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, April 27, 2012

These Glorious Smoky Mountains

On Monday,  April 23,  George and I celebrated our 130th MONTH-aversary by taking a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.  This time,  we started by traveling around the ROARING FORK MOTOR NATURE TRAIL  (which goes WAY back in the mountains to about 3500 feet in elevation, above the town of Gatlinburg).   This road was closed during the winter --but is open now... This is a popular drive for tourists who visit the Smokies, but we 'locals' love it too.  One can enjoy the mountains without even getting out of their car if they choose.  We, on the other hand,  stop at the pull-offs all along the way ---enjoying ourselves despite the unusually COLD weather on this day.

This 6 mile long one-way road offers views of gorgeous mountain streams,  forest growth,  some well-preserved log cabins,  and grist mills.    George and I have been on this road several times (mostly when we were hiking to Rainbow Falls or Grotto Falls or Baskins Creek Falls)....  This time,  we stopped and enjoyed some of the old log cabins --and we loved seeing all of the cascades in the area creek...  There is just something magical about being in the Smokies...

Hope you enjoy today's set of photos.  The one above was taken at one of the overlooks off of the Roaring Fork Road...   To me,  it's just a glorious photo of the Great Smoky Mountains.   AND you won't believe it --but when I took this picture,  the temperature was 37 degrees and it was 'spitting' snow....  GADS!!!    (There was snow at elevations above 5000 feet.)  Be sure and click on all of the photos to enlarge them.




We loved walking around some of the old home places while we were there..  This fence really attracted us---and we both took pictures of the fence (as we did other fences in the Smokies that day).  You can also see the barn in the background..




We also did what we do best:  just had fun!!!!!  Can George fit in this 'doghouse'????? ha ha ha..... He's NEVER in MY Doghouse though!!!!!!!    {In the background,  you can see (sorta) another fence,  a picket fence!!!}




Roaring Fork Creek was really gorgeous on this day...  We spent a LONG time walking up and down the creek along the way to see the cascades, small waterfalls and all of the Rhododendrons and moss.... In the picture above,  the moss was some of the prettiest I've ever seen, growing on the surrounding rocks.

George loved using his new Neutral Variable Density Filter ---and got some AWESOME water pictures... I'll show some of them in another blog.  I want him to publish an entire album page with some of these water pictures... They are about as professional-looking as any I've ever seen.  I'm so proud of him!




Roaring Fork is one of the prettiest streams in the Smokies I think.  It starts its descent down the mountain at over 5000 feet in elevation --and drops over 2500 feet in two miles. 

George took this picture of me while I sat and enjoyed listening to the sounds of the creek as it flowed downhill.   Give me a tent (with a heater on a day like this one) and I could just live here fulltime!!!! ha




After leaving the Roaring Fork area,  we drove down River Road toward Townsend.  Then,  we took another side trip on the FOOTHILLS PARKWAY, stopping at some of the overlooks along the way.  This is a picture of George with the Smokies in the background.  There was Honeysuckle blooming in this area ---and the smell was wonderful!!!   (The weather was improving --with sunshine during the afternoon.  BUT-the wind was cold and the temps still remained in the 50's.)




We knew that there was snow on the  tops of the mountains {Mt. LeConte (elevation 6600 ft),  Newfound Gap (elevation 5000 ft), and Clingman's Dome (elevation 6600 ft)} ----so I was glad to capture a picture with my long lens.  I think that that is Mt. LeConte in this picture in the distance. 




Finally,  here is one more picture of us --getting as close to the water --without jumping in!!!!!  I'm saying to George: "Come a little closer to me.. I'm COLD."  ha ha

We have more pictures from this trip to come...  I truly think that we are blessed to live fairly close to the Smokies!!!!!

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

63 comments:

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Beautiful photos- you and George have such fun adventures!
That email sounds bogus to me- I would trash it!

Sharon said...

Oh boy, do I know those camera shots along Roaring Fork well....don't know you philosophy on meeting other bloggers in person, but would love to meet you and Georgie sometime either on one of your trips through Knoxville or one of my trips to Nashville! I am so accessible to anyone passing through or as you well know, I'll create any excuse to head to one of the park entrances!! Heading out soon for 2012 Summer Adventure, but maybe sometime in July........

Hidden Haven Homestead said...

Making me homesick for my mountains but love these photos. Thanks for sharing the snow on the mountains too as that was my favorite! LOL I got an email like you posted a few weeks back. I use firefox and the great thing about it is if you click on a link it will pop up a big red warning sign. Will let you know if it is a virus or scam. I clicked just to see on one of the links and got the warning.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I love how you all have so many anniversaries!

I haven't gotten any emails like that...so far.

Big Dude said...

I'm running out of things to say about you guys photography - it's always goo good. I doubt there are many folks who enjoy the mountains more than you and George - I think you are the Mr & Mrs John Muir of the East.

From the Kitchen said...

as my mother liked to say "there are taller mountains but none as beautiful". stunning photos! no such e-mail for me. thanks for the heads up.

best,
bonnie

Jo said...

I don't have words anymore to tell you how much I appreciate your photos and posts about your wonderful country. Your photos of the mountains (taken from the overlooks) are SO clear. I never managed this when I DID have scenery to snap way back when we lived in Kenya. Thanks for sharing. I've not had a mail re blogger and suspect from what you say that it's a scam. Good for you for not clicking on their links. Have a great weekend. Jo

Dorothy said...

Betsy, these are some really great pictures of you and George! Of course, the surroundings are beautiful, too. Love those moss covered rocks. If fact, I love most everything about the Smokies!!!
What you got is probably a scam of some kind. There are many of them out there! Some are real viruses and some are just gathering names and addresses.

Janice K said...

Those mountains are beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. I'm glad you live so close, and that you have shared all those neat places with us.

I think I too would be cautious about that email, but I have never seen anything like it before.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Stunning images. Those moss covered rocks look amazing.As for the email,I have not gotten one,but it sounds like a scam to me.Have a fabulous weekend.

linda m said...

Your pictures of the mountains are so beautiful. I keep hoping that someday I can live closer to the Great Smoky Mountains.. I think the email is bogus. I just received to weird emails supposedly from my cable company. When you click on the link it took me to supposedly the cable companies website. Then it asked for my credit card info. That is when I discontinued. I called my cable company and they said it was a "phishing" scam. We have to be smart these days when opening emails and answering the phone . NEVER give out any information. If it were real, Blogger would have info on their website. Just "trash" the email.

MadSnapper said...

now you made me bring up the calculator on this laptop to see how many months we have been married, 326 months sounds a lot less to me than 27 years. just delete that email, i am sure it is a scam. i trust nothing in email like that, i don't accept, open or forward the email forwards that come around, i delete as soon as they hit my box. i have a thing on my Norton that i can check a site by by putting the address in a box and it tells me if it is safe.

MadSnapper said...

PS forgot to say you and george are themost photogenic people i know. and all these are taken of you by you, grat shots

I Am Woody said...

Gosh, it has been SO many years since I've been down that road! It is beautiful! I need to do it again soon :)

I'm thinking that email is a scam. Very smart of you to not click the links!

Snap said...

Gorgeous shots! (You, George and the scenery !!!)

Shug said...

Oh my...you two tickle me! I just adore all these cute little anniversary's that y'all have! Hey, I'm all for celebrating, so why not.
Again,,,,gorgeous photos! Beautiful scenery and two lovely subjects in many of the pictures...
big Hugs to you and George!
shug

TexWisGirl said...

these are all beautiful scenes. no idea on the email, but i tend to agree w/ you.

Unknown said...

Love the fences and the moss covered stones....throw away that email.

Donna said...

Those photos are all so beautiful! Yes, we've been on that Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail several times. Such gorgeous views. I'm so glad that you guys are having FUN and getting out there!

I would have thought that e-mail was spam, and it looks like you finally confirmed it.

Ms. A said...

The photos are always amazing, but that new filter George got, is blowing me away. I love it!

Marcia said...

Betsy - what a joy to read your blog. Ever thought of writing a book? Seems like you have lots of material for a travel log. There are programs out there to convert blogs to books. I used blurb.com to do a book for my daughter that had all her emails from China over the last 5 years and photos too. It wasn't cheap but I figured it was a way for her to hold on to those memories that she had put into writing. It turned out lovely.

Glenda said...

Love these pics, Betsy! We love the Roaring Forks area, too; we even saw a bear along the road on one trip! You are blessed to be so close to all this beauty!

Hootin Anni said...

Beautiful indeed. I love the water and the green moss growing so profusely...such vivid coloration and contrasts ...absolutely gorgeous. I see light jackets. A bit chilly, huh? It's amazing what a difference thinner air creates at a higher altitude.

Ginny Hartzler said...

This looks wonderful!!!! Are the cabins and fences very far off the road, is there much walking? I think my favorite here is you in front of the creek with all those beautiful round rocks covered with emerald moss, I have never seen anything like it!! You look like you have used one of those edits that stretch you out and make you look thinner but I know you didn't and it is really YOU!!! Raring Fork is such a funny name!!!! It is also making me hungry...hope you have a great weekend!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

That first picture...the mountain scene...is absolutely perfect. All of your photos from that day turned out beautifully.

We were in the Smokies that day, too; and it WAS cold. But we were glad for it because we hiked the Abrams Falls trail. It's pretty easy to get overheated on that trail on a warm day.

joy said...

I hope that my husband and I can still be as sweet as you both when we retire from our jobs. my dream is to see places like what you are doing. Both of you are an inspiration:)

imac said...

See that you sussed out the scam then Betsy, good of you.

Love your visit to the Smokies too, with great pics.

Kay said...

Beautiful photos as usual. I sure wish I had my Ben here to go places with me like that. We used to have so much fun together. You guys are very lucky to have each other.

Serenity Cove said...

We LOVE Roaring Fork! Early morning is my favorite time of the day to go. So quiet and peaceful.

That is Mt. Leconte in your photo. I'll be hiking that later this year. Hope it's warmer than now!

Lady Di Tn said...

Ah the Smokies are as close to Heaven you can get here in TN. Great photos and so much fun for a 130 month anniversary. Who knew to count months? Peace and Thanks for the Heads up on the email.

Small City Scenes said...

Super shots, Betsy. You and George have such fun exploring and stuff. Just what Bob and I love to do and will do more as soon as my knee is taken care. In the meantime shorter road trips and not as much hiking. MB

Dana Koogler said...

Looks like a great time was had by all! A fun little jaunt to the Smokies! Thanks for sharing your adventures through your blog and photos! :-) Soooo pretty! I could see that same snowy mountain from FHPW!

Grandma Bonnie said...

Oh my goodness. Thank you for the email warning. Your photos are beautiful. The scenery is so lovely in the mountains this time of year.

Chatty Crone said...

Beautiful photos- you and George have such fun times!

No I have not heard of or received anything by blogger like that.

sandie♥

Terry and Linda said...

You two are just like teenagers! Look at the fun you both show us!


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

Sally Wessely said...

Those Smoky Mountains are just beautiful. You guys truly inspire me to get out there and take more day trips. You are always on the move. You take beautiful photos of moss, but I guarantee you will never gather any. (A rolling stone etc...) How do you ever keep up on the work in your yard?

Thanks for the info on the blogger scam. I have not gotten such an email, but will be informed now.

Sally Wessely said...

Those Smoky Mountains are just beautiful. You guys truly inspire me to get out there and take more day trips. You are always on the move. You take beautiful photos of moss, but I guarantee you will never gather any. (A rolling stone etc...) How do you ever keep up on the work in your yard?

Thanks for the info on the blogger scam. I have not gotten such an email, but will be informed now.

Marcel said...

That email is not a scam. All links are pointing to the correct google pages. I remembered my old blogger username, and I had my account migrated. (However, there was no blog connected to it)
It looks like google sent the mail to ALL former useraccounts as a mistake.
If it was scam, it wouldn't be possible that they knew my old password :)

Gracie said...

Wow, such a lovely and sweet couple. What a great inspiration. My husband and I just celebrated 3 years marriage, hope we stay sweet and loving more as the years go by. Have a wonderful weekend Betsy!

Starry Dawn said...

Hi precious Betsy,
You are showing your happiness, your gorgeous home town and so many blessings to the world, sweetheart. I am so very happy for you, Betsy. Congratulations on your Anniversary to both of you!! I love Great Smokey Mountains in TN. It's certainly a great place to live, Betsy.
One day, I'll visit TN.
I love log cabins, mountains and lake views, mother nature, animals and lovely God's creations. What a beautiful world with all live in!! Praise the Lord for this fantastic home He has given to us!! We should take great care of it. Save the species, save the world!! God may bless you all!!
I love your blog and your terrific pictures, Betsy!!
All the best,
Poet & Song-Writer Starry.

Connie said...

Happy Anniversary to you two, Betsy! Your pictures are lovely. I haven't gotten an email like that, but I'll keep an eye out for it.

carolina nana said...

Looks like you 2 had a wonderful time even with the surprise winter weather.
Hope you all got some rain from the storms yesterday instead of hail like we got.
Blessings
marilyn

Nava said...

Thanks for taking us along on this trip--the photos are like being there------almost. I have been in the Smokies and seen streams like this--but it has been too long.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

What a beautiful place to explore. I love the little cabins.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

The Smokies are indeed beautiful. They are rapidly moving up on my bucket list of places to visit. Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos Betsy, stunning views.
Wishing you a lovely weekend too.

Eva

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

A very big dog house for a big dog? With George "stuck" there, makes me think of the Vietnamese rat holes.

Small Kucing said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Small Kucing said...

Amazing scenery. This is one of the place that I wanna go one of these days :)

kathy

http://www.smallkucing.com
http://mamakucingbooks.blogspot.com

Arkansas Patti said...

You too find the most romantic places.
Glad you let George out of the dog house:))
Have a great weekend.

Mary said...

Shame on you for putting George in the doghouse on your anniversary :-) You two always have so much fun and are obviously so happy!

Sylvia K said...

Wonderful, beautiful captures as always, Betsy! The two of your do have such great times and the photos of the two you always make me smile! Enjoy your weekend!!

Sylvia

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Beaurtiful photos, Betsy! You and george always have such a good time exploring nature where ever you go!

My husband and I traveled with or children through the Smokie Mountains when they were young and we enjoyed all the wonderful views. We like Gatlinbery and went up one mountain on a ski lift, and we also visited the Native American exhibit in Cherokee. Wonderful memories!
I hope you are having a good weekend!

Lynn said...

As always such wonderful photos and happiness reflected in the photos of each of you, either alone or together. Cannot get over the color of the moss on the rocks. Is that from the new filter? Beautiful area. Blessings.

RoeH said...

Ohhhhhh! I've got to come and stay in Tennessee for a month or two. Or three or four. I just loved it when we WHIZZZZZZZZZZED through that state during last trip before divorce and he wouldn't get off the freeway if you'd have paid him. I think I saw a green tree. And a horse. And a white fence. :))

Catherine said...

Hope you and George are enjoying your weekend Betsy ~ it's cold here too!

Love the mossy rocks!

xo Catherine

Faye said...

Your long view photos really show why the Smokies Mts deserve this name. It's hard not to find a spot that isn't photo worthy. Thinking about those moss captures--do mosses vary in shade intensity at different times of the year? Never really thought about it--or maybe the explanation is a lot simpler--just different varieties?

You and George have a wonderful time on your rambles, it seems. Keep on going!

Ann said...

130th monthaversary,I love that. Your pictures are all fabulous and I think putting a book together is a great idea.

Ann said...

130th monthaversary,I love that. Your pictures are all fabulous and I think putting a book together is a great idea.

Rohrerbot said...

WOW!!! The Smokies cover a very large area. Beautiful shots. There's nothing wrong with a dog house:) I used to play in them back in the day:).....good hiding spot. Have a good weekend.

Janie said...

I love the first picture of the layers of mountains, and the creek with rocks covered in moss makes a great spot for your family photos.

Small Kucing said...

I have just received a book titled "Harriet Beamer takes The Bus" written by Joyce Magnin from the publisher. On her journey she there was a part where she visited smoky mountain and gazed upon the stars there. With your photos, I can certainly "view" in my mind what she saw. Thanks :)

kathy

http://www.smallkucing.com
http://mamakucingbooks.blogspot.com

Cheqna said...

Hi Betsy,

love all the photos you posted here esp. the one with you at the creek ~ can i visit you at your tent one day?..hehehe.

..great that you both are in good health and could enjoy all this journeys together.

Happy 130th MONTHaversary..and many2 more to come!

:-)