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, April 1, 2009

Water, Anyone?????


While we were visiting Serenity Falls this past week, we took a ride to the Greenbriar area of the Smokies. On the main road between Cosby and Gatlinburg, there is a turn-off gravel/dirt road which follows the Little Pigeon River back into the mountains. This Greenbriar area is used by the 'locals' for swimming in summer, but there is camping, picnicking and hiking available year 'round.

When we were there (after much rainfall), the river was really flowing and seemed ANGRY!!!!! TONS of water flowed quickly down the mountains--and there were cascades, waterfalls and white-caps everywhere. We enjoyed driving up into the mountains following that river. Several other streams join in with the Little Pigeon at several places along the way, making even more water!!! It was truly amazing. Here are some pictures of the Little Pigeon taken on a chilly, damp, drizzly day. Above, George climbs out on those rocks to get more pictures.




One of my sons brings his children here (and my other grandchildren) during the summer to swim. I sent these pictures to them--asking them if they were ready to swim here NOW..... NOT!!!! ha





Isn't this a pretty little waterfall/cascade?





This girl LOVES this "Wild and Scenic River"!





Some people love to kayack here.... NOT ME!!!





Sometimes, there are more rocks than there is water here. Not this time!!!!




This is one of the smaller creeks coming down out of the mountain, feeding into the Little Pigeon.




You can see that creek at the top--flowing into the river. That creek is called Middle Prong.





I am on the bridge which crosses the Little Pigeon. That road leads back to the Ramsey Cascades hiking trail.




This picture was taken from the bridge--looking up the river. Pretty, huh?

Hope you enjoyed seeing this WILD River... Listen carefully and you can hear it ROAR.
Hugs,

48 comments:

Kim said...

What fantastic shots of the river. I can't believer there are some brave enough to kayak in that!

Michele said...

Beautiful indeed! It's so awesome, and I am sure I can hear the roar of that river when I view your pictures!
I really cannot believe that kayaking would be possible in such rocky rivers such as this... that is pretty darn risky!
Beautiful photos!!

Hugs♥

Jayne said...

Wow, uh... I do believe I'd stay on the bank too...lol! It's beautiful and untamed. :c)

EG CameraGirl said...

The water sure is rushing fast! It's very beautiful, I think. ;-)

Kathleen McQueen Wright said...

This girl LOVES this "Wild and Scenic River"!

That is my favorite shot!

Karin said...

After all that serenity yesterday, we get to see the wild and angry rest of the story, lol. What treacherous beauty - it's intoxicating. The cascades are lovely! I love your photography!

Enjoy your day - you've made mine!

Karin

Susie said...

I think I can hear it roar Betsy. It's music to my ears. Beautiful photos of a lovely place. Thanks for sharing them.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Love the pictures of the ANGRY river and of your smiling face. I bet it was LOUD too...I could not imagine kayaking down that one...no thank you.

Unknown said...

Hey Betsy, my son is standing here and he saw these photos, his reaction, "Sweet!".

Cedar ... said...

Thanks Betsy,... I'm also happiest when i am near water. What is there about it?

amelia said...

Very beautiful, very dangerous too!!

SmilingSally said...

I would choose to stand on the bank and take pictures. I'd never get in that water.

Beth said...

What a beautiful river...and what beautiful photos, Betsy! I'll bet you were in heaven with all that falling water! :-) Thank you so much for taking us on your adventure vicariously. I have certainly enjoyed the trip and we have vowed to explore Tennessee for ourselves very, very soon.

Becky said...

I am so glad you got to see such pretty water. We went tubing on that river when my youngest was 3and I don't think I would want to go right then. That is alot of water.

I knew you would have a Great time, rain or not ;)

Pigeon said...

Little Pigeon: what a great name! That water looks pretty, but scary too.

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, that looks like a wild and lovely place. It sure is beautiful.

Loran said...

I don't kayak either but I do love wild and scenic rivers. Great pictures!

Bhutan is in the Himalaya Mountains, between China and India. I posted our whole trip at the beginning of my blog. Maybe I'll post some more pictures later...

jlshall said...

Yes, I really can hear it roar! Great photos. Looks like it was worth getting out in the rain for that experience.

CountryDreaming said...

The whitewater rapids add an awesome texture to your gorgeous waterfall compositions. You certainly had excellent conditions!

I Am Woody said...

Thanks for the beautiful getaway today!!

Today is a beautiful day for Machine Falls - too bad I have to spend it in Franklin at the Bone & Joint Clinic. Maybe they can finally fix my ankle;)

Shelley said...

I felt like I was on vacation with you~! :-0 I love to kayak but I'm definitely not good enough to manage those rocks there! And i can't believe George was standing on them - tell him to be careful!! :-) Beautiful series of photos Betsy and love that photo of your smiling face!!
Shelley

Shelley said...

I felt like I was on vacation with you~! :-0 I love to kayak but I'm definitely not good enough to manage those rocks there! And i can't believe George was standing on them - tell him to be careful!! :-) Beautiful series of photos Betsy and love that photo of your smiling face!!
Shelley

Deborah Godin said...

Just "picture perfect"!!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Yes,with a little imagination I can hear the roar of the river and feel the spray.I would love to be in that place for awhile.Glad you are sharing your pictures.The next best thing to being there.
Blessings,Ruth

Tarolino said...

Such great water shots. In places the water looks like flowing silk and in others it's really frothy and wild.
George seems to be standing in a precarious place in one of the shots. What would he not do for his sweetie :)

Diane said...

I DO hear the roar. Very beautiful pictures of the water.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Love the river photos, Betsy! Must have been exhiliarating to see all that water... and to hear it!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful great shots every one of them!

Naturegirl said...

bEAUTIFUL SCENERY BETSY..Love the portrait of you..fast flowing waters!!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: The flow of water calls to me and asks to have a photo. You caught the water motion and power beautifully.

Mandy said...

I take a mini vacation every time I visit your blog! Thanks for the beautiful pictures.

Mandy

Janie said...

Those are beautiful rapids, much more fun to watch than to try to kayak in, I would think.

Diane AZ said...

The water is so pretty rushing like that, but it looks scary too. George is brave to stand on those slippery rocks. Lovely pictures, my favorite is of you on the bridge.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

This is so beautiful. I do so love seeing the pictures. You always have so much fun...m..

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Betsy,

Wow it's beautiful, but it does roar, doesn't it? I don't think I would kayak there either! I'd just be photographing it! :)

Have a great evening!
Tammy

lola said...

Beautiful pics Betsy. I've seen this river & it is pretty.

dot said...

It's pretty but I'd prefer keeping my feet dry.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

We usually stay right on the Little pigeon river when we are in the Smokies..
I don't think I have ever seen it so angry though.
Beautiful nevertheless, and you won't find me rafting on it ;)
Wonderful trip we got to share...
Hugs.

Mary said...

Looks kind of wild for kayaking! Great shots of a beautiful river!

Leedra said...

The water is SO high right now. Looks dangerous. Also makes me think of the wildflowers that will be showing up so very soon in these areas. Got to find time....

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Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

That is so pretty..:0)

Stephanie

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say hi to a neighbor. I stumbled upon your blog and your pictures are beautiful!

Small City Scenes said...

I love the water. so beautiful. I have my book about waterfalls in Wa. state but look at this site. My goal!!!
http://www.visitolympicpeninsula.com/waterfalls.htm

MB

Grammy said...

Those are all amazing photos, Betsy. I love the force of the water you captured.

Gill - That British Woman said...

what lovely photos.......

Gill in Canada

Connie said...

I can almost hear the sound of the water rushing by! Very nice shots.

Sunny said...

Woweeee, I'm glad I scrolled down your blog, Betsy! These are awesome and so scenic beauteeeeeful pictures!

Thankyou for taking us along on your photo tour. :)

This is a most gorgeous place, these Falls!

Aleta said...

Hi, Betsy -
What wonderful pictures! Isn't it amazing the effect a bit of rain has on a river? It looks like you had a great time, and I love that cabin you stayed in!