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...

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Petit Jean State Park Visit 3/9/15

The Birthday Boy at a very foggy Petit Jean State Park,  3/9/15
George's Birthday Trip this year was to one of our favorite states,  ARKANSAS.  If you missed Part I hearing about George's birthday,  click HERE.   Today I will share with you a few pictures showing some of the things we did on his birthday,  March 9, 2015.

Before checking into our cabin at Mt. Nebo,  we spent part of the day hiking and checking out another favorite state park,  Petit Jean State Park.  (If you want more information about Petit Jean,  click HERE.)


Fog at Petit Jean State Park
I love fog --and taking fog photos.  Do you?  I like this one since that sign in the middle looks like it could be a cross.... God is with us --even during foggy conditions.


George enjoyed taking pictures in the fog also.



I have always loved the rock formations at this state park.... Moss and lichen grow all around and over the rocks.   Some call them "Carpet Rocks".   Neat---even in the fog!



My Creative Shot of a NEAT Tree..... You like???????   Trees with odd shapes can tell us a story,  can't they???  He may not feel beautiful but he IS!!!!



We visited Rock House Cave (really a shelter) --and even though we couldn't find them,  there are supposed to be pictographs in that cave... Beautiful colors in there though;



And ---to get to the Rock House Cave,  we hiked through/on TURTLE ROCKS... Don't they look like huge turtle shells?????  YES--they DO!!!!! ha



We always like to do different things when we visit areas.  This time we checked out a lake we had not visited before,  Lake Bailey.   We also had our lunch while in that area.  Guess who swam over to see us when we were there????  Isn't this Canada Goose gorgeous??? 



Cedar Falls  (from the upper overlook)
We didn't have time to hike down to Cedar Falls this year (hope to do it next year).  When hiking to the bottom of the canyon to view the bottom part of Cedar Falls,  we know that it  is a MILE down and then a MILE back up (VERY STEEP).   But---it's worth it!!!!! This year,  we did hike down to the Upper Overlook to get some pictures... After all of the rain,  the waterfall was really flowing this year. 


A great view of the canyon  (Cedar Creek Canyon) from a new overlook (to us)
A man started talking to us when we were at the Overlook --and he told us about another overlook we should check out.  Of course,  we DID.... We hiked down to this new overlook --where we got a great view of the waterfall AND the canyon. 

The best part is that we could see the Upper Cedar Falls from here ---and we've never seen it before.  SO exciting....  This is a great overlook --and we enjoyed seeing ALL of Cedar Falls..


Us at the Petit Jean State Park Sign  3/9/15
WELL----it was time to leave Petit Jean and drive to Mt. Nebo (where we checked into our cabin for the week).  BUT--since we hadn't taken any pictures of us together at Petit Jean,  we stopped at the sign as we were leaving.

Even though we had some fog and drizzle part of the day,  we enjoyed our day at Petit Jean... We especially enjoyed visiting that new overlook --which I'm sure we will visit again when we are in the area.

After checking into our cabin at Mt. Nebo,  the birthday celebration began.  We went out to dinner for some steaks..  Later, back at the cabin,  George opened his cards and gifts --and then enjoyed some birthday cake (his choice---Carrot Cake).   It was a great day --and I think (hope) that George enjoyed it as much as I did!

Check out my Photo Blog for two great pictures taken at Biltmore on 3/23/15.   Click HERE.  AND---don't forget to  check out my new quotes on the Sidebar.

HAPPY EASTER to ALL.  Alleluia:  HE LIVES!!!!!

Hugs,

54 comments:

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

yes Like you fog shots came be very interesting. I loved hearing what you did on George's birthay adn your photos areall gorgeous.

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

Wow, beautiful pictures !
Thanks a lot for sharing all these wonderful pictures with us :)

Kay said...

Wow! What a fabulous place, Betsy. I do LOVE fog photos too. I don't get to see fog much in Hawaii though. I did love it in Illinois. The Turtle Rocks are really wonderful. So many interesting things to see!

Ms. A said...

Beautiful shots, I LOVE the fog images! Very ethereal!

Small Kucing said...

This birthday trip suits George well . Love your pics :)

Anonymous said...

What fun! I love the misty shots.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Betsy, I love the foggy scenes and the neat bare tree. Beautiful waterfall. Looks like a fun birthday trip for George!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

finally you did show up on my bloglovin feed. i have not seen you in years. i missed your visits. i feel i know this park ... maybe we have looked at going there one day??! i wonder??! very foggy but so so pretty. glad that you had a fun visit. gorgeous waterfall. i guess that is a must in your visits ... must have waterfall or you & George will not visit.

we were watching the news last night and noticed how low the waters are in CA. sounds so scary. it is odd when we are ok here in VA. i know that they talk about low waters sometimes. we travel to so many locations with low waters ... what will happen next?? have a nice Thursday!! hope you will visit me too? would love to hear from ya. ( :

Marcia said...

Happy Easter to you too!

Sounds like that was a fun trip despite the weather.

Manzanita said...

I am completely captured by the fog photos. Lovely, lovely. There is something so promising and mysterious about fog. It's like there is something so beautiful outside the fog but yet we don't want it to end.

Terri D said...

You two have so much fun together, and find the best places to play! Awesome!!

The Furry Gnome said...

Nice pictures in the fog!

Out on the prairie said...

Yum carrot cake sounds good . love the formations, Turtle Rock was real unusual.

linda m said...

i absolutely love the fog pictures. It makes things seem to mysterious and quiet. Your sidebar quotes are really great. So happy you and George had a wonderful time in AR.

George said...

Our visit to Petit Jean was a great way to start our Arkansas vacation -- and a great way to celebrate my birthday. I really like your fog photos.

LV said...

You make things fun and a pleasure even in fog. Enjoyed it so much. Nice to see a couple so happy and truly loved.

Big Dude said...

Looks like you showed your man a good BD - I like the fog shots.

Shug said...

Before I even read....I looked at the picture of the turtle rocks and thought, oh my...looks like huge turtles. Awesome! great captures in the foggy weather... Love your April header!! Have a fun filled day..
Hugs

MTWaggin said...

Such a pretty place and what a fun location for a birthday!

Roses and Lilacs said...

I love fog too. Some of my favorite photos were taken in the fog. That is a beautiful park. We don't get views like that up here in IL. Unless we go west toward the Mississippi, the land is fairly flat with gently rolling hills.

Sylvia K said...

First of all, a very Happy, Belated Birthday wish for George!! What a great Birthday trip!! Gorgeous, foggy shots!! I love them! Hope you have a great weekend!!!

David said...

Betsy, Great photos and a beautiful park! We've done a fair amount of exploring in Arkansas but we haven't visited any of the state parks. Looks like we need to get going! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Linda Kay said...

Betsy, a lovely place for sure. My favorites are the trees in the fog and the waterfall.

Carletta said...

I love foggy days. I couldn't help noticing that the rock behind George in the first photo seems to have a profile of a face.
That gnarly old tree in the fog needs a big ole vulture sitting in it. :) Spooky shot but lovely just the same.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

You got some great photos, Betsy. I like fog as long as I don't have to travel in it. One of these days, I hope BG and I get to Mt. Nebo. It looks like a great place.
Have a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Arkansas Patti said...

So glad my state treated you kindly. I love fog shots also. That first fog shot has Stephen King vibes.
With all the rain we have had recently, I'll be that lovely falls is really flowing now.
Have a wonderful Easter.

Ann Thompson said...

I do like fog so long as I don't have to drive in it. Those turtle rocks are amazing. You saw some great sights on that trip

Chatty Crone said...

The fog pictures were pretty because I love the two people in it - you two are so cute together.

happyone said...

Really like those foggy pictures.
Thanks so much for the prayers for my mom. It's been a rough week. Today has been a good day for her.

Judy said...

Your pictures make me want to visit the area.

Ginny Hartzler said...

The far away view of the canyon is AMAZING!! And maybe my favorite! I also love the turtle rocks! Your fog pictures are outstanding, ALL of them! I don't get very many fog pictures because we are only rarely out in the fog. Beautiful header, is that Parrot Tulips?

Ruth Hiebert said...

Each picture is beautiful,but I really love the foggy scenes.There is just a special feel to those images.

Connie Arnold said...

I remember going there long ago, and your photos make me want to go again! I love the cross in the fog, and all of them are wonderful!

carolina nana said...

Love that "neat" tree in the fog. I love taking pictures of different shaped trees.
Glad you all had a good time in that beautiful place.
We are getting some much needed rain tonight.
Blessings
Marilyn

Linda P said...

You look as if you had a great time and you can always find a new trail to explore in a favourite place as you enjoy each other's company.
I like the cross in the fog. It's a good reminder of God's love. I'm so glad to know that you're able to go on your hikes again. Wishing you and George every blessing for Easter.

Betty Manousos said...

hi betsy, you got some beautiful pictures!i love foggy days. looks like a great birthday trip for george!

have a wonderful day and a very happy easter!
big hugs! xoxo

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

The fog makes all the photos seem mysterious. What fun!

I Am Woody said...

Such a great place to explore! And I am really happy that your knee is cooperating now!!

Small City Scenes said...

Beautiful foggy shots, love the tree and the turtle rocks.
Glad you stopped there.
MB

DeniseinVA said...

You two go on some great trips. I love those foggy shots. I really enjoy the fog but not good for driving I know. However, waking up to a misty morning is wonderful. Just in case I didn't say so at the time, a belated Happy Birthday George :) and the two of you have a great weekend :)

Susie Swanson said...

Wow, ya'll take some of the most awesome pics I've ever seen. Sounds like both of you had a great time. Hugs and Happy Easter.xo

Joy said...

Belated happy birthday to your love. My birthday is March 10. Day after George.
Anyway, what a wonderful birthday celebration:)

Jeevan said...

I too love fog and you captured some impressive foggy ambiance... amazing rock formations and the turtle shell was cool. Glad you got to check an interesting point of view on the water fall. I was also on vacation a year back to mountains, but i couldn't cherish fog/mist this time.

Hope it was a memorable birthday celebration for George :)

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

What a great birthday celebration for George! And I love the pictures -- you've made fog look so...magical! And you made a foggy, drizzly day sound like a wonderful adventure. Thanks so much for sharing it!

Simple Home said...

Gorgeous photos! My father is from Arkansas, but I've never been to that state park. Lovely :)

Lux G. said...

Yes, that's one beautiful place for a walk and picture taking.

Happy Easter!

Our photos said...

Very nice photos ! And.....happy birthday George !

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Happy Easter!

Betty Manousos said...

happy easter!!
xoxo

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I love the foggy pics! Geese are beautiful! That waterfall is just plain gorgeous. Yes happy Easter!!! He rose

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Beautiful- you know I love Arkansas! Happy Easter!

Connie said...

Wow, sounds like it was a very busy day for the birthday boy! Great pictures.

Rohrerbot said...

I enjoy fog and drizzle any chance it visits us here in Arizona. It's RARE! But when it happens, the photos are stunning and very dramatic. Plus the food stops, warm drinks.......HOWEVER, sometimes it can be rather humid. So glad the you were able to spend time with the birthday boy:) Happy Birthday George!

Jazzmin said...

So beautiful!!! Love the shot from the new overlook. I have never seen a photo of Petit Jean's waterfall from that angle. What an amazing time that looks like, and it sounds like it made for a wonderful birthday :) We went to Arkansas last summer and went to a couple of state parks in south-central Arkansas, but I really wanted to make it up there. It looks gorgeous, I hope I do next time.

Hugs and blessings,
Jazzmin