We got off the trail at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve when we hiked last weekend.
We walked along the firebreak. It had rained just enough to pack the sand so that we could walk on it. I looked up firebreak in Wikipedia for a better explanation. We see them along all of the forests, preserves and prairies here in Florida and these are man made. Wikipedia's definition, "A firebreak (also called a fireroad, fire line or fuel break) is a gap in vegetation or other combustible material that acts as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of a bushfire or wildfire."
What was so amazing was the number of animal tracks along this fence line. Mostly deer, wild hog, turkey and other smaller animals like raccoons and opossums.
(this is a three toed sloth...NO really it's a turkey track! lol)
I looked for a tuft of fur along the top of this fence because I know deer bound right over the high fences.
Most animals go under!
Of course we got back on the trail for views like this. It's so beautiful here in Florida during the winter months.
Do you like to get off the 'beaten trail'?
I’m joining Tex for the
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35 comments:
Off road and back roads are the heart of the land. Here, snow shoes and a good pair of snow boots are the order of the day.
I'd love to walk along a track like this at the moment. With all the rain we have had, a walk along the Fens needs a guide in case you sink from trace!
Hello, thanks for taking me along on your hike. I did not too hot, from the walk. I like the animals tracks, the fence with the hair and the last gorgeous tree. Great series! Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!
It so great that you like to hike Diane. Great for us too because you take us along with you through your wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a wonderful day.
Hugs,
❤️Ana
I love getting off the beaten path. You had me going with your comment about the three toed sloth, LOL . . . I thought "What in Florida!" I think that I would be worried about the wild hogs, I've heard that they can be very aggressive.
I wish I had that lovely scenery to look at Diane. I did my usual hamster wheel walk about the neighborhood this am. When Hubs retires we are definitely going to get out and walk in our local parks.
watching deer jump these fences is amazing, with such grace and ease!!! i always prefer, the road less traveled!!!!
Pretty scenery along the firebreak.
What fun to discover the tracks as well as the scenery!
its great to get off the beaten track occasionally and hopefully come across some pleasant surprises!
Just like the little tuft of deer hair!
Very pretty shots of the firebreak, love the feather in the barbed wire fence. Blessings Francine.
Thanks for the shots of the animals' tracks, of the fluffy present left by a deer on the fence and of the fireroad (firebreak).
Keep enjoying your hikes!
Arlette
It must be fun taking those nice hikes and photo taking. I love that big tree. I hope you had a nice week. Enjoy the weekend.
Julie xo
neat find to wander about!
You were so smart to look for the deer fur! I love finding tracks in the dirt. Yes, getting off the beaten path is definitely good for the soul. :)
Now you know me, what do you think? I think you are brave! I like that header with the little girl you.
Great shots of the firebreak and all the tracks signs of the animals you saw ~ love the little fluff from the deer ~
Wishing you a Happy Weekend ~ ^_^
Off the beaten track looks good!
Such fun! I don't think I'd want to see a wild hog though..
I never seem to picture snow in Florida but I guess it happens.
Loved your fence shots. Enjoyed the animal tracks and the deer tuft stuck in the fence.
I agree beautiful scenery - and the weather seems divine. Love all the animal tracks you found - that is one big turkey track. I'd love to get off the beaten path sometimes - but with my circumstances I have to avoid anything that could cause me to stumble - such as uneven ground - but I enjoy it when you do and get us some lovely photos. Happy almost weekend my friend.
I LOVE that last tree...and I do like getting off the beaten path.
Hi Diane, remember me, I have been so out of touch. Life just gets in the way. Just thought I would see what's going on in your life. Miss all my contacts. Love to you.
Animal tracks can be very interesting. I spied some near my house a couple years ago that I never could identify. That last tree shot is really something!
Yes, I love getting off the beaten path.
You do such a great job capturing all the nature around you. I love that about your hikes.
Carla
Hi Diane, lovely views and you captured them so well. It is nice to travel off the trail at times. You never know what you will find. Have a great weekend ahead. Hugs and Blessings, xo
You almost had me with the three-toed sloth! It is fun to get off the beaten track once in awhile.
We've had so much rain and a small splattering of snow, but our yards are mushy and muddy. Looks like you had a great walking path.
Judy
Oh how I wish we could go hiking here, but it is just to cold. It will be a few months before we came go hiking again.
hugs,
Cindy
At my age, you'd think I've heard of firebreak, but this is all new to me. I learned a lot, thanks to you.
And the 3 toed sloth track in the hardened sand....that is awesome [insert wink!]
Great photos, you saved the best for last in my opinion...that huge tree is gorgeous. And I do love trekking off the beaten path...often.
What a fun walk. Thanks for taking us along! Isn't it fun to see the different footprints the animals leave. I see you're a detective too. :-). Have a wonderful weekend, friend.
It certainly looks like a beautiful place to walk. I'm sure some of the animals enjoy having a nice trail to follow.
It pays to go off the usual track sometimes and it certainly did for you on this walk! My gosh, I wish this rain and storms would stop!
Wild, old Florida is lovely!!!
Great place to be able to track all the local fauna, off the beaten track is my favourite place to be! Deb xo
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