Saturday, October 17, 2009

An Autumn Drive through the Mountains


We came home from North Georgia this past Thursday. Our drive home took us through Franklin and Murphy, NC. We then headed back into Tennessee and across the Cherokee National Forest headed toward Tellico Plains, TN. The drive over the mountain was so pretty even though it was still drizzling. I took several pictures through the front windshield (sorry about the glare) --just to show you some of the pretty colors as we drove over that mountain on that winding two-lane road.

We were also surprised to find a gorgeous little waterfall as we headed up that mountain. SO today I will show you a few pictures of that lovely drive on an Autumn day in Tennessee. Above and below are some pictures taken along our way!!! Hope you enjoy them.



This pretty little waterfall is named UNICOI FALLS. It was beside the road and we almost missed it. We had to turn around in order to stop and take pictures. Isn't it pretty????



Another picture of some of the pretty colors along our way



This is the top part of UNICOI FALLS---up close and personal.



Here's one more picture of this pretty mountainous area in Tennessee. I'm sorry that there is a glare --plus some of the dashboard in the pictures, but I don't have time to crop anything today. I hope you enjoyed our little ride anyhow.

++++++++++++++++++++++
Today, we are in Jacksonville, FL attending a Memorial Service for my brother. Just coming down here has made me 'teary' again.. There's no more family left here --so we may never come back to this area again. It's just very sad although I know in my heart that Ray is in a much better place now. Please say a prayer for Ray's children and grandchildren ---and for George and me today. Thanks!

Hugs,
at

45 comments:

  1. diane bOctober 17, 2009 at 5:20 AM

    I love the photos. The one of the wet winding road through the colourful trees is great. It makes you want to know what is around the corner. The waterfalls are terrific too. I've tried to take some like that but everything comes out blury not just the water. Do you use a tripod?
    Sorry that it is a sad trip for you. Thinking of you all at this time.

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  2. ameliaOctober 17, 2009 at 5:34 AM

    Again, beautiful pictures. Either you have a way with the camera or maybe you know how to post them. I can't figure out how to make my blog look any different!!

    I hope the service gives you some peace and you are right. Your brother is in a better place..

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  3. eng@salitypeOctober 17, 2009 at 5:52 AM

    it is so gorgeous,the displays of amazing colors along the road. and the falls is a bonus. can't believe you can have such lovely falls by the road. it definite worth the stop.

    Ray is in much better place now, more beautiful, peaceful! hugs to you betsy.

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  4. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsOctober 17, 2009 at 6:07 AM

    Thinking of you today...

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  5. forever lostOctober 17, 2009 at 6:14 AM

    Your pics are very nice, we live about 1 hour from N.GA, and it is a very beautiful place to go. I believe their is a webcam at Brass town mountain and you can look out to the north and to the south.
    So sorry about your brother, and you can go see the place, but it is always different when you can't go back and see the ones you love

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  6. Diane AZOctober 17, 2009 at 6:22 AM

    Lovely autumn drive and Unicoi Falls pictures. Thinking of you, George, and Ray's children and grandchildren today.

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  7. JaneOctober 17, 2009 at 6:32 AM

    Hi Betsy,

    Many thoughts and prayers are with you today and every day. I know that today will not be easy for you. I enjoyed your pictures from the mountains - we are hoping to take a drive that way next weekend. Take care,

    Jane

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  8. MeemsOctober 17, 2009 at 7:08 AM

    One of my favorite drives ... through Murphy and Franklin... it is so NC! Very pretty little fall you found, too.

    Prayers for you and your family today... be safe.
    Meems @ Hoe and Shovel

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  9. JayneOctober 17, 2009 at 7:24 AM

    We're getting closer to our peak here Betsy, but not quite as much color yet. Your drive was beautiful, I can tell. Warm hugs and wishes for peace to envelope you and your family. XOXO

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  10. DorothyOctober 17, 2009 at 7:37 AM

    Beautiful drive! Most of our 'trip' pictures are made from the car. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family today. ♥ ♥ ♥

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  11. Ruth's Photo BlogOctober 17, 2009 at 7:54 AM

    Betsy,it's 8am and I have already sent a prayer to God for you.I trust this day will be filled with special memories.As for the tears,they are part of the healing. (((Betsy))),a hug for you.
    The pictures on this post are beyond words beautiful.I could drive down that road for a long,long time.
    Blessings,Ruth

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  12. BeckyOctober 17, 2009 at 7:59 AM

    You will be in my prayers today. Take care and have a safe trip home ((hugs))

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  13. JoOctober 17, 2009 at 8:36 AM

    Betsty;) what stunning colours. I just gazed and gazed at your photos - the winding road almost through a tunnel of trees. Beautiful. I'm amazed at the yellow line in the middle of the road with white lines on the sides. Our highways are exactly oppposite. Betsy, you and George and Ray's family are in my prayers today. Bless you. Safe travel on your return home. (((Hugs))) Jo

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  14. Arkansas PattiOctober 17, 2009 at 8:42 AM

    Really liked the road pictures and there were no hills to climb. I do believe you and George can smell a waterfall.
    My prayers are with you two and Ray's family. Hope you find some comfort.

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  15. NCmountainwomanOctober 17, 2009 at 8:51 AM

    I will definitely say a prayer for all of you on the very sad occasion. Just let the tears fall as you remember all the loved ones, especially today. I'll be saying an extra prayer to thank God for giving you George to help you through these difficult times and give you so many happy times.

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  16. SnapOctober 17, 2009 at 8:51 AM

    Prayers and thoughts and wishing all well today.

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  17. KarinOctober 17, 2009 at 8:52 AM

    As you go through this valley of grief after your loss, may it be such a comfort to you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you feel the Lord's arms surround you with His comfort, love and grace. Thank you so much for sharing you fabulous pictures! Love that winding road - and a surprise waterfall - cool!

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  18. This Is My Blog - fishing guyOctober 17, 2009 at 9:09 AM

    Betsy: Stay strong in all the wonderful memories of your brother.
    Wonderful photos of the mountain drive.

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  19. CherylOctober 17, 2009 at 9:13 AM

    What a lovely drive! Just gorgeous foliage along the way. And ANOTHER waterfall?? You must have an extra "sense" in finding them! You, George and Ray's family are in my thoughts today. God Bless.

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  20. marmeeOctober 17, 2009 at 10:02 AM

    sure of course, i will say a prayer for you and george.
    it is very hard to close a chapter in ones life.
    i pray you have a wonderful journey home.
    happy fall.

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  21. storytellerOctober 17, 2009 at 10:31 AM

    Looks like a lovely drive and sometimes uncropped photos add a bit of realism ;--)
    Hugs and blessings,

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  22. A Brit in TennesseeOctober 17, 2009 at 11:20 AM

    Beautiful photos as always Betsy.
    So sorry you are going through a sad time, my thoughts are with you and George.
    God Bless,
    Jo

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  23. RitaOctober 17, 2009 at 11:21 AM

    Betsy
    I am so sorry to hear about your beloved brother.You and George and your brothers family are in my prayers.
    I have just returned home from my trip and will enjoy catching up on your blog
    Rita

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  24. TinaOctober 17, 2009 at 11:37 AM

    Betsy, You guys seem to have about the same amt of color going on in your trees as we do..I really think most of our backyard leaves are just going to drop..without turning those awesome reds and oranges!!
    Neat up close and personal of that water fall!! :)

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  25. BethOctober 17, 2009 at 12:37 PM

    Lovely pictures, Betsy---the road photos make me want to go for a drive. And what a pretty little waterfall to happen upon!

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today, Betsy. May the peace of God guard your minds and hearts in the coming days. And, as others have said, let those tears flow---it's a healing thing.

    Love, Beth

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  26. AnonymousOctober 17, 2009 at 12:54 PM

    Prayers for your family Betsy, it's so hard to say goodbye to loved ones.

    I keep thinking we'll make down to your neck of the woods to see the fall colors, hasn't happened yet but someday!

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  27. ValerieOctober 17, 2009 at 1:00 PM

    Truly enjoyed the road shots (without power lines) We went to the adirondak mts in the fall a few years ago and all of my pictures with gorgeous color, had power lines. So disappointing.

    I'm new to your blog, but am in prayer for you during this season of sadness.

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  28. JoyOctober 17, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    I've just prayed for you, Ray's children and grandchildren for comfort during this time.
    I haven't been able to read the blogs much this week. So many school things to help organize right now, its kept me busy.
    I've scrolled thru and looked at the pictures of all the fall colors you have posted. How beautiful. You are in a perfect spot to see the beautiful changes.
    I would love to see them
    Take care and be safe on your trip back.
    ♥
    Joy

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  29. Small City ScenesOctober 17, 2009 at 1:23 PM

    What a beautiful drive. You sure can see God's hand in all things.

    Prayers said for Ray and family including you and George.

    Take care, MaryBeth

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  30. DianeOctober 17, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    I hope your memorial service was beautiful and meaningful for you. Lovely trip through the mountains.

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  31. AnonymousOctober 17, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    If there is a waterfall to be found, you will surely find it, and take wonderful photos.

    I'm going to nag you about the calendar idea.

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  32. JanieOctober 17, 2009 at 2:45 PM

    Your pictures are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing them with us. My prayers are with you and your family as you attend the memorial service. It's so hard to give up someone you love. Thanks for the kind thoughts you sent our way last week.

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  33. KayOctober 17, 2009 at 2:47 PM

    Just beautiful. Thank you for taking me along on your autumn drive.

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  34. Adrienne ZwartOctober 17, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    Betsy, these were fantastic! I love seeing the colors. We are at peak this weekend, and sadly, it is too cold to persuade my kids to go hiking.

    Praying for peace and comfort for you and the family. Journey home safely!

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  35. Janice KOctober 17, 2009 at 4:34 PM

    Hi Betsy,

    I finally have a day at home but am so tired. I only got about four to five hours sleep last night. We brought mom home from hospital but need to have someone with mom and dad 24 hours a day.

    I did look back through your post for the past week....What beautiful scenery and colorful pictures.

    And yes, you are in my prayers.

    God be with you.....Janice

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  36. SmilingSallyOctober 17, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    Thanks for taking me along on this nice drive.

    I understand how hard it is to say good-bye.

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  37. pennyOctober 17, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    Thanks for the beautiful drive through the mountains, Betsy. Looking at the roads made me feel like I was there. That fall colors are marvelous in that neck of the woods.

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  38. Busy Bee SuzOctober 17, 2009 at 8:37 PM

    I am sending nice thoughts and sweet prayers to all of you today..hoping your heart will be lighter soon. :)
    I love these pictures...so gorgeous Betsy. I love that your windshield is NOT covered with bugs...like mine is.
    take care, Suz

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  39. SusieOctober 17, 2009 at 9:33 PM

    I'm sorry returning to FL made you so sad an teary again Betsy. I'll be praying for you guys and Ray's family.

    Ya'll take care!

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  40. LolaOctober 17, 2009 at 9:50 PM

    My prayers are with you & your family at this sad time. The sadness will get lighter as time passes.
    Wonderful pics as usual. I've been down that road many times.

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  41. PattyOctober 17, 2009 at 10:15 PM

    Thinking of you today

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  42. AnonymousOctober 18, 2009 at 1:50 AM

    simply beautifully captured shots...lovely colours of the season!

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  43. SquirrelQueenOctober 18, 2009 at 3:25 AM

    Betsy, the shots of the wet road through those colorful trees are beautiful. That is how I remember that drive this time of the year.

    Sorry this had to be a sad weekend for you. You and your families are in my thoughts.

    Hugs,
    Judy

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  44. Stephanie Suzanne DesignsOctober 18, 2009 at 5:48 PM

    Hello Betsy,

    That waterfall is so beautiful...all of the color changes going on right now is so magical.

    I know your brother's passing has been hard...know that you are in my prayers.

    Hugs to both of you,
    Stephanie

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  45. ConnieOctober 19, 2009 at 2:34 PM

    I will never again see a waterfall without thinking of you.

    I am so sorry for the loss of your brother.

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