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, September 26, 2011

Blackwater Falls, West Virginia

Blackwater Falls, West Virginia
As you know,  we took some time off from Blogging recently... We did get some much-needed yardwork done,  visited George's father,  and finished some other projects which were on our lists...  BUT--we also decided to take a short trip to Buffalo, New York,  to visit George's daughter,  Kelly, and hubby Chuck.   We enjoyed seeing them --and on our way home,  we decided to take a few more days and visit some scenic areas (including waterfalls) in Ohio and West Virginia...

Believe it or not,  we did manage to see about 25 new waterfalls.  Some were 'waterless' --or almost waterless...  Others were huge... Today I'll share one of our favorites,   Blackwater Falls,  in the Potomac Highlands near Davis, West VA.  Thanks to blog friend,  ANGELA,  for promoting her gorgeous state on her blog... That's one reason we went there!!!!

We got to the state park on a rainy, wet, foggy day ---which is usually a good time to view waterfalls...  WELL--we definitely hit the jackpot.  It was still drizzling when we hiked down to the waterfall --but once we got there and saw that raging beauty,  we just forgot about all of the rain!!!! Blackwater Falls  (50 feet high) is on the Blackwater River.  The hike wasn't bad ---and there is a great boardwalk with steps leading down to the falls. 

Today I will share with you some of our photos around the state park.  Above is a photo taken near the falls,  from the boardwalk.  Below are more!  Be sure and click on each picture to see a larger version.





  


Here is a picture of George taken on the boardwalk ---as we headed to the overlook on the other side of the gorge.




Since Blackwater Falls State Park is about 3500 feet in elevation,  we got to see some beautiful Fall colors up there.




Here is another picture of Blackwater Falls --taken from the overlook on the other side of the gorge.   From here,  you can see the platform where we were when the first picture above was taken.




This is a funny picture George took of me while we were at the Blackwater Falls Overlook --on the other side of the gorge.




Fog seems to follow George and I when we are traveling.. On this rainy day at Blackwater Falls State Park,  we did have alot of fog around..  Isn't this a great photo of the mountains,  the fog and some Fall color?




This picture was taken from the Pendleton Point Overlook --and shows the Blackwater River as it rages through the gorge.




Finally,  here is one more photo of gorgeous Blackwater Falls taken from the overlook across the gorge. 

There are more waterfalls in this 2,456 acre state park.  We saw a few more here on this trip--but want to go back there in order to do more hiking on their many trails and to check out more waterfalls in the area.  This is a state park which we definitely recommend.

Hope all of you have had a great 2+ weeks.  I have not checked many blogs --so if I missed something really important,  please remind me to check  that particular post.  Otherwise,  I will start reading your blog posts this week.

I also enjoyed participating on Facebook while I've been gone.  IF you are on Facebook and haven't found me yet,  please go to my sidebar and click on my Facebook info.  I never thought I would enjoy Facebook --but my kids/grands are all on it.  SO-- IF I wanted to keep up with them and their busy lives,  I 'had' to join!!!!!   What I found out though was just how much fun Facebook is.  I have also caught up with many blog friends --some of which are not blogging anymore.

Hugs to All,
Betsy

69 comments:

penny said...

Hi Betsy, I'm happy to see your smiling face again. You and George certainly have been gallivanting all over the countrysides and adding to your waterfalls collection.. there's a book in that collection!
These pics and places are beautiful even in the rain.
Thanks for the journey.
hugs, Pam

Unknown said...

Wow, these are wonderful photos!!! The falls and the West Virginia countryside are beautiful. I am a little bit surprised to see some fall color there already.

John
connectedtothevinephotography.blogspot.com

Hidden Haven Homestead said...

I had not heard of Blackwater Falls before and it is beautiful! I sure am blessed to get to "visit" so many wonderful places through your posts. So glad you and George take the time to share with us. See you on facebook!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you back here Ms. Betsy! It's nice you got to visit some family and see more falls.

mamahasspoken said...

Love the new heading with all the beauty of fall.
Seems like it's not only fog but rain that follows you on your trips ;o)

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Beautiful!!! Love the new blog look and header photo. That is a lot of waterfalls for one trip. Glad you're back and I'm catching up also!!! Have a beautiful week!!!

Catherine said...

Glad you are back sweet Betsy and that you have enjoyed your time off from blogging. Looks like you kept yourself busy!

Hoping you are enjoying fall Betsy!
xo Catherine

pam said...

So glad you're back! That waterfall is gorgeous! I'll have to look you up on Facebook!

Arkansas Patti said...

Looks like you took wonderful advantage of your time off. I am surprised though that you didn't go a bit farther north to visit the Mother of all Falls.
I agree with Pam, you have the material needed for a really nice coffee top book on Waterfalls.
Welcome back.

Dorothy said...

Wonderful pictures, Betsy!!!!!!!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Welcome back to Blogland. You were missed. Wow,that scenery is gorgeous,even with the fog,or is it because of the fog.The fog gives everything a softer look. I too am enjoying Facebook,and to think I resisted for so long. :)

I Am Woody said...

West Virginia is a beautiful state. One of our most favorite vacations was spent there - just roaming. We had no plans. No destination. We only drove back roads. When we would reach an intersection, we would flip a coin to decide the direction to take:)

TexWisGirl said...

Betsy, those are gorgeous shots! so glad you're back into blogging.

Snap said...

Love those waterfalls and some beautiful fall color too!

Jo said...

Hi Betsy, how wonderful to see you again! And MORE waterfalls? You're amazing to discover these magnificent natural beauties. The photo of fall, the mist and the mountain is brilliant as are all the other images. Thanks for sharing. (((hugs))) Jo PS you can't have a fear of heights while standing on that platform, can you? Lol!

Serenity Cove said...

It's great to have you back. I've been missing your waterfall and Smoky photos!
Blackwater Falls and the Elkins WV area are on our cousins trip next year. They look beautiful!!

Out on the prairie said...

Very nice to have you back, I have missed hear from you.Lovely pics and nice color coming around for fall. The gorge looks fun to further investigate.

Rose said...

You're back! I checked last night and noticed the beautiful new header. It was worth the trip to see the waterfall shown here...but i love all the misty shots.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Wonderful photos Betsy....even with the fog following you. :) I love the silly pic of you...shows your sweet sense of humor! Glad you made it home safe and sound!

Barbara said...

Glad to have you back, I have missed you sweet friend, just wonderful photos too, they make you feel like you are right there, you both have such a talent for taking these photos, thanks for sharing all the beauty with us.
Have a very joyful and blessed day.

Shug said...

Good morning Betsy...glad you are back to blogging

Oh my...your header is absolutely gorgeous...Sure wish we had colors like that here in East Texas...
All of your pictures are great. I love it when you all take trips and bring them back to share with us...
Blessings today.
shug

CottonLady said...

Stunning photos, Betsy! I'm sure enjoying seeing all the falls thru you! :) Looks like you had a great trip. Welcome back!

Blessings!

Janice K said...

Certainly a majestic waterfall! And your foggy mountain pictures with just a hint of fall colors showing through are great.

Anxious to see what you found in Ohio.

Susie Swanson said...

More beautiful pictures, fog does make the falls more beautiful.. Thanks for taking us with you..

LV said...

You never disappoint us with your post. All your travels provides you with some of nature's best. I love all these sights, but your header takes the cake.

Small City Scenes said...

Well we are glad you are back and had lots of fun and are safe and sound. I hope Dad Adams is doing well.
The Falls are gorgeous. Can't wait to see more super pictures.
We have been hiking on and around Mt. Baker--what a strenuous blast. I just hope my old knees hold up. LOL MB

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Betsy!
It is good to see you back on your blog..you were missed! I'm glad you and George had a lot of nice quality time with family. I had fun keeping up with you on facebook but I love seeing all your photos and some of George's


photos here. You found so many wonderful waterfalls during your travels. Since you were in Buffalo did you get a chnace to visit the nearby Niagra Falls?

Welcome home!

Hugs, Pat

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Betsy, welcome back, you've been missed! It sounds like your break was filled with good things. You and George really do find the most beautiful scenery to shoot and I'm so glad you share it with us! That is one beautiful waterfall. Can't wait to see more of your photos. Have a great day!

Lola said...

Looks as though you & George had a wonderful time. Glad to see you back. Pics are gorgeous. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back, Betsy! Wow, what incredible photos! They are simply amazing.

Good luck with Facebook. I am leery of it.

Naturegirl said...

Betsy I don't know anyone that's on the go as much as you and your hubby! Great images of places you visited!
Don't we all need time away from blogging to catch up with other priorities.
Nice to stopped by and visit w/ you.Anna

Ms. A said...

Thank goodness blogger has removed that horrible lightbox feature, so I can enlarge your photos to full screen! Beautiful!

MadSnapper said...

I just got a blast of Autumn from your blog, WOW on that header, you blog looks great and the photos are fantastic, i like the really really red leaves, they glow with color

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Hi Betsy, lovely to see you are back, you were missed !
What gorgeous colors in the state park, we are way behind them when it comes to Fall colors....
The waterfalls are just magical, it looks like you and George had one BIG time :)
Love your new header !!
~Jo

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

Again you took my breath away with your gorgeous pics!!! I love going along on all your travels :)
Your new header looks like our view from our bedroom window! In about a month we will finally have all those beautiful colors!
Glad to have you and George back!
I will "friend" you on Facebook!
xo, misha

Karin said...

When it comes to hiking and seeing waterfalls I live vicariously through you both, lol! It's just fantastic - the amazing scenery and the fun pics of you two. Love, love, love the foliage along the east coast. We do enjoy our green and gold, but I miss all the brilliant reds. We do have some reds, but not nearly what you folks enjoy!

Have a great week!

Becca's Dirt said...

Beautiful Betsy. And glad to have you back in blogland. I love touring the beautiful places with you. Too bad it was raining. I would have gone indoors but not you two. Ya'll are so adventureous. I am addicted to FB now. I have to check in all through out the day or I'll miss something - crazy.

SquirrelQueen said...

Welcome back, it sounds like you and George had a great trip.

That waterfall is gorgeous, rainy days do make them more dramatic. I am just amazed at all the color in the mountains and in that header shot. We haven't seen any signs of color here yet.

Terry and Linda said...

I love your header, Betsy! Your post is lovely also!

Happy Monday!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

camp and cottage living said...

Betsy
I've missed you! I'm so glad all is well with you and DH.
I love the photos of the falls, but I think the one George took of you was cute. Welcome Back-Kimberly

Angela said...

I am so glad that you and George were able to visit Blackwater Falls! It truly is one of my favorite places to go and visit. We don't even go to the beach anymore because we love it so much at Canaan Valley. We can't get enough of it.

Beautiful pictures! I'm glad you got to see it when it was full of water like that. I've seen it in different states through the years. Not sure if you know it or not but there are 2 paths down to the falls. One is a bunch of steps all the way down and the other has a paved road half way down to where that big rock is at the middle of the path. After the first trip down all those steps we discovered the paved walk and we use it now because it is easier on the knees! lol

Thanks for mentioning me and my blog in your post! I am just thrilled that someone came to my neck of the woods and seen all of the beauty that West Virginia has to offer!

I've never been there in the fall or winter. I've seen pictures from both and it is just so beautiful all year round up there. Love your fall leaf picture too! It must not have been as dry up there as it is down here in Charleston. The leaves here are just brown with not much color at all going on yet.

Hugs,
Angela

Anonymous said...

Welcome back Betsy. Thanks for sharing these awesome photos of your trip. We missed you!

Beatriz said...

Hello Betsy!
What a great waterfall and wonderful other pictures!!! I'm simply fascinated! I'm a biologist and I've never being in the U.S.
I didn't imagine so many beautiful places to visit near New York!
Cheers
Bia
www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy, sounds like you and George had a great time away. I love the Blackwater Falls photos. I would like to go there myself someday. Your header shot is so colorful and pretty. Beautiful photos, I hope your week is a great one!

Wendy said...

Sounds like you guys had fun. Your photos are great! Welcome back. I also joined FB so I could keep up with my grandkids, but I rarely go on it.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Rest is needed but you were very busy traveling...You find gorgeous waterfalls! Thanks for sharing

Neal said...

Are you saying that you're always in a fog? :) Those pictures are beautiful. I really like your header picture also.

Cheryl said...

The header photo is outstanding! I just love following you and George around on all your waterfall trips! I think the fog adds a bit to the photos...especially in the mountains with the foliage. I am so glad you have discovered Facebook! I find I spend more time there than I do blogging!

Connie said...

Great photos, Betsy! Looks like you and George were there on a really good day! Glad to see you back. :)

Chatty Crone said...

Did you get to meet Angela? And that first waterfall looks like it had golden water.

I'm glad you got all that done. And that you had such a great vacation.

I love waterfalls.

Love,
sandie

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I want to see backwater falls too because of Angela.

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

Sounds like you guys had a wonderful blog break! Beautiful photos. I can't wait for fall colors here. Glad you're back!

carolina nana said...

Glad you had a wonderful time traveling and visiting with family over the last couple weeks.
Looking forward to more of your pictures.
Blessings
MArilyn

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Doug and I visited Blackwater Falls many years ago. It was beautiful, and I so enjoyed seeing it again though your camera's lens.

Annie Jeffries said...

I'm so happy I didn't miss these pictures, Betsy. My sister just moved to Clarksburg, WV. Literally - JUST. What a pretty world. I'm jealous. :-)

Cicero Sings said...

Glad you had a grand time. I've just started to go back and read some blogs from my week away but I'm not doing a lot of commenting ... just perusing to see if I've missed anything!

Those falls are lovely and I think that is rather a cute picture of you ... looks like you are peeking.

Glenda said...

Welcome back, Betsy! Loved these pics - especially the one with the fog and foliage. Your header is gorgeous!!

From the Kitchen said...

I'll be back in the morning with a cup of coffee!!

Glad you're back but it was fun staying connected on Facebook.

Best,
Bonnie

Diane said...

Anytime you can get away it's refreshing. It looks like you went to a great place Betsy. Diane

Reanaclaire said...

What lovely pictures of the fog and waterfall! Love them.. West Virgina reminds me of John Denver.. Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue rich moutains....

Elettra said...

Welcome back, as always your pictures are very impressive !!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy! Welcome back! I've missed you! I'm taking a peek at your lovely photos from you trip and will return as they deserve a good long gaze - very busy day to-day. (I love your header, too). xx

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Beautiful photos! How wonderful that you two take the time to see such beautiful sites/sights :o) along the way on your travels! Welcome back and thank you always for sharing your wonderful trips with us.

Blessings & Aloha!
Thank you so much for "visiting" my place & your sweet comment. :o) You wrote if there was any exciting posts that you may have missed...I had missed getting my "one post a week" post up last week, but the post prior mentioned exciting news in our family... V is for VERY... So, if you have time, I'd love to share that one with you :o)

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Glad your time away from the blog was good.
Love the waterfalls. That's a lot in one trip!

Mary said...

Great shots of the scenery! Really beautiful at this time of year.

Janie said...

What a beautiful waterfall. Looks like the fall colors were lovely, too, and the trails look beautiful.

Lynda said...

I'm glad you are back, too. The pics, as usual, are gorgeous. You are a real hiker to get out in the drizzly rain. The neat thing about the rain is it gives a shine to all the foliage. What are the yellow-brown stripes in the falls? Is it mud?

Annesphamily said...

Leave it to Angela to send you on a trip to some heaven on earth! She is one amazing lady and I still miss her Tuesday Show and Tail! But again Betsy you take incredible photos. God willing, this winter I am going to purchase my Canon Rebel. Another blogger had one, upgraded to a different camera and well, it was a long story! I want to take photos like you!
I am a waterfall fanatic! I love them and I would crawl anywhere if necessary to see such gorgeous sites! Thank you again or sharing. Anne

Kirigalpoththa said...

Fantastic!