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, March 12, 2012

A Waterfall Birthday for Sure!!!

Us at Cathedral Falls
How does this sound for a great Birthday Trip:  3 full days of hiking and finding waterfalls (we found at least 25 --plus many more cascades and unnamed ones);  a great birthday dinner in the Blackwater Falls Lodge Restaurant;  AND  red velvet cake?????

That is what happened on my sweetheart's 70th birthday!!!!!   George wanted to prove to himself and others that he is really 30 (instead of 70) ----SO he managed a couple of steep bushwhacking hikes straight down (and back up) a mountain just to get some fabulous waterfall photos...  I think he really is 30..... ha

We truly had a great trip --other than that fact that we cut it one day short and drove home on Saturday rather than Sunday.  The reason for this:  The Birthday Boy got sick.  Actually both of us started with sore throats even before we went on this trip --but George's developed into some kind of an old cold or sinus infection.  He was pretty miserable on Saturday --but feels much better today... Guess we are both too old for two trips in a row.  Next year,  we'll plan a little better!!!!

If you have kept up with us on Facebook,  we posted some pictures there...  BUT--I'm sure we both will be talking about this trip (AND the Arkansas trip  AND the North Georgia mountain trip) for many, many blogs to come!!!!  Today I will share with you eight pictures.. The first four were some of the highlights of the week.  The last four are of the Birthday Boy.

Above  was a picture of us taken on March 7th at a waterfall named CATHEDRAL FALLS.   We had visited this waterfall last Fall when we were in West VA --but there was NO water coming over the falls.  This time,  as you can see,  there was plenty of water!!!  Cathedral Falls is located not far from Gauley Bridge, West VA.  Be sure to click on all of the pictures to make them larger.




Us at the Middle Falls of Hills Creek
Besides Blackwater Falls,  this set (of 3 falls) is my favorite in West Virginia.  These are called the Falls of Hills Creek.  They are located near the Highland Scenic Byway and the Cranberry Wilderness Area,  in the Monongahela National Forest,  not far from Marlinton, West VA (off of Highway 219).   The elevation here is about 3500 feet --and we saw some snow while here on that day (Thurs., March 8).   But it was a beautiful day --and a great hike. 




Me on the Highland Scenic Byway
The Highland Scenic Byway is usually closed during the winter due to snow.  BUT---this year,  like so many other places,  there has been very little snow at all.  We did see some around,  but not much. SO---we were able to drive on the byway and take lots and lots of pictures...  We were here on March 8.   The elevation ranges from 3500 to 4500 feet... This scenic area reminded me of the Blue Ridge Parkway.   Don't you just love those West VA mountains?




Us at Blackwater Falls
March 9th is George's birthday.  We stayed at the Blackwater Falls State Park lodge and visited about 12 different waterfalls in and around the Blackwater area on the 9th...  We were lucky with the weather all week ---BUT on this day,  someone opened up the freezer door and sent us some very very very cold weather.  Even though the sun was shining brightly,  the wind would just cut you in half.  The temperature that day was about 35 degrees --but the wind chill made it feel more like 25.... Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr......

The picture of us above was taken at Blackwater Falls on George's birthday.  Since they had the boardwalk and stairs gated in winter,  no one could get close enough to the falls.  SO---we had to take our pictures at the top.  You can see a tiny bit of Blackwater Falls in the picture.  (We did get some good pictures of the falls from the overlook across the gorge.)




Here is a picture of the little Red Velvet Cake I 'made' (straight from Walmart) for George....  (It was good though!!)




Here's a picture of George and his birthday cake.




It takes alot of 'hot air' to blow out 70 candles,  you know!!!!! ha ha ha




George always enjoys reading his birthday cards...  This was the end to a very beautiful day... Hope  my "Gorgeous Groom" enjoyed his special day as much as I did!!!!!

Hope you had a great week... Hopefully soon,  I'll be back to checking out your blogs and trying to catch up with you and your life...  Thanks for being patient with me.

Hugs,
Betsy

65 comments:

Ms. A said...

Sorry George wasn't feeling well, but sure sounds like the two of you still managed to have a wonderfully full trip!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

What a wonderful birthday trip !
Looks like you both had a grand time, despite George feeling poorly.
There's been a lot of sinus problems going around, I guess it's this crazy weather we're having.
Happy 70th, hmmm 30th George, you celebrated with your soul-mate in true style :)
~Jo

pam said...

What fun! I hope you are all feeling all better!

Connie said...

What great pictures and what a fun birthday. I hope you are both feeling well again now. That cake looks yummy! :)

Harriet said...

Great pictures as always and beautiful waterfalls. Glad you are starting to feel better.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That Cathedral Falls is a beauty, for sure. I really enjoy sharing in your and George's travels. They're always so much along the lines of what Doug and I like to do.

Twilight Man said...

Awww! Both of you are always so loving and sweet! I love the way you both dress in matching outfits like loving birds! Perhaps you need to take much supplements before each trip. Take care dear Betsy.

Twilight Man said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MadSnapper said...

yet another fun trip! and let me say you are looking so THIN, wow on the weight loss and i am jealous. love the big 70 candles. and it looks like the two of you were about to take a shower in that tall waterfall. all the photos are great, glad it was a happy trails kind of birthday but sorry he came home with a cold

Janice K said...

Looks like you had a great time, and Cathedral Falls is georgeous. What a blessing to have such mild weather so early in the year.

linda m said...

Great fun! George doesn't look like he is 70. Love all the waterfalls.

Snap said...

Looks like a grand birthday celebration for George. Darn colds can really mess things up!

diane b said...

Love the first shot, the waterfalls are fabulous. You sure look like you had a fun day in a great place on George's birthday.

I Am Woody said...

I just love you guys and your zest for life!! So glad George is feeling better:)

Arkansas Patti said...

Being sick was not a good Birthday present!!! Sure hope you are both well now.
Looks like ya done good Betsy. Hope he didn't try to prove you were also 30 on those hikes?? lol.
You two always look so happy together. You restore my faith.

Karin said...

Glad George is on the mend - not a good way to end a vacation. You both look so happy and celebrated George's birthday well! Have a great week and God bless!

Sharon said...

Even as I sit here catching on on blog reading, I am looking at a picture of Blackwater Falls that we bought on our visit to West VA a few years ago. IMHO, WV is a highly underrated state that does NOT get enough credit for it's beauty. We cannot WAIT to get back and do some hiking there. Out visit was in August during a heat wave and hiking was out of the question!

Hope George is completely well and you escaped the "crud."

Mary said...

Sounds like a perfect birthday! Glad you had such a great time and you both look and act very young :-)God bless both of you!

Sylvia K said...

So sorry about George's cold, but it does look like you both had a wonderful birthday trip! Such gorgeous waterfalls! Wonderful photographs, Betsy! You're both looking terrific! Take care!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

Betsy, these are wonderful shots, every single one, but I really like the one of the two of you at Middle Falls of Hills Creek, that's a really beautiful waterfall & setting... not to mention the two love birds sitting there! heheheee =)

Happy Happy Birthday, George!!! =)

Cheqna said...

Thank you for sharing your journey and the lovely photos. It sounded like you both really had a good time away.., over 25 waterfalls in 3 days? That's a lot.

Anyway, hope George will be back in good health soon. take care you both and have a nice week.

:-)

TexWisGirl said...

that 70 looks more like a 10. :) i think you're both very young at heart!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful cake! Happy birthday to dear George! Love your photos!

Nancy said...

Betsy, you two are the cutest couple even down to your matching jackets....You just have so much fun and living life to the fullest....Your sweet hearts just shine through these wonderful pictures....and you just make me smile...

So glad George had a good birthday; he certainly does not look or act like he's 70....I bet it's you that's keeping him so young.....

Out on the prairie said...

What a great way to celebrate. I always like to do something like this for mine.

Ginny Hartzler said...

My favorite is the fourth picture of the happy birthday couple. I hope you are both very well now! And my question to you is, are there any waterfalls left in West Virginia and Tennessee that you haven't seen, and how many?

Shug said...

Ummmm. that red velvet cake looked delicious...Hope George enjoyed his day! I am really impressed with how active the two of you are...Hiking can be difficult, but I know it is well worth all the hidden treasures that you get to see and enjoy.
Have a good day

Tracy said...

Awww, Betsy, I love all the photos and hearing all about your adventures...so fun! Sorry that George is not feeling weel and glad you are better. Now about that cake...looks delicious!
hugs my friend...

Sally Wessely said...

I'm glad the birthday boy had a great day right down to the cake and card. I'm sorry he got sick. You two take care of yourselves. XO

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Sounds like a great celebration (except for getting sick at the end)...I love that you collect waterfalls.

Diane AZ said...

Hi Betsy, Fantastic picture of you and George at Cathedral Falls! The view from the Highland Scenic Byway does look like the Blue Ridge mountains. Hope you and George feel better soon!

Chatty Crone said...

BETSY - You had me at RED VELVET CAKE! Hope you are both feeling better. Love, sandie

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, such beautiful photos, lovely sceneries. Hope that you're both feeling better now. Have a lovely day!

Eva

Ruth Hiebert said...

I am so happy that you managed to see most of what you had wanted to before getting sick.I agree,george can't be 70,not with all that bushwhacking. LOL

Tami AKA My Kid's Mom said...

Hope you guys are feeling better!

Carletta said...

Hi Betsy,
Glad you made it safely home but sorry to hear you both aren't feeling well.
When you were at Cathedral Falls you were only a couple of hours from me. Those falls bring back many happy memories. My husband and I went to college just a few miles down river from there and we visited them quite often. :)
I didn't know they gated the steps at Blackwater in the winter. I've never been in the winter so I'm glad I know.
What a lovely birthday for George! He DOESN'T look 70 years old!

happyone said...

Sounds like a perfect day. : )
I like how the two of you are dressed the same!

Rohrerbot said...

Hi Betsy!! Welcome back. I'm sorry you both caught a little cold....I hope you guys feel better today. That shot with you and the mountains make for a stunning picture. But mostly, that red velvet cake looks SOOOO good! Happy birthday! and welcome back:)

Small City Scenes said...

Congrats to both of you. I am sure George is 30---I wouild say so. Bob says we are still 17---hahahahaha!!!!

What a fun trip you had planned and so many waterfalls.

I hope you all are feelling better now. MB

Anonymous said...

What fun and pretty pictures of the birthday trip. Red Velvet is a favorite of mine, as well! I enjoyed the photos so much and I hope you both are feeling better today.

Beatriz said...

What a great birthday Betsy!!!
I love waterfalls, any kind!
Kisses
Bia
www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

Susie Swanson said...

Those waterfalls are breathtaking beautiful, what a great trip you had..Welcome home..Susie

Andrea said...

Yes Betsy, that is a wonderful Birthday Falls, much better maybe than birthday cakes. But of course tradition is tradition! You both look contented and happy, so keep going, take care and have fun!

Glenda said...

You two have the best times together! That's the way it's supposed to be! I hope you both feel better soon! Enjoy your week resting and enjoying your beautiful yard.

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

I'm glad you guys are feeling better. So sorry that your trip was cut short. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time though! My hubby loves Red Velvet cake too. Happy Birthday to George!!

carolina nana said...

That was a pretty cake,you did a good job.
Hoping you both kick the colds and get back to normal to enjoy this warm weather.
Blessings Marilyn

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

You and George are such sweet lovebirds! ♥ It is so wonderful to see how much you both enjoy taking trips and enjoying the outdoors. George does not look a day over 50! Happy birthday, again, George!

I hope you both feel better soon. Looking forward to seeing more photos of your trips.

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy, wonderful post. I love the waterfalls. George look like he enjoyed his birthday. But, I am sorry he was feeling sick. I hope everyone is better now. Take care and have a great day.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Looks like quite a special day. You got such fun pics. And the cake looks great - from Walmart or not! :-)

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a wonderful birthday for such a wonderful man!!!!
Love all the photos, thanks for sharing Betsy!!
xoxo

Catherine said...

It looks like George had a super terrific birthday! I'm glad you just went with the two-digit candles instead of 70 single candles....that could have been a fire hazard... LOL! ;)

Hope you two are having a terrific week Betsy!
xo Catherine

Big Dude said...

You sure know how to treat your man (and visa versa). BWFSP is one of my favorite places.

Photo Cache said...

what an awesome trip. you both look 30 the way you go about hiking. keep it up, kids :)

hugs to you both

Janie said...

You and George really hit the jackpot with so many waterfalls on one trip! I love that first photo. Sorry George got sick.

laveta'splace said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip and so many wonderful falls so close together with two wonderfully happy looking folks posing in front of them. Have many more

Unknown said...

I always get inspiration and tips for a great marriage when I visit here. Love the both of you!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Cathedral Falls are beautiful. Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures with us. By the way, we got a few drops last night but no rain here today. We will see...
Have a great evening and a most pleasant day tomorrow!

Lynn said...

I know without a doubt that George had the best birthday doing what he loves, being with sweet Betsy and hiking to those waterfalls. Yes, I have seen some pictures on FB but love these new ones too. Again Happy 70th George! My honey will be 74 in August so you are young George.

LV said...

You are not supposed to get sick having fun. 70 is a long way from being old, just a sign to slow down a bit. You both are amazing people.

Lady Di Tn said...

Most thirty year old folks would love
to do what Georges did. Neat photos. Get well soon. Peace

Beth said...

Looks like a wonderful and beautiful time together. A Happy Belated Birthday to George!:>)

SquirrelQueen said...

You and George really know how to properly celebrate birthdays. I should have known you were out searching for waterfalls (all of the ones pictured are gorgeous). The cake looks delicious. You "make" cakes the same way I do Betsy.

Hope you both get over your colds soon. Mine hung around for over a week but I feel great now.

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, love that picture of you and G. at Blackwater Falls...I swear I miss G's birthday every year, and I shouldn't cause one of I have a brother whose birthday is 12th...

Angela said...

I just love how you and George have such a great time together! I told my husband we need to get matching coats too! hehehe That is just too cute! I love Blackwater Falls and Cathederal Falls too! We celebrated my son's 7th birthday at Cathederal Falls last year! lol

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!
Hugs,
Angela

Kirigalpoththa said...

I think you both are in 30's cos
You cover more waterfalls than I :)