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, February 20, 2012

North Georgia Mountain Valentine's Trip

Here is the little bumpy, unpaved road we were on --on that foggy morning!!!
George and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day OUR WAY...  One of our favorite things in the world to do is to go deep into the woods on the narrow, back roads and check out waterfalls and do some hiking!!!!  SO--that is exactly what we did on Feb. 13-15.  We drove to the North Georgia Mountains --and got to see 7 waterfalls during those few days!!!

The one I will share with you today was the first one we saw on Valentine's morning.  They had predicted snow and ice --and we were afraid that we'd just be stuck all day in the motel... BUT--luckily, as is usually the case,  they missed the forecast and we only saw snow at the higher elevations..  This time,  I said  "Thank Goodness"... ha

We drove near Helen, Georgia (in White County) to see a group of waterfalls in the Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area (near the Unicoi State Park).   We took Forest Road 44 (called the Chattahoochee River Road) deep into the mountains...

We happened upon  our first waterfall  not too far into the mountains.  According to our Georgia information,  this one is called the "Upper Spoilcane Creek Falls"...   It is near Unicoi Gap State Park.  We were at about 3100 feet in elevation at this level---so we enjoyed seeing some snow and ice here.

One really good thing about hiking in weather like this (32 degrees,  snow, fog, drizzles, etc.),  we had the entire mountain to ourselves.. We drove over 8 miles in and out of that mountain --and never EVER saw one other person nor vehicle!!!!!  It was TREMENDOUS--just like we love it.  It was OUR kind of trip, and the mountains were ALL ours!!!!

Hope you enjoy today's pictures.   Be sure to click on them to enlarge them.




Here is  the Upper Spoilcane Creek Falls--surrounded by snow and ice.  Pretty,  aren't they?




These new hiking, rain jackets were perfect on a day like this  (even though we both had sweatshirts and flannel shirts under them  for more warmth)...  It did warm up a little during the day,  but at this time,  it was only about 32 degrees up there.




Here is a neat picture of the bottom of the waterfall ---from fairly close!!!!  Wanna go for a dip in the water????????   Brrrrr----probably much too cold on this day!




George was getting some 'up close and personal' photos also.  The waterfall went very high up in the mountain --but the fog prevented us from seeing much of the top.




Here is a neat picture showing some of the snow and ice beside the waterfall.




The old woman was getting COLD ---so she is ready to get back in Mrs. P (our Prius)...




Finally,  we are heading farther and farther deep into the mountains...   Bet you can't wait to see more pictures!!!!!  It was a fabulous day in the Georgia mountains ---and a great way to spend Valentine's Day. 





 +++++++++++++++++++++++++
SNOW in FAIRFIELD GLADE on Sunday,  2/19/12
Our Spring Flowers trying to 'grow'---Don't know what they'll look like tomorrow. ha
 Have a wonderful Monday...  As I said above, we got snow here yesterday (about 2 inches or so) --and it was SO pretty  (just the kind I like---wet snow that clings to everything).... (There are a couple more pictures on Facebook.)

Hugs,
Betsy
Thanks for visiting. Please leave a comment and I'll respond to you. BUT--I beg of you to take off "WORD VERIFICATION" from your blog IF you have it.  I truly cannot read that 'gobbly goop'...   Thank You so very very much!!!

71 comments:

Ms. A said...

I'd be a bit nervous if there were many approaching cars on those winding roads, especially in the fog. Reminds me of how the roads used to be, going to my grandmother's house.

Sharon said...

Love those north Georgia forest roads!! I thought about you yesterday knowing you had gotten snow. We saw a few fat, fluffy flakes, but that was about it! Can't wait for more reports from your Valentine trip!

eileeninmd said...

Hi Betsy, I see you are out enjoying your snow. I love the gorgeous waterfalls. And GEE that is a windy and narrow road. Wonderful photos. Have a HAPPY week!

Catherine said...

Oh Betsy ~ you and George look so cold even though you are in your warm coats!! Brrrrr! But everything does look pretty!

Keep warm this week friend!
xo Catherine

Connie said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy. Oh my, it does look like it was a cold day for hiking, though! Sounds like you had a great time. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I loved these pictures, seemed to be a great place. I love the forests, and those waterfalls were lovely. sounds like a great way to spend Valentine's day to be honest, nothing better than being out in the Nature! Have a fantastic Monday!

Hugs
Eva

Cuby said...

Sounds and looks like a good way to spend Valentines Day. I imagine the waterfall would be even more impressive in spate.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Looks like a beautiful valentines day!

Tami AKA My Kid's Mom said...

There's nothing like the mountains with the fog. It makes for an awesome scene.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Oh Betsy, those lonely mountain roads are just the place to be and experience being one with nature. What a fabulous way to spend Valentine's day.

MadSnapper said...

you look so cold, i am wondering if you ever have problems with your Rebel camera's in cold weather. i have never used mine because we don't get cold like 32 degrees. i love that first shot of the road, a road i would love to travel.

Anonymous said...

I like it, too, when we have a scenic attraction to ourselves. Pretty pictures of the waterfall. I particularly like the last picture, the closeup of the waterfall with the snow and ice. No new snow here, only a little on the ground. I find it amazing that we have been able to see green most everyday throughout this Winter!

linda m said...

I love the pictures. It does look cold though.

From the Kitchen said...

I love those foggy mountain days! You finally found some snow it seems. My mother called that sort of weather "bone chilling" but it was her favorite time to take walks near Skyline Drive.

Best,
Bpnnie

Shug said...

This is the best way to spend Valentines! With the one you love!!
Some wonderful shots here and I enjoy seeing the smiles on your face...
Hope your day is full of dreams..
hugs,
shug

Nancy said...

I love your adventurous spirit and because of it we get to enjoy your beautiful pictures....These are great shots of the falls....

My husband and I love getting in his old fishing truck and exploring the back roads of the NC mountains. It's amazing the beauty you can find in all that solitude...

I can't wait for more pictures....

Brenda said...

You are such a daring couple!! I love it that you are so free to travel and enjoy every moment of your life. I love all of your pictures and that you share them with us. Since I can't go, at least I can live it through you and George.
Happy trails!!
Brenda

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh you guys were so close to me - about an hour - hour and a half, Oh well.

It looked cold but adventurous.

I like the ice picture by the water - some ice and some flowing water - waiting to see which way it will turn.

Love, sandie

Donna said...

What a great country road! Beautiful shot - looks like you are going to careen right off the side of the mountain, LOL! The added bonuses to hiking this time of year are no skeeters or ticks and the lack of foliage lets you see the waterfalls better!

Glenda said...

Aren't the mountain especially beautiful in the snow? And so is your yard!

Hope you two have a great week!

I Am Woody said...

Sounds like a fabulous day!! I love exploring road like that:)

TexWisGirl said...

until you showed the ice next to the falls, you really don't realize how cold it was! :) looks like you had a grand time, though! :)

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Betsy! I think you are much braver than I to be out in the mountains on a foggy day with freezing temps! Of course you were probably safer than I was on I-70 traveling to KC over the weekend! LOL!
Love the waterfall photos, I always enjoy seeing where you and George have been. Looking forward to more!
Have a great day!

Mary said...

I like foggy shots! a nice waterfall and you look ready to step out into it :-) I'm glad you got the snow and not us...even 2 inches. We are having spring-like weather sort of.

LV said...

You two have more stamina and energy in your little finger than I will ever have. Almost had a chill just looking at the pictures. I think it is wonderful how you share and enjoy everything together. Not many like that any more. That new word verification thing is driving me crazy.

Sylvia K said...

Gorgeous waterfalls! I love them! And what great, snowy, cold captures!! I would love to be able to see these. Sounds like you had a terrific Valentines Weekend, Betsy!! Hope you have great week as well! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Nance said...

Hi Betsy,
Awesome pictures as always! Thanks for sharing.
I seldom blog anymore but I'll "friend" you on FB if it's ok?
Hugs,
Nancy Gelder

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Nancy, Don't seem to have an email address for you--so will write you here. Hope you see this!!!!! I'll be glad to friend you on FaceBook... Just send me a request.
Hugs,
Betsy

nanny said...

Those shots are wonderful....I really love the first one of the foggy morning.....

Pretty snow but I'm glad you have it, not me/ha

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Awesome shots Betsy !
The first one is breathtakingly beautiful....
Happy to read you had a wonderful time, it surely looked like you had a ball :)
~Jo

Small City Scenes said...

Lovely shots. Snowy waterfalls--very cool. We took some waterfall pictures on our trip. I will post them soon. MB

happyone said...

Sounds like my kind of day! : )
Great photos as usual.

amelia said...

Love these pics! They remind me of here only we have a lot more snow!

Today is so bright that even with polarised glasses, we are still snow blind when we get inside!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Sounds like a perfectly perfect day to me!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Well, I have to say that my favorites here are the two of YOU, in your blue coats with your big smiles!!! After those, I LOVE the moody and foggy first picture.

Anonymous said...

I am always thrilled when you and George enjoy your time in Georgia. I attended college (Truett McConnell) in White County (Cleveland GA) and we romped all over the waterfalls around Helen in the late '70's. I'm glad I did it when I was young and I carry those great memories with me now that we can't get out. Your pics are very pretty. I remember how cold it can be near those waterfalls. My college friends and I once hiked to Anna Ruby Falls and they were partially frozen!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, From your picture, I think you got a lot more snow in FFG than we did here near Tansi. I love the waterfall pictures! You both look happy! Excellent! Have a great evening and enjoy the better weather!

imac said...

Most enjoyable trip Betsy, I think I would be sweating with all those cloths on, lol.

Ann said...

what a nice way to spend Valentines day. It does look really cold there though and I think I'll pass on checking the waters....lol

Arkansas Patti said...

So glad the weather co-operated and let you get out and about. Like your rain jackets and they do stop the wind as well as the rain.
I am so envious of your snow though I am sure the plants have another opinion.
Kind of love the foggy pic the best.

Carletta said...

My kind of trip Betsy! And yes, I can hardly wait to see more!
I would have been so afraid to get caught on that road in downpouring snow. Sometimes it comes down quickly. You two were brave!
Love that foggy pic!!

NO! NO! NO! to Word Verification!

Busy Bee Suz said...

You two remind me of the old saying with the post office; neither rain, sleet or snow....
You will see your waterfalls no matter what!
Glad your new rain jackets worked out for you. 32* is COLD Betsy..did you know that? :)
Lovely photos; glad you and your sweetheart had a nice trip!
xo

HolleyGarden said...

That picture of the ice beside the waterfall really shows how cold it was! Brrr! But gorgeous, and I'm so glad you both got to enjoy your Valentine's together, doing what you both love.

Lynn said...

Betsy, I must say you and George have struck gold on the last two hiking trips with all the amazing waterfalls you have located and photographed. Very interesting, your memories of Mardi Gras those years you lived in New Orleans and did all the parades. Thank you for sharing the memories. We go to French Quarter anytime for our jazz club on Bourbon Street, a no frills place that only very dedicated jazz lovers hang out for long which is why we love it, everyone there only cares for the music. Each time we go we buy any of the new CD's so we can always be back there in spirit anytime we put their music on at home. In fact, I walk to one of those CD, nothing like jazz to kick up the walking a few notches. So when is your next trip?
Blessings.

Karin said...

So glad you are still able to do all the things you want to do! Awesome adventures! Those are such gorgeous photos!

Neal said...

That's a very nice assortment of pictures. I'll bet it was kind of chilly, especially around the waterfall with all the mist. I am glad you finally got a little snow.

Unknown said...

Those roads look a mite familiar! Thanks for sharing the trip with us.

BTW: I carry a set of Frog Togs as well as a poncho and a rain cover for the camera in my camera bag, especially this time of year when the weather changes from minute to minute.

Out on the prairie said...

As you probably know weather never stops me much, I enjoy being the 1st footprints in an area

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Absolutely stunning, I am ever-so-glad I stopped by to visit. What a super way to spend Val Day. Rose

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

Don't you just love the name of those falls? Great photos. A perfect way for you and George to spend Valentine's Day.

Buttercup said...

Love the pictures and admire your energy. I like to walk, but I think I'm much more of a couch potato.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

It looked cold on your trip, Betsy, but it still looked like you and George were having a wonderful time! Your bulbs coming up in the snow is a nice shot--hope it warms up a little soon.

carolina nana said...

Hey Betsy
Did all your snow melt yet. At least you had enough to get some pretty pics.
Too bad you all had miserable weather on your trip but at least you still get some really nice pics.
Blessings
Marilyn

SquirrelQueen said...

Love your shots of the waterfall! The area around Helen was always one of my favorite places in the N GA mountains. When I saw the photo of George next to the falls I remembered that one. The back roads were, and still are, my favorite places.

I was wondering if you got any of the snow we've been hearing about. It is pretty!

Anonymous said...

What wonderfully picturesque paths and roads! Looks like a great place to hike.

Kat said...

It has been a long time since we have been up that way, and it is so beautiful! Thanks for all the wonderful photos.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I Love these backwoods pics...reminds me of when I grew up in the GA mountains. It looked cold though

DeniseinVA said...

I always enjoy the photos of you and George, and these are again such beautiful photos. Love the misty look to everything.

Marie said...

Your header shot is just beautiful Betsy! We haven't visited the mountains for over a year now. I miss it a lot! Your pics are just gorgeous! You and hubby are too cute with your raincoats on. :) What a great way to spend Valentine's Day together.

Terry and Linda said...

Misty mountain rain...I can see why they write songs about your area!


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

penny said...

Helen is a wonderful place to visit especially on Valentines Day.
On our last trip to Ga. we went to Anna-Ruby Falls.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and snow fall, Betsy.
Hugs,
Pam :)

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

This is another wonderful set of photos, Betsy. All of them are lovely, but that first one is an eye popper.

Rohrerbot said...

That is my favorite weather. I love a nice cup of hot coffee on the drive and while there, it's really great walking through areas like this. Your Valentine's Day sounds perfect.

diane b said...

I am late commenting. I have been busy with life....and I have got left behind here. I can't believe you hike in that cold, foggy weather. You are champs. I can understand having the roads and trails to yourselves would be a bonus. Love the pics of the fog and snow and waterfalls.

Tami AKA My Kid's Mom said...

Hi Betsy, just wanted to let you know that I turned off the word verification - had to go back to the old interface in order to do it but now I can reply to comments on my own blog - solved two problems! Would have hated to lose you!

Serenity Cove said...

Oh Betsy...This brings back memories. About 6 yrs ago we took some relatives down to hike the Appalachian Trail. After seeing them off at the approach trail at Amicalola, my husband and I drove up to the top because I wanted to see the southern terminus of the AT. Found our way to the top just fine. Long story short...I had printed out some directions going down a different way because of the direction we were heading, but there were different roads going every which way and nothing was marked and we kinda got lost. We were low on gas and it was pretty nerve wracking till we finally found our way off that mountain!! I think I heard Banjos!!! If you saw Deliverance you'll get that comment...Pearl

Nava said...

Hi--I am new here--and it was a fun trip around the mountain to see the falls--as I sit here by the fireplace. :) Thanks

A Colorful World said...

What a cold COLD trip! And yet all the beauty would have been missed if you had stayed cozy and inside at home! These pictures are just stunning! I love all that ice and snow around the falls! The two of you look like you need some hot chocolate though! :-)

Andrea said...

It is an awesome trip and hike but maybe a little scary, because of that first photo. It actually is my favorite even if i love waterfalls and I barter waterfalls with many things. That photo looks like a dead end, as if there's nothing beyond but an abyss. Are there no points on the road where it becomes almost zero visibility? It happened to us once when we went to our highlands, and it really got scary!

[thanks Betsy for telling me about the word verification in mine, which i also don't like. It looks like many blogs just suddenly simultaneously had it]

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

How many days are you home? So that if I come to visit, I know you are home.LOl

I took the world verification off. The trouble was they didn't inform us of the change, and I had no idea I had that "bean sprout, muslim writing aka jawi"

BlueShell said...

I can imagine: you both...and one mountain of yours!
GREAT!

Love the photos...they are gorgeous...and all that snow... (just in my dreams....)
KISS