Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Fog at Mt. Mitchell

"Take some pictures quickly--we are about to be fogged in!!!"
Another place George took me on this year's Birthday Trip was to Mt. Mitchell State Park,  off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Burnsville, North Carolina.  There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary.  Rising more than a mile high,  surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds,  Mount Mitchell State Park is one of the extraordinary places.

In the crest of the timeworn Black Mountain lies the summit of Mt. Mitchell.  At an elevation of 6,684 feet, it is the highest point east of the Mississippi River.  For those who ascend this mighty peak,  what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes--breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains,  rolling ridges and fertile valleys.  Forrested and forever misty,  1,946-acre Mt. Mitchell State Park will provide you with some great moments--whether it is a clear day or (like when we were this time) a foggy/cloudy/misty day.

We again walked to the Summit (to the high platform almost in the sky).  On this day,  MY BIRTHDAY --August 5, 2011,  it was very foggy up there.  As my Daddy used to say,  it looked like "Pea Soup"... ha ha... Note the picture above.  You can see the fog /mist/clouds coming toward us!!!!!



"Hey George----Is that you up there?"



  "I cannot see much of anything.... I hope I don't run into someone."



"Hello.... It's my birthday...  Don't you think the sky would clear JUST for me today?"


"Look here...  Check back two pictures above from this same location...  It is TRYING to clear....."


 "WOW----I'm beginning to see some mountains out there.  See them?" 


"I can see the road down there now,  and even some blue sky.  That's just for ME on my birthday,  don't you think???? ha ha -------BUT---I did love seeing the clouds/fog/mist roll in and out and all around. That's a photographer's dream."


"Oh NO---it's coming this way... Guess we better head down the mountain, Honey!"

Wasn't this experience on Mt. Mitchell just awesome?  There truly is something special about 'Pea Soup' ----and we had a great day!!!!!

Hope you have a great day also!  Sorry that my blog didn't appear on the Reader or Dashboard yesterday.  I entered the wrong date (DUH) --so it published by accident on Sunday.  Instead of deleting it,  I just put it back in drafts and corrected it..   It published correctly today--but didn't show up on the Dashboard or Reader again...  Guess I should have deleted it --and started over (copying and pasting).   It was a good post,  so if you missed it,  click HERE. 
Hugs,
Betsy
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56 comments:

  1. Ms. AAugust 17, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    Last time I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it hadn't greened up. Your photos are amazing. Wish my had turned out this nice.

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  2. eileeninmdAugust 17, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Hi Betsy, I am sorry it was cloudy on your birthday. I hope it was still a great day. Your photos are wonderful even with the fog and clouds. They add mystery to your shots. I love them. Have a great day!

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  3. KimAugust 17, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    I like the fog....It has its own beauty and with your photos, gorgeous! Looks like you had a great birthday.

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  4. Mr. BillAugust 17, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    I keep forgetting what beauty surrounds us. Thanks Betsy.

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  5. ~from my front porch in the mountains~August 17, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    It's foggy here this morning, Betsy!
    Your header is GORGEOUS! Love it :)
    xo, misha

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  6. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    The trees surely appreciate that fog as the leaves and needles get some nourishment from it and it gives them a cool down from strong sun all day.

    These are nice photographs. Don't you wonder, sometimes, when you see these mountains, who is down there among the trees?

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  7. Deb from WhatsInMyAtticAugust 17, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    Ahhh, Betsy, now you are REALLY in my families back yard! I have family living on Black Mountain, and Mt. Mitchell was my mother's favorite view from her home. Thanks for the photos!

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  8. BethAugust 17, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    Wonderful photos, Betsy! I love the one where you can see the parkway. Mt. Mitchell is indeed a magical place, and fog is indeed a common occurance there. Fog certainly has its own unique beauty, but I'm so glad it lifted for a while especially for your birthday! :-)

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  9. Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪August 17, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Did you have a birthday cake up there?

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  10. NealAugust 17, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    You're nuts.... Has anyone besides me ever told you that? :) ... Takes one to know one I guess. :)

    That is a beautiful area. I would like to go back during the fall colors. I never tire of that area.

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  11. From the KitchenAugust 17, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    That fog is how the Blue Ridge got it's name. So beautiful even fog shrouded and a real treat the times the fog completely disappears. Those vistas never fail to elate me and, obviously, you too!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  12. MadSnapperAugust 17, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    it is a good thing that mist was there, the photos of the mountains with the mist are absolutely spectacular. i love the white dead trees coming up out of the live trees in the first shot. the misty shots are wonderful

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  13. Arkansas PattiAugust 17, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    I am impressed even with the fog. At least you did get a break--what a present. My only trip on the Parkway, I could barely see the side of the road. You did much better.

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  14. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    Hi Betsy, I really want to go to that lovely place. I have never been to the Blue Ridge Parkway and associated areas. It is on my "Must-do" list for sure. Excellent pictures in spite of that fog. Have a wonderful day today!

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  15. Ruth HiebertAugust 17, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    Even with limited visibility,these are gorgeous pictures.I like that foggy,misty look,it gives the mountains a special appeal.I bet one could see foever on a clear day.You will be forced to go back again.LOL

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  16. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmAugust 17, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Fog lends to mystery. I need to go visit there - it's one place in driving distance I haven't been.

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  17. I Am WoodyAugust 17, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    I've always thought fog was spooky. I guess it is the way sound is muted. Or way too many scary movies:)

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  18. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmAugust 17, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Fog lends to mystery. I need to go visit there - it's one place in driving distance I haven't been.

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  19. ElettraAugust 17, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    the fog makes me very afraid !!!!!!!! Impressive photos!

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  20. TexWisGirlAugust 17, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    the pines, the mountains, the fog... just lovely...

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  21. BirdmanAugust 17, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Happy BDay!
    Our trip along the BRP was very memorable for many reasons.

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  22. DarlaAugust 17, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Fantastic photos!! I love the Blueridge Mountains..

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  23. Chatty CroneAugust 17, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Knowing you (and George) don't need sun to have fun. It was beautiful and I bet you had a beautiful time too.

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  24. DarAugust 17, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    all of it, just breath-taking and all for you, Betsy. So happy you shared it with us. Awesome!
    BlessYourBDayHeart

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  25. Linda at To Behold The BeautyAugust 17, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I think the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mt. Mitchell are going to have to be on our agenda very soon. This is a great series of photos, showing the fog rolling in and then lifting. That last shot was especially beautiful.

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  26. HappyKAugust 17, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Wow, even with the fog what fantastic views.
    I like foggy pictures too. It adds a bit a drama to things.

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  27. RoeHAugust 17, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    I love fog! It makes thing very quiet and mysterious.

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  28. Busy Bee SuzAugust 17, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    I've never been a fan of pea soup...but that fog looks pretty mysterious. :)

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  29. Cheryl @ TFDAugust 17, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    I love these photos, Betsy. How neat that the fog lifted awhile just as you wished! The photos from the last post are excellent, too. I love the waterfall. And the first photo looks like it could be a painting! Have a good day!

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  30. Ginny HartzlerAugust 17, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    I love the foggy pictures better than the clear ones, so moody and pretty! I just read in the paper that fog is actually a cloud low to the ground. No difference from the clouds we see way up high, how cool is that?? So George had you walking on clouds for your birthday!!! I don't think it cleared up just for you, I think it got foggy just for you, how special!!!

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  31. DianeAugust 17, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    I love the effect that the fog has on everything. It makes everything look different and things close to you seem to stand out. Hope it was a good day anyway. Diane

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  32. Cicero SingsAugust 17, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    You did get quite the day for your birthday. Fog and mist makes for some interesting pics. You have so many interesting and lovely spots to visit all within relatively lose proximity.

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  33. Brenda Kay LedfordAugust 17, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Betsy,
    I enjoyed the lovely photos of Mt. Mitchell very much. I'm sure you had a great time on that trip. I recall when we visited Mt. Mitchell, it was really cold way up there. It's a steep grade up the mountain, but so lovely when you reach the top and look down at the mountains. I've enjoyed this posting very much.

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  34. Joe ToddAugust 17, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Looks like you guys had a great time and what a neat place to visit.

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  35. ConnieAugust 17, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Great pictures of the fog rolling in, Betsy. Fog always makes things look so mystical. :D Looks like that was a fun place to visit.

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  36. imacAugust 17, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Hope you both got down ok, neat shots Betsy.

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  37. RoseAugust 17, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    I hope you thought of me up in that fog...I would have so loved to be there!

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  38. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiAugust 17, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    The clouds and fog actually make some unique and interestingh photos, Betsy!

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  39. Out on the prairieAugust 17, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    The fog is real fun to watch. Nice share!

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  40. LolaAugust 17, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    That is an awesome place Betsy. We went there many yrs ago. We also climbed to the summit. Sure wish I had kept better records of where we went. I do have some pics & VHS [son put them on dvd's} movies. Even the beauty of the places doesn't override the pain it causes to watch them now.
    I did enjoy your post. Thank you.

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  41. A Brit in TennesseeAugust 17, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    Just like being in a wonderland, what a magical place !
    ~Jo

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  42. AnnAugust 17, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    What gorgeous pictures you got. And it did try and clear up just for you :) Glad you had such a wonderful birthday.

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  43. LVAugust 17, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Nice to know even those of you that are computer knowledgeable goof up. I do not care when you post them, it is always a pleasure to see what you share.

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  44. mamahasspokenAugust 17, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    Love the pictures of how the fog leaves or was that how it comes in :o/ Either way some fantastic shots there!

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  45. LynnAugust 17, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    Betsy, How far are you from this area in NC? This is one of the issues I have with being so far South in Florida....it takes 4 hours just to get to the Ga border using I-75, more if you go thru panhandle to AL or toward Jacksonville. I like swirling fog, like your pictures that comes and goes, so eventually you can watch it clear. Yes, "pea soup" is exactly what my grandmother used to call it also. It was such a lovely birthday that George gave you. Thank you for sharing it with us. Terry doing ok...today it's IBS issues but he is walking more and more plus still doing the PT. Thks for asking sweetie.

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  46. SquirrelQueenAugust 17, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    Now that's the way I remember Mt. Mitchell! I always liked the fog on the Smokies, it just seemed so peaceful that way. But I did enjoy the sunny days too.

    Great shots Betsy, that's a wonderful way to spend a birthday.

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  47. DonnaAugust 17, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Those clouds and mist are part of the charm of those old mountains! Just beautiful!

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  48. JDSAugust 17, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    As usual, wonderful pictures and great text! I like that "wild, angry" look the mountains have when they are shrouded in cloud/fog/mist.

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  49. Sally WesselyAugust 17, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    Looks like you made good use of being in a fog. I actually always kind of like a day like this. I love the photos.

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  50. carolina nanaAugust 17, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    The kids used to play ballgames up in that area and believe me it is foggy up there a lot of the time. And pea soup describes it well. You should try driving in it at night, not good !!!
    The views are magnificent when it is clear though.
    Blessings to you
    Marilyn

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  51. ruthinianAugust 18, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    the fog gave a mysterious effect to the scenery. love it.

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  52. Fred AltonAugust 18, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Betsy, I love this post with the great pictures of the fog moving in and moving out at Mt Mitchell. It's a really neat place to visit! Well, The fog couldn't stay because you were there and it was your birthday - and George had put that big sunny smile on your face which burned the fog off the mountain! ☺

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  53. Personalized Sketches and SentimentsAugust 18, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Happy belated Birthday! Beautiful and amazing photos...yep, it cleared up just for you! :o) The fog and the scenery in the 1st,3rd and 6th remind me of scenes from the musical Brigadoone :o)

    Blessings & Aloha!
    Thank you for your sweet words about our children and the art I do. Yes, time does fly by sooooo quickly! Do you live near your boys?

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  54. LyndaAugust 20, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    The fog is fun to watch. Around here it can get really dense some mornings. The streetlights will look like UFOs. I like see the mist rise though. It really does look like the mountains are Smoky!

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  55. Twilight ManAugust 22, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    My wife would be thrilled if I am such a darling hubby like George who often took you everywhere! Envy!

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  56. LorenAugust 22, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    Never knew Pea Soup could be sooo awesome!! ;)
    Seriously, that was sooo cool seeing the fog and then how it lifted. What an amazing experience to be able to see!

    What a treat for you on your bday :)

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