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, March 3, 2014

Arkansas Trip with Friends

This past week,  George and I went to one of our favorite vacation homes,  our little cabin at Mt. Nebo State Park, Arkansas.  We have been there every year for probably the last 8-10 years... We LOVE it there!!!!  This year though,  we invited special friends to go along with us.  We had Cabin 60---and they had Cabin 61....  It was fantastic....  For me,  having friends who enjoy the same things as we do is just SO much fun.  We LOVED sharing our little 'paradise' with them.

Neal and Patti live in Indiana --and we have traveled together several times for the past few years.  You can check Neal's blog by clicking HERE.  Patti doesn't blog but we can keep up with each other by texting or email. They both are very special to both George and me.  Neal and I both grew up in southwestern Virginia (although we didn't know each other as kids)---so we have a special connection which only southwestern Virginia folks have!!!!!   Neal absolutely LOVES to tease me ---and George just loves it when Neal does that...  Of course,  I 'try' to get him back every chance I get.

Today,  I'll share a few photos from this past week with friends.  Please click on the photos for enlargements.  Above is a picture of the four of us taken on 2/27 when we visited Petit Jean State Park not far from Mt. Nebo. 



While at Petit Jean,  we hiked to Cedar Falls (pictured on the sign in the photo of the four of us in the photo before this one).  This is the 3rd time George and I have hiked that 'strenuous' trail---and I must say that each time I do it,  it's easier for me... Losing the weight and getting healthier has really helped me!!!!



Here is a photo that I took of George, Patti and Neal once we were down near that gorgeous 90 foot waterfall.  The temperature on this day was in the 40's ---but there were still icicles around the falls and ice at the bottom of the falls.



On a VERY cold day (2/26/14)---we took Neal and Patti to another nearby state park,  Mt. Magazine.  This is another place where George and I love to visit each year.  And it seems as if the weather is bitter cold almost every time we go there.   Here is a photo of Patti, Neal and George at one of the many overlooks at Mt. Magazine.  You can tell how bundled up we all were since that wind almost cut us in half!!!!!  Brrrrrr.  BUT---the sun was shining and we had gorgeous views even on a cold day.



George took this photo of Patti and me at one of the overlooks.  She's a TINY lady --so I had to squat in order to be her size!!!!!



George climbed down OVER the ledge to get the next picture of us standing above him --watching him!!!!  Even with his bad back and knees,  that boy loves to climb!!!!!!   "YIPES, Honey----Don't FALL!!!!!"



George took this photo of Patti, me and Neal at that overlook when he was hanging onto the ledge below us! (Note photo before this one!!!!)



We hiked to the HIGHEST point in the state of Arkansas,  Signal Hill.  Here's a photo of Neal and Patti taken at that point.



George and I always LOVE seeing the deer when we are at Mt. Nebo.  Here's a photo  I got from our cabin during the late afternoon on 2/26 of them in the big field between our cabin and Neal/Patti's cabin.  You can see Neal in the background (next to his car) taking pictures of the deer also.  I counted FIFTEEN of them at that time but could never get them ALL in one photo!



Last year some of you may remember me posting a picture of the first ROADRUNNER I had ever seen.. Well---I wasn't disappointed this year since we saw another one...  We don't have Roadrunners in Tennessee---so as you can imagine,  I was excited to see him again!



Finally,  here's one more photo of the four of us taken at Petit Jean State Park on 2/27.  It was a fantastic week ---and we had a wonderful vacation together.  If you ever have a chance to take great friends to one of your favorite places,  DO IT.... It's SO much fun.

Have a great day...  Be sure to check out my sidebar for all new QUOTES.  Maybe something will speak to you --like it does to me!!!

I have tried to visit most blogs this weekend --trying to catch up a little.  I counted 60 blogs which I visited and commented on....  My commenting will also be sporadic this month...  It's a crazy one for us!!!  Please be patient with me.

Hugs,

61 comments:

Ms. A said...

LOVE that waterfall!

I need a trip in the worst way. Maybe eventually I'll get to take one. Hey, it could happen!

diane b said...

It sure is fun travelling with friends. That is why I like our Birthday Bear Group. We often go away together. I love the Mt Nebo cabin and deer pics. Your blog header and sidebar look great and the bright background colour is nice too.

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, what a fun trip with your friends. I love the photos, the scenery, waterfall and the cute roadrunner. Great shots of you, George and your friends. Have a happy day and enjoy your new week.

Hootin Anni said...

Fun had by all!!! Beautiful waterfall....and love the photo of Mr. "G" looking over the boulders. Too cute.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

That looks so fun. Yes - it's even better with friends to enjoy it. A couple of times we have gone to state park and had a cabin right next to my brother and his family. It's always really fun.

Neal said...

You guys are very special to us also. We had a great time.

That really is a beautiful area. Even though the mountains aren't high they seem high because of the differential between the valley and the top of the mountains.

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy!
It look like a fun filled adventure! I love that George is still climbing rocks!! the pictures are all amazing and it's great to see a 'real' roadrunner (I've only ever seen them in cartoons hehe!) and I always love your waterfall pics and the quotes are beautiful x x x

linda m said...

I love the views from your cabin and the waterfalls. Maybe some day I will be able to visit that beautiful place. So glad you were able to share it with friends

linda m said...

Just read your side bar and you have some excellent quotes on it. A few really spoke to me.

Miss Debbie said...

Welcome home! So glad you had a great trip. It is wonderful that you have friends who share your same interests.
Waterfall is a beauty!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Good Morning Betsy. I always love reading your very wise words. And they are so true.. I also love going along on your hiking trips. You all go to so many wonderful places and I love seeing them all. I need to consult you all for travel tips on the best places to see in our great country. Hugs judy

troutbirder said...

Beautiful scenery and wonderful friends. It doesn't get any better than that. We have traveled with another couple for almost fifty years now and had many adventures....:)

The Furry Gnome said...

Looks like a great trip Betsy. I like your new colour scheme too!

Shug said...

I've been keeping up with you via FB and have enjoyed your trip right along with you. WOW...these are some gorgeous pics of the deer, the roadrunner, the waterfalls and of course...sweet friends. so glad you all have a SWEET trip!! Guessing you all may have ice or snow there today?? We are covered here..
Hugs,
Shug

MadSnapper said...

I can see how tiny Patti is standing next to her husband. great photos of a really beautiful place.

Arkansas Patti said...

Ah, you have done my state proud. Actually I haven't been to any of those places but plan to.
That first warning sign might have scared me off.
You got out just in time. Bitter cold, ice storm and all day sleet since you left. Timing is everything.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

We like to take friends with us to the Smokies, too. It's fun sharing a favorite place with friends that you know will like it as much as you do. Great photos of this fun-filled, friend-filled trip.

I Am Woody said...

Looks like you guys had a fabulous time! So glad that you were able to get away!!

Out on the prairie said...

just got some travel info from them , lots of nice places to visit

Dorothy said...

Great pictures to document your fun times with friends!

Busy Bee Suz said...

How wonderful for you both to be able to share your special place with Neal and Patti! Love all the photos....such crisp blue skies. :)
XOXO

Sylvia K said...

What a fun trip and such a beautiful place! Love the waterfall as always!! Such wonderful pictures!! And it's always fun to share with good friends! Thanks for sharing that fun with us as well!! Delightful way to start the new week!

Small City Scenes said...

I think Bob and I need a roadtrip too. Oh what fun guys had. I can see it in you faces---what smiles.
It sure is fun to meet and travel with friends. Thanks for all the neat photos and tell George the best way is NOT to fall off the cliff. Haha!
MB

Rose said...

I may have said this before, but I would never have dreamed Arkansas had such a beautiful place.

Carletta said...

With the bright snow outside my window this morning it's hard to look at your photos without shivering. You all are a hardy bunch. I don't think I'd want to hike in winter. :)
Great shots! Do make sure George is careful. :)

Big Dude said...

Looks like you guys had a great trip and glad you got to make it.

Twilight Man said...

You guys had so much fun visiting these extotic places that will never get bored! I can understand that feeling. It's nice to see you both having great friends like Neal and Patti who share the same interests and connect well.

I am shocked that you have so many blogs to visit and comment! I would be exhausted with sore fingers!! I always appreciated your kind and frank comments from USA!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Despite the colder temperatures,it looks like you must have had a great time.Being with friends doubles each joy.

Terry and Linda said...

Looks like you had a great time. Even if you looked cold.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://handcraftedbyus.wordpress.com
♬♬♬ Happy Saint Patrick’s Day ♬♬♬

Jeanne said...

That's a lot of comments and blog reading Betsy! I don't know how you do it. I'm glad you and your friends had such a good time. It must have been awfully cold up in the mountains with the wind blowing!!

David said...

Betsy, This is a really pretty area...nice scenery photos. You and George are more ambitious than we are. Hiking is not my favorite thing and climbing a mountain is best done on mountains with a nice road to the top! Still...more power to you guys! Of the restaurant chains you mentioned the other day on my blog, we like most of them too...but wherever possible, we look for local joints for the food and local interest! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Beatriz said...

Undoubtedly a very special and beautiful place, Betsy!
It gets even better when we are in the company of firends.
At least this place doesn't have as much snow as we have seen here by TV. In Brazil, much heat and too much rain ahead!!!

Hugs

Bia
www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

It looked like a very enjoyable vacation for you all, Betsy! Your friends look like they liked Mt.Nebo as much as you and George do!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chatty Crone said...

It sure has to be fun traveling and hiking with good friends.

Those waterfalls are gorgeous.

sandie

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the photos and I'm happy you four had a great visit. Isn't the weather crazy this year???

Kay said...

You are finally visiting a state I've actually been to. We visited some caverns in southwest Arkansas when I was very young.

Pat - Arkansas said...

So glad you had a good time with your friends. Great photos of our beautiful Arkansas scenery. Loved the deer.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Happy for you that you had such a lovely trip with your friends! Makes it extra-nice. Great photographs of the wildlife. Imagine seeing so many deer in a spot. Have a tremendously nice day tomorrow and stay warm and safe.

Ann said...

Looks like you had a great time and the photos are all wonderful

DeniseinVA said...

wonderful! Arkansas is one state I would love to visit, haven't done so yet, we are due :)

carolina nana said...

Great pics. I especially love all those deer in the front yard of the cabin.
We are getting some nasty weather today and tonight. Cold wind, rain and even some sleet or snow before morning they say.
I am looking forward to spring more than usual this year !!
Blessings
Marilyn

SquirrelQueen said...

It looks like you had a fabulous time at Mt. Nebo with your friends. I love all those gorgeous views and the waterfalls.

Anonymous said...

What a fun set of photos! I can see you had great weather and amazing company.

Jazzmin said...

How special to get to share places you love with good friends! What wonderful scenery. It looks like it was such a relaxing place! We went to Arkansas this past summer and I wanted to go farther north- especially to Petit Jean to see that waterfall!- but didn't have time in our trip. Seeing all your beautiful photos makes me want to go back and get up there even more.

Always so nice to see your photos and hear about your adventures.

Hugs to you,
Jazzmin

Kay said...

What gorgeous photos! We haven't traveled with friends in such a long time. We'd love to do it again someday. I love that photo of the roadrunner. George and Patti look like a lovely couple.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Okay, Betsy, you talked me into it. Haha! You're probably thinking "what??" BG and I are going to have to go check out Mt. Nebo State Park. We've never been there and it sounds like a great place to visit. You and your photos are much better than any travel brochure I could read! I'd love to see the waterfalls, too. The deer I see in my back 6 all the time so I don't need to see them. lol! Glad you all had such a great time, I enjoyed reading about your trip! Take care.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photos. It is nice to go outing with our friends. Nice that you are visiting this place very often.

Catherine said...

Looks like you two are having a good time - fantastic!!
Let us hope that March brings us good weather.
xo Catherine

Sharon said...

We've visited State Parks in many of our 50 states, but Arkansas wins hands down the prize for most lovely signage. We have actually detoured a few times just to see a new Arkansas State Park sign. Isn't that funny! Love the pics of Cedar Falls - when we were there it was only a trickle.

LV said...

That is what life is all about - enjoying life with each other and friends. Trust you will always be blessed with good health to continue this life style.

Linda G. said...

Wonderful pictures. It looks like the four of you had a great time. I am certain that your friends appreciated the tour. It is nice to explore on one's own; however, to get an in-depth tour of a place, it is best to have someone show you around who lives there or has been there several times.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love hearing you enjoy texting ... that is hilarious!! i never would have guessed you were a texter. that is too great!! you are so hip, Betsy. what will you do next to surprise me??! you guys get to see the greatest hiking sights. nice!! ( :

Buttercup said...

Your pictures are fabulous. I'm doing lots of blog visiting, too, today. I'm missing my blog buddies, but fell behind with the mess of my floor reconstruction. Have a great day!

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, throughout the past year, your blog has introduced me to so many wonderful parks and mountains and forests, flora, and fauna. Thank you. Peace.

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Betsy, I am back to answer your question about the sculptures in my latest post. They will be at the garden until sometime in April. I'm assuming they go to other places because when I have looked on line I see them elsewhere.

Connie said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time, Betsy! Great pictures. I'm glad you got to spend time with friends.

Joy said...

What a wonderful trip with friends. Nice photos:) glad you are enjoying your life Betsy!

Our photos said...

Lovely photos, Betsy!

Unknown said...

I have seen some of the pictures on facebook. Stunning views and i can see why you guys love it there. Its nice to have those favoirite spots.

Betty Manousos said...

dear betsy, what a fun trip with your friends. looks like you had a wonderful time. fascinating views, so beautiful...wish i could be there!
love your photos.

big hugs!