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 16, 2012

Weather Changes in the Smokies 11/7/12

IF you enjoy changes in weather,  you need to come to TENNESSEE..... George and I traveled over the Smoky Mountains (between Gatlinburg and Cherokee, NC) on Wednesday, 11/7/12,  headed by way of the scenic route to Asheville,  North Carolina.

It was a fabulous day to be in the Smokies ---and we captured LOTS of great pictures along our way.... Sit back and take the trip with us!!!!  Remember to click on the photos for enlargements!!!

The above picture was taken from the bypass overlooking Gatlinburg ---with Mt. LeConte in the distance (covered with FOG)....  There were still some beautiful Fall colors in the lower elevations also...




Here is a great photo of some of the colors still showing off for us on this November day.




Late Fall is one of my favorite times to come to the Smokies.  Many of the trees are bare--but the ones left with leaves are still showing off their beautiful colors... Do you like this photo as much as I do????




Now you surely are not surprised as to what we encountered on our way UP the mountain!!!!!!   Lots and lots of FOG.... Oh how I love fog photos.  Do you???




Another picture showing fog along the creek;   There's just something magical about fog (or mist--or whatever you call it)!!!!




The higher we went,  the colder it got ----AND guess what we encountered next????? SNOW!!!!  (This old woman was a happy girl!!)    OH--how I love seeing snow around the Rhododendrons...




We even had to stop and talk to Mr. Snowman (which someone else had left for us)!!!!




After that came the beauty of snow..... There's just nothing more beautiful than seeing snow clinging to evergreens....  Wish you could have been there.  (Roads were clear!)... The scenery was marvelous!!!!




I love seeing snow clinging to the tree limbs like that.... It was AWESOME.




The higher we went in elevation,  the more snow we saw.   They had gotten this snow the night before, so we got there at a perfect time!   AND--it was 'spitting' snow when we were there.  Beautiful photo,  don't you think?




AND---when we got to the top of the mountain at Newfound Gap,  here is what we saw. That tree is really weighted down with the snow!!!!




FINALLY,  we got over the mountain into North Carolina....  Soon--all of the snow was gone!!!!  AND---the SUN was even trying to come out....  Isn't that an interesting picture---especially when comparing it to the snow pictures above??????

OH MY GOODNESS..... Life in the Smoky Mountains is ALWAYS enjoyable --no matter when we are there.... This particular day,  we were treated to all kinds of weather....  Hope you enjoyed our day!!!!

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you on Monday...

Hugs,
Betsy

67 comments:

Ms. A said...

That's quite a nice variety!

Jeevan said...

I love mist and it’s a bliss passing through it... and I really enjoyed the snow clinging tree here and all the pictures are so wonderful and fascinating with the mark of winter. That’s a handsome snowman and the Mist Mountains matches well with the autumn coloring... I’m sure u feels so heaven moving into the Smokies.

Have a great weekend Betsy :)

RoeH said...

Ahhh snow. Wish we'd get it.

Sharon said...

You are now one up on me this year - I've hiked in the snow, but have yet to actually SEE snow falling and that is what mesmerizes my soul. I can sit for hours just watching snow fall. No secret here, we both love "our" Smokies!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

wow, fall & snow pics ... what a great time. love them all. the little snow man is too cute. or what is left. ha. ha!! i need to go in your luggage next trip with you guys... you see some lovely places. (:

pam said...

Gorgeous Betsy!

Small Kucing said...

it's amazing to see the colour changes from autumn to snowy.

I wonder who made the Snowkid. LOL.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Love these pictures! The little snowman is a cute find.

Dorothy said...

I love all the pictures! But then, I love the Smoky Mountains! I know you were excited about the snow! I would have been, too!! What fun! ♥

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Oh I would love the Smokey Mountains. I love, love, love photos of fog! They can be magical. :-)))

And snow on trees is lovely too. But... Not yet... Around my neck of the woods, though. ,-)))))))))))

MadSnapper said...

i love the christmas trees with snow on them, and that first photo looks like the mountains are on fire and smoke is pouring up out of them. the photo you liked so much makes me think about the fact, there you can walk through those trees, here in FL there is so much jungle undergrowth there is no wandering between the trees. beautiful mountains and photos

Marcia said...

Amazing to go through so many weather changes in such short a distance. Loved all the photos.

Tabor said...

You certainly know how to have a beautiful day!

Chatty Crone said...

I think I just got the message you really like snow - I've read it before here, but since you mentioned it again - I believe it is true. We had fog this am. The smokies are beautiful. We need to take another trip there and show Andy. Sandie

TexWisGirl said...

the fog to snow is beautiful.

Nellie said...

Wonderful pictures! My husband and I once took off for the mountains every time it would snow! Not so much in most recent years, though. I rather miss it.

Linda P said...

What a thrilling trip! To encounter so many weather changes in one day in such beautiful surroundings must have been awesome. Great photos, especially of the fog and snow.

Janice K said...

You saw a little bit of everything that trip...nice pictures!

Sylvia K said...

What a wonderful variety of weather on the same trip, Betsy! I love all of your photos! Beautiful colors and the snow is beautiful! Thanks for taking us along on the trip! Hope you and George have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy!

joy said...

Oh I really wished that I could be there too. What a wonderful place to hike.
Have a nice week end!

imac said...

Certainly some changes here Betsy, love to see snow, but hate to be out in it.

Serenity Cove said...

Beautiful snow but I'm glad it's there and not here:)
I also love the fog in the Smokies. There is something so peaceful about it.

Kay said...

Still looks beautiful there. We had a little rain last night. The sun has peeked out right now but is supposed to rain more over the weekend.

happyone said...

Quite a lot of weather changes there!! Yes, snow on the evergreens are always so pretty.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Beautiful photos form your day exploring the Smokies, betsy. The fog and snow photos are wonderful!
I find the same weather conditios when I am in Colorado where the higher elevations get all the snow much earlier than plces like denver. I always smile when people ask me if I like to ski, when thye hear I am moving to CO. Not all of Colorado is covered with snow year round..lol..in fact Denver often has 70 degree days in the middle of winter, as their weather is also very changable.

To answer your question I'm not sure how my blog will evolve when I move..time will tell! ;)

Grandma Bonnie said...

Lots of lovely pictures today. I love to see snow and fog. I just enjoy all sorts of weather. Hope you have a great weekend.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

A wonderful trip for you two- thanks for letting me tag along- love snow in the mountains

Lady Di Tn said...

I will say it again, I love tagging along with you on your trips. This was a grand day for all of us. Peace

Lady Di Tn said...

I will say it again, I love tagging along with you on your trips. This was a grand day for all of us. Peace

Fun60 said...

Snow and fog - you couldn't ask for more. What a fabulous trip.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I loved this post, Betsy. It shows "our" Smokies in all sorts of its finery. It was a treat traveling over the mountain with you.

Karen said...

Amazing Betsy, wow the smoky mountains, I don't know where I've heard of this place, maybe tv, and to see of few images of it is so great.
Best Wishes
Karen.
I'm going back up for another look.
Amazing.

Linda G. said...

You went from Fall to Winter all in one day. Very nice pictures .. hmmm Asheville, NC, were you heading for Biltmore Estates?

Ruth Hiebert said...

Wow,that is a variety of weather. I love the foggy pictures and the trees with just a few leaves. Oh,I just enjoyed this post and all the beauty. Have a great weekend.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

When we get that many weather changes in a day, it arrives sideways on a strong wind. Ha! Great photos!

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy, what a great trip! It is weird how the weather can change on a dime. If you do not like it you can wait just a bit and it changes. I loved your photos even the snow shots. Have a great weekend.

Ann said...

what a great variety of weather conditions you saw. The fog does look awesome. It always has a rather magical feel to it. Cute snowman you found along the way

Connie said...

You had your choice of weather that day, didn't you? Lovely photos, Betsy! Sounds like you had a wonderful day. Enjoy the weekend!

Small City Scenes said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy. Isn't it amazing to see such diverse weather in just one day. I love it. The snow makes for great photo ops. Well everything does, doesn't it. MB

carolina nana said...

Did you all go to the Biltmore House? Love those snow pics,wouldn't it be great if that much snow could fall every time and the roads stay clear !
Blessings and have a great weekend
Marilyn

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Never see it here Betsy so I just love, love. love your snow pictures, its so magical...... a winter wonderland! So beautiful.
thanks for your sweet message and you enjoy your various holiday breaks too.
x

Unknown said...

Hi Betsy,

Beautiful pictures :) the picture with the misty forest was a bit magic. Loved them all.
Enjoy your weekend.

Eva

BlueShell said...

Oh ...I'll never go to the Smoky Mountains...but I feel like I was there already: thanks to your wonderful photos, my dear. I do love trees, and mountains, and snow...
I do thank you for this privilege.

xoxo
BShell

Beth said...

I am so enjoying your Colorado photos, but I'm partial to the Smokies, so this post was a special treat. Gorgeous as always.
It's always wonderful to see someone blessed to be doing something and knowing that they're blessed---not bragging--enjoying the blessing and sharing it with others. There is a kid-like joy about you that reminds me of my dad---it was always fun to see through his eyes.
Thanks for letting me see through yours. Beats that 23 page packet any day! HA!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

So glad that you showed these pics! We will be here Thankgiving, and I know it is probably too much to hope for some of the colorful, beautiful leaves to be left. I love the fog/mist also, especially up in the mountains while just looking. Thanks,and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Wonderful pictures. I remember climbing Mt. LeConte in my younger days.

Anonymous said...

You went from autumn to winter - amazing shots!

Anonymous said...

Your pretty photos remind us very much of our honeymoon trip to the smokies. We encountered all kinds of weather, snow, fall leaves, even Christmas lights!
Any of the snow pics would make a great Christmas card!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Betsy,
Fantastic photos of the Smokies. How exciting to see snow. The weather sure does change quickly in the mountains. Beautiful shots. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

Betsy, I so enjoyed seeing those snowy scenes especially just before the holidays.
I loved the frosty snowman someone left behind to greet you and George.
Hugs

Big Dude said...

Great shots capturing the Smokies Betsy. "you need to come to TENNESSEE....." - Shhhh, let's keep this our little secret :-).

Travel Quest said...

That's true Betsy the best place to enjoy autumn is in Smokies! I just want to share this have you heard the show "Finding Big foot"they filming their next series here at East Tennessee Mountain.. I'm not a serious fan but my husband did so we went to their autograph signing:)

Terry and Linda said...

That first photo makes me KNOW that is why they are called the Smokey Mountains...LOVELY!!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Anni said...

You can HAVE the snow....but gimme the Fall foliage and fog...........HOW I LOVE fog!!!

Your photos, as always, Betsy, are astounding!!!

Have a great Thanksgiving you two, and thanks for stopping by my bird photo album and Hootin' Anni's today!!

Neal said...

I love those snow pictures. It is kind of crazy in a way that I don't like for it to snow yet I love snow pictures.

Glenda said...

This was like a trip back in time for me! We took this same drive a few years ago and so enjoyed the snow. Thanks for posting!

Happy Thanksgiving!

tiptoethruphylsgarden.blogspot.com said...

My friend lives in Kyles Ford,Tenn.She doesn`t blog anymore.I haven`t seen these misty photos from her for awhile,so lovin` yours!The mist from the creek is a different sort than on-I should say in-the mountains,such dreamy pictures,thanks for sharing,phyllis

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, I'm so glad I was introduced to your blog a few weeks ago. You take me, vicariously, to places of natural beauty and wonder. All in one walk I met the colors of fall, fog and snow, and sunlight.

Your blog reminds me of DJan's "DJan-ity" in which she takes her readers on hikes in the mountains of Washington State.

Mostly, I stay at home but I so enjoy hiking with the two of you! And, oh, I so look forward to the first snowflakes of the year. Always, my heart lifts up. Peace.

Rohrerbot said...

I love fog. It really creates an eerie feeling in the woods:) I feel like Big Foot will walk out and attack:) The woods are absolutely stunning. I miss them sometimes here in the desert. Such beautiful colors and moods in your pics:)

Catherine said...

Haha ~ I'm glad the snow made you happy Betsy. Gosh, if you lived here, you would be ecstatic! ;)
Cute snowman!
xo Catherine

Catherine said...

Haha ~ I'm glad the snow made you happy Betsy. Gosh, if you lived here, you would be ecstatic! ;)
Cute snowman!
xo Catherine

Connie Arnold said...

Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos, Betsy! Looks like you went from fall into winter and back to fall again. The Smokies are so lovely, especially in fall.

Sally Wessely said...

You really experienced it all in one day, didn't you. Let's have some sun, some fog, some snow, some sun. I love drives like that. Your photos captured it all so well.

Shug said...

I'm ready for Christmas after seeing all of your gorgeous snow pictures!
I do love your header photo...Absolutely beautiful!
Been thinking of you these past two weeks....Hugs Betsy!
shug

diane b said...

This is a great series of photos showing the beauty of the different weather and scenes at different elevations. You sure live in a magical place.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Loved seeing your photos from this trip! Beautiful as always. I have to say that I like snow, but ONLY if the roads are clear! :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

Wow....you DID see it all in one day. :)
Love the little snowman and all the gorgeous colors.
Wishing you and yours a beautiful holiday.
XOXO
Suz