Fontana Lake

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I captured this May view of Fontana Lake in the Smokies a few years back as we were traveling along back roads in the area.  We stopped at an overlook that gave us this nice view of the lake and mountains.

The Colors of Spring

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A beautiful Spring day brings out all the glorious colors of the season.  I don’t think I could find a scene that shouts “Spring Is Here!” any more than this photo does of the view we enjoyed as we walked to the Azalea Garden on the Biltmore Estate.

Thoughts of Spring

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It’s amazing what sunshine and mild temperatures can do for the spirit.  After several weeks of rain and cold weather, the sun finally made an appearance on the Cumberland Plateau.  It’s probably too early to declare that Spring is finally here, but hope springs eternal, and both My Beautiful Bride and I have been doing yard work for the past couple of days.  If this keeps up we’re going to have to head to Biltmore to enjoy the Spring flowers in the Walled garden.  The above photo of the Walled Garden on the Biltmore Estate was taken a few years ago.

A Sure Sign of Spring

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Dogwood blossoms against a brilliant blue sky are a sure sign that it truly is Spring.  I got this photo in the Walled Garden at Biltmore House and Gardens.

Towering Prism Tulip

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We occasionally get false promises of Spring, but when the tulips start to bloom we can be fairly certain that Spring is really here.  We only have a couple Towering Prism Tulips, but they are tall and put on a beautiful display.

Redbud in Bloom

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Redbud trees in bloom are a sure sign that Spring has arrived on the Plateau.  We have two redbuds in our front yard, and we always look forward to their Spring display.  This photo, from my archives, was taken a couple of years ago.

Garvan Woodland Gardens

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Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a beautiful place to visit in the Spring.  Betsy and I have stopped there a couple of times on our way to 'our' cabin on Mt. Nebo.  The trails through the gardens are beautiful, and we've enjoyed daffodils, tulips, and of course, azaleas.  Garvan Gardens also has an extensive rose garden which can be enjoyed later in the year.

Crocus Blossoms Up Close

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Spring brings a lot of beauty into our world. I couldn't resist the temptation to get a close-up look at a couple of crocus blossoms.

Spring in the Glade

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I couldn't resist the temptation to post another picture of our red bud tree blossoms. This picture shows our house, flag and the sky looking through the branches of the tree. No wonder we think the Glade is a beautiful place to live.

From My Archives: Spring Has Arrived

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It's usually a sure sign that Spring is here to stay when our red bud trees bloom. That's especially true when the sky is a beautiful blue.

This picture was taken in April, 2010.

Cool Thoughts

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It's been so hot here on the Plateau this week, that I needed to find some cool comfort. I thought looking at this picture from a couple of years ago might help, but relief doesn't last very long.

Mountain Laurel

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There are many advantages to living in the mountains, but the late Spring display put on by Mountain Laurel is definitely one of the nice things we can enjoy. This photo was snapped at the end of May.

April Morning in the Glade

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Redbud trees in bloom, blue skies, bright sunshine and Old Glory waving in the breeze. How could any day get off to a better start?

The Smokies in the Spring

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In May, 2009, Betsy and I traveled from Cherokee, North Carolina, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on Newfound Gap road. Along the way we stopped at an overlook, where I got this picture. According to the weather reporters these mountains are now covered in snow. I much prefer the Spring colors.

Tahiti Daffodil

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The high winds and heavy rains of Saturday pretty much did in our remaining tulips and daffodils. Fortunately we have pictures by which to remember those glorious Spring blossoms. The Tahiti Daffodil has graced our yard for several years.

Crocus in Bloom

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Spring has been slow in coming to the Plateau, but we're still hopeful. We have had some beautiful crocus blooming this year, such as the two blossoms pictured above. I captured these beauties in our garden last week.

Thoughts of Spring

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'Spring'. The word itself sounds refreshing and exciting. In our yard and garden spring flowers are pushing through the ground. Soon color will return and, I hope, so will warm weather and sunshine.

I've always thought of forsythia as a sure sign that Spring has arrived. I took this picture at Serenity Falls toward the end of March last year. I haven't seen any forsythia yet this year, but it is something to look forward to!