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...

Monday, February 18, 2013

An Arkansas Valentine Week

George and I took a little trip this past week to celebrate the joy of being each others' Valentines!!!  We went to one of our favorite places,  to Mt. Nebo in Arkansas.  Many of you know about Mt. Nebo if you have followed my blog awhile.  We visit there at least once a year --and even went twice a couple of years.  It's just a piece of heaven to us!!!!

We rent a cabin on top of the mountain (we call it 'our' cabin since we ask for the same cabin every year)---with a view of the valley below and of the sunset.  The picture above shows us sitting outside on top of our picnic table --while waiting for the sun to set.. It was a gorgeous late afternoon in Arkansas on 2/14/13.  




Here is the sunset we saw that evening.  Isn't that just fabulous????




The cabin is a place where we can go to RELAX.   We see wildlife all around the cabin and there are lots of places to hike in the area.  We also visit other nearby areas each time we go.  There's just no place better for a REAL vacation.    Here's a picture of the back of our cabin. 




The cabin has a fabulous wood-burning fireplace ---so you can imagine how much we enjoyed sitting by the fire when we were there.




We enjoyed all kinds of weather --and even had a little snow one night.  BUT--for the most part,  the weather was really really nice this year.  However, the day we went to Mt. Magazine (2/13/13) --the wind was VERY cold.  You can tell in this photo at one of the overlooks how cold we were.  It was fun though!!!!




One of the joys each year is seeing WILDLIFE while we are there.  There are deer on our mountain which are almost tame.   AND of course I have to take a bag of birdseed with me--to feed the little birds.  They must wait for me to get there since they found the birdseed quickly!!!!  One bird that we don't have too many of in my area of Tennessee is the Dark-eyed Junco.  Arkansas has lots of them --along with Cardinals, Tufted Titmice, Nuthatches, etc.

BUT---to my great excitement this year,  I saw a new 'life' bird for me,  a ROADRUNNER (pictured above)...  I had never seen one before ---so this is one of the highlights of this trip for me.  Isn't he amazing???   All I could think about was the old cartoon... Remember "Beep Beep"???????




We did quite a bit of hiking that week.  On this day (2/11/13) ---we hiked the King's Bluff Loop Trail --and saw a fabulous (HUGE) waterfall.  We also walked along the cliff's edge (note picture above) ---and looked at all of the different rock designs and pedestals.




On another day (2/14/13) --- we hiked on the Pedestal Rock Loop Trail --and saw some very unique pedestals (which I will show in another blog post).  Here is a picture of us on that trail.





After leaving the Pedestal Rock Loop Trail,  we drove down a dirt road in search of a beautiful waterfall,  Falling Water Falls.   I will share more pictures later of this beautiful waterfall with you --but I wanted you to see a tiny bit of it today.  The water here is a gorgeous shade of aqua!!!!  Beautiful!




I will end by showing you a picture of a sunrise. We saw the sunrise about 7 a.m. (after a drive down the street) at Sunrise Point 3 different mornings.  All of them are different --but this one (2/12/13) was a favorite.  Mt. Nebo offers benches at Sunrise Point for one to sit and enjoy the sunrise...  SO beautiful!!!!

Well--as you can tell,  we had a glorious week in Arkansas.   Hope you all had a good week also.  I have MUCH more to share---but those will come in time!!!

Have a fabulous Monday.

Hugs,

76 comments:

Small Kucing said...

i spotted two "love birds" there :)

what a wonderful Valentine day .

DeniseinVA said...

I always love your trips Betsy. Great photos as always. How exciting to see a road runner. I have only ever seen one on a vacation out west. Amazing little birds. Have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, your cabin and the trip to the Mt Nebo is wonderful. The scenery and sunrise is gorgeous. And of course I love the Roadrunner. Great sighting. Beautiful photos and post. Have a happy week!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Beep beep wow how lucky - he's a cutie! I was hoping you would post the photos soon Betsy. Gorgeous place isn't it???? You had me going there for a minute - I thought there was not going to be a waterfall! But, there was and the colour! amazing. It looks glacial in colour. Really amazing. Isn't that cabin just something for a couple of Valentines!
x

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What a lovely Valentine get away. Thank you for sharing it here. That waterfall is such a beautiful color. I remember the 'roadrunner', I couldn't stand him. :-)

Have a lovely week back home.

FlowerLady

Unknown said...

Mt. Nebo looks great, how nice for your two to get away. I have to admit that I didn't realize the roadrunner actually lived that far east, I had always thought of them as more of a western bird.

John and Ellen
connectedtothevinephotography.blogspot.com

Jo said...

Oh my Betsy, what a wonderful Valentine's week you shared with us. The photos are stunning and the couple in the story are as lovely and as in love as ever. Congratulations to you both for being the best couple ever! And imagine seeing a REAL road-runner. I also always think BEEP-BEEP when that name comes up. Bless you Betsy and George . Greetings from Jo

Hootin Anni said...

Aren't those roadrunners nifty? I remember the very first time I saw one, and was startled at the colors they have. You just don't see the beauty of them until you can have an opportunity of getting up close and personal.

Love your LOVE trip. A Valentine's Day/week to remember.

Sharon said...

I can't wait to return to this area and hope we can snag "your" cabin when we do. Our trip to Hot Springs was at the beginning of our Summer Trip 2007 to the Grand Canyon and we spend just three days in the area. One of those days was a whirlwind tour of state parks, but was enough to show us how special the Arkansas State Park system was. There's just too many places to go, isn't there?? Your pictures are wonderful - for now, they'll have to do!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

just gorgeous, amazing, mind bogging views ... you get to see some great sites the two of you. so cute!! i love it. thank you thank you for sharing with us. wow!! have a great time away. big big hugs. ( :

RoeH said...

You always find the neatest places. I've got to move back there!

MadSnapper said...

these photos are all totally awesome, so sharp and clear... i had to speed past the one of you on the cliff.. yikes

Shug said...

I've been keeping up with you two, via FB. I know you both had a super great Valentine week, cause I saw it in your photos!! Thanks for the beautiful views..I enjoyed them all..
Hope your week is good one.
hugs,
shug

From the Kitchen said...

Those mountains, woods and waterfalls are lovely any time of year aren't they? And, that fireplace is a perfect place to warm up after a chilly day of wandering about!
Glad you had a wonderful time.

Best,
Bonnie

Gail said...

You picked a wonderful state to celebrate in...I'm from Arkansas and don't think I could live anywhere else.

Catherine said...

It looks like you two had a fantastic week together. Lots of sunshine too. Glad you made it home safe and sound!
have a happy week!
xo Catherine

Arkansas Patti said...

I thought you were headed there and am so glad my state treated you well. I hoped you all would get a bit of the snow. We barely got a dusting.
Aren't those Roadrunners fun to watch? Quick little buggers.

linda m said...

those are some fabulous pictures. What a wonderful place to visit. The sunrise and sunset are jut the best I have ever seen. So glad you and George had such a wonderful Valentine's Day trip.

Dorothy said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy! You look a little daresome out on that ledge!! Love that one of you and George in front of the aqua colored waterfall!!

Andrea said...

Yes Betsy, the scenes and shots are all fabulous. I am always excited most specially when i see you two in uniform, but the orange/red color of your site is too loud for me. I hope you understand because most of the colors around me now are like your wall, hahaha!

Linda G. said...

While you were vacationing, I was working (some say playing :-)) on a portfolio website. I am so happy that the website is now "live". I was going to ask you to add my new website to your blogroll, but I see that you don't have one. I didn't have one either, until yesterday. I saw a blogroll on someone else's blog and thought it a nice idea.

I enjoyed looking at all of your photographs and reading the commentary to go along with the pictures. That would be my kind of vacation spot. LOVED LOVED LOVED all the pictures of you and George!

Nellie said...

It looks as though you had an amazing time! xo Nellie

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

What a wonderful way to spend Valentine's week! You've got me ready to pay a visit to Mount Nebo and rent "your" cabin. These are such lovely pictures, and I'm looking forward to your next posts from this beautiful place.

Lady Di Tn said...

I for one hope you post photos all week of your wonderful trip. The first photo of yawl is my favorite. I am so happy you got to see a new bird. He must have heard of the birdseed. The other birds probably have a look out for your car so they can gather quickly at your table. Glad you are home to entertain us. Peace

Janice K said...

Congratulations on the Road Runner. How nice of him to slow down enough for you to get his picture!!

Marcia said...

Sounds like a very special spot. I see why you enjoy returning there year after year. And what a cute bird that road runner is.

Serenity Cove said...

I can see by your photos it's a beautiful place and looks like a good place to hike.

Love your new header too!

TexWisGirl said...

love that first sunset photo. wow! looks like a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty all around. so glad you got to see a roadrunner, too!

Nancy said...

You two are so cute together; I love it when you share your trips with us. I see those smiles and know you are enjoying each other so much as well as all the beautiful scenery around you....Looks like another wonderful get a way....

Sylvia K said...

Such a fantastic place, Betsy! Gorgeous sunrise and sunset, a beautiful waterfall, delightful cabin and wonderful places to hike!! All of that and great weather as well!! Thanks for sharing the beauty and the fun! Your photos are always delightful! Have a great week!!

Small City Scenes said...

You sure did have a glorious week. Happiness to both of you and it shows in your smiles. It is a beautiful place. I am glad the weather cooperated for the most part. Can't wait to see the next photos. MB

Susannah said...

Hi Betsey, What a wonderful trip !!
So much to see and do but relaxation time, too. Your photos are marvelous. I enjoy your blog so much. It tickles me how you and your husband enjoy life together so much. Happy days to you!

Susannah

Angela said...

That looks like another wonderful trip Betsy! Love that cute little cabin! The waterfalls and the views are just spectacular!

Big Dude said...

You guys sure get a lot of use from your favorite ARK getaway.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful scenery and skies. Lovely shots.

Out on the prairie said...

Very nice, it looks like the weather was mild for winter. I always enjoy your trip here,love that roadrunner.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

You all always seem to have so much fun. It makes me smile :-)

Marie said...

I really like the sunset and sunrise photos...so beautiful! I couldn't stand that close to a cliff! Scary! I've never seen a Roadrunner in life, I would be so excited!
Hubby and I never had a honeymoon, but we keep hoping to get to the Dog House cabin eventually. It's located in Boone, NC. I can see why you and George like this cabin and the views! It's so romantic that you two went away for Valentine's!
Hugs,
Marie

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I guessed you two would go to AR this week! I'm glad you had a great time and had nice weather. Lovely photos!

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Your trip to this place makes me wish to have such an experience. Thefire in the log cabin is si inviting. And all that nature to suround you. A perect Valentine trip!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Aww- I'm glad ya'll had fun. We still haven't made it to Mt Nebo, but it's gonna get planned one way or the other.

Anonymous said...

Betsy, you and George are so adorable together.
Your families must get a thrill each time you post your beautiful photos.
I certainly enjoy the places you go and the marvels you encounter- like the Roadrunner, glorious sunrises and sunsets.
Hugs

Fun60 said...

What a special place for two special people to share their love for one another. Joy and happiness just exudes from both of you.

Connie said...

Fantastic photos, Betsy! Looks like you had a lovely time there. I love the roadrunner picture too.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Betsy, Welcome back. Your Valentines Trip Photo are all very lovely. Neat Cabin. I also loved the Road Runner bird photo I have never seen one in person either. Hugs Judy

Grandma Bonnie said...

Sure does look like a little piece of heaven. I would love to visit Arkansas some day. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a great week.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Mt. Nebo and the surrounding area lived up to your expectations.The sunrise and sunset are just gorgeous. Beautiful bookends to the day.

Terry and Linda said...

I didn't know roadrunners were clear out there!! We don't have them here but I've seen them in Arizona.

Linda
*♥´¨) ¸.-´¸.-♥´¨) ¸.-♥¨) (¸.-´ (¸.-` ♥♥´¨
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Linda said...

Hi Betsy,

How lovely! I am so glad you got some time to enjoy yourselves. I just love the photos!

troutbirder said...

What a beutiful place to visit and stay. And a handsome Valentines couple as well....:)

Ann said...

What a great way to celebrate Valentines day. It is beautiful there and obvious by the pictures why you love it so much. I've never seen a roadrunner other than the cartoon one :)

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Every photo of you two is sweeter than the last. Looks like an amazing Valentine's trip.

carolina nana said...

Looks like you all had a great Valentines week. That is a neat place to visit and I love the Road Runner !!
Thanks again for the Biltmore tickets,we really enjoyed that day and have decided we need to get out more !!!
Blessings
Marilyn

Carletta said...

Looks like another wonderful time at Mt.Nebo.
LOVE that shot of you and George beside the aqua water! That is some gorgeous water.
Welcome back!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

It is always so nice to see photos of you and George together, Betsy, as you both radiate joy and love! I'm so glad you had a chance to visit your beloved Mt.Nebo again and see so many wonderful sights.

I'm loving living amongst so much wild life here in the foothills of Colorado. Nature is such a wonderful gift!

Rose said...

I absolutely love that last photo...it is fabulous. You two look like you had a ball!

Jeevan said...

Yes, beep beep one of the funniest yet brief cartoon create a lot laughter. Sitting over a ridge and watching the sunrise or set is awesome and this way I love the last photo. I’m sure you got to enjoy the breathtaking as well the spectacular sunrise. Of course the waterfall looks fabulous at the aqua blue.

Glad u had great Valentine week :)

diane b said...

Great to see you back. It looked like you had great weather. I remember last time you were there it was foggy but this time beautiful and sunny. The hikes sound just what I would love to do. I still admire you for going in winter.

Diane AZ said...

Hi Betsy, What a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Week. Really beautiful pictures of you and George!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I enjoy seeing yalls trips...amazing sites...and I can see how happy yall are too

Linda P said...

So glad you had a wonderful week away in a favourite retreat cabin in the woods.
The photos are just beautiful, especially the ones of you and George. So pleased that you saw the roadrunner bird, too. Very special.

MTWaggin said...

Betsy how lovely you got to spend such a wonderful time with your sweetie in such a great place. I didn't know they had roadrunners in your part of the country! Wow!

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, thank you for sharing your wonderful Arkansas week at Mt. Nebo with us. I live in Missouri and know little about Arkansas, which is right above the state you visited. Now I need to find Mt. Nebo by goggling. Maybe it is a place I could go to finish my novel when I get to that point. Peace.

Gina Gao said...

Thanks for sharing! I liked this post very much.

www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

Ginny Hartzler said...

I think I like the first picture and the roadrunner the best. I saw it on Facebook and my eyes almost popped out of my head!!! Have you had to buy all new clothes?

joy said...

I wish I can spend my valentines day in a place like that. Feels like heaven. So near with someone you love and God's creation. Fantastic!

Rohrerbot said...

Betsy, you look great!!! What's your secret?:) I think I hike as much as you do but I do not lose the weight at all! Could be the crackers I keep in my car:) So you look marvelous!!! What a wonderful cabin adventure! There is nothing better than getting to experience these special places with our other halves.

nanny said...

I thought of you all week.... And the snowfall you were wishing for! That waterfall is gorgeous....or the water, I should say. I love the shot of you on the edge..... Wow!
I really need to visit mt Nebo!!!

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

What a fabulous way to spend time with your Valentine!

LV said...

How blessed you are. If everyone could be as happy and and enjoy life together as you and George, just think how much better this old world be. Now, I would not have gotten out on that high rock like you did. Looks scary.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I'm so glad you had a great week! I saw a lot of your photos on facebook and everything looked delightful.
Roadrunners are the coolest looking birds. I really like it when they say beep beep. :) Ok, maybe I never heard that....but I DO have an imagination.
XOXO

Chatty Crone said...

I see that you and George are perfect Valentine's and I love the red shirts. You guys are the best. I thought you might have gone somewhere I missed you.

HolleyGarden said...

How wonderful to spend time with your Valentine! That cabin looks so charming! Love the fire! Walking out along the cliff looks a little scary to me! But what a magnificent view! Glad you got a picture of your first roadrunner! We see them fairly often here. Beep! Beep! :)

SquirrelQueen said...

What a great place for you two lovebirds to spend Valentine's. That scenery is just gorgeous and I love that sunset.

Beth said...

A roadrunner! Well, my goodness, I had no idea there were roadrunners that far east. What an exciting sighting! And that waterfall with the aqua water is so beautiful--I look forward to seeing more of that. And, of course, the sunrises are stunning. So neat that they provide special seating and vantage points to watch the sun come up. Betsy, I think there's going to be a lot of your blog readers seeking to rent that wonderful little cottage---I hope in a few years to be one of them!

Wonderful shots of you and George!

A Colorful World said...

What a perfect way to celebrate your love for one another! To go to one of your favorite romantic spots sounds glorious! I'm so glad you had a special week together. And, I love the photos! And a roadrunner!? Very cool!