Saturday, May 19, 2012

~The Way Home

We left The Potter's House Retreat on Sunday around
lunch ~ our first stop was in the town of Blowing Rock, NC. The town was bustling with tourists & activity.  We were able to go inside this church ~

The stone walls were insulated with horse hair and I tried to get a close-up shot of it, but was not able to.

The foyer ceiling was recently painted by an artist.
One Side
The Other Side

Later that evening we drove into Asheville and visited with another blogger, Sandy, at Faith, Hope, and Love.  Our hearts were so blessed by our visit with her and her husband.  I left my camera in the van, so I did not get a picture. :-(

We traveled on down into Brevard, NC on Sunday evening - lovely town.  I have marked this stop on the map, definitely want to re-visit Brevard.  We spent the night and enjoyed shopping there. 

just a short drive out from Brevard, is Pisgah National Forest
Looking Glass Falls is located in Pisgah
You can see the waterfall off to the right in this picture. 
Dianne researched and found the waterfall is over 60 feet high.


Marilyn, my Mother-in-law taking a break from going down the
stairs to the waterfall.

The rhododendrons were beginning to bloom.
I really don't know who had more fun snapping pictures, me or Dianne. It was such a blessing to be able to share this adventure
with her and Marilyn.
such a peaceful area out in the Pisgah National Forest - lots of people walking and this great poser for the camera was enjoying being out with his owner - his name is Titus. 
after leaving Brevard, we headed out on the Blue Ridge Parkway for quite a few miles, but eventually left the Parkway for a much more curvy and narrow road - very slow going! oh, the blessings of taking the back roads - we did pull over for a few pics, but not alot of pull off spots. 

 Bridal Veil Falls and we did not take the road underneath it -
we played it safe.

The next few pictures were taken around The Highlands of NC.


The highlight of my trip ~ a covered bridge!


 The white house in the above picture is a Bed and Breakfast in
The Highlands.


The little church below is located in Dillard, GA.  We came down through the north part of Georgia and spent the night in Gainsville.


We decided the Presbyterian churches were some of the most beautiful ones we found along the way ~ the picture below is a stained glass window of the Presbyterian in Aliceville, AL. established 1837.



We made a wrong turn and found this one in Aliceville
also - no sign and don't believe they still meet here.


It was fun and I hope you've enjoyed coming along for the
re-cap of the journey.



14 comments:

Dorothy said...

Wonderful pictures!!! I almost felt like I was on the trip with you! I actually HAVE been to those waterfalls and to Brevard, etc. I love the pictures you made of the churches and church windows! Thanks!

NanaDiana said...

Karen- What a gorgeous tour of that area! I can only imagine how great it is coupled with the scents and sounds you heard there- water, birds, etc. I love it all. xo Diana

ps. I would have had to go on the road behind the waterfall!;>) xo Diana

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

You just caught it all through your lens..and what a great perceptive...so glad God blessed you with this refreshing time...isn't He good?

These are truly beautiful and I have so enjoyed your journey through your pictures. Just a reminder to slow down and see all the beauty around us.

Ruth Hiebert said...

That was most enjoyable.You have captured wonderful images of the beauty around there.

Nava said...

Karen--thanks for the journey--beautiful photography.

Brian King said...

What gorgeous shots, Karen! The covered bridge is fantastic! I just got back from the Blue Ridge Mountains earlier this month. We stayed in Blowing Rock for a week. Beautiful country!

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Dear, dear Karen,
I don't think I'll ever stop missing you, girl, and when I see posts like this, it just heightens it.

I believe we made some lifetime memories.

I'm still "belly-laughing" over some of them--ha ha!

You took some beautiful pictures--I need to get my other lens out and try it again.

Love,
D.

Richella Parham said...

I just spent some time reading your posts all about your trip to The Potter's House. Mercy! Your photos always inspire me so greatly, and these are some of your loveliest. I am so glad you and your dear mother-in-law got to go, and that your dear blogging friend was able to make the trip with you, just as you had prayed for someone to travel with you--wow!! Truly inspiring. Thank you for writing about your journey. Retreat is truly, truly good for the soul, isn't it?

Glenda said...

Many times the trip home after a wonderful vacation is often hurried and accompanied by let-down feelings. It's great that you made the trip home so special! Beautiful!!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

What an inspiring journey. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Nancy said...

Karen, these pictures are simple gorgeous captures of our beautiful state of N.C. The travel bureau needs to contact you.....

I think of you so often and wonder how you are doing. I wish we had had a longer time to be together but the time we spent was a blessed one....You three ladies were a blessing to Pat and to me and I hope we get to see each other again....

Hugs to you my friend,
Nancy

S. Etole said...

What delightful visit you have shared with us. Makes me want to take a trip there.

Debbie said...

You are girls after my own heart. That's a certainty. I love every site that caught your eye and camera. I have a peculiar love of covered bridges. My dad proposed to my mom under one so I think I was just born with it. We don't have a single one around here.

Wonderful post!

Holly said...

I found your blog and I just wanted to tell you that I love your photos. Truly beautiful!! Can't wait to see more of your work!