Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #140: Change of Scenery

Great Smoky Mtns Foothills Parkway Spring

One thing we’ve learned from the recent Pandemic brought on by COVID-19 is that we not only desire a change of scenery — we desperately need one! This week, Beth of Wandering Dawgs has asked us all to “get out and look for a change of scenery.”

But, you see, we’re quite fortunate, living so close to the Great Smoky Mountains. We don’t have to look for a change of scenery. Mother Nature makes those changes for us!

In the fall, our drives take us through spectacular woods in the Smokies — forests bearing autumn — glorious yellows, oranges, even brilliant reds at times. Mountain scenery changes daily as new colors replace old. A drive higher into the mountains may reveal one color, only to be replaced by another color higher up.

Great Smoky Mountains Fall Drive
Glorious fall in the Great Smoky Mountains, near Cades Cove.

The really happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery, even when they have to take a detour.

James Hopwood Jeans

Right now, in early spring, the newly opened Foothills Parkway (photo above), greets us us with fresh green leaves and verdant forests replacing the warmer tones of fall, much like a woman shaking off a winter quilt to expose clean, bright linens. Spring rains shower down from dark skies, freshening the palette almost daily . . . or so it seems.

Smokies - Foothills Parkway Dogwoods
Spring view from the Foothills Parkway: clouds over the “smoke-filled” mountains, a dogwood tree in the foreground.
Smokies Stream, Spring
Pale greens of new growth lean over rock-filled streams in the Great Smoky Mountains.

A change of scenery may dependent on locale. But it may also vary as your proximity to the subject changes.

An Action News theme song from the ABC station (Channel 6) in Philadelphia says, “Move Closer to Your World” – a directive we can all take to heart. Something as simple as moving closer can change your world as you stare into a smaller space, noticing details you may not have seen from a distance — the familiar morphing into something mysterious, detailed, and new.

It is impossible to do a thing the way I see it because the closer I get, the more differently I see.

Alberto Giacometti

The key to a better life isn’t always a change of scenery. Sometimes it simply requires opening your eyes.

Richelle E. Goodrich

So, whether you look far into the distance or up close into the heart of things, here’s hoping you’ll notice the scenery changing in your area. Let’s welcome the change and enjoy each and every moment of it!

For more entries in this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #140, head to Beth’s blog Wandering Dawgs and click on the links beneath her post.

As always, we love your comments and clicks on our blog, too!

May your travel be always scenic,

Rusha & Bert

33 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #140: Change of Scenery

  1. Pat

    Nice, nice, nice. My favorite drive ever was along the Blue Ridge Mountain National Park. We did all of it except a short portion on the south end where there was a winter rock slide that hadn’t been cleared up. I think I’ll have to do it again soon. Thanks for reminding me of how beautiful your part of the country is.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      So glad you’ve been this way. Spring is a great time to visit because the moisture forms the smoky cloud appearance. It really is quite lovely.

  2. Amy

    Beautiful scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains, Rusha. All are so well captured. Such a breathtaking fall scene.

  3. WanderingCanadians

    How amazing to live so close to the Great Smoky Mountains. What a great place to escape to and just connect with nature. It’s interesting to return through the different seasons for different views.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      It’s lovely here, but a bit crowded on weekends. But we’re willing to share the beauty. Come on down!

  4. Greenglobaltrek

    Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos! I was there many years ago and have great memories do it’s wonderful to relive that again through your post and photos.

    Peta

  5. Rose Vettleson

    My favorite photo is the branch-laden road near Cades Cove. There’s a feeling of peace, shelter, and other-worldliness when traveling down a tree-covered road. Our weather is dark and cloudy today with a possibility for more snow. I’ll have to look through my old travel photos to find sun and a “Change of Scenery”. 😊

  6. lulu

    How right you are about the need for a change in scenery. I’m enjoying one now in South Carolina’s low country.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      That’s a great place to be. We go to Pawleys Island every chance we get. And we eat low country food as well!!

  7. Wandering Dawgs

    Your images of the Great Smokey Mountains are breathtaking. I especially like the pale green tree by the mountain stream. And the close ups of your spring blooms are beautiful. Great job interpreting the theme! I love the last quote by Richelle Goodrich. Thank you!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I love that last quote as well. In fact, we’re thinking of going back to the Smokies this Friday /- always someone’s!

  8. Toonsarah

    It looks beautiful in all seasons 🙂 I love the mountain stream shot in particular but also your opening one – makes me want to get out on the road again exploring! We’ve driven the Blue Ridge Parkway but didn’t get this far south which is reason enough to return one day!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Always a good reason to visit the Great Smoky Mountains! Glad you liked the shots, but you need to be there in the quiet to get the full experience. (And we need to visit more often!)

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You’re so right, Sue. We love living nearby and know we should drive through the mountains more often. It’s pretty during all seasons.

  9. Teresa

    Wow, such beautiful sceneries, I would definitely want to change my scenery and go there… if only I could! Thanks for sharing, Rusha!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We’re fortunate to live close by, but in the summer, it’s hard to get through. So many other people love the area as well. Thanks for commenting.

  10. Tina Schell

    Some beautiful images this week Rusha – don’t think I’ve actually been in the Smokies although your images remind me of the Blue Ridge Pkwy in nearby North Carolina. Absolutely breathtaking mountains, I suppose I must add them to my list! Thanks for bringing us into their splendor

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You must come! So much to to see. And a photographer’s dream, especially when you can catch the “smoke” that gives the park its name. We take it for granted, but really need to go more often. Thanks for commenting.

  11. Anne Sandler

    Thanks Rusha for taking me back to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It was a must see when we went across country in 2013. Beautiful images.

Leave a Reply to Oh, the Places We See Cancel reply