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, November 29, 2010

Where are We?

Here we are... We are 6,684 feet above sea level.. The wind is blowing and it's about 45 degrees up there!!!!!   I'll give you a clue!!!!   We are not too far from Asheville,  North Carolina --and are not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway... I'm sure you can guess---IF you know this area,  or if you have already read George's blog!!!!

We are at Mount Mitchell,  the highest point east of the Mississippi River.  We took a trip during Thanksgiving week--and this was one of our stops.  A nice couple took our picture (above)  --after we hiked up to the overlook.  George and I had been to Mount Mitchell years ago--but they have really fixed it up now.   We had a great time.  Below are more pictures.





I asked George to stand next to the sign --showing where we were.   They have built this nice overlook --which wasn't here several years ago when we were here.  It was quite cold up on that mountain!!!





The views from the overlook were fabulous.  The mountain ranges seemed to go on forever---even though the clouds and the fog were all around us!!!  I also loved seeing all of the Evergreens near us.





You can see the road which we traveled in order to get most of the way up here.  We had to hike the last lap --but it wasn't too bad (pant pant)... ha..   I enjoyed seeing the clouds 'touch' the tops of those peaks in the distance!





As in some of our other recent photos,  the sun kept trying to pop through the clouds...  That made for some great photos --showing the sun and also the shadows.





Finally,   here is my favorite picture taken from Mount Mitchell.   I love seeing the sun's rays ---or sunbeams--shining down... Isn't this one marvelous?

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We certainly did.  I'll share much more from our trip last week over the next several blog posts.  Hope you saw the neat Hallmark movie on CBS last night.  It was AWESOME!

Hugs,

72 comments:

Beth said...

The clouds indeed seem to be touching the mountain tops!
And in that last picture, it looks like God sent a special ray of light down just for you and George.
Gorgeous pictures! I'm glad you and George can enjoy such wonderful times together. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Your pictures really capture the beauty of the area. The observation deck is very pretty. So glad you enjoyed your trip. Have a great day.

Big Dude said...

While I enjoy scenery of all kinds, it's hard to beat the good ole Smoky Mountains. Anytime I'm at a vista like that, I can't help thinking about those who first crossed these mountains in wagons - I cannot imagine who difficult it must have been.

Catherine said...

Those are some beautiful blue skies you saw Betsy! The last photo is fantastic. Glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend.

Happy Monday!
xo Catherine

Ruth Hiebert said...

FANTASTIC!!! Those mountains look wonderful cloud patterns.THis area is certainly very scenic.
Blessings,Ruth

Jane said...

Beautiful pictures. I'm sure it was quite cold - and do I see a small spot of snow in one of those pictures as well??
Jane

June said...

Oh, how awesome!
The last picture made me think, "finger of God." What an amazing perspective you have in that picture!

45* huh? cold?
And here I was, last night saying to Husband, "Gonna be a nice day tomorrow! 45*!"

floweringmama said...

Hey Betsy, beautiful shots, I can only imagine how beautiful it was. Pictures can only capture so much. . . but those sunbeams peaking through was just amazing!!

Connie said...

Wow, gorgeous pictures, Betsy! That really is neat to see the sun's rays coming through the clouds like that. Happy Monday to you! :-)

Small City Scenes said...

Oh my goodness betsy, what a marvelous trip. the scenery certaintly is gorgeous. I like to see the hilltops in amongst the clouds. That last picture with the rays is very nice. We used to call the rays Angel Slides. MB

Susie said...

Beautiful Betsy. Love the view.

I saw the movie last night. Nothing like a good Hallmark movie except a nice hike in the mountains.

Arkansas Patti said...

Gosh are you hardy souls. 45 degrees and windy with only a sweatshirt? Good thing you had George to share his warmth. Windy, mountain cold is a whole nutter matter.
Wonderful shots and what georgeous vistas.
Love MB's term "Angel Slides".

Karin said...

The picture with the sunshine-sunbeam has me singing, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam!! What a lovely trip. Looks like a beautiful place. There is no end to the beauty you have within such a short drive from you! Thanks for sharing and have a great week!

Dorothy said...

Thanks for posting these great pictures. They were working on this when we were there. We traveled a long way into Mt. Mitchell and it was very late afternoon. The road we wanted to take out of there to get back to our motel was blocked for repair! We had to back-track the long road back out! It was very cold when we were there, too.

Barbara said...

That reminded me of Bald top mountain, gorgeous photos Betsy, and I sure love going to all your places of interest, hugs my friend.

Tracy said...

Betsy,
Absolutely stunning photos...being a North Carolinian, I especially treasure the beauty! ...glad you enjoyed your trip!

Anonymous said...

Nice photographs! As soon as I read that you visited the highest peak east of the Mississippi, it brought to mind that we pass by a sign several times a year that reads "highest point east of the Mississippi". The marker is on Interstate 80 near Penfield, PA. I watched the Hallmark movie last night too. I agree; it was a wonderful movie. I enjoy the Hallmark commercials almost as much as the movies!

Glenda said...

I've never been to this place, but I'd love to visit there! Beautiful views - especially the sunbeam pic! I'm glad you had a great Thanksgiving week and that you are able to hike once again!

Have a great week!

Tabor said...

You guys looks so absolutely happy! I must visit there...perhaps in late spring when the weather is a little warmer.

Peggy said...

oh Betsy, I love, love, love Mount Mitchell! Haven't been there in years though. Use to hike it with my mother and step dad and we always had a picnic. Thanks for stirring some memories for me today. Have a blessed day.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots! But I like the first photo best. I love the smiles on your faces.

Janice K said...

The pictures are all so neat. I love seeing sunbeams shining from above also.

As adventureous as you and Goerge are, I am so happy that your leg has healed and not holding you back. That is such a blessing. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

WoWoWeee Betsy, what incredible breathtaking views from the top of the world (or at least East of the Mississippi River!!!) I love photos of sun rays/beams shining down, too - It's like the clouds open up & the angels are singing, AHHHHHHH! =)

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!!!

Out on the prairie said...

Some great pictures. The sun coming down is called virgo, a delightful find.We used to think it was angels visiting when I was a kid.

Ida said...

Wow! photos, Betsy. Your mountains are picture perfect!

Harriet said...

I love the last picture also.Glad you had a good Thanksgiving.

KathyA said...

Magnificent! And I bet it WAS cold up there!! Love the variations in the sky.

Fred Alton said...

Absolutely fantastic photos from Mt. Mitchell. We've been there many years ago also - so long ago I can't remember whether the overlook was there or not. As the song says, "Too many miles behind me"!

From the Kitchen said...

You are, of course, in my beloved mountains! Wish I could be in Asheville to do some Christmas shopping!! It was during my first trip to Asheville that I watched Secretariat win the Kentucky Derby. The rest is Triple Crown history.

Best,
Bonnie

Diane said...

Beautiful shots Betsy. That's pretty high. Hope you had a good time. Diane

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Betsy!

What wonderous views from Mt Mitchell! You and George look so happy on that mountain top! I loved the photo of the clouds touching the mountains and sunbeam photo.

I hope you didn't miss my post on Saturday for the NYC Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!? My husband and I attended it for the first time in years ..it was lots of fun!

Hugs, Pat

GreatGranny said...

Thank you so much for sharing these photos. I love TN, a beautiful state. These photos remind me of mountains out West. I live in AL, but TN is far more beautiful, I think.

Becca's Dirt said...

Hallmark does run some great movies all the way to Christmas. I didn't see the one last night though - too bad. I hit the sack at 7:30 last night.

That is such an awesome place Betsy. I also love the ones that show the sun popping in. Have a great Monday.

SmilingSally said...

Even though I didn't read George's blog, I KNEW where you were! We were there once and took a picture in the same spot. It is a dynamite place.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Brrrrr....this looks just beautiful.
Glad you had a nice weekend!

Together We Save said...

Funny you are there... my parents were there about a month ago. They had a wonderful time!! Love your pictures.

I Am Woody said...

Beautiful! And that last photo is spectacular!! Looking forward to hearing all about your trip:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, The first thing that popped into my mind was that song, "I'm On The Top of the World, Looking Down on Creation", and it would not have surprised me a bit as much as you two get around! Looks like you had a great time. Have a good week, too!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

That must have been some hike up!!!

amelia said...

These are some incredible pictures with the most incredible views!! I'd like to be there about now...

CottonLady said...

Glad you had a great Thanksgiving and trip, my friend. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous, thanks for taking us along on your trip.

Blessings!
CottonLady

Ginny Hartzler said...

Children, children, what AM I going to do with you! Forty five degrees and NO coats or jackets!! Now I know you must have been working up quite a sweat, but nevertheless...That sunbeam picture is FANTASTIC, and of course you know it is my very favorite!! Next favorite would be the adorable picture of you and George, the two of you make beautiful scenery all by yourselves!

SouthernSass said...

Those are beautiful shots -especially the one with the sun rays. I missed the CBS movie last night - I hope I can catch it on The Hallmark Channel. I love Sam Elliott!!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

My hubby and I get down to Great Smoky Mountains National Park a couple of times a year, but we have yet to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. We must do that sometime. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos.

NCmountainwoman said...

The sun put on a spectacular display for you. Great photographs. Can you imagine the people who run the Mount Mitchell Challenge! Makes me exhausted just driving up there, much less running.

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Glad you had a good Thanksgiving. Mine was quiet and nice. Did the local TurkeyTrot and vegged out. I LOVED that Hallmark Hall of Fame show. Sam Elliott is my (not so)secret crush. Hasn't he aged like a fine wine??!! XX-Cassie

Unknown said...

Out touching clouds are we? What a fun thing to do, and I love your sun-through-the-clouds picture!

MadSnapper said...

nothing prettier than christms trees against gorgeous blue sky. sunbeams dancing make it all more special. i was guessing lookout mountain. beautiful spot to look out looks like a castle

nanny said...

You two are having too much fun!!! ha
You go to the most wonderful places and wearing those great Arkansas sweatshirts!!!
The sun shining through is an amazing shot.....
I missed the movie and I really wanted to see it....I love Sam Elliott...maybe it will be on again soon!

pam said...

I haven't been up there in ages. Must go back!

Jen said...

That last pic is great!!!
Yes I watched Christmas in November. Nice happy ending. :)

Kay said...

You guys are so lucky to be able to do so much traveling and to such beautiful places. I hope that once Ben "retires" that we will be able to make a few trips. I know we will never get to go as much as you guys do.
Kay

LifeRamblings said...

your photos are gorgeous and the views are absolutely breathtaking. glad you had a blast with George and thanks for the free tour. i enjoy this.

SquirrelQueen said...

That was an easy one as soon as I saw the elevation, I always loved that area. The new observation deck is really nice.

Gorgeous views of the area but it does look a little chilly up there. I love that shot of you and George with the mountains and clouds in the background.

Hugs,
Judy

LV said...

Another great weekend outing in some of the most beautiful parts of our country.

Dar said...

Absolutely incredible~~~as you overlook the sunbeams and are eye level with the clouds touching the mountain tops...amazing. I love,Love,LOVE this entry. Worth the climb, I'm sure.
BlessYourHeart

Unknown said...

Betsy thank you for posting these. This is one of our stops next yr! Since we did Clingmans this yr, we made a promise to do Mt Mitchell next yr. lol I can never get enough of the mountain views.

Lynda said...

We did see the Hallmark movie and loved it!
So what kind of vehicle do you have that doesn't seem to mind climbing mountains? How many cylinders?
And as always, the photos are BEAUTIFUL! I am glad you find people to take your picture on each trip because you two always look so happy together.

Rose said...

Betsy, these are some amazing photos...love the one of the clouds touching the mountains. Just so beautiful!

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

Beautiful pictures! I like the one with the sunbeams shining through--it almost looks a dove! Looks like you guys had a great time.

Mary said...

Beautiful views! I like the sun shining through. I'd love to get away for a few days, but haven't managed it yet.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I agree with your choice for favorite photo. Have a great rest of the evening and a nice Tuesday tomorrow! Stay warm and dry.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

The mountains and the sunbeams are terrific...wow Betsy...gorgeous photos!!!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Wow again, Love the pics, gorgeous! Thanks for sharing Mt Mitchell with us
kim

Andrea said...

Your travels with George are always full of fun and marvelous sceneries. I would say i am envious, and the photos always represent splendidly these travels. But what i always observe is that you always dress in uniform and that makes it more loving and sweet. How lovely!

carolina nana said...

Hey Betsy that last photo is my favorite. It is one of those holes in the floor of Heaven you see from time to time.
It is raining cats and dogs here tonight,we are suppose to get 4".
Hope it doesn't come all at one time we'll be flooded for sure.
Have a blessed tomorrow.
Marilyn

Kirigalpoththa said...

Like the way how the sun light and shadows of clouds made patterns over the mountains.

Lovely place!

Jackie said...

Just beautiful! You look so relaxed,as I'm sure you were!

Pat Tillett said...

beautiful photos Betsy!
You really do get out and about!

ratieh said...

whoaaa..those are really awesome pictures! i think that i really need to go for refreshing to a place like that. i wish i could.. *cross my finger =P

hey, wanna exchange link with me? visit back mine if you don't mine @ bochasworld.blogspot.com =D

diane b said...

What fabulous views. The sunbeam one is tops. love the one of the clouds on top of the mountains and the one of you two on top of the mountain. Brrrrr

Twilight Man said...

What a loving couple, high up there. You were closer to heavens in the photo! The view was serene and great. I think you both made the scenic picture pretty!