framed it and put it somewhere? It would be a once in a lifetime joy moment!! But I must ask about that hilarious name, The Falls Of Dismal! I don't remember that name. Why on earth did they name it that??

Anonymous said...

You and George saw beautiful waterfalls last year; looking forward to the ones you visit this year!

Dorothy said...

Betsy, these are wonderful pictures of your pretty waterfalls! My favorite is Serenity Falls! Have a happy day!

Larry said...

Beautiful... and what a wonderful thing to collect... and it doesn't clutter up your home! L

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I really enjoyed your favorite waterfalls/photos. That rainbow is just beautiful! Wishing you warm sunshine and a lovely weekend!

Becca's Dirt said...

Those are all so beautiful. Betsy I am still dying to get up to see some of these waterfalls. When I do you will be the first to know since I will ask you where to go. Have a good day.

Neal said...

Very nice. I just couldn't pick a favorite.

KathyA said...

these are all great, but Serenity and Little Missouri speak to me particularly.
BTW -- Have I told you that I absolutely love your header picture?

Arkansas Patti said...

I remember the Serenity Falls and how close you were to the water. Think that would be a favorite place to stay.
Of course you wouldn't want to drink much before bedtime.

Sharon said...

Pretty falls - lots of walking and other sights to see, I'm sure!

Had sunshine all day yesterday, but it looks like it's clouding up some - I hope it drifts on by!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, So far in the year and a half that I have lived in Tennessee I have seen Ozone falls area and Falls Creek Falls State Park area. I plan to go to a lot of the places I am seeing on your wonderful blog! Lots on the list. Your pictures are just great and very inviting. I can't wait to see many of these spots! Have a great day & stay warm (the lake has completely frozen-over again and we still have 2" of snow on the ground here).

CottonLady said...

Beautiful pictures!! I loved them all, and would love to see them all. Alas, NO waterfalls in the Texas South Plains, so I will enjoy your pictures all the more.
Enjoy your weekend...maybe it will warm up more and your snow will go away.

Blessings!
CottonLady

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Each waterfall is just so beautiful that it would be hard to choose a favorite. I'd have to see them up close and personal, but just looking at your beautiful photos I'll choose Serenity Falls. Which is your all-time favorite, Betsy? And thanks for sharing these, I've really enjoyed it! Hugs, Cheryl

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a gorgeous collection.
Yippee for sunshine.
Have a beautiful weekend Betsy!

Out on the prairie said...

This was one area of interest we share that drew me to your blog.I enjoyed your pics and could almost imagine the cascading roar.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Each waterfall was beautiful but I think I liked Serenity Falls the best! I am also attracted to waterfalls, Betsy. There is something about them that makes a person happy to be alive!

Have a good weekend!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Wow is all I can say! Gorgeous photos, remarkable rainbow too
kim

Karin said...

Absolutely love water falls and I thank you for sharing yours with us! No two the same! My vote would be for the Serenity as well! That rainbow was a great capture! Have a fun week-end - we're still in an ice fog - can't wait for the sun!!! Off to go shopping with Mel.

Sunny said...

Hi Betsy ! Oh these are all amazing ! and to be able to go traveling and "collect the Falls" is so wonderful :)

My favorite one out of all of these is: Serenity Falls!

Have a beautiful day and I'm glad the sun came out for you!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Beautiful waterfalls; wonderful photos! Collecting waterfalls is a wonderful hobby.

imac said...

Beautiful Betsy, love the rainbow.

Dar said...

Betsy, You are sooo fortunate to have seen so many gorgeous waterfalls. Each one has it's own beauty, but Stonewall is probably my favorite. I would love to walk across it as well as the Falls of Dismal...when I was younger and limber.
Be careful out there. By the way, how is the knee?
BlessYourHearts Hi George

Mr. Bill said...

Breath taking photographs. You sure have talent!

MadSnapper said...

I noticed each is a little different than the other, alike in some ways not so much in others. i remember your trip to the cumberland falls area since that is when you got my child hood photos for me.

Kay said...

Love every single one of them.

Kay

Sunny said...

What a fabulous Waterfall Book you could author!
I can no longer look at a waterfall and NOT think of you and George, LOL!
Have a lovely weekend.
☼ Sunny

Unknown said...

Betsy they are all lovely, but my favourite is Serenity Falls, they are just stunning and no wonder you enjoy staying there. Have a great weekend x

Jo said...

Spectacular, Betsy. I love North River Falls the best. Have a great weekend. Enjoy that sunshine! Blessings and hugs Jo

amelia said...

Little Missouri is my favourite!! It's lovely to look at all these pictures at this time of year!

Lynda said...

I would have had a difficult time narrowing it down to those for favorites. With each new picture, I would think, "Oh, that's my favorite, too," but then you had another that I liked as well.
So how many trips did your romantic husband give as surprises last year? You mentioned one near Valentine's and then your birthday - - - right?

Tracy said...

Okay, Betsy, I must say they are all REMARKABLE!!! However, my favorite is of course,CUMBERLAND FALLS just because of the spray of water and the rainbow. You know what I like more than waterfalls? the sound a waterfall makes...it's calm yet powerful!
great pictures for sure...
hugs...

Glenda said...

All so very beautiful, but the rainbow makes that one magical!

Jen said...

What's nice about this collection is you don't have to dust it. :)
Love the rainbow with the fall--great!

Anonymous said...

You have some wonderful waterfall shots, but that 4th is my fav! I love how it isn't straight, it winds! Very cool, Betsy!!! =)

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Lovely falls! The first falls I ever saw were in Tiger, GA. Growing up in the Lowcountry of SC, you only dream about waterfalls. You've selected some really pretty ones. Thanks for sharing. I love the ones with the rainbow!

Janice K said...

These are all such excellent pictures. You could make a calendar with them..."the waterfall of the month."

Lola said...

Beautiful water falls. I love all that you have showed. I'm so glad that you & George have had the ability to see all them.
Glad you finally got some sun.
Take care & stay warm.

Shelley said...

This is a great series Betsy! you and George have really gotten me interested in waterfalls - Greg and i now want to go find some in the U.P. of Michigan! I think you should come....hint, hint!!
Hugs,
Shelley

Beatriz said...

water run run
that cleans while jumping
Greetings from Barcelona

Ginny Hartzler said...

Just testing.

mudderbear said...

Hi Betsey..It's easy to see the difficulty in choosing a favorite. My husband lived in Fayetteville, Ark. for a few years and we loved the scenery there. It truly is God's country. We miss being back there where you can drive in any direction and everything is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing... I love it.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Fantastic collection! Love the fourth one! Wow!!!

SquirrelQueen said...

Betsy, you and George are the best collectors of waterfalls that I know. You find some really gorgeous ones. My favorite of this batch is North River Falls, I like the way the water rushes over the falls.

Glad to hear you got some sunshine and it's just in time for the weekend.

Janie said...

These are all so beautiful, I couldn't possibly pick a favorite. Love the rainbow photo.
Hope you have more sun over the weekend, and lots of birds at the feeder!

carolina nana said...

Hey Betsy,
It's nice to be connected again. Didn't realize how much I enjoy this blog until I couldn't.
Caught up reading your post today and I love the pics of Barefoot Landing in MB ,we shopped there in September and I have a picture of that walkway over the water almost exactly the same spot as yours minus the Christmas lights.
Our snow is starting to slowly melt at last and ow they are predicting more for Sunday,yipes.
Have a blessed weekend
Marilyn

Regina said...

Wow such amazing captures Betsy.
Thank you for sharing.
Have a wonderful weekend.
xo

penny said...

Betsy, Its so wonderful to visit with you and see all the beautiful photos of the waterfalls and places you go to.

I love your header photo!

Warm hugs,
Pam

~mel said...

I'm happy to hear the sun is shining somewhere! It's cloudy and snowing here ~ go figure. You know I'm a huge fan of YOUR FAVORITE THINGS!! Have you and your Dear Hubby ever been to northern Wisconsin and northern Michigan? There are a lot of awesome waterfalls up here too that would love to meet you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing some of your waterfall pics with us. What a fun thing to do. I have to say the Serenity Falls are my favorite. I'd love to visit them one day. :)

Melanie said...

Hi, Betsy,
Those are beautiful pictures! The one with the rainbow is amazing!
I grew up in southwest Virginia, and my parents are both from West Virginia, so these pictures remind me so much of home!
I would move back in a heartbeat!!
Have a great weekend! :)

Loren said...

Betsy,

I have been following George for sometime now and so happy to meet you :) What GORGEOUS photos your waterfalls are! OH MY..... He said you took great pictures and boy was he right!!

Have a blessed weekend

Anonymous said...

They're all great but if had to pick one it would be SANDSTONE FALLS :-)

We have a few spectacular water falls in California. Some of the most well known are in Yosemite National Park :-)

Have a nice day :-)

~Ron

Together We Save said...

I love all your photos.... somehow I missed the rainbow one.

LV said...

I could never pick just one of all these waterfalls you have shared. I love them all.

Valerie said...

I love the Missouri and the Serenity Falls - although the rainbow one made a beautiful photo!

i am so behind in getting to my favorite bloggers! January is so stressful with school concert and report cards - the last thing I want to do is sit in my chair at the computer and make my middle age spread - spread further!

Your photos are always a treat to see!!
Thanks for decorating the internet so wonderfully!!

Rose said...

These all look so inviting...when I was a kid/teenager I really loved waterfalls....they were just magical to me. I guess they still are.

Small City Scenes said...

Excellent fall, Betsy. You and George are real troopers to 'collect' waterfalls. A joyful time I am sure. I like each and every picture and probably all of your 4oo+ pics too. I really did like Serenity Falls.
Have a good weekend yourselves. MB

Cheryl said...

Sorry I haven't been around for a couple of weeks but have been fighting a "flare". I will slowly catching up with the many blogs I do follow. I loved seeing these falls, I think collecting waterfalls would be a good addition to collecting hearts! You and George have a wonderful collection indeed. I loved especially "Serenity Falls". Here is hoping you and George are doing well. I shall try not to be such a stranger!

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

Hello! Wonderful post!
Very beautiful collection!

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

I was busy ...
I have written in old post which I missed...

June said...

How do you know they're BACK THERE, back in the woods? Do the locals direct you, or do you have some waterfall book, or what?
I don't think I can choose a favorite.
I love them all.
Love the sound of water...

Unknown said...

Yep call me a lover of waterfalls too! I adored all your pictures here but I think the Serenity Falls photo really does it justice. The subtle softness of the water with the slower shutter speed is lovely. If you had to pick a favorite waterfall..just one..which one would it be? (not just this yr but ever)
I'm not sure I could pick one. lol Sometimes the trip to *get* to the falls is just as fun as the waterfall itself.

Connie said...

These are all wonderful photos, Betsy! I don't know how you could choose a favorite.

Velvet Over Steel said...

I love waterfalls too! Brings lots of memories from when I was young and my grandmother would take all of us grandchildren on vacation with her. We went to South Dakato & the black hills area a lot & always stayed in a cabin with a waterfall close by.

I love your pictures as always. Esp. the one with the rainbow!! Beautiful!!

Have a wonderful week!!
HUGS & Much Love,
Coreen

Carletta said...

I'm really liking all of your "Best Of" series Betsy.
The fourth shot is exceptional. Love the flow of the water in this - a beautiful capture.
I wish last year that I had known you were in West Virginia. My brother lives in Beckley and that's not far from Sandstone Falls. It's a lovely area around there.

Tootie said...

Your waterfall pictures are beautiful Betsy!

Andrea said...

Hello Betsy, congratulations on your so many butterfly collections. You can already put them in a coffeetable book. I love all your photos, mostly with slow shutter to produce that "milky-milky" look of the water. I've started seeing your posts late last year, and am always amazed at the big number of constant commenters, today i am #77 here! When you decide to visit our falls, tell me and if possible i will guide you there, haha!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I love this, may I be your camera girl, so I get to see these sights.

Twilight Man said...

Yes, God indeed smiled at you both darlings and spewed out his magical rainbow to greet you! I love all the waterfalls and wished I am soaking there in this sunny weather here.