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 1, 2010

Back from Mt. Nebo, Arkansas


We are back after a wonderful week in one of our favorite places, Mt Nebo, Arkansas. Mt. Nebo is a state park not far from Russellville, Arkansas. The road up to the top of the mountain is steep---but once on the top, the terrain is flat. One reason we love this state park is its rustic feelings. The cabins are not too close together --and we are surrounded by lots of trees and forest areas. As I said before, this is our sixth visit to Cabin 60 on Mt. Nebo. And each time we go, the vacation just gets better and better.

This year, after a wicked, dreary, snowy, icy winter at home, we had some GREAT weather. (Thanks ARKANSAS PATTI!!!).... We desperately needed some blue skies and sunshine, and Arkansas did a good job of delivering that for us!!!! We spent one day checking out new waterfalls in the Ouachita National Forest. Another day was spent at Mt. Magazine and another one at Petit Jean State Park. We also enjoyed Mt. Nebo itself --and saw LOTS of deer this year along with some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.

You may or may not believe this, but since George and I both have new cameras, we BOTH went a little crazy taking pictures. I think we came home with over 850 pictures total... GADS---do you think we went a little nuts?????? ha ha ...... Now---how many of those pictures do you want to see????? (Don't answer that!!! ha ha)

Here are a few pictures of 'our' mountain and 'our' cabin. Above is the eastern side of Mt. Nebo --taken from the valley below. Click to enlarge in order to see the houses and buildings along the top of the ridge. Our cabin was on the other side of the mountain. There is a Sunrise Point and a Sunset Point on Mt. Nebo--although this time of year, we could see the sunset from our back door!!!! Below are more!






This was our cabin ---with a great view of the valley below. NOTE that beautiful blue sky!!!!






This is our little rock cabin ---taken from the back/side. The bedroom is straight ahead --and you can see the back porch and picnic area.






Here is a view from the other side of the cabin... You can see the smoke coming from the chimney. The cabin had a fabulous wood-burning fireplace. You can also see our wonderful Toyota Prius sitting out front. (Yes--we still love our Toyota!!!)






This is the view from our back porch... Gorgeous, isn't it????






One of my favorite parts of the cabin is the great fireplace.... I pull my rocking chair up close ---and enjoy the warmth it puts out!!!!! These cabins were built in the '30's by the Civilian Conservation Corps---and even though the cabins are now quite modern (including a hot tub), we enjoy much of the rock-work done by the CCC workers.






I will show more pictures of the cabin in a later post, but wanted you to see the main living/dining area. We sat in our rocking chairs each evening by the fireplace, enjoying the Olympics. What a Life!!!!!






Here's one more picture of Mt. Nebo from below. This one is for my horse-lover friend MISHA.

There's just so much more to say --but I'll stop for now. I did have internet service this past week---and tried to keep up somewhat with your blog posts, in the spare time I had. I hope all of you had a wonderful week---and hopefully, a great upcoming week also!

Hugs,

65 comments:

Jo said...

What a rustic and serene place. Thanks for whetting our appetites. Hope we see at least 90% of your photos! (((Hugs))) Jo

Kirigalpoththa said...

That is a lovely little rock cabin..and the view from the back porch is unbelievable!

I can see you had a 'Super' time there :)

Jayne said...

Looks like a wonderful place Betsy, and it's apparent how special it is for you and George. Glad you had some lovely time away!

Beth said...

Hi there, Betsy! So glad to see you and George back safe and sound. I really love that pretty little rock cabin with the fireplace---I can see why you love it so. I think they should put up a plaque designating it as George and Betsy's Cabin! :-) I'm glad to hear that you and George tooks lots of pictures. I look forward to seeing them. These are lovely. Welcome back!

Neal said...

Great shots. I really love the shot from the back porch. I'll bet that area would really be beautiful in the fall when the leaves are in full fall colors.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Great pictures of your place there. It looks so comfy and the fireplace looks like a wonderful place to enjoy. Sounds like you really broke in those new cameras. I'm sure you got some really great pictures. So glad you enjoyed your time away and enjoy your week ahead.

pam said...

I've never heard of this place! What a gorgeous view. I feel more relaxed just looking at your pictures!

Bookncoffee said...

Oh these pictures were heavenly. I've enjoyed them. I see why you like this place now.

Darla said...

First...I adore your new header!!!!
I am so glad ya'll had a safe and fun trip Betsy...looks like a beautiful place to visit.

Harriet said...

Looks like you had a GREAT vacation! Beautiful place. Great to have you back!

Big Dude said...

Sure is a beautiful spot and sounds like you had a great visit. When you get a chance please visit my blog for Feb 26.

Meems said...

Hi Betsy,
It is always so nice to get away especially to a familiar spot you LOVE so dearly. I'm wondering if this was the same place in Arkansas you went last year where the ice-cicles were dripping off the roof? Do I remember that correctly? Anyway, it is an adorable stone cabin. Snuggled up next to that fire place after daytimes with blue skies and mountain vistas would be just the ticket after the winter you've had.
Hugs**
Meems

Busy Bee Suz said...

Congratulations on another successful trip to your little cabin!!!
Looks cozy and nice.
You really should have taken a few more photos though.
Suz

PCovi said...

What a great stone cabin!!
And that view, WOW!

Ginny Hartzler said...

WELCOME BACK! Now I can start enjoying your posts! First, what an odd name for a mountain:Mt. Magazine! Wonder where they got that from. And I'm loving that you're showing pictures of all aspects of the cabin! Because from the outside it looks so primitive, but inside is another story, isn't it? It does look cozy and inviting; a beautiful picture of the fire. What kind of T.V. was provided? Knowing you, you probably took a picture of it. Oh, my I do love the beautiful header!! Stunning colors, and the way the light is on the crocus is really georgous.

Jen said...

That view from the porch is spectacular!
Glad you had some blue skies--that is always a rejuvenating thing for me.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: What a great trip, you certainly got some great photos of the area.

Small City Scenes said...

I am glad you and George are back and that you had a wonderful time resting (ha) and relaxing. 850 pics---WOW!
I love the view from the back porch. Nice! MB

Betsy Brock said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Those cabins are adorable...and the views are breath-taking!

Arkansas Patti said...

Happy to oblige. About time you got home but am so glad you had such great weather. What a darling cabin and super view. Think I need to take a trip south.
Hope you and George purchased some new "On Top" tees.
Can't wait for the rest of your 800 pics.

Cicero Sings said...

Looks and sounds like a great time. I really do love that cabin. I could live in that!

MadSnapper said...

I am so glad you are back home safe and sound. Love all the photos and would love that cabin, inside and out and of course the spectacular view! I bet it is wonderful in the spring and fall also. The Rebel cameras make us take more photos. it is so easy to go click, click, click and soon you are in the hundreds of pics. I go in the back yard and take 30 pictures of one thing because of the camera. that's right, blame it on the camera that you have almost a 1000 pics. waiting formore.

Sunny said...

What a magical rock cabin, I love it! The scenery is amazing too. Glad you had a wonderful time and welcome back.
Sunny :)

Richard said...

Sounds like you had a great mini vacation. Love the new header..."Spring Just Around The Corner" now.

I Am Woody said...

Wow, that looks like an incredible place!! Glad you had such a fabulous time:)

Only 850 pictures? You guys really need to step it up a bit;) Yesterday I put my vacation pics on cd for Vol Fan's mom and brother. It only took 6 cds. For each of them....

Loran said...

What an awesome place to take a vacation! I'm glad you're back safe and sound. Not to mention got a big dose of blue. Love the March spring-look to the blog!

Joe Todd said...

Betsy, Glad your back and what a great post. I almost felt like I was there. Really looks like my kind of place... Can't wait to see more photos (from the new camera) what fun

mint said...

nice pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

penny said...

Welcome home Betsy, I'm glad you and George had such a wonderful time.
Your photos are lovely and I love the great cabin you stay in.

Chris said...

Hi Betsy, I'm glad you had a wonderful holiday. I love the cabin, it looks so warm and cosy and the scenery is fantastic. You were so lucky to get such lovely weather too. I can see you both enjoyed using your new cameras , and who can blame you in such a lovely settinf. Looking forward to more fab shots.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Welcome home Betsy and George you've been missed !
What a spectacular place, love that cabin too !
It's good that Mother Nature cooperated with you, what a view from those mountains !!

Dorothy said...

Welcome back, Betsy! We DID miss you! Glad y'all had a good vacation. It hard NOT to make too many pictures when you have a change of scenery. We'd be glad to see ALL you pictures!

Glenda said...

What a beautiful place! Makes me want to visit there even more! I can identify with getting carried away snapping photos, but isn't it fun?! I'll look for more of your Arkansas pics, and thanks for sharing!

Karin said...

I've got a cabin just like that on my little facebook FarmTown game, lol!!! I'm happy for you! It's great that you can enjoy your travels and time together in fun places! It's certainly an idyllic place! No wonder it has become YOUR cabin! Gorgeous photos! Keep showing them and telling us all about your fabulous adventures! Hugs! Good to have you back safe!

Joy said...

Your blog is uploading much faster now. I need to adjust mine.
I've been slack with my blog.....
Oh well,
I love this cabin and what beautiful surroundings.
Are there things for kids to do around there.
I'm trying to figure out spring break for us.
I have a news article I want to mail you about birds.
Will you e-mail me your home address. I just thought of you when I read it.
♥ Joy

Cheryl said...

Wow...what a lovely spot to be in. How lovely the views are from your cabin. And the cabin looks sooo cozy and comfy. What a wonderful place to return to over and over again.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

This place is awesome.I love the rustic look of the cabin.I hope you will be showing us many of those 800+ pictures in the days to come.
Blessings,Ruth

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Oh my, Betsy! Beautiful place!!!
I could live in that little cabin, I could! It is so charming :)
And thank you for the horsey pic! It always does my heart good to see horses enjoying their lives in a natural setting :) Do they live in the park?
Have you ever been to Cumberland Island in Ga? The wild horses there are a sight to see!
Here is a link if you want to check them out!

http://www.gatewaytothegoldenisles.com/article/id/938/page/1

Have a wonderful day, Betsy!

misha

The Blonde Duck said...

It sounds like a great time!

Cedar ... said...

You are so fortunate to be able to travel and stay at such lovely places. I'm glad you had such a nice time!

Together We Save said...

Looks like you had a wonderful relaxing time. I am sure it was wonderful. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

rghawki said...

I love your photos! Looks like you had a really good time and your pictures have me wantin' to go!

EG CameraGirl said...

What a wonderful place to stay, Betsy. I can see why tou enjoyed your stay there. It would be beautiful even without the blue skies...but magnificent WITH the blue.

Susie said...

Glad you made it home safely. Looks like a fabulous time was had. Wish I had been there.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Welcome back! you were missed. You had a very lovely cabin and the view is incredible.

Stop by and read about our E. TN blog get together! We were talking about you at lunch Friday - it was all good!

The Retired One said...

What a gorgeous place and a charming little cabin. Good for you to get away from the snow into some good hiking spots. Love the hills.
Be careful with your Toyota on those hills with all those brake problems, I'd be terrified driving one now!
Can't wait to see more of your photos and I am so glad you both had such a wonderful time!!!

carolina nana said...

What a neat place and what a wonderful view you had. I'm glad the weather was kind and you enjoyed yourselves. Can't wait to see more pictures! Have a blessed day Marilyn

DeniseinVA said...

Isn't that just the most beautiful place and I loved all your photos Betsy. Glad you had such a great time.

Diane AZ said...

Hi, That cabin looks like a wonderful place to stay. The view is amazing and I love the last picture with the horses. Looking forward to more pictures from your trip!

Diane said...

It looks like you had an absolutely wonderful time Betsy.

My dad worked for the CCC in the Bighorns here when he was very young. They did a lot of things up there.

Snap said...

What a great place! Beautiful pix -- all!

Tina said...

Betsy,
What a neat place!!! You guys always manage to find the most unique places to visit and stay! Everything looked quite cozy and your photos are great..just love that new camera! Also, like the new header pic!! Very Springy...we all need that!

Unknown said...

A little piece of heaven, Betsy. Gorgeous pictures, darling cabin. One could truly get lost there with no problem ...

Have a wonderful week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Catherine said...

Welcome home! Looks like you saw some beautiful things. Both of you with new cameras ~ I bet you had fun testing and trying them out. No doubt at taking over 800 pictures! haha!

That cabin was adorable. I bet that fire place was nice to cozy up to. Did you roast any marshmellows? :)

Wendy said...

Your header is amazing!! Love that spring crocus - and the background colour matches it perfectly.

Welcome back! I'm so happy that you had such a good time. That cabin looks fun - especially the fireplace, but the views top it all!! Can't believe you took so many pics! Actually, I can!!! I think I'd do the same. Can't wait to see them.

Jeanne said...

Thanks for sharing. I hope we can check out some Arkansas State Parks soon. I love the little rustic cabins!

Anonymous said...

Your cabin and its location look like paradise to me!

Pedaling said...

oh, i noticed the blue sky alright- how could i miss it?
i'm ready for a blue sky here in utah....

Mary said...

Looks like a great place to relax. I'll be looking forward to the other 800 photos :-)

Connie said...

Welcome back, Betsy! Looks like you and George had a wonderful time. Your cabin looks so cozy and comfy. That view is magnificent! :)

Cassie said...

I never knew Arkansas was so pretty! Thank you for showing us Mt.Nebo, Arkansas...With your view from the top, did you consider what you saw the promised land??hehe. Great photos Betsy. Have a good week. Blessings,Cassie

SquirrelQueen said...

Good to have you and George back safe and sound. That little cabin is so cute and what a fantastic view. And then there are those gorgeous blue skies. After the weather you've had at home I'll bet those were a welcome sight.

Your new header photo is gorgeous and I love the purple.

Rose said...

Sorry to be so slow getting by...but I finally made it. I clicked the other day and you had changed the header but had not posted anything.

Anyway, this place really looks appealing. I sure love your little cabin...you know what? I don't think I have ever been inside a stone house. Or cabin. And I love stone.

I am glad you had a good time.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a cozy little cabin you had Betsy. It looks so warm and comfortable. Glad you had a nice time and a little rest from the computer. We all need that from time to time. I'm going to Colorado soon to visit my son and grandson so I'll have my little get away! I can't wait! :-)

Anonymous said...

Just stayed in Cabin 60 last night. It was beautiful! I was trying to find a picture to show my friend when I came across this! Thanks!