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...

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Sky Pictures from Ocean Isle Beach

Taken on Sunday,  5/6
I've always been told that if you don't like the weather in Tennessee,  you just have to wait a day --and it will change!!!!!!   True statement!!!!   BUT--it's also true at Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  Everyday was different ---with more and different photo opportunities each day!!!!!

Today I will share for you what we experienced each of the six days we were there ---day by day!!!!!  And remember:  I'm focusing on the SKY in these pictures...  Be sure to click on the pictures to see enlargements. Above is a picture of the sky taken on Sunday,  May 6.   This was our first afternoon at the beach,  and as you can tell,  there was a nice mixture of blue sky and clouds.




Taken on Monday, 5/7
On this day,  there were more clouds than sun at times...  BUT--it didn't rain (like it did in other nearby places that day),  so we weren't complaining!!!!!




Taken on Tuesday, 5/8
Today was our prettiest day since there wasn't a cloud in the sky over us!!!  Our Inn (Islander Inn) is the one on the left with the red roofs...  You can see some clouds inland in the distance.




Taken on Tuesday, 5/8
Just have to show you one more beautiful picture of the beach and waves and that gorgeous sky on our Tuesday there!!!




Taken on Wednesday, 5/9
Wednesday was a day that we knew that rain was on the way...  On a day like this day,  the waves were churning more  (good photos) and the clouds were building in the distance (inland).   These are some of the beach houses near where we stayed.




Also taken on Wednesday, 5/9
We loved walking near the pier for more good photo ops.  We had gorgeous sunny skies most of the morning --but by mid-afternoon,  the clouds had crept closer to us... Again ---no rain until we went out to dinner that night!!!!  Then the skies opened up ---but it had all stopped by the time we got back to the Islander Inn.   See how the weather cooperated with us?????!!!!




Taken on Thurs, 5/10
Besides Tuesday,  this was our prettiest day.  The skies were clear and filled with puffy clouds...  Again,  this made for some gorgeous photo opportunities...  I worked very hard to get a sunbeam---but just couldn't make it happen.   But--it's still pretty.




Also taken on Thurs, 5/10
If it weren't for the pier,   this may not even look like the same beach!!!!  I loved seeing those puffy clouds....  AND--the water was extremely calm that day.




Taken on Friday,  5/11
We left on Friday (boo hoo) ---but this was the picture that George took about 6:30 in the morning that day from the balcony of our room.  He has some gorgeous pictures of the sand dunes that he took that week --which I will share with you sometime.

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of our SKY pictures from Ocean Isle Beach.  This is a wonderful area to vacation --especially during the off-season when there aren't so many people around.   BUT--if you want some 'action' --Myrtle Beach is only a fairly short drive south of here,  and there is plenty of 'action' and people there!!!!   (We didn't even venture into Myrtle Beach this time. We just loved being where we were!)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Guess what we did yesterday (5/22/12)? We went hiking in the Smokies ---a 4.3 mile hike.  AND--guess what happened????  It RAINED cats and dogs!!!!  We had our neat rain jackets on (thank goodness) --and they worked GREAT.  However,  we need rain pants now, since the bottom half of us was soaked!!!!! ha.....  Had a great time despite the rain --and got some wonderful pictures...  The hardest thing was trying to keep our cameras dry.  You can see in this picture that George is hiding his camera inside his jacket... You can see rain drops in the picture ---and that is the Little River in the background, even though it is hard to see due to the darkness....  As you can imagine,  we will both blog about this little trip soon.   OH--do WE have ADVENTURES!!!!!

Have a great day.
Hugs,
Betsy

64 comments:

Small Kucing said...

love the clouds. What a bummer to have it rain like that. Well, good idea to get rain pants

Ms. A said...

Goodness, each of the beach photos looks so different, depending on the sky. They ALL look very inviting!

Big Dude said...

I especially like the second one

Sharon said...

The first hike you two do in the Smokies after I get home, I hope you'll let me tag along! In the summertime, 3-5 miles is just about my limit and I don't go solo in the summer so always looking for new hiking friends! Love the pic of George!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Lovely pictures! Love the skies. We stayed at the Ocean Isle Inn when we went - they used to have a Blogger program and we got to stay for free.

We've done that before - gotten drenched on a hike!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Lovely pictures! Love the skies. We stayed at the Ocean Isle Inn when we went - they used to have a Blogger program and we got to stay for free.

We've done that before - gotten drenched on a hike!

I Am Woody said...

I wondered where you two were yesterday! I'm glad you had a great adventure!

I think this post has sealed our decision to run away to the beach this weekend. Tybee Island is only a couple of hours away and I think we both could use some relaxation!

Shug said...

Oh...I did enjoy these photos..
Love those big ol' fluffy clouds. My kids always enjoy these kind of clouds, because you can find all kinds of designs in them..
Beautiful area! Looks like a great place to travel to. We have never been to the beach on the East Coast, but it sure looks like a place we would enjoy

Rohrerbot said...

Betsy, I always think of these places during stressful times. The shot of the pier in the background is a good example of how I curb the edge of anger. Dealing with teenagers everyday, especially this time of year before school is out, I go to this "safe" place in my mind and walk the beaches. It's very calming and a great mind exercise. Can't wait to hear about your rain fun:) Those are always the most memorable:)

Ruth Hiebert said...

I love all those sky pictures. A blue sky with some puffy white clouds is an awesome sight.
I feel a little tug in my heart when I read about the two of you having fun even in the the rain. We used to be like that.Sorry,but oh the memories.
Thanks for sharing your good times here in blogland.

MadSnapper said...

i love all the sky pics my favorites are the first one and the one taken on taken on 5/10, that is my most favorite sky, bright blue and puffy white clouds. that is one gorgeous beach. i would love to visit there. now hiking in the rain is not somethin i would want to do. i am a fair weather girl.

Catherine said...

Beautiful skies beautiful beaches ~ that's all a person needs! I'm sorry your hike was spoiled by the rain and I'm glad you kept your cameras dry!!
xo Catherine

Arkansas Patti said...

Ha, you two need to walk around Arkansas a while, we need rain badly.
I loved that second picture. Amazing contrasts.
I really like overcast days on the beach.

Unknown said...

LOVE ocean skies! Danged ol' rain and weathermen. Both are so hard to trust and predict. Looks like you had fun though. 4.3 MILES! I'm going to stop right after this read and go for my walk! Today is my first day, and if I don't do it now, the rest of the day is going to take over. It's 9:00 already! YIKES!

Karin said...

It really is amazing how the sky changes constantly! So lovely to watch the Master Artist at work - for our enjoyment and pleasure! Beautiful photos! Hiking in the rain - now that would put a damper on things! So amazing how adventurous the two of you are! Raining here today and my friend who just put down sod at her new home is very happy!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

It's interesting how the skies AND the water along the shoreline can change from day to day. But, no matter the weather, you and George always record it beautifully. I'm looking forward to the Smokies post. :)

Dorothy said...

Loved seeing your sky pictures! All of them are great!! Also love that you and George are having so many adventures and making those wonderful memories!
♥ Dorothy

TexWisGirl said...

your wednesday shot was my favorite. so pretty!

jeanlivingsimple said...

I lived in Myrtle Beach for a couple of years back in the 70's. There wasn't much going on at Ocean Isle back then. I'm with you I would prefer a peaceful beach rather than the crowds.
Your super photos make me yearn to go to the beach!:)

Sylvia K said...

What gorgeous skies and clouds and I do love that beach!! It does look like you had such a terrific time! Wonderful!! Hope your week is going well, Betsy!

Sylvia

Susannah said...

Love your peaceful beach, the gorgeous shy and the quietness of it all. Gorgeous pictures. Captivating!

Cheqna said...

Hello Betsy,

Great series of sky pictures..love the uniqueness of them all, and I specially like the Wednesday and the second one taken on Thursday, without the pier it could be kids wall paper..hehehe.

Have a great day!

:-)

Fun60 said...

Loved the idea of taking a photo each day of the clouds. I love the beach. I'm sure I could sit there all day watching the clouds go by.

happyone said...

Sounds like the weather here in Maryland too.
Beautiful skies!!
Too bad about the rain but the rain has it's own beauty. I have a pair of rain pants but sometimes when it's warm I'm just as wet from sweating!! On hot days it feels good to get wet!! : )

Terry and Linda said...

Some day I'll.....travel to your part of the world, really I will...I hope!



Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Ginny Hartzler said...

I love all the sky pictures and seeing the difference each day! And no matter which day, the sky is always beautiful! George looks cold and wet...did you check the weather before you went...we never go anywhere without checking it because it has been doing such unpredictable things lately. But maybe this was a pop up storm!

Beth said...

Beautiful sky pictures, Betsy! I love seeing the day-to-day variety. And I can't wait to see the post about your Great Smoky Mountain adventure with George!

Kay said...

As usual I love your photos.

Janie said...

Ocean Beach looks so pretty. Our son is moving to Atlanta, and I'm thinking a family get together in North Carolina might work for everyone...
The hike in pouring rain sounds interesting! Glad you made it out, at least half dry.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

All of the sky pictures look so different- all beautiful though. Sorry about that rain...at least you were partially covered!

RoeH said...

I love beaches. Especially in the rain. I could sit forever and let the wind blog my hair back.

RoeH said...

I love beaches. Especially in the rain. I could sit forever and let the wind blog my hair back.

Nellie said...

I have found your blog in a round-about way!:) Lovely pictures from your NC vacation. We haven't been to the beach in ages, and I'd love to go just to walk on the sand. Guess I could always walk in the sandbox we have set up here for the grandchildren.:) My husband's time working outside was interrupted by that rain that was passing through. We didn't have it as heavy as the Smokies, though.
You are practically a neighbor!:-)

Unknown said...

Oh, I loved these pictures. Number two is my favorite, where the contrast between the sky and the water...it's just amazing...great pictures.
Have a lovely day!

KathyA said...

Oh Betsy! These (including the one of George!) are exquisite! Don't you just love clouds? And clouds at the beach are even better!!

KathyA said...

Oh Betsy! These (including the one of George!) are exquisite! Don't you just love clouds? And clouds at the beach are even better!!

Tabor said...

Those cloud pictures are really wonderful. I got the feel of the wide open spaces.

Ann said...

all of them are beautiful skies. That beach looks so inviting too. I want to go hang out there for a while.

They say the same thing about the weather here too :)

Christine said...

The beach skies are wonderful. It never bothers me when it rains in TN! Sometimes I put my camera in a large plastic bag with a hole cut out for the lens; but only if it's not pouring down stuff! I love the Little River; always something grand to photograph.

Grandma Bonnie said...

Oh, my goodness. Those are such beautiful photos. I would love to try and paint scenery like that.

Chatty Crone said...

Isn't it funny how a couple hours makes such a difference in clouds. And I am so sorry it rained like that. It rained here too! sandie♥

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

Great photos~the beach looks so beautiful, clouds and all. Wish I was there now!
So glad you had the nifty raincoats for your hike.

imac said...

Always love to see great skies Betsy.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, As far as your camera and the rain, there are what are called "Rain sleeves" which are plastic covers for digital SLR cameras with almost all sizes of lens. I have a few and used them when I was in pouring rain a few years ago on vacation. They are not terribly expensive and can be bought online as well as at most camera shops. Nice post! I love the skies and that aqua blue ocean. Have a super day tomorrow!

Connie said...

What gorgeous views, Betsy. They are all different from each other. Must have been a wonderful trip. :)

Lady Di Tn said...

The cloud series were wonderful. When I saw that last photo, I thought of the quote on my emails "Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." Peace

Carletta said...

From lovely sky shots to a rain drenched George!
Looking forward to seeing a little more of your latest adventure!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

2 different developers, I want my roof red, I want mine blue,

Anonymous said...

The sky pics are so nice. You certainly had a variety of weather during your visit. Sorry you got wet yesterday hiking but it sounds like you had a great time anyway. Have a great day.

Hootin Anni said...

Every ONE of them are picture postcard perfect. Just like coming from a travel brochure. I especially love the one from Wednesday...the huge storm clouds in the distance.

trump said...

Great looking images and i think id have to pack a lunch to even try and finish crossing that long bridge! Richard

Anonymous said...

What magical shots. You found paradise, I see!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

We have the same sayin' 'round here but it's wait a minute...it'll change.

What stunnin' sights of the changes you captured through these beautiful pictures. I love the beach!!!

God bless ya sweetie and have a fantastic day!!! :o)

momto8 said...

I love this post!! the sky watch is really amazing..to have pictures everyday...interesting to look at!!
And I love how you and your husband have such fun adventures together! that is inspiring to me.

Farida said...

I love all the photos taken! Your husband does have a very creative manner of taking them. I specifically loved the 6th photo :)

Farida said...

I am sorry, I must have overlooked the watermark :p

They were all taken with keen detail and as if a professional photographer has done it! Have you taken photography lessons?

SquirrelQueen said...

Those are some really beautiful skies over the ocean. You captured a lot of variety in the clouds Betsy. I forget sometimes how different the beaches on your coast and mine look. I love the one looking down the beach.

That's a great shot of George trying to keep his camera dry. But if you were taking the photo how did you keep yours dry?

penny said...

Each day at Ocean Isles was a gem. Love the heavenly skies overhead and sand beneath your feet.
The thought of a wet camera scares the bejeebers outa me.
Hugs

Mary said...

Great skies! Sorry about the wet trip. Rain pants are great things when you need them, and looks like you need them :-)

Lynn said...

Smiling looking at your cloud photos. Like looking out my front door every day. We have the most amazing cloud formations here, lucky us. I LOVE the photo of the pier with the long stretch of cirrus clouds and the texture of the dark sand. That is so lovely. I smiled because I am always trying to take pictures of clouds around us while in the car. More than anyone would believe, there I am sticking my head out the window at the stop lights trying to capture just clouds! haha. We are about 5 miles from the beach itself, depending on which beach since the beach runs all along our coast here, but between those 5 miles is lots of traffice, buildings and "stuff" so trying to capture clouds in the car at a stop sign is sort of nuts, but I have fun and once in a while I have captured a real winner. Like my cloud photo that looks just like a witch on a broom. Bad part, was I only had my cell phone camera with me, but still.....clouds are awesome! Thank you for sharing your beach clouds. Very nice.

Jeevan said...

Wow! You both seem like a great adventure couple... Loved all the sky shots along with the beaches! The pretty blue sky and the puffy clouds floating on it is awesome... the last beach shot was fabulous and looks so peaceful and tranquilly.

Looking forward to the adventure post of your hiking trip.

Pat Tillett said...

You just gotta love a big beautiful sky! Throw in some puffy white clouds and I'm good to just sit and watch.
Great photos!

Rose said...

I loved the first sky picture and one of the others on down...don't remember which one.

Twilight Man said...

You have lovely different blue skies! Some looked delicious like fluffy egg whites! HA HA!... George is always handsome and so rugged in his poses!