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, April 18, 2016

Short Vacation to the Smokies (April 6--8, 2016)

Cades Cove ---a "not-to-miss" area in the Smokies!
George and I enjoy spending a few fun-filled days in our Smoky Mountains (which are only about 2 hours from where we live).  BUT--we like to go there during the 'off-seasons' when the traffic is not horrible and when there are not many people.  HOWEVER,  we blew it this year --by going the first week of April... There were TONS of people around (due to Spring Breaks in various states/areas I guess)---and it felt almost like it feels when one goes there during the summer!!!!

BUT--we didn't let that stop us from having a great time... We spent two nights at one of our favorite old Gatlinburg motels (Rocky Waters).   We enjoyed a couple of fantastic dinners while there (one at the Ole Mill in Pigeon Forge and one at the Applewood Farmhouse in Sevierville).... 

We hiked (DID WE EVER HIKE!!!!) for two days.  One was our visit to Cades Cove including the hike to Abrams Falls..  We finished that day with about 7.5 miles on our FITBITS.  Then the next day,  we drove to Cosby and hiked to Hen Wallow Falls.  That day we completed over 6.3 miles...   (Talk about being TIRED once we got home!!!! ha)

On our last day,  we spent the morning at one of our favorite RELAXATION spots in the Smokies,  Greenbriar.  George enjoyed taking his fabulous water shots --and I enjoyed sitting on a big rock enjoying nature all around me.

One last thing we did before heading home was stopping in Sevier County to see the Harrisburg Covered Bridge.  We were on the back roads between Cosby and Sevierville (trying to avoid the traffic) ---so we just HAD to stop and see this historic bridge.

Today I'll share some pictures of this wonderful trip...  Sometimes,  it is just FUN to get-away ---even for a few days!!!  Hope you enjoy this set... The picture at the top is at gorgeous CADES COVE in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.. IF you look closely, you can see deer grazing in the field.


Another picture at Cades Cove;  If/when you visit here,  take an entire day to stop all along the way, and visit all of the wonderful history about the people many years ago who lived in this valley.



Here's one more old cabin in Cades Cove.



The hike to Abrams is pretty--although quite long if you are not used to longer hikes. 



George got "up close and personal" with Abrams Falls.  See him there?



Here is one of George's FANTASTIC waterfall pictures.  This is Abrams Falls in Cades Cove,  Great Smoky Mountain National Park (4-6-16).



Here is a picture of us at Abrams Falls. 



The next day (4-7-16),  we hiked to Hen Wallow Falls.  The trail was pretty along creeks and rhododendrons, but the elevation change is wicked.  I got more 'floors' (stairs/hills) on my FITBIT than I have ever gotten (142) on a single day, since we got our devices in May last year.  The good news was that it was downhill most of the way back!!!!! ha



Again,  I captured George climbing all over the big boulders to get a good picture of Hen Wallow Falls.



This is one of the awesome pictures George captured on 4/7/16  of Hen Wallow Falls, near Cosby,  in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.



Here's a picture of George and me at Hen Wallow Falls.  There was another family nearby who sorta took over the area --so we didn't have a good place for our pictures... BUT--we had some lunch there and enjoyed ourselves anyhow.



The last day (4/8/16),  we visited Greenbriar in the Smokies.  George turned around when I hollered at him.  He was busy taking more and more pictures of that glorious water in that area.



Here's one of George's terrific pictures from Greenbriar (4/8/16).   We LOVE being there.  My kids used to swim in this area. 



Of course,  we just had to take our picture together in Greenbriar.   After those long hikes on the previous two days,  it felt good just RELAXING and enjoying nature.



The Historic Harrisburg Covered Bridge,  Sevier County, TN
After leaving Greenbriar,  we stopped to see this beautiful covered bridge (which they still use).  This bridge was originally built in 1875...   Amazing!!!!





Here's one more picture of this well-kept Covered Bridge.  It's not far from the hustle and bustle of Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.  SO---if you are ever in that area,  do not miss this beauty!!!!

Well---that was our little trip in a nutshell!!!!  We accomplished everything we had intended to do:  lots of hiking,  seeing waterfalls,  good food and just relaxing and enjoying one another...

Have a wonderful week.  Can you believe that it's almost MAY?  And --we are headed out soon for another short trip!!!!

Hugs,

44 comments:

Linda G. said...

You and George inspire me. All that stepping and climbing....Wow! Gorgeous pictures, as always.

Twilight Man said...

You just shared beautiful photos of the falls and surrounding smokies. Both of you are still as loving and sweet like honey!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Betsy! You and George are an inspiration to us all. Great hikes, beautiful scenery and waterfalls. I love the covered bridge. Great shot of you and George. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

linda m said...

That is such a beautiful area. You are very fortunate to live so close to the Smoky Mountains. Hubby and I love day trips. Got our hike in yesterday walking around the zoo.

Shantana said...

Betsy,I love your Smoky mountains and what gorgeous waterfalls!!Thanks for sharing! Have a great day!

Shantana said...

Betsy,I love your Smoky mountains and what gorgeous waterfalls!!Thanks for sharing! Have a great day!

Judy said...

Thank you for your beautiful pictures. My daughter and I are driving to Gatlinburg on Sunday. My daughter-in-law had told me to be sure to see Cades Cove. I am not sure we will be doing as much hiking as you did but we are looking forward to seeing the area.

Marcia said...

A wonderful trip you had. We are looking forward to some of those spontaneous excursions once Dan goes part time in August and then fully retired by the end of Nov. Right now its sorting and culling. We do have a wonderful trip to Europe planned for June and by then we hope to have everything ready so that when we return all the movers have to do is pack us up.

Arkansas Patti said...

You are always so good about traveling off peak that sharing a trip on Spring break must have been a shock. I love Cades Cove and can't wait to visit it again. Your pictures made me want to make it sooner rather than later.

George said...

Although there were a lot of people around in the Smokies (except when we were at Greenbrier) it was a wonderful little trip. Let's do it again, okay?

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Judy (Judy's Joyful Journey): IF you read this, check your blog... I left you a long message there.. Have a wonderful time in our Smokies.

Hugs,
Betsy

Betsy said...

Gorgeous photos of the waterfalls and scenery Betsy. I've always wanted to visit the Great Smokies and Cade's Cove looks right up my alley. Thank you for sharing you beautiful time with us.
Blessings,
Betsy

Jeevan said...

George’s capture on waterfalls and creek are scenic! Seems like you explore a new area on the Smokies and I loved the historic cabins and covered bridge. From the time I see covered bridge in the movie funny farm and a song sequence in Tamil, it has become my favorite. I have planned to build a covered bridge using Popsicle sticks following my farm house.

Superb photos!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

So glad you all made the most of your trip - despite the Spring Break crowds. It is beautiful in the Smokys no matter when you go!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That's one of my favorite parts of the country too! I love the photo of the water..WOW! Hugs, Diane

Linda Kay said...

Betsy, thanks for the wonderful tour. Love the falls.

Devilish Angel said...

Lovely falls... George and you look lovely...

Judy said...

Thank you. I am printing out your suggestions.

Ruth Hiebert said...

The scenery in those parts is just stunning.I love seeing this through your eyes,but would enjoy seeing it for myself as well. I'm just not sure that my knees would hold up to all that walking and climbing.

Connie said...

Beautiful photos by both you and George, Betsy! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. It's good to get away once in a while just to relax.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

It looks like you hit Abrams Falls at a perfect time. The amount of water coming over the falls is amazing. I like both your shot of George getting his shot and the shot he got. Beautiful! Hen Wallow Falls is just about our least favorite hike in the Smokies. It's often billed as an "easy" hike in the guide books, but it's not our idea of easy. And the waterfall itself isn't pretty enough to make it worth the effort to get there. But, on the upside, it's not usually crowded there. Doug and I are going to have to find that covered bridge on our next trip!

Nellie said...

Hi, Betsy! Cades Cove is a beautiful spot! I doubt you would be able to find anytime in the year with little traffic these days! Sevier County has just about turned into a year round tourist stop! xo Nellie

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Wonderful post as usual! I have only been to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park twice and loved both trips! I hope to get back up to the Smoky's in the next several years. Love that picture of the covered bridge. Your hubby looks like he really enjoyed his trip, too! By the way, I just got my own "Fit-bit" bracelet a week ago. Great walk #'s. Have a super good coming week and enjoy the yards!

Jo said...

Oh *sigh* Betsy, that was a beautiful post. George's "water" images are spectacular. And your Cades Cover photos are beautiful. I love the old cabins. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and hugs Jo

Liene said...

What a lovely covered bridge... I had not heard of it before, but it is definitely going on out to-see list!

The Furry Gnome said...

How nice to hear from you Betsy! We loved our trip to the Smokies in April 2013, including a day in Cades Cove. George's waterfall pix are fabulous! I've been trying a lot of those recently too, but they're not as good as his!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Looks like the two lovebirds are at it again... Love your waterfall photos and that covered bridge is adorable! I've only seen on covered bridge. It was in Illinois. My hubby saw a little note on the map and we went on an adventure to get to it. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh you two never ever stop. You have to be so incredibly healthy. And you get to see the most beautiful sites together. You have a wonderful life - thanks for sharing it with us.

Janie said...

What a great trip to the Smokies! I enjoyed traveling with you. You and George just seem to get more fit every year. I always love to see the photos of the 2 of you, and of George working so hard for the perfect waterfall shot. He got some great ones.

Ms. A said...

Love that covered bridge. Just thinking about swimming in that cold mountain water makes me shiver... but I used to love doing it!

Marie said...

so beautiful! you two look great, as always. :)
I'm playing catch up on blogs. :)
hugs,
Marie

Neal said...

Beautiful. We like to stay in Townsend when we go down just because it's a lot quieter.

Pat Tillett said...

Beautiful photos of an amazing area.
I've been there, but it was almost too long ago to remember.

Rose said...

This is a wonderful set of photos...I really did enjoy seeing them!

David said...

Betsy, Great photos! Especially love the Cades Cove and waterfall pictures... Keep on hiking and taking photos so I can view all of those waterfalls vicariously! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Anonymous said...

BEautiful shots - looks like a fun trip!

Shug said...

You two are looking younger every day....it must be all the hiking and healthy eating you all are doing. You sure captured some gorgeous pictures...looks so very relaxing and peaceful. Just looking at your post has sure made me happy....... Just can't beat the Smoky Mountains..... Hugs to you

diane b said...

Fabulous photos of that beautiful area and well done on those long hikes.

Barbara said...

We too love it up there; been many times, your photos make me want to go now, lol. Have you went up in the Helicopter in Sevierville? We did and it was such fun..Keep having these fun times, and this is what keeps us young...Hugs my friend.

D said...

Betsy, you two lovebirds and all your wonderful adventures make me smile. One of these days you may get to our neck of the woods... we have waterfalls too! :) Great photos_ all!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Betsy, loved seeing your little trip to the Smokies. It is still near the top of my bucket list! You and George look fantastic and his waterfall shots are awesome. Have fun on your next excursion! xo Cheryl

Linda said...

Looks like a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos.

Latane Barton said...

beautiful pictures and a fun time. That's Betsy and her best buddy. I thought I'd share this tidbit with you... my uncle helped build a number of dams in Tennesse including the one at Sevierville. I (as a child) lived with his wife (my aunt) when he was away building dams. Just a memory from my past.

Joe Todd said...

It's time for Linda and I to get back t Abrams Falls