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...

Friday, February 17, 2012

Best of 2011: Western Trip --Part II

As you probably know (unless you are new to my blog),  George and I took a three-week trip out west this past June.  This was a fabulous trip ---and we loved every minute of it.  We hope to go back again and again!!! It's like a whole different world out there!!!

If you missed Part I of my favorite pictures from this trip,  click HERE.  Today I will share with you Part II from this trip.  Above was one of our very favorite places,  BRYCE CANYON.  We loved Bryce so much that we even went back a second time.  If you want to see more pictures from Bryce Canyon,  click  HERE.




This was another small canyon are that we visited and loved,  KOLOB CANYONS.   In order to see more pictures from this gorgeous place,  click  HERE




We spent a very hot day at the ARCHES.   We want to go back there sometime when there aren't so many people and also when it is a little cooler.  Above is one of many great pictures from the ARCHES ---showing the unusual rock formations.   In order to see more pictures from the Arches,  click HERE.




We were near Estes Park, Colorado when I took this photo.  Isn't this a gorgeous place?  In order to see more pictures from the Rocky Mountain National Park,  click HERE.




We drove UP UP UP into the Rocky Mountain National Park... The farther up we went,  the more snow we saw...  AWESOME!!!!  I think this picture was taken at about 12,000 feet in elevation.    Isn't it beautiful?????




Finally,  here's one more picture of one of our very favorite places,  BRYCE CANYON.  If you ever get to Utah,  please go and see Bryce Canyon.

Hope you enjoyed our 'Best Of' pictures... It was a fabulous trip --and we probably have many many 'best of' pictures from that experience.

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On another very troubling subject,   I am very very upset at what Blogger has done now with Word Verification.   I cannot read the gobbly-goop they are now using.  I have never used WORD VERIFICATION on my blog --and have had NO TROUBLE.  Blogger has a great spam-filter...

To tell you the truth,  I  have enough trouble getting to all of my commenters' blogs ---and now,  with the new Word Verification,  I just cannot do it.  If you choose to continue to use Word Verification on your blog,  I will probably quit leaving comments.   I just cannot do it... Sorry!!

My good friend,  Theresa (Texwisgirl)  wrote an excellent post last night about this... IF you want more information,  please read her post (click HERE)...   OR ---if you need help getting rid of the Word Verification,  contact me (betsyadams@mac.com) and I'll help you.  Thanks so much!!!

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Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday.
Hugs,
Betsy

80 comments:

penny said...

You and George visited some amazing places on that trip, and your beautiful photos show just how awesome that part of the US really is.

Thanks for sharing, Betsy.
Be well and happy,
Pam :)

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed these gorgeous photos this morning, Betsy. I hope you both have a wonderful weekend.

Ruth Hiebert said...

WOW!! Each of these pictures is stunning. THe scenery is just gorgeous.
I agree with the word verification,it is almost impossible to read the words.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

YES YES YES on the word verification. It is AWFUL. I have had to retype words up to 3 times because I can't read it now. Please take it off your blog folks!

I love the pic of Arches, Betsy! I was looking through some pics from our trip out west about 8 years ago - I hope to scan some of them and do a post at some point.

Harriet said...

I think that I now have word verification turned off on both of my blogs.Gorgeous pictures but I love the one of Estes Park!!

Arkansas Patti said...

That lake/mountain picture is what I would love to see out my window each morning. Maybe some day.
Totally agree with the new word vert. It is horrid and thank you for not using it.

From the Kitchen said...

Beautiful! I love the "layering" in the canyons and that red road--was it really red?

I gave up "word verification" a long time ago and have had no problem. I have noticed now that you have to do two "words" and they are blurry. Some of the blogs I love have both word verification and need blog owner approval.

Best,
Bonnie

Connie said...

Gorgeous pictures, Betsy! That was really a trip of a lifetime.

Nancy said...

What a great trip to so many different and beautiful places....Your photographs are amazing....candy for the eyes....

I agree 100 % on the topic of word verification...I cannot read them.....

I hope you have a wonderful weekend....

RoeH said...

That's one of my favorite places. Utah really is a gorgeous state and like Arizona, very diverse.

And I totally agree with you on the verification thing. It's a pain in the toot.

linda m said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy. I agree with you on the new word verification - it is terrible. I am so glad you don't use it. I will probably be leaving less comments on the blogs that still use it.

Donna said...

Seeing the beauty of Bryce Canyon sure woke me up this morning! We adore that place. It was so neat to stay there in one of the cabins, not far from the rim. We went in mid April several years ago. Oh, was it cold!!! We were taking sunrise photos in 14 degree weather. A few days ear lie, we were in Phoenix and it was in the 90s. Would love to see Arches again too. Only got to see a little piece of it on a tour bus. That's NOT the way to really experience a national park.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

You're photos are so beautiful and making me want to go back again! We'd planned another trip out west for this spring, but I'm thinking it may get pushed to the fall. I do like fall travel best for some reason. At any rate, we'll get there sometime...can't wait! Thanks for sharing these!

Donna said...

And thank you for your comments about word verification! The latest changes are awful. I had to try 4 times to comment on one blog. After warning people, I won't be commenting again if they continue to use verification.

MadSnapper said...

stunning vistas, each and every one. i am going to post Tex on my blog to because it is driving me nuts. it is unreadable.

Latane Barton said...

What a trip!! Hope you get to go back soon and just canyon hop all you want.

Boy, do I agree with you with the word verification thing. I don't have it, haven't in a long time and I never have any problem with unwanted comments. Blogger is great at scanning those out. Perhaps they put those yucky unreadable letters up there to make us all quit. Who knows.

Neal said...

Wow, that sure is a nice assortment of pictures!! The Rocky Mountains is still my favorite. :) I, like you, have never used word verification and only occasionally get spam.

Out on the prairie said...

Excellent choices today. I wasn't sure if bloggger added this messy word to our blogs or what, very unneeded. I hope mine is still clear of a silly thing, I have owner verification and very rarely get anything unusual.

TexWisGirl said...

THANK YOU, dear betsy!!! :)

these photos are just so gorgeous. i loved the changeover from red rock to white-capped mountains. so perfect.

George said...

Amen! on the word verification.

When are we going back out west?

Dorothy said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy!!! We LOVED Bryce, too! I want to go to Rocky Mt. Nat'l. Park, because we missed that. I could live out west!

I Am Woody said...

I have absolutely GOT to go west again!! :)

Unknown said...

Really enjoyed the trip through your lens!

It seems almost everywhere I go people are talking about the captcha code fiasco. I've tried using the audio option and it sounds like several tracks are playing at once! Finally just gave up posting comments on several blogs.

Sylvia K said...

You do have some gorgeous captures of the wonderful places you and George have visited! I, too, love Bryce Canyon, it's one of my favorite places, too! I have never used Word Verification either and I've never had a problem. I can read them, but it takes a lot of effort! Theresa did indeed write a great post about this!! Hope you and George have a wonderful weekend!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

These photos are gorgeous! Love George's question.....I was wondering what was up with the new fangled words on some blogs....I don't like it either.

Terry and Linda said...

Love your header, Betsy!


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

Dorothy said...

I totally agree with you on the Word Verification thing!!! It is a pain in the ... and too much trouble to go to just to leave a comment. Sometimes it takes the third try to get it right. Let's all get rid of Word Verification. If you have comments come to your e-mail or the Blogger modification for approval, you have the chance to delete or publish it there.

A Colorful World said...

Beautiful photos of a wonderful trip! I am going to come back when I have a little more time and click on the links.
Boy, did I get an earful about comment verification on my recent post! I didn't even realize I still had it, and I have been annoyed by the ones I have been coming across on other people's blogs! Couldn't figure out how to get rid of it though, so I sent an email to Mom, and I will scoot by TexWisGirl right now and see if I can get the info I need. Thanks!

Marie

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Hi Betsy,

Yes, I need your help to tell me how to get rid of the word verification.

These rock formations, my rich imagination makes me think they are people, and this may be the fables I had been told from 2 famous ones in Borneo.

Janice K said...

Your pictures remind me of all the ones I took on our trip West that I never did finish posting. So much beauty!

I agree with that word verification--how frustrating. I turned mine off today.

Rohrerbot said...

I agree with you on the word verification thing....I can't read it either!!! Your photos are stunning. Looks like you needed water for this hike:) The first shot followed by the rest are lovely. Have a good weekend!

Glenda said...

Beautiful pics . . . and I agree with your comments about word verification.

happyone said...

I just can't get over those amazing colors and shapes. They are truly awesome photos!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Fantastic pictures! I enjoyed Bryce Canyon the one time I went there 40 years ago. I have never been to the Rocky Mountain National Park or the Arches Monument. I hope to go sometime, but only to lower elevations - I get altitude sickness. Have a great weekend!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I love all those photos...I am so happy you and George had such a lovely visit out west. And it is equally as wonderful when you share with us!
Blogger really messed that verification thing up; dang!

nanny said...

Great shots.

Amen to verification words....I can't make them out!!! Therefore no comment!!

OLDLADYWITH FLARE said...

NICE

Ginny Hartzler said...

Great pictures,my favorite is the first one!! You are right about the new word verification, it is awful, I can barely decipher the words! I wonder why they changed it? Maybe all the bad comments will make them change it back. I may have to do the same thing that you are.

Ms. A said...

That new word verification is tricky, tricky, tricky!

Sally Wessely said...

We are talking about a trip to Utah next month. I think we need to swing down south to see Bryce and Zion when we do. Thanks for the reminder.

I also am going crazy with the word verification. I have to make sure my blog is set up without it. I moderate for personal reasons (an ex who love to cause problems), but I may change that setting too.

Sandy said...

I am jealous ! What great shots so colorful. (o:

HolleyGarden said...

Absolutely gorgeous pics! They look like paintings. You are really making me want to go visit that area of the country. I completely agree with you about this new word verification. I can not read it, either, and sometimes have to try two or three times before I get it right. Very frustrating.

Fred Alton said...

Sorry about the Word Vericatioh problem and I can barely read some of the stuff. I am going to try to make sure mine is turned off and hope the spam doesn't mess me up again like it did for awhile. Love the pictures your posted here and especially the Arches.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Oh my goodness, these are gorgeous photos. I especially loved the snow-covered mountains. Awesome.

I encountered the fuzzy word verification just recently and thought it was a fluke. I hope they fix it soon. It definitely can be a problem if you read and comment on a lot of blogs.

Catherine said...

Oh I hear you my friend! I have noticed the double word verification today too. One was bad enough but now two? And a very fuzzy one to boot? Who has the time? (Or that good of eyes...haha!)

I haven't used word verification for a long long time and 'knock on wood', blogger's spam filter has been good to me. No troubles.

I'm going to go read your friend's post.

Wishing you and your sweetie pie a wonderful weekend!

xo Catherine

Chatty Crone said...

I can't read the words either - they made them so hard!!!

I don't know if I like the snow on the mountains or dry from the desert - they are totally opposites - yet they are both GORGEOUS!

love, sandie

Shug said...

Those tall pillars of rocks look like soldiers all lined up...

I so agree with you about the word verification.. way too difficult..I tried to comment on several post this evening and it took me two or three tries... so frustrating..
Have a great weekend..
Shug

carolina nana said...

I love those rock formations. I hope to one day get to take a trip like yours out west to see all the beautiful sites.
Do I have word verification still on my comments? I thought I took it off long ago.
Blessings
Marilyn

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Thanks for the info on blogger changing something again!
Can't wait to visit Bryce!!!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

It is nice to see the Rockies, etc out west...I understand the word verification thing...I guess some do not know how it is not needed

CottonLady said...

Your pictures are gorgeous! Made me homesick for Rocky Mountain National Park...I lived close by there many years ago.

I am so glad I am not the only one having trouble reading that dumb word verification thingy. It is frustrating.

Blessings!

cizrein said...

Wow, what a very beautiful place. I hopr that one day I can also come and see that beautiful place..

Vetirmagal said...

I was in Tennessee for 6 months during 2007-08, and we made a trip to Grand Canyon. Missed Colorado though.

Beautiful place and photographs. Thanks you!

Anonymous said...

I'm learning so much about your beautiful country from following your trips. I particularly love the combination of lakes and mountains, but all the landscapes are stunning as captured by your wonderful photography.
(I'm finding all the technical aspects of blogging very tiring, especially with my eyesight problem).

penny said...

Thanks for reposting the verification tip it is extremely annoying.

Have a delightful weekend with your sweetheart, Betsy.
Blessings,
Pam :)

Birdman said...

Spent time in Bryce... LOVE Bryce. What a place for the camera!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

GORGEOUS photos! What a wonderful trip! Wow!!!

Blessings & Aloha!
Thank you my friend for your lovely visit and sweet words...and I totally agree with the annoying word verification thingy! I can hardly read them too!

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

These photos are fantastic and show the incredible blend of landscapes, topography and beauty in the U.S. Thanks for sharing them in one post.

Amen on word verification. Hate it.

Darryl and Ruth :)

A Colorful World said...

Had to come back and look at your links, especially Estes Park! We were in Colorado the winter our daughter was born, and did more sight-seeing in that six months than you can shake a stick at! LOVED it there! I remember Estes Park being so incredibly beautiful, and your pictures sure brought back memories!

About the garden pictures on my post...all taken in Va/ NC a few years ago. Those were the iris I had in my yard! I am experiencing a problem right now with a "dirty" computer tower and am going to have to get it cleaned out. It wouldn't even take my camera card to copy my pictures, so for the past week or so I have been relying on the ones I'd already uploaded and others already saved to "My Pictures" I was glad I had a few garden shots I could use! Have an awesome weekend! And thanks again for the help!

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy, I love your "OUt West" photos. Bryce Canyon is one of my favorite parks. My hubby and I both loved it there. Your photos are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Happy Weekend!

Betty Manousos said...

hi betsy -this totally uplifted my morning.
bryce canyon certainly looks magical.
lovely photos, i love every single one. wow, what a fantastic trip!

thanks so much for sharing and have a great weekend!

big hugs!
betty

imac said...

Real great shots Betsy.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Thanks for the wonderful tour of out West. The photos are splendid. I went out West a few years ago and enjoyed this posting very much. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Those photos are absolutely stunning. That looks like a place I would love to visit one day.
I bet you loved that trip. I would love to go to Yellowstone National park. It's so beautiful there!
Have a great day!

Eva

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

I am trying to get out of the verification thing but haven't succeeded.
Love this post of very spectacular scenes along your journey!

Janie said...

I'm irritated with that new word verification, too, Betsy. What a pain. I don't think I have it, but I need to doublecheck.
You and George saw a lot on your trip! Bryce is one of my favorite places, too.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Oh so pretty and Gods own country. It takes your breath away its so stunning..And a good photographer also.

Phillip said...

Hi Betsy,
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Still have to work out how to remove the word verification, but I will. It has become a real pain.

Cassie said...

OMgosh Betsy, I TOTALLY agree with you on the word verification. I was whining to Patrick about that just this morning! I have glaucoma and really bad eyes to start with and those things are making them go crossed!! Anywhoooo, back to your pics: Very beautiful. My favorite is Estes Park,Co, but then, you know I'm very partial to lakes,streams and trees,trees,trees. Living in Arizona for over 40 years I've probably lost my original appreciation of red rocks and wonderful canyons!! Have a great week, my friend. xx

ruthinian said...

as usual, awesome and breathtaking photos. it's been awhile since i last visited you. glad i had the time to get a peek and as usual i am not disappointed with what i see. take care

Tracy said...

Betsy, I am always envious of your photos...so beautiful well actually stunning! I have a lot to learn but that's okay!
I too hate word verification and just left a blog I typically leave comments on because I couldn't read the word...

Susie Swanson said...

Gorgeous pics as usual Betsy. hope all is well with you and George..Glad you enjoyed your trip my friend..Susie

penny said...

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a kind comment, Betsy.
Sunday blessings,
Pam :)

Becca's Dirt said...

I agree about the word verification Betsy. I'm having trouble with it too. Can't read it sometime and it makes me sad when I can't leave a comment.

The snow covered mountains are stunning. Looks like it belongs on a wall in a frame. Gorgeous reflections in the lake.

Jane said...

Beautiful pictures. I absolutely agree with you on the blog verification. I just deleted a number of blogs because I can no longer leave comments because I can't deciper the letters. It's all Greek to me, and believe me, I know Greek! :)

Jane

Connie Arnold said...

These are wonderful photos! I agree with you about the word verification.

Shelley said...

I always enjoy taking these trips w/ you Betsy! Your photos are wonderful.I've said it before and i'll say it again, you and George are definitely an inspiration - you live life to the fullest and see so many beautiful places!

Big Hugs,
Shelley

Gail said...

Your photos are absolutely stunning.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love Colorado, Betsy! You gotfabulous shots of Rocky Mountain National Park
Yes, the new word verification is giving me a headache....hope more bloggers remove it!

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Betsy, thank you so much for stopping by and letting me know about this post. I just had to come back and take a look and I am so glad I did. Absolutely awesome photographs. I remember Bryce Canyon well, what a magical place. I would love to go back there again one day. Loved all these photos. Thanks again.