On Monday (8/27/12), we had to go that direction to run some errands, SO we headed to the gorgeous SMOKY MOUNTAINS for a day of hiking and photography... We visited Tremont and Cades Cove. Surprisingly (since it was the end of August I guess), most of the tourists had left the area... We love having visitors to the Smokies --but we also love to have it to ourselves (if you know what I mean).
One thing I noticed about this particular trip there were the hints of Fall all around us....It's still late summer (and our temperatures remind us of that) ---but I did want to share some of the early signs of Fall which I saw... As we drove and drove higher and higher into the mountains at Tremont, I noticed several trees beginning to show off their colors... I'll share a few of them with you today.
There was quite a bit of yellow ---and we even noticed a yellow tint to things when we got into Cades Cove. This yellow was found in the mountains in the Tremont area.
And I love these little yellow wildflowers... They are everywhere in the Cades Cove area. Aren't they pretty?
One other wildflower blooming in Cades Cove is the purple one shown here. These may be Thistles (same color)---but I'm not sure. Maybe one of you wildflower experts know... Whatever they are, they are pretty.
I love the REDS of autumn ---so just 'had' to get a close-up of this one for you... Oh --how I love Autumn ---and all of the beautiful colors. AND--as I've said before, I not only enjoy seeing the colors of autumn, but I also love to 'smell' autumn in the air....
Here is a gorgeous photo taken in Cades Cove. There is not nearly as much color here as in Tremont --but the elevation is lower. I love this picture of the cove with those gorgeous Smoky Mountains in the background... Don't you think that Fall is on the way when you see a picture like this? I love the 'yellow tint'....
This one is from the Tremont area --beginning to show its Fall colors... I was really surprised to see as much Fall color as I did since we were still in August... We don't have any color much here at home yet, but the dogwoods are beginning to show their Fall colors.
Finally, this one is not really a Fall picture (could be any time of the year I suppose)---but I love it ... SO --I just had to show it to you all who love barns and fences like I do.... This was taken at Cades Cove. (Well--there is some yellow in one of the trees --so I guess it can be a Fall photo.... ha)
Hope you enjoyed seeing a hint of Fall today.... Wish now that the temperatures would cooperate ---and that it would get cooler!!!! There's nothing like a cool, crispy morning to make the Autumn colors pop....
Hope you had a great weekend. We certainly did. I enjoyed going to the Bridal Brunch for Dawn, and George enjoyed his time together with Jeff. They had lunch out together --and Jeff took George to visit an old Civil War railroad tunnel.... George loved that!!!!!
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Hugs,
Betsy
I'm looking forward to seeing more fall photos from you, these are beautiful. (love the barn and fence, too) I'm just ready to FEEL some fall in the temperatures!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, looks like a lovely visit to the Smokies. I see some colors around here too. I think we might have an early fall. Your photos are gorgeous, I especially love the last shot. I am looking forward to our trip to the Smokies. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI love that first feel of fall. We have it here, too, but later on. Sometimes I can open the door in the morning and walk out and know that our long national nightmare summertime is over with. I can't explain what it is, but it just smells different. Usually happens around the first of October. September just has the 'light at the end of the tunnel' feeling.
ReplyDeleteYou do have lovely seasonal colours in Tennessee, I miss that a little here where we only have a slight change from one season to the next but I love not having too cold a weather. Looking forward to enjoying Autumn on your blog while I enjoy spring in my garden.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you for those wonderful hints of the beginning of autumn. Autumn is my favorite time of year too. We are so waiting for cooler temps.
ReplyDeleteI love the wild flowers but don't have a clue as to what they are.
When I think of autumn smells it's of ancient earthiness, some wood smoke, pumpkin pie or apple pie, stews simmering. Aaaahhh.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
FlowerLady
I dearly LOVE the Smokies!! I especially love to see the trees turn their beautiful fall colors. Your photos have made me so homesick!! I didn't get to visit this year, but I sure do hope that I can either go soon or take in the family reunion next summer. My mother has said that it has been so dry up there that I'm wondering if some of those yellow colors are from lack of rain, but then you threw in some of the orange and I'm thinking, no Fall is on it's way. It seems a bit early though. But the magnificent colors of Fall are really something to see. Well I heard on the news this morning that we are getting ready for a cool spell. Soon to be in the 80s!! And to be very cool in the mornings at 60!!!! Now that IS a cool front for Texas! Looking forward to that! I loved the photos, Betsy.
ReplyDeleteHUGS!!
Brenda
Oh it does look like fall is starting!
ReplyDeleteThat railroad tunnel sounds very neat!
Thank you for sharing photos of my very favorite place! It's been so hot here in Florida right now.
ReplyDeleteVisiting the Smokies and especially Cades Cove is a treat in any season! I know you and George had a great time! I'm really looking forward to Fall and hope we have a really Loooong and Colorful one!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the photos from the mountains! We're seeing some tinges of yellow in the woods behind our cottage. I think we're going to have an early fall! And it's 78 degrees out today. We love that!
ReplyDeleteYou know how much we love the Smokies, Betsy; so I never tire of seeing your photos of that beautiful place. Loved the barn photo and the view of the distant mountains across the Cove.
ReplyDeleteI too love the fall season and autumn leaves, Betsy! These photos are visual treat and I enjoyed all the photos. Thanks so much for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Shilpa
I know what you mean by the "smell of falll in the air." We are starting to see leaves on the ground here...maybe because of the dryness this past summer. I love Fall and all the beautiful colors.
ReplyDeleteI'm seeing some change here and still don't want to give up summer. i would say the purple flower is an aster.Lovely shots that always bring back fond memories.
ReplyDeleteIt may look fallish here but it is not because fall is here. Things that are turned are dried and turned brown fro the heat. Had 103 yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI see the hint of Fall...gorgeously in the photos...nice to have the Smokies less crowded:)
ReplyDeleteBetsy,
ReplyDeleteThe photographs are wonderful
I like the color yellow. Guess each season have their own color and flowers :)
A nice Wednesday to you
We enjoyed seeing the beginnings of fall colors on our vacation to upstate New York last week. The golden rod was in full bloom, the purple loosestrife also. Sumac was a bright red and yellow was showing in some of the trees. It won't be long for the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, pretty colors and I love that fence in the last photo. Glad you stopped by and said hello too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of the Smokies, Betsy. One of our daughters lives in that area, and she has taken several photographs that she actually sold in a shop in Townsend a few years ago.
ReplyDeletelove the yellow and purple flowers and that is a great barn.
ReplyDeletethese are really beautiful. the sun playing with the yellows and colors...
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see some fall colors already, even if just a hint so far. Lovely wildflowers, the yellow resemble Coneflowers and the purple one looks like Tall Ironweed.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love the Smokey Mountains!! Cades Cove is a favorite of mine!!! Thank you for sharing your trip!! I love Fall also!! Waiting for the temps to cool too!!
ReplyDeleteI love the fall colours and yes,the cooler temperatures when they come. We are seeing some fall colour here,but I think it is in part because it has been so dry.
ReplyDeleteOh, Betsy, fall is my favorite season...I did really enjoy these. Like you, waiting on the cooler temps.
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous! How thankful I am to live in such a beautiful place. We sought out glimpses of all on Saturday by making an early trip to Carver's Orchard looking for apples. Not many apples yet, but fall was in the air. You asked where Carver's is - it's in Cosby on Cosby Highway. Get off I-40 at Wilton Springs Rd, turn right, go to end of Wilton Springs Rd, take a left and it's a few miles on the left heading towards the Cosby entrance to the park. Very popular, family run orchard. Not fancy, no webstie, no credit cards. Just good folk!! My parents grew up with the original Carver's that started the orchard.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful time of year and I always love the vibrant fall colors! Marvelous captures as always, Betsy! Thanks for sharing the beauty!!
ReplyDeleteI noticed a lot of trees dropping leaves around here. I'm afraid the drought has stressed them.
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy, Yesterday I couldn't get the comments section here to work when I visited your post. Oh well, life's little glitches. Anyway, yes, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is awesome! So glad you had fewer crowds. The only time I have been there was a year ago in the Summer and boy, what throngs of folks! Have a super nice day. More rain, I hope will be here in coming days.
ReplyDeleteFields of delight Betsy, and Bushes of colour.
ReplyDeleteGreat trip as always. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI get excited for the Fall when I see these photos, thanks Betsy, they're gorgeous, and I am glad you had such a great time at the Bridal Brunch and family get-together.
ReplyDeleteWonderful that the Bridal Brunch was a hit!
ReplyDeleteYour fall is so beautiful can't wait for the photos to roll in. Isn't it mindboggling - you're losing your leaves and we're just gaining them!
I too adore that last photo, something about it!
I've been noticing a few small signs of fall around here too. Some of the trees have already started to change. It won't be long before it's a blaze of color
ReplyDeleteVery pretty photos and that barn is great! Won't be long now til the wedding!
ReplyDeleteThose are some beautiful photos of the mountain colors coming.
ReplyDeleteI tried to get us a house on Ocean Isle last weekend but they were all booked up. I'd like to stay there once time so we could explore that island.We have stayed on both sides on it,Sunset and Holden.
I couldn't believe the beautiful weather we had while there. It is still raining here but we are supposed to dry out and feel more like fall later this week end.
Blessing
Marilyn
I feel I went along on this walk.. I could once see the Smokies from the windows of our house. Cades Cove, is a remarkable place. Ray purchased the book about it for me. There is so much history in TN. I am beginning to miss it as I look at these photos.. Thank you my friend..
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny but whenever I hear or read something about Cade's Cove I immediately think: Betsy and George! LOL
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely as always....please please please send some of that fall down this way. The heat is getting to me.
xoxo
Cades Cove looks so pretty! It seems early for fall colors, but we are seeing some changes here too. Lovely pictures, Betsy. I hope you are having a great week!
ReplyDeleteWe have quite a few yellow leaves showing up but I think in our case it's the lack of water.
ReplyDeleteYour purple wildflower is called Ironweed.
I just remarked to George on his blog that Cades Cove anytime is a great pleasure of mine. :)
Yup - there's no hiding from it. Fall is heading our way!
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
We're seeing a few colors here, but nothing as pretty as the top photo. I'll be looking forward to more Fall photos.
ReplyDeleteLove the hint of fall. It's time for the cooler temps:) We had a bit of it this morning as well....just a touch that things are changing. Can't wait. You have the most beautiful colors on those leaves. PS. Thank you for the vinegar tip....it has really helped me. It was so bad Betsy and when I used it, the itching went away right away so I'm so glad your wise words!!! Gracias! As for the grey kitty....her name is Aurora:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely armchair travelogue! Enjoyed myself! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteThe early fall pictures are fabulous! I liked more the fall of yellow leaves and wildflowers... The view on the smoky mountains and old barn are Beautiful... Hope u had great holidays :)
ReplyDeleteThe countryside looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeauty everywhere! I too am ready to see all of your beautiful Fall photos. I love the Smokie Mountains!
ReplyDeleteWould love to be there right now...
Wishing you the best for today..
Shug
Beautiful pictures! I have a lemon tree and it is feeling Fall too. I must have to pick up 5-8 lemons every morning that have fallen from the tree.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind living where there is more weather changes. But, for now I am here by the beach. It could be worse, eh?
I came via LV of http://livinatmemescorner.blogspot.com/ and real glad I came by!
I was just "dreaming" about fall in the Smoky Mts. yesterday . . . now I really want to go! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove the last two pictures of the mountains in the background. Lovely! Isn't it funny how the air changes when fall is near - I can smell it too! Glad you had a great time at the brunch. And the Civil War railroad tunnel sounds so very interesting!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the hints of fall. Prince and I are ready for cooler weather. I usually become the first one to cry for colder weather however, this year Prince issued the first howl for cold weather. Peace
ReplyDeleteOh, Betsy! I love the Smokies, so much! Been to Cades Cove. These are wonderful photos, especially of some early color! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely caught the hits of fall in your pictures. I like fall the best of all the seasons. Smells and colors. I can hardly wait for our trees to change. Hope you have a great day.
ReplyDeleteFall hints are very pretty. We are showing some fall color here too. MB
ReplyDeleteWe do not have fall here but your photos have made me experience it. They're beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteYour are quite right, hint is it but still so gorgeous Betsy.
ReplyDelete