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.
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.
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
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.
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.
JohnRH
I love the roads and pathways. Beautiful.
Oh, the Places We See
Pretty scenery all around!
Amy
Beautiful scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains, Rusha. All are so well captured. Such a breathtaking fall scene.
Oh, the Places We See
Th as NMs do much, Amy. I do live in a pretty part of the U.S.
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.
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!
Pit
When we were there, I LOVED the gorgeous vistas.
Oh, the Places We See
When I look out at the layers of mountains, I know I’m home!
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
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you so much. The Smokies a so grand!
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”. 😊
Oh, the Places We See
I love that shot as well. Almost fitting for a fairy tale!
lulu
How right you are about the need for a change in scenery. I’m enjoying one now in South Carolina’s low country.
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!!
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!
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!
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!
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!)
Sue
Fabulous place!
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.
Sue
Right…your task is, one photo every couple of months!!
Oh, the Places We See
I need to do that!!!!
Sue
😊😊😊
Teresa
Wow, such beautiful sceneries, I would definitely want to change my scenery and go there… if only I could! Thanks for sharing, Rusha!
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.
Teresa
At least you have 3 seasons to have it all to yourself!
Oh, the Places We See
True!!!
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
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.
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.
Oh, the Places We See
We love these mountains and need to go more often. The area changes almost daily.