George and I took our last hiking trip to the Smokies for awhile... (We stay away from that area during the tourist season as much as possible--due to the traffic and large amounts of people around.) We had to go to Knoxville for regular Toyota maintenance early on Tuesday, May 21, so we just drove the extra distance and went on a 4.3 mile hike.
This time, we first stopped off at the Foothills Parkway for some pictures of these beautiful mountains before heading on for our hiking trip near Elkmont to Huskey Branch Falls. Today will be the first set of the pictures from that trip... Hope you enjoy them!!! Be sure to enlarge them for bigger pictures.
The picture above was taken from the Foothills Parkway near Townsend. OH how I love these beautiful mountains!!!!! NOTE those threatening skies... Hmmmmmmm---wonder what that means??????????
George took this photo of me at one of the overlooks on the Foothills Parkway... As you can see, I was happy to be there!!!!
Now we are on the path to Huskey Branch Falls... We followed the Little River (shown above) all of the way up the mountain. This is a fabulous area of the Smokies --and provided us with many photo opportunities. The last time we were in the Smokies, the leaves were still not on the trees ---so it was great seeing all of the beautiful new Spring growth.
Here's another picture of me enjoying the Little River. Since the weather was 'threatening'--we decided to wear our jackets on the trail. Am I ever glad that we did!!!!!! ha..... Note also that I'm wearing my camera vest ---which is wonderful. The camera is always right there in front of me, but I don't have to carry it, or struggle with it bobbing back and forth when I walk!!!!! If you don't have a Camera Vest (or wear a backpack like hubby does), then I highly recommend this!
Here's a picture of George doing what he loves ----taking pictures using his tripod and his new filter......
This is a picture of the type of photos George is getting using the new filter... I think they are truly AWESOME... He can make the water turn to SILK....
Here's one of my 'creative' shots --without tripod and fancy lens.... BUT--I think it turned out pretty good anyhow. I call it "Swirling Water"...
Finally, here is a picture we took of us at the Little River, using the tripod... Oh how we love being in the Smokies!!!! More pictures to come of this 'memorable' hiking experience.....
Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend. We did --although it was HOT here (hotter than it usually is this time of year up here on the Cumberland Plateau).. We got some yard work done and cooked some steaks on the grill on Monday!!!!
Have a fabulous Wednesday.
Hugs,
Betsy
61 comments:
wow betsy! sounds like a lot of fun!
just looking at your lovely photos was a great pleasure!
i think this place is about the prettiest of places they are.
gorgeous shots as usual!
wish you a wonderful day!
big hugs!
It's no wonder you both look so happy to be in such a beautiful place!!
I like both the camera vest idea and that filter. Beautiful photos!
Hi Betsy, sounds like a wonderful hike. I love the water scenes. Both yours and George got great shots. And of course the one of you and George together is awesome. Wonderful post. Stay Cool! Have a great day.
I love it when everything is green! Beautiful shots, Betsy and I just love what George's new filter does to the water.
Didn't know about camera vest. that is a very good idea. will go and find out more. I need one
I don't blame you for skipping out during tourist season! You got some great pictures.
Yes, it's been hot here too.
You sure had fun with your cameras. Great shots from both of you. You look like you are looking very trim and fit in these photos.
I don't even know what a camera vest is!!
Great photos and hike. Giving you a big hello from Ohio
Lovely Betsy! The foothills parkway is another of my favorite places too. You'll have to give us a link for the camera vest. I'm tired of the backpack.
All the photos are gorgeous! I like his altered one and yours of the swirling water is awesome.
You sure have some pretty things to see up there!
I hope you and George are having a super week Betsy!
xo Catherine
Nice shots, that area is the most visited National park.
Very pretty photos, Betsy. The water looks so refreshing!
My very favorite place to be....
What a wonderful trip, waterfalls, and mountains, what could be better.
~Jo
Nice shots of one of my favorite places! And I'm with you on the tourist thing - thankfully, I know lots of back entrances that get me where I want to go without having to deal with the dreaded Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg summer nightmares! I MIGHT be willing to share some of my secrets........LOL!
"We stay away from that area during the tourist season" - I go a step further and avoid it like the plague :-)
Great shots Betsy and George. While I really love the silk effect of his new lens.I think I prefer the detail of yours.
Everytime I see you wearing the camera vest I think, I have to get one of those. Maybe this time.
Stay cool.
What a beautiful spot! I can see why you and George like to return there when you can. Great photos!
Hi Betsy,
As usual your photos are stunning - I love the views of the mountains. And the pics of the water looking like silk..lovely!
Have a great day!
Hugs
Eva
my favorite 2 is the one of you at little river, the scene is beautiful and your blue coat pops and the last one of both of you in the blue coats. the clarity and colors in all of these is super.
Hey,your without the tripod and fancy lens is just as beautiful as the one George took.This place looks like you could point the camera in any direction and get a lovely shot.
FUN. Is it the filter or shutter speed on the silky water?
Well I enjoyed another trip to the Smoky Mountains with you and George. Great pictures as usual and I like the filtered picture and your picture of the swirling waters. I like the idea of the camera vest too. And steaks on the grill - lol. sandie
i do really love george's water shots! wow!
We discovered the Little River Trail several years ago. It was in the fall, and the leaves were literally raining down on us. It was magical. And it's been one of our favorite trails ever since. The older we get, the higher it moves on our favorites list, because of its gentle grade. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures of this beautiful place.
Thanks for sharing your trip! Glad you didn't let those pesky tourists keep you away! Don't be scared of 'em. I like 'em. They taste just like chicken! LOL
Wow! I love your photos. What a wonderful area. I have never been to the Smokies. I'm glad you and hubby had a grand day!
Yes, it isn't much fun to go to the mountains during tourist season. You chose the right time, although you did wind up getting drenched before the day was over.
One of our daughters lives in Townsend.
We came through C'ville on our way to visit the Renaissance Faire this past week-end. Yes, it was a good Memorial Day week-end trip, though it was definitely hot, hot, hot!
Enjoy your Wednesday! It is much cooler here this morning.:)
It's good to see y'all having so much fun!!! Betsy, I know George is having a blast with his new filter, (and don't tell him;-) but I like your picture of the swirling water best!! Your picture looks like what your eye actually saw, and that's what I like.
Such beautiful places you have so near!! Gorgeous captures as always -- and as always, it's fun to see shots of you and George making the most of of the day -- any day!! Hope your week is going well!
Sylvia
The Smokies are crowded at this time of year...I like to see how George gets his gorgeous photos (I like the water with his lens) ...your swirling water is beautiful too
I admire your hiking abilities! Over 4 miles...wow! It is beautiful there in the Smokies...hope to see it for myself before too many years pass. I'm really tempted to say the heck with the trip out west...I've been there...let's go east! I'd love to see the Smokies and Biltmore and...so much more.
Have a great day!
George's water is fabulous! And the other picture, the one right under it, looks taken in black and white, but I think it is an effect and is not really. You are all dressed up and pretty, hiking in a dress??? To go to the garage?
Lovely photos, Betsy! That trail with all the beautiful, cool rushing water looks like the perfect trail for these hot summer days. I am SO with you on avoiding certain places during tourist season. Pesky tourists! haha Sometimes when I find myself complaining about all the tourists, I remember that I WAS a tourist until about nine years ago. :-)
It's always a pleasure to visit here.
Looks like a wonderful memorial day weekend for you guys ! First time I've heard of camera vest - I will find where to get it, I need it ! I adore your photos and I adore those photos taken by your hubby with his new lens - amazing effects !!!
Aligaga
Looks like a wonderful memorial day weekend for you guys ! First time I've heard of camera vest - I will find where to get it, I need it ! I adore your photos and I adore those photos taken by your hubby with his new lens - amazing effects !!!
Aligaga
Betsy you and George are looking so fit and trim! You are positively glowing with happiness. I love George's waterfall special effects ..the water looks so smooth and silky, and your swirly water shot is also wonderful!
It has been very HUMID here --I'm not happy abouut it! lol! It is much too early for this type of weather.
You and George sure know how to find beautiful hiking spots. How awesome. Love all the shots and yes you do look very happy to be there
It is beautiful in the Smokies...We have gone there one time, but would love to make a return visit...
I really admire you both for taking these hikes...Great exercise!!
Enjoyed...
You both are great photographers!!!!!
What filter is George using? That shot is really beautiful!
Your swirling water is beautiful too....
Little competition going on? ha
makes life interesting.
That sounds absolutely delish....steaks on the grill. I also like to wrap potatoes and onions with carrots, garlic salt, and butter in aluminum foil and throw them on the grill...yum yum yum!!! I'm going to have to do this:) I don't know what it is but I have been craving potatoes lately! Anyhow, I love all your shots. They really are quite striking in that it's such a different zone of plants for me. Everyone always thinks a forest is a forest....but that's not true. Just from your shots I can see how different the vegetation is from say a Wisconsin forest. Truly remarkable. Keep sharing those pics. You guys work together as smooth as that shot George took of the water....like silk:) Hugs from Tucson! Chris
You both have learned to take amazing shots with Georges new lens. Thanks for sharing them, Betsy.
you have to lug the tripod when you are hiking?
I just love your's and George's photos. His SILK water is truly beautiful and your swirling water looks so refreshing and a fabulous picture. I do miss the Smokies!! I can't wait to visit there later this year.I can't wait to see my family and hike up the mountains. I am so homesick lately. The picture of you and George is so great!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures. And by the way, I LOVE YOUR LILLIES!!
Love you,
Brenda
Looks like another wonderful day in the mountains- my favorite vacation!
That looks like a beautiful place to hike and you and George got some fantastic pictures. I love your "Swirling Water" and George's "Silky Water" and the one of you two together is the best!
Well I'm glad you two took the extra mile or so to get up into the great Smokies and share its beauty with us. [I know just what you mean about the 'tourist season' ---we have that around here too, but with beaches of course]
And Betsy....you changed your template design...love the verdant atmosphere here...perfect for summertime.
Thanks for stopping by to view my Wordless Wednesday, you're always welcome to keep me company for the day...anytime!!!
Awesome indeed, Betsy! The little river looks so fresh and George has captured it lovely! I’m sure it must be fabulous walking beside the river or stream... You both look so great out there!
LOVE YOUR HEADER!!!!
You are so skinny...love your new body! I'm so proud of you...losing weight is very hard to do!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Heavenly pics, Betsy!!
Such pretty shots! That new filter is awesome.
You have a new header and it's beautiful! Looks like this new post is another great adventure and the photos are great... enjoy more expeditions in the future!
Always enjoy stopping by to see you and George on one of your super trips. It also reminds me that we should take our tripod along so we can take some of those 'together' shots. Great photos Betsy!
Wouldn't it be nice to have your own cabin right in the midst of this beauty. If it is like this on earth then what is it like in Heaven?? We can't even imagine.. You two enjoy a wonderful blessing of loving and sharing together. Hugs from me.
You and George are looking good with your beloved Smoky Mountain scenery behind you. 4.3 miles in the mountains is a pretty good hike!
Beautiful shots, Betsy. I am going to find a camera vest. Where did you find yours?
I hope my knee will be so much better in a few months so Bob and I can go hiking again.
The Physical therapist said I am doing excellent. I hope so. I am trying hard.
Think of me on your next hike. MB
You and George are the only folks I know who would turn a trip to get the car serviced into an adventure. The mountains and streams are all beautiful. I love all that rushing water.
Gorgeous photos...I especially love the ones of the two of you being so happy!
George can make silk out of water!!!!!
Aha! I have just learnt George's trick using the filter to turn water into silk. They really look great and heavenly. I told my wife that we both need to cuddle like you both love birds, making the photos lovelier!
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