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...

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Cossatot Falls, Arkansas

George and I spent last week in beautiful Arkansas.   On our first full day there,  we searched and found THREE new waterfalls to us.  All three were nice (in the Ouachita National Forest area) ---but the one which impressed me the most was this one,  Cossatot Falls.  This area is near Athens, Arkansas.

These falls, however,  are not really a waterfall --but more like a series of cascades about a quarter of a mile long which roar and splash through many boulders that have been polished smooth by the powerful action of the Cossatot River.

This is a very popular kayaking area ---and the name,  Cossatot,  means "Skull Crusher"....   I'm sure there have been some skulls 'crushed' if kayaking here. Yipes!!!!

When we were there on Feb. 27th,  we were the only ones around ... So,  again,  we had this beautiful area all to ourselves.  Hope you enjoy our pictures.  Be sure to enlarge them for larger views. 




We had to cross a couple of bridges to get out to the river..




I wanted to just stay here and relax and just enjoy this area.




We climbed all over those rocks...  The pictures don't really do this area justice... It's one of those places where you just have to 'be there' to appreciate the beauty.




This gal is HAPPY to be here... I would love to see kayakers in this area... (As you can see,  I am wearing my Camera Vest.  It is so wonderful ---and keeps my camera from swinging back and forth while I am walking.)




Here is a picture of some of the largest cascades in the area.  Enlarge this photo for a better view.  Isn't the water's color just beautiful?




AND---while hubby wanders around getting more pictures,  this ole woman has time to sit and relax awhile.  (See our car in the background??)




Finally,  I love this picture of the area... Enlarge this one also...  This is one of the most unusual 'waterfall' areas we have ever seen.   Hope you enjoyed seeing some of our photos.

I have tried to catch up on most blogs this week.   BUT--we are getting ready to leave again soon...  I'll try to catch up SOMEDAY...   I do hope you have a good week.

Hugs,
Betsy

54 comments:

Ms. A said...

The water looks so blue in that one photo.

Betsy, are you losing weight? You're looking mighty skinny, girl.

Catherine said...

Looks like you and George had another wonderful adventure Betsy! I love it when we are out exploring and are the only ones around for miles. It makes it extra peaceful and special doesn't it?

Your last shot really is terrific!

I hope you two have a fantastic week!
xo Catherine

Anonymous said...

A very scenic area to visit and I thank you for sharing. Enjoy the rest of the week.

Sharon said...

Can't wait to see where you're headed next. I'be been in Atlanta since Monday and have had enough of the big city!! Have done what I came for and can't wait to head towards the mountains!!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

That looks like a wonderful day.

Fred Alton said...

Absolutely beautiful, Betsy! You and George and nature at it's best. Thanks for sharing the trip with your readers.

Connie said...

What a scenic spot. I enjoyed your pictures, Betsy. Sounds like you and George had a great time. :)

Brenda said...

Aw, Betsy, your pictures are just AWESOME! I would love to be able to do what you and George do; just travel around visiting Mother Nature. Her rocks and her waterfalls are just beautiful. It makes me so homesick for TN. Arkansas is very beautiful and I LOVE the huge boulders in the middle of that clear blue water. What an awesome place.

Welcome back and thanks for paying me a visit. I can't wait to see where you go next!

Hugs,
Brenda

Snap said...

I love seeing the water fall adventures that you and George have! Lovely!

Arkansas Patti said...

You make me realize that I really need to see more of my lovely state. Thanks.
I am more of a drift downstream type of kayaker. That looks pretty rough to me but I love to watch those brave enough to try.
Wonderful shots.

Nava said...

Thanks for the morning hike--I wonder if that will count as my exercise this morning. Like AR Pattie--I am seeing part of my state I have not explored. :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

Aside from the scary name (skull crusher? really?) It looks like a beautiful area to hike!
You two are on the go go go!!!
xoxo

Nancy said...

Thank you for taking us places we cannot go and showing us the beauty of this beautiful world we live in.

I so admire your and George for being so adventuresome and recording all the beauty you see for us to enjoy....These shots are incredible....

Be safe and I will look forward to seeing shots from your next adventure....

linda m said...

You both look so happy and rested. Arkansas must agree with you. Or is it the waterfalls?

From the Kitchen said...

You are looking good!!

I'd say you and George had a very "rocky" vacation!! I especially like the moss-covered rocks. Happy to hear that all was well when you returned home.

Best,
Bonnie

RoeH said...

Love it Love it Love it!! Every photo. Wish I was there. I want to see everything on the planet before I did. I wonder if we get to do that afterwards. :)

imac said...

I reckon its 60-40% 60% away lol.

Really nice shots and wonderful senes too - hurry back with more to show.

TexWisGirl said...

beautiful area, but 'skull crusher' - yikes! :)

i really like the photo of you on the bridge. so sweet!

HolleyGarden said...

Love those tulips on your header! Glorious! And I loved seeing all those rocks. So interesting. I bet it was challenging walking around on that terrain!

Ruth Hiebert said...

This does look like a very relaxing place. The sound of the rushing water would be wonderful.Have great day.I am heading over to a friends house to give some computer/photo editing lessons.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Love the blue of the water. It looks so beautiful and peaceful there. You are looking great, Betsy! What is your secret?
Thanks for stopping by, I always enjoy your visits. You and George have fun on your next adventure!

laveta'splace said...

I can't believe it. I've been visiting George's blog often and never clicked on yours. Can't believe what I've been missing. Can't wait to have the time to come back and explore all of it because your photos today have me hooked. I'm glad you both are sharing them.

Chatty Crone said...

Betsy - you are beautiful in red. You and George are so cute. Love your pictures. NOW girl - don't worry about being late and catching up - live the day with God and George and catch up with us later!!! sandie♥

Sylvia K said...

You and George do find the most beautiful places, Betsy, and this is a great example! I always love the waterfalls and your pictures are terrific! Hope you have another great trip coming up!! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Beth said...

Hi, Betsy. What a beautiful river! And the rocks are so smooth and lovely. I'm so glad you and George got to visit your beloved little cabin in Arkansas. I've never been to that state, but after looking at your pictures over the years, I'm planning to go one day. Their tourism folks should hire you! Or at least give you a free week in that cabin. :-)

A Colorful World said...

Betsy, what a wonderful trip! I love these wonderful rocks! The photos of you are just delightful. I know the two of you had a great time.

I saw the tribute to the two of you on Mildred's blog and that was so nice to see. How neat that you all got to meet! I may be able to meet Mary of Faith Fabric and Photos soon, and I am excited!

Thanks for your comments on my two posts! Hope you guys are resting up from your trip, and doing well!

Terry and Linda said...

Boy are you looking good! You need to go shopping for some new duds. I wish I could say that about myself!


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

Ginny Hartzler said...

You are as pretty in that red as a cardinal in the winter. All the other pictures fade away when looking at the one of George on the bridge. Amazing, and here's why. You may not have noticed this because you were there and knew what it was, but I would like to know if you saw this. The posts along the inside sides of the bridge create an optical illusion, so it looks like George is going up a staircase, it makes it look like steps. That is exactly what I thought it was till I read that it is a bridge. I had to really focus to see that the posts made it an illusion. Can you see it?

Sally Wessely said...

This area really is unique and beautiful. I love the color of the water and all the rocks. I would be afraid of slipping on the rocks and destroying my camera even if I had that nifty camera vest.

I Am Woody said...

What a beautiful place! And seriously, how much weight have you lost?!? You look fabulous!!

Anonymous said...

You guys visit the coolest places! WoW! Beautiful! =)

Lady Di Tn said...

I am a broken record, thanks for taking us along on your wonderful trip. I bet it was Heaven to listen to nature and the water running down the falls. Have fun on the next adventure. Peace be with you.

Lady Di Tn said...

Forgot to say I love the illusion of stairs on the bridge George is crossing. Peace

Glenda said...

Amazing beauty! Wearing red for the photos was a great idea; you and George just add more color to the scenery! I love your camera vest. Enjoy planning your next trip!

happyone said...

Loved your photos. What a great walk. Those wooden bridges remind me of my footbridges.
Have you lost weight? You are looking good!!!

nanny said...

Beautiful......I am so ashamed that you are showing me the beauty in my own back yard..........

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

What a beautiful spot. The rocks and the water are so scenic. I can see why you'd want to just stay there and soak it in. It's the kind of place where Doug and I would enjoy setting up our chairs and settling down to read for awhile.

Ann said...

A beautiful spot and how lucky to have it all to yourselves. You two sure do find some great places

Shug said...

I think I want to come and hang out with you and George...Beautiful places and gorgeous colors in the water..How on earth do you find all these places? do y'all have some kind of map that shows all these wonderful views?
Glad you had a great time...and I do love your header picture! Awesome.
Hugs,
Shug

Susie Swanson said...

More beautiful pictures..thanks for the tour, that's a beautiful place...blessings, Susie

Unknown said...

I was stationed just north of Little Rock for nearly 4 years and never knew this place existed!

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

Another wonderful excursion! The pictures are wonderful.

Karin said...

That shot of George on the bridge looks like he's on some stairs! Great shots of that whole area - definitely a place where one could spend hours exploring! Thanks for sharing your trips with us!

carolina nana said...

That pic with the aqua colored water is really neat,you should enlarge and mat that one for the wall !
You look like you have lost a bunch of weight, did that happen when you got so sick ?
Blessings
Marilyn

Rohrerbot said...

Hi Betsy!!! Don't stress about our blogs! Go have fun and enjoy your time outdoors:) The water around these falls is so clear. Looks like a lovely place to go swimming when it gets warmer. I've never seen that camera vest before....that's really interesting. I think we both have the same camera and it can get heavy on hikes or annoying with it swinging. I usually throw it over my side arm while walking and it seems to do the trick but I like that vest you have....nice. Road tripping is the best. It's even better with a love one or good friend...or both:)

Carletta said...

This looks like a lovely place. I can't imagine kayaking among all those rocks. :)
The water is gorgeous. Not just the color but it is so clear and clean looking.
The last shot enlarged is gorgeous!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Fantastic place- come back in the summer when the water is still...so pretty!~

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Yall do find beauty that I did not know existed...So glad you show us the pics.
Catch up with blogs when you can:)

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Your eye for beauty wherever you go is such a joy, Betsy!

Cuby said...

Cool! A great area.

Rose said...

This looks like such an interesting area..I would love to roam around and see what I could see. I love that last photo.

Karen said...

what a beautiful area & I am familiar with the Ouachita Mts. Enjoyed looking at your pics.
Have a great weekend.

diane b said...

Another beautiful place. Love the colour of the water and that great vest. I want one! You are looking very fit and slim.

Janie said...

We visited Cossatot Falls many years ago. (35?) You've brought back memories with these photos.