Can you believe that it is now AUGUST? Goodness---where did July go???? The good news for me is that Fall will be here soon. Yeah Rah!!!!!
George and I SELDOM hike during the hot summer, especially in the crowded Smokies. BUT--on July 23, after a stop in Knoxville at the Apple Store, we headed to the east side of the Smokies at Cosby. We decided to hike part of the Gabes Mountain Trail (toward Hen Wallow Falls)...
The hike is rated moderate because of its steepness... It's 2.2 miles one way to the waterfall which is not that far... However, since it was VERY hot and VERY humid on the 23rd, we hiked for about a mile and a half --and turned around there. SO---instead of a 4.4 miler, we had a 3 mile hike which seemed like a long enough hike to me!!!!
Even though we didn't see the waterfall, we did stop several times along the way so that we could get lots of great pictures...Today I'll share with you some of what we saw along the trail on that hot summer day.
Above is a picture I took from our trail... Other than being steep, this area is a great place to hike. Be sure to enlarge all of the pictures in order to see them bigger.
I took this picture of George on a little bridge at one of our water crossings... This is a pretty area ---and we enjoyed our day, despite the high humidity.
As I was resting along the trail --while George took more pictures of the creek, I got some good pictures of the trees ---as I pointed my camera UP toward the sky... Pretty area, don't you think?
George got more great pictures of the creek using his tripod and 'special' filter.... Isn't this an awesome photo???
They have had more rain in the Cosby area recently than we have had on the Cumberland Plateau.... I got several pictures of mushrooms along the damp trail... One even had a pretty yellow stem... Aren't these pretty little mushrooms --with moss all around them?
George took this picture of me on the trail... Since it was so hot, I was wearing my white headband --and carrying my 'sweat' towel!!!!! I also was wearing my camera vest --which I love.
This little blue butterfly followed us for awhile. I love its color. Anyone know what kind of butterfly this is???? I do NOT know my butterflies ---like I do our flowers.
This is a 'creative' picture I took of a big leaf with the sunshine peeking through and shining perfectly on it!!!!! You like it?
This little ground cover was EVERYWHERE along the trail... I loved it. It is very tiny with little red berries.... Anyone know its name????? SO PRETTY!
Finally, here is a picture we took of the two of us using the tripod---beside the creek.... As you can imagine, even though we didn't make it all of the way to the waterfall, we did have a great day!!!
Do you like my new header? Thought you might!!!! We DID see the sunflowers when we were at Biltmore on Monday... Had a wonderful day!!!
Hope you have a great day today!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
The little bridge looks slippery. I wonder if I would dare to cross it. Lovely hike
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, you are amazing to be able to go out hiking in the hot and humid weather. I loved these shots from your hike. Love the shot of George at the bridge and the one of you and your gear. The new header is beautiful, I love the sunflowers. Hubby and I are talking about a Smokey Mtn trip in the fall. Great post, I hope you have a great day.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! You and George go on the most picturesque hikes and I loved all these photos. Thanks Betsy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos along the trail, Betsy. I especially love the mushrooms! Not sure....but I think the ground cover is gualtheria or "wintergreen." If you tear a leaf, it smells like chewing gum! This would be a pretty hike in Autumn with all those tall trees! Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that sunflower header!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine hiking in the heat. At least you looks like you had some magnificent trees for shade!
August couldn't come fast enough for me. It's the feeling that summer is actually going to end. Even though we still have two more months of hot - very hot - weather. Those photos looked so inviting.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you taking adventure treks and seem so energetic and happy! Amazing photos
ReplyDeleteCongrats to George for the awesome shot on the creek! I enjoyed the photos esp. the one you are:)
Hugs
Shilpa
love all the blog changes. header shot of the sunflowers. looks like a great hike. now that looks like an interesting bridge to cross. wow!! no slipping. i agree hiking in these hot times is not fun. if we go on a hike it is a shady hike. ha. ha!! (:
ReplyDeleteAh Cosby.....it and Greenbrier are probably my favorite areas of the park. Most likely because they are so out of the way and less crowded.
ReplyDeleteWonderful hike Betsy - I just can't believe the incredible places you and George go to! But I'm glad you do - so we can all enjoy some armchair treks!
ReplyDeleteI love what George does with the creek shots too.
x
Great post and yes LOVE the header! We saw some of those bright orange mushrooms while we were in the Eastern Part of Tenn.Pretty Neat!
ReplyDeleteLove your new header and the walk through the mountains looks lovely. I wish I could have been there with you. My kind of hike and weather. I love the light on your eaves and George's soft water shots. That couple in the red shirts are cute too.
ReplyDeleteDear Betsy ~ What a wonderful hike. The photos are fabulous and make me feel like I am right there with you both.
ReplyDeleteI can feel and smell the damp earthiness, sense the fallen leaves under my feet.
Thank you ~ FlowerLady
Beautiful pictures, Betsy! The butterfly is a Pipevine Swallowtail, I think. Congrats of being able to hike in this humid weather!!!
ReplyDeleteWhere did July go indeed!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about that teeny tiny little bridge ~ it looks a bit daunting to me. Haha! That butterfly is such a beautiful color. Nature did a wonderful thing when butterflies were developed.
Stay cool Betsy and George!
xo Catherine
I'll have to admit that I was surprised when I read the part about turning back when you were so close to a waterfall. :) That looks like a beautiful hike. I don't believe we have ever hike that trail but it's one I would like to hike after seeing your pictures.
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy,
ReplyDeleteYou always show us such beautiful pictures. And that butterfly is just gorgeous. Than you so much for sharing you lovely hikes. Have a great day!
Hugs,
Eva
Love the header. It says fall to me,because in my area when the sunflowers are in bloom,fall is close at hand.The walk looks lovely. I like the shot pointing up at the tree tops
ReplyDeleteIt may have been hot on the trail, Betsy, but your pictures are so refreshing! All that beautiful rushing water and soft green moss and towering leafy trees---lovely. And your header is gorgeous. I wish we had planted some sunflowers this year.
ReplyDeleteAnd amen, sister, to the looking forward to fall...I can't wait!
Great photos. We were last in the Smokies in 1993. We took a hike along a creek that was very popular for tubing. We stopped to watch and then realized Sarah who was 7 at the time was not with us. Talk about frantic! My parents were with us so Dad headed down the trail toward the car, Dan headed up the trail ahead and Mom, Emily & I stayed put and searched among the people gathered there. Dad was the one to find her. She thought we had turned back so she headed back toward the car. After that experience she was always concerned about our leaving her behind. But then what does she up and do once she graduates from college? Head to China for three years!
ReplyDeleteLove the new header! What beautiful picots - I love the water ones, mushrooms and the butterfly. Looks like you had fun even tho it was hot and humid.
ReplyDeleteThe new header is very nice, and I enjoyed seeing your pictures of the trail. The trail to Hen Wallow Falls is one of our least favorite in the Smokies. We find it difficult and not very rewarding, even on a relatively cool day. It's much more pleasant to take that hike through your photos. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, that new header sure is pretty! Glad to see you still getting out and about, even though we've had hot and humid weather. Lovely photos, as always. And George does great with those stream shots and the neutral density filter!
ReplyDeleteNo clue on the butterfly, but it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the summer hiking. We do most of our hiking in the spring and fall.
I do love your header...the trail looks like a wonderful place to be...and I don't know my butterflies either...but that one sure is pretty.
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to love about all the pictures in this post. Seeing so many sunflowers blooming must have been glorious...and so much beauty just walking along a trail in the woods. I can see why you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful series of shots, Betsy! Looks like such a fun day! By the way, I love your new header!! Hope your week is going well!! Enjoy!
ReplyDeletei really like george's soft water flow shot. and pretty butterfly!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos which I'm happy to be viewing from the air conditioned comfort of home!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Hi Betsy, Great post! I sure love the Smokey Mountains National Park. I have only been there once but it sure is a pretty place. My husband and I were also in Knoxvillle at the Apple Store but it was a few days later than when you both were there. Great minds think alike! Ha! Have a wonderful day and stay cool!
ReplyDeleteReally like the pic of you and George in your red shirts out in the wilderness. Amazing mushrooms and butterfly! Each picture is spectacular. You both are an inspiration to all.
ReplyDeleteLove the Sunflower header. One Autumn years ago, hubby and I traveled out West. I don't recall the state, but there were fields of Sunflowers.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed yours and Georges trek through the trails. The butterfly is beautiful, don't think I've seen any here.
Very creative changes to your blog. You are having lots of fun and you look great!!
ReplyDeleteLove the mushrooms. That is a beautiful place. I though about getting one of those camera harnesses. I think I'll wait until hubby retires and see if we ever start any hiking.
ReplyDeleteI love your "sunny" header, Betsy and the trail you took us on was beautiful. The butterfly is unlike any I have ever seen. Well done for spotting it. Have a wonderful day. Hugs Jo
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great place to hike. Love that little bridge George was on.
ReplyDeleteYour header is very cheery. Tall, shady trees and streams look like a good combination for a hike. That butterfly is lovely. Did you encounter any insects in such humid conditions? The photo of the sun shining through the leaves is very pretty. Your photos are full of atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteYou and George always find the best places to hike and take wonderful pictures....I love them all....esp. the one looking up the trees, great shot.
ReplyDeleteI just don't go out much! It's unbearable and the wind blows so much here. add the two together and it keeps me inside. (and that goes against my grain/ha)
You are one brave soul crossing that bridge. I get a little scared about narrow passages:) But this would be a hike right up my alley. It also looks like a beautiful day with plenty of shade from the sunshine. George sure knows how to get his water shots! Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI think the butterfly in question looks like, but don't quote me, a Pipevine Swallowtail. They are a rare find as they are at risk here in Arizona. Beautiful shots again. As always, hope you are enjoying your day:) Chris
What a serene and beautiful place amongst the trees Betsy !
ReplyDeleteLooking at your pictures always makes my heart skip a beat, such beauty, a true example of what I hold near and dear, my love of the Tennessee countryside...
Looks cool, but as you pointed out, it still gets awfully humid, even beneath the shady canopies of all those trees.
You are such a very special couple, and enjoy life to the full.
Thank you for sharing your special hike with us, and yes....awesome shots, especially of the water cascading over the mossy rocks !
~Jo
Beautiful pictures! The area is full of beauty!
ReplyDeleteI love that log bridge that goes across the river. What a beautiful place to hike.
ReplyDeleteLove the header.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a pretty walk but I understand not wanting to do it all in the heat.
That silky creek photo is awesome!
You do a wonderful job changing your header. There is never a bad one in the bunch. I am wore out from this hike. You two are amazing and it is nice that it keeps you in good condition.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for trying to accomplish the hike, and good for you for knowing when to turn around. The heat is too much for me these days. The humidity would finish me off. I loved your solution of a towel and headband!
ReplyDeleteThe photos are awesome. This might be a place to revisit to see the fall color when it is cooler.
Beautiful place...beautiful pictures! Especially like the one of the creek!
ReplyDeletedon't know a thing about butterflies so I have no idea other than it's pretty.
ReplyDeleteLove that bridge George is crossing in that one picture.
Sure does look like a great place for a hike
I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try to cross that bridge. It looks lovely there. Sounds like you had a nice hike even if it was warm. The sunflowers are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love sunflowers myself - they are always looking towards the sun/SON!
ReplyDeleteNow your trip looks amazing - but hot. And I don't know the name of the plant or butterfly.
I love seeing you and George in love.
sandie
Love your new header. It is so bright and cheerful!! I love hiking and have always wanted to hike in the Great Smokies. Maybe someday...Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures of an enjoyable hike! Enjoy the rest of your week!
ReplyDeleteWhat avery wonderful day it is. To be in nature is the best place one can spend the day especially with someone you love. Bless you Betsy and the love of your life.
ReplyDeleteI sure love following your trips and trails whenever I can..you both are energetic.
ReplyDeleteStay happy and enjoy our future journeys.
Have a good month of August.
:-)
I know it was hot but everything looks so green and cool. I love your shot looking up at the trees. But my favorite photo is the last one of you and George.
ReplyDeleteOh boy....another super fantastic post. I loved your adventure you shared with us. I can almost smell the woods and the air that surrounds the beauty. Gorgeous country!!! Oh, and I must add that you look marvelous in RED. That is definitely your color.
ReplyDeleteOh good, I learned two extra things here. I have a lot of those butterflies, usually in the late summer so was glad of the ID. Also I plan to plant wintergreen as a ground cover under my trees and am pleased to see what it will look like.
ReplyDeleteHay, three miles, half of which is up hill is a stout hike.
Looks like wonderful trail and the place is much fascinating with green canopy and lights creating effect! Beautiful composition on photos and what I liked most was the creek and the tiny bridge!
ReplyDeleteNice one on the bird and leaf.
What a gorgeous place! Marvellous place for a hike.
ReplyDeleteAnd a wonderful header shot too.
That sunflower header is amazing - real stunning! All your photos are excellent! Sure would like to stick my feet in the cool waters! Love that bridge!
ReplyDeleteSuper swell pictures, Betsy. I feel so sorry for myself because I want to be hiking along that trail. Next year---I hope!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you and George---The enjoyment shows in your faces. MB
Fantastic pictures.
ReplyDeleteThat's my kind of beauty.
I love your header....Yellow for August!
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
I'm enjoying your tour, but it sure is hot outside- be careful!
ReplyDeleteI admire you hiking in the humidity - - and we have definitely had some this summer. It seems worse than past years but maybe my body doesn't cope as well as it once did. Beautiful pics - - - and interesting bridge that George was crossing.
ReplyDelete