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, March 30, 2012

Rockhouse Hike at Mt. Magazine, Arkansas

Everytime we go to Mt. Nebo in Arkansas,  we take a trip a little farther west of there to visit another favorite mountain of ours,  Mt. Magazine.  This year was no exception.   The area which we love in Arkansas consists of a series of mountains (Mt. Nebo, Petit Jean, Mt. Magazine) which lie between the Ouachita Mountains to the south and the Ozarks to the north.  Mt. Magazine is the largest of these mountains,  and there is a hike one can take to the top point of Mt. Magazine which says that it is the highest point in the state of Arkansas.

We love Mt. Magazine for its views of the  Petit Jean Valley below;   for its waterfalls;  for the good food at the lodge restaurant;  and for its hikes.  This time (Feb. 28, 2012),  since it was rainy and foggy,  we took a hike down the mountain to visit a rockhouse and a small creek.  Here are our pictures of that steep hike.   Above is me standing in front of the rockhouse.  Be sure and enlarge all of the pictures to see them larger.




The rock formations around this area are just gorgeous..  Note the fog at the top of the picture... As I said,  it was very foggy and drizzly that day.. However,  this was our only 'rainy' day on that entire trip this year!!!




I stayed at the rockhouse and George bushwhacked down the hill (there was sort-of-a-trail) to check out the creek below. We had already hiked a long ways down the mountain to get to the rockhouse... SO---I just sat and enjoyed the beauty around me --while George went exploring some more.




Here is a picture of the creek--without much water this year.  Arkansas has not had the huge amounts of rain that Tennessee has had during this past winter... The waterfalls and cascades there were mostly 'waterless' this year.




George is making his way BACK up the steep hill --toward the rockhouse... The hiking sticks do help---but it's not easy especially when you are carrying a heavy camera backpack--including a tripod.  At least he is still SMILING!!!!




Here is another picture of the rocks around the Rockhouse!!!  I'll bet that the deer and other wildlife like this rockhouse area.  We scared three deer when we were hiking down there ---so they ran away from this area!  They probably were mad that we HUMANS were visiting 'their' area!!!!




Here's a picture George took of me and my hiking sticks... It's almost time to hike back up that steep mountain!!! Where's the elevator when I need it????? ha ha




BUT--we have to take time to take one more picture.... "George,  please set up the tripod."   "Okay-DEAR!!!!"   ha ha ....   Don't you like this picture though?  It may be my favorite picture of the two of us...  What do you think?

Have a wonderful weekend.  I'll see you on Monday.

Hugs,
Betsy

65 comments:

Tabor said...

The fact that you carry a tripod, hiking sticks AND the camera makes you awesome!

Joe Todd said...

We have a Rock House in the Hocking Hills near Lancaster. The trails seem to be similar.We recently had water going down the middle of the trail

Connie said...

Even with walking sticks, I think I'd have a tough time navigating those climbs, Betsy! That last picture of the two of you is a special one. Very nice! :)

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Yes, it is a great picture! Looks like a beautiful spot for hiking.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I just love those foggy scenes. Now if we had mountains around here,I could take pictures like that today.It is very foggy. Oh,almost forgot,I do love the picture of you and George.You both look good in that blue.

Chatty Crone said...

Mt. Magazine - what a funny name -but it is a beautiful place.

Yes I do like that picture of the two of you - you look good in blue and in love.

sandie

Arkansas Patti said...

So far I don't have a favorite of you two. In all of them you look so happy and close. They are all my favs.
Someday I will get to that area. It looks so pretty.

Sylvia K said...

Another great adventure for you guys! I love it! Love your photos as well! Great hiking sticks and the last photo of you two is just perfect! Hope you and George have a lovely weekend, Betsy! Enjoy!

Sylvia

TexWisGirl said...

two people loving what they're doing - together. :)

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You have so many good pictures of the two of you, but this IS a good one. The dark background of the rocks compliments your blue jackets nicely. I can see why it's a favorite. You and George continue to amaze me with the hikes you take. I'm not so sure that Doug and I could handle some of them anymore.

Karin said...

You two amaze me and blow me away! Your energy, your stamina, your joy at doing what you love to do are an example! The picture of the two of you is such a good one! Love that royal blue color! That stone house is incredible!! Have a great week-end!

Karin said...

You two amaze me and blow me away! Your energy, your stamina, your joy at doing what you love to do are an example! The picture of the two of you is such a good one! Love that royal blue color! That stone house is incredible!! Have a great week-end!

Glenda said...

Wonderful pic of you two! Your love for each other and for nature always shows.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful place to visit! I wish I had half the energy the two of you have! The photo of you and George is wonderful.

Annie Jeffries said...

Hi Betsy,

I love stumping around with you two. Such a sweet photo of the two of you. Clearly, only love (of nature, each other, etc) would inspire that walk down the mountain while knowing that to get out, there was that walk UP.

Hugs,
Annie

HolleyGarden said...

I love those stacked rocks! Amazing! I want to go with you on all your travels!!!!! ;) You make each place you visit seem special.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful pictures! I agree, they are priceless, Betsy.

Small City Scenes said...

It is an excellent picture of the both of you. Those hiking sticks are pretty nice--right. MB

Out on the prairie said...

I love the rock formations, an exciting adventure.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yes, this is a great picture of the two of you. I love the way the rock formation of squares is framing you both. What imposing sheer cliffs!

Brenda said...

I LOVE the picture of the both of you! You both always look so happy. Your photos and those of Senior Hiker are just amazing. You visit some of the most amazing places. I am so glad that you share them with us! Take care of yourself out there Betsy.
Hugs,
Brenda

Brenda said...

By the way, Betsy, if you want to visit tomorrow, I should have some new pictures posted for the March 2012 Photo Challenge.
Thanks. Love ya.
Brenda

D said...

I don't know, Betsy... all of the photos of the two of you with your warm smiling faces are all great! Amazing how many places you find to explore.

LV said...

I have been to a lot of places in Arkansas, but never to this rock area. Looks like a fun place to visit, but will leave the hiking to you and George. Sticks would not even help me. Love the shot of you two. You always make for a great photo tho.

amelia said...

I love the creek!! It's exceptionally lovely for me. It almost looks as if someone laid it out!
Lovely pic of the two of you!

happyone said...

Wow great hike. I love to see all those layers of rocks. Really cool. Great photos.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Another set of nice photos today - I like them a lot! Have a lovely weekend my friend! It's already evening over here, been a long day today.
Big hugs
Eva

Photo Cache said...

I love hte picture of the two of you at the entrance. What lovely rock formations. I also enjoy the foggy images. I love fog.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos, Betsy. I remember hiking in college and always hated the return trip up the hill!!!
My favorite part of the trip now would be food at the lodge.
Hope you both have a nice weekend.

Rohrerbot said...

I think you two look very much in love and make a great pic together. And you're right....the rock formations are stunning. And you gotta love a little mist on it all. But just be careful to now slip on some of those going uphill. You've got the right idea with those walking sticks. I use those on muddy/rainy hikes. Love your pics. Hope you're having a good Friday:)

DeniseinVA said...

Betsy, I always love the photos of you and George. Those tripods and self-timers come in handy don't they? Super pictures, all of them. Thanks for stopping by my Betsy Ross post, and I enjoyed your quip about having the same name. I would agree :-)

penny said...

I love your mountain adventures and pics especially the last one.. its my favorite too, Betsy.
Cheers

Susie Swanson said...

Love your pics, awesome as usual..I couldn't make it even with sticks..You two are so inspiring..Hope You have a nice weekend..Susie

Ann said...

looks like a great place to go hiking. I imagine it's quite the work out.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

We've been to Petit Jean State Park. Hike in the rain there. You make me want to go back to Arkansas. Great action shot of George hiking. That is an adorable photo of you two. I know completely about the,"can you set up the tripod." We do the same thing and hubby is the one who carries it.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Your pictures are just marvelous. Isn't Arkansas a beautiful state? Of course I'm just a little stuck on Missouri!

You guys rock, literally, for stayin' active and livin' the healthy life! You amaze me.

God bless ya and have yourself a blissful kinda weekend!!! :o)

Ms. A said...

The photos are fantastic, but I don't know how the two of you can manage on such uneven terrain. I'd be scared to death I'd fall and have to lay there for an awfully long time, before I could be rescued!

Anonymous said...

My aunt has been talking about Petit Jean! She's been there before, but I haven't, so I'm thinking we're probably going to make a trip there sometime this summer, which is fine & dandy w/ me!!! LoL! =)

carolina nana said...

Yes I think that is a wonderful picture of the two of you with those rocks in the background.
We are getting a dose of very heavy rain tonight that wasn't in our forecast and we are very thankful for the rain to stop all these forest fires.
Blessings for the weekend
Marilyn

Catherine said...

Yea - how come they don't at least have an escalator on those mountain hikes? LOL!
You two are adorable!
Happy weekend to you both Betsy!
xo Catherine

Faye said...

Intrepid hikers! You all don't let the weather slow you down, do you? That's great. Think I would enjoy this place more for its winter spareness. My favorite photo was of the "stairstep" creek. A few years ago I hiked in England's Lake District and one of the hikers in the group was "Dr. Ron", newly retired head of TN's Department of Health and Human Services. Before we started walking, he cut himself a sturdy stick and used it for the eight days of our hike. We were all coveting one before the end of the trip!

Carletta said...

You two are irrepressible when it comes to doing what you love - your motto must be along the whole neither rain, sleet or snow or fog or steep grades will keep us from our waterfalls.
I honestly think AARP should hire you two for publicity purposes. I mean that in the kindest way.
You constantly impress me with your adventerous spirit and hiking abilities.
Have a wonderful weekend!

SquirrelQueen said...

Betsy, I love your header photo!
Even with all the mist this looks like a great place to explore. My favorite photo is the last one of the sweetest couple I know.

Have a great weekend.

diane b said...

Sqirrel queen has said my bit too. Great header and that hike looked fantastic with those terrific rock formations. george does so well climbing and you too hiking up mountains. Sure is a fine photo of a sweet couple.

BlueShell said...

Hi Betsy.
Some minutes ago I was asking George if you were near the paradise...NOW I'M SURE YOU ARE!

What a nice, pleasant place...I understand why you love it!

This last picture is... superb.
God Bless you Both!

Kisses from
Isabel /blueShell

Big Dude said...

It is a good shot of you guys with a great background to boot.

Carole M. said...

a lovely finale photo of you both but I really enjoyed the scenery and George was game to trek on down the slope; it looked slippery. Bet he got some great snaps down there though.

Rose said...

Beautiful header...and boy, this place you go looks so interesting. Looks like a really steep hike for George.

Busy Bee Suz said...

YES...I love that photo of the two of you as well....I can see the love oozing out of this capture. :)
The little almost dry creek looks like a staircase...which is NOT the same as an elevator. Oh well.
xoxox

From the Kitchen said...

It was hard to get past the photo of the Mt. Nebo sunset but I'm glad I did--I got to see the great photo of you and George!!

Best,
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I like Arkansas a lot but did not want to live there due to the stormy Springs that often happen there. Weather is much more stormy than here. Glad you had such a nice time in Mt. Nebo and enjoy the vacation spot. It is a gorgeous state. Have a good evening and a fantastic Sunday tomorrow!

Lynn said...

Betsy, First I love your header! Makes me think of the first look as one enter heaven! The rockhouse area is very interesting and looks slippery, with the fog/rain and all. You two are fantastic! George is amazing, when I carry my camera and lens it is heavy so thinking of George truding up and down mts with a tripod too.....unbelievable. My tripod is heavy alone which is one reason it never seems to get in the car with us, hehe, I simply don't want to drag it around with me, but then of course we don't have "us" pictures unless some lovely individual stops to take one and that means they have to use one of our cameras and most people really want just a point and shoot and don't have a clue what to do with our cameras, especially my Nikon. Yup, love this picture of you too, but each picture is beautiful. The love you two have just comes through bigger and happier with each passing trip/hike/waterfall! Blessing. BTW I try to open that utube thingy and I get an entire list of stuff but not what I want. Happens with my son's stuff he send too. I am going to watch a movie with hubby, will try to open that again tomorrow!

Suzane Weck said...

Seu blog é sensacional.Grande abraço.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hiking up and down mountains is a wonderful way to stay in shape, Betsy, and it looks like you and George enjoy it so much. I love the photo of you two together ...you are both glowing with happiness!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Betsy I just love all of the rock formations - beautiful. May you and George keep rockin'. ); xx

Buttercup said...

Beautiful pictures, especially you and George.

Terry and Linda said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your header and this post. You are really looking skinny now!!! Good job!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

nanny said...

That's alot of stuff for you two to carry around....you are great and yes that is the BEST picture!!!

Tracy said...

Betsy, after you mentioned the quote on your blog about the raindrops I had to check it out and saw three that I love; that one included. Okay, the one about the people in your life leaving make you feel super fantastic; that is funny...I know some folks who I could say that to :) I reallyl like the first quote that references people accepting you exactly for who you are...AMEN!
PS-I love the photo of the creek particularly but all are super!

Hootin Anni said...

I am soooooooo glad you stopped by to introduce yourself. I just read your profile, and can see we have some things in common...retired, love the garden [especially flowers and roses]...we hike, in a way, it's not climbing tho, it's just walking for hours on the beach and doing a lot of beach combing. Oh, and I have two adult children, 43 TODAY in fact, and 40 in May. And.....birding!!!!

Yep, I'm Texan...living on the Gulf coast, just minutes away from the islands.

Again, thanks for visiting...will begin following you now that I've 'found you'...and hope to see you pay a return visit anytime. Really enjoyed your trek around Arkansas....

Especially the smiling, loving couple. :o)

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

A wonderful picture of you and George! I would need an elevator. Someone pushing me in a wagon would be fine too! Love the rock formations--they are so beautiful.

S. Etole said...

Wonderful photo of the two of you. That looks like a very strenuous hike.

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

What a beautiful place to hike and take photos. It's easy to see why it's a favorite destination.

Darryl and Ruth :)

Betty Manousos said...

dear betsy, great post as usual filled with beautiful pictures!!

my favourite photo is that last one of the sweetest couple i know.

absolutely loved seeing your fantastic shots, and what a beautiful and interesting place to explore. i know i'd love it based on your pictures.
the rock formations are just amazing!

thanks for taking us along.

hope you have a great week ahead, dear betsy!

big hugs!

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, your new header shot is gorgeous, what a beautiful sunset. I enjoyed going on this hike with you. The rocks formations are great. And the last shot of you and George is wonderful. Thanks for taking us along. Have a great day!