Monday, May 25, 2020

Sometimes I wonder.....


I wonder what some people think it means to go deep into the forest on a hike. I know there are wild animals in the forest. (I hope I'll see one) And sometimes you get bit by a bug. (but not often) When the wind dies down it can get hot and humid. (but that's not a bad thing) And usually you do not encounter any other people deep in the forest. (but that's ok with me) 


It's QUIET.


(Reindeer Moss on the forest floor)

It's peaceful.



It's calming. 

You can lose yourself in the wonder of it all.


(hundreds of love bugs on the fragrant blooms of the palm trees)

Some might even say it's magical or mystical.


I would say it's altogether glorious.

And I know a lot of people understand what I'm talking about. I still like to walk around my neighborhood and speak to my neighbors and see what pretty flowers are blooming in their flower bed.

But for perfect harmony and joy....


I prefer a walk in the forest.

All photos taken on a 2 hour hike starting at Shangri-La trailhead, #65 for this year!


I hope you're able to get outside in nature this week. Breathe in the fresh air and stretch your legs! It's good for what ails you!

How are things going where you live? Are you feeling better about getting out in the big world? We're still taking precautions and being careful. Let's care for one another and stay healthy!


Happy Memorial Day!


I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio too!


32 comments:

Vee said...

Oh I like your adjective—glorious! I haven't walked in a forest for a number of years. Maybe it is just what I need...minus the big bites and ticks. 😏

Tom said...

...hot and humid may not be a bad thing for you, but is sure is for me! You sure saw some beautiful things, thanks and let's do it again.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Wonderful post and photos from your walk. Yes, I do prefer a walk in the forest and on the trail. I love all the plants and trees you see there. Pretty capture of the flowers and the Flycatcher. I am always on the look-out for the wild animals, I want to see them too.
Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy new week!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Lovely photos!! I'm happy to take a walk each day whether in a forest of just down by the river! Is that a photo of wild raspberries? They look delicious! Wishing you a wonderful Memorial Day!

MadSnapper said...

i agree 100 percent, there is no where i would rather walk than in woods just like these. i do love walking on deserted beaches but they are 2nd behind wooded areas.. and FL is full of these, they are every where. I miss my wooded walks.

Edna B said...

I agree, Nature is glorious. I used to love walking in the woods. I can't do that anymore, but I do enjoy going on these walks with you. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a walk in the forest, or on a grassland, or at a secluded shore, in an alpine meadow....as long as there is peace, solitude and abundance of nature.

Maggie said...

We haven't been able to go much further than the lane which passes our property on our daily walks with Fleur but one day we will get out and discover the beautiful county of Derbyshire. Your hike looks and sounds like a wonderful way to commune with nature, your wildlife images are wonderful.
Happy MM.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

being in nature is such a refrshment for the soul - Happy Memorial Day!

EricaSta said...

Our nature, or the own garden are fantastisc places for withdraw in this time of Covid-19. To find your inner balance and gather new strength. 

Stay healthy and well.
Happy MosaicMonday

Gillena Cox said...

Hi Diane. Happy Monday. My latest forest trek was in 2013 i think when i attended a poetry picnic
HERE

much💟love

The Feminine Energy said...

A hearty & resounding YES to everything you've said!! How are you finding the ticks are, where you live? The ticks have been HORRIBLE in our woods this year. Because of the extra-mild winter last year? I'm not sure but WOW... not good. Taking precautions doesn't seem to help much. But still gorgeous, the woods, all the same. Thank you so much for your pictures. Love, Andrea xoxo

Ann Thompson said...

Wonderful photos. I wish there was somewhere near me like that. I'll have to see if I can find something close

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Such beautiful scenes on your forest walks, Diane. Looks like you are having beautiful weather, too. Nature really does restore your mind and body. There's so much to explore and discover and I love the quiet. We live in the forest, so we don't have to go far to enjoy nature's gifts. Please be safe out there and remember to carry your bear spray. Mama bears (and other Mama's) are protective this time of year. Hugs xo Karen

Carla from The River said...

Beautiful photos. Someday I would like to take a hike with you. You can point out all the Florida treasures to me. There are so many, like reindeer moss and love bugs.
High Fives to hike #68!!!

happyone said...

I know exactly what you mean about walking in the woods. I am so blessed to live in my own woods!!!

Terri D said...

Great photos. Great! My hiking days are behind me but perhaps there are a few ahead for a nice walk on a well-worn trail!! Have a blessed week!

Teresa said...

También me encanta salir a pasear por el campo. Un beso.

Angie said...

Diane - as a fellow hiker, you know I know of what you speak. The only activity besides hiking that brings me such joy is being in my garden. It is not a coincidence that both activities take place outdoors in the fresh air, surrounded by natural beauty! Thanks for sharing a little slice of your paradise with everyone at Mosaic Monday!

BeachGypsy said...

Beautiful beautiful pictures, love them---you capture what hiking is truly about with your collages of pretty plants and animals/birds/water, etc!!! Is that shirt blue or mint green??---love that color. Looks like you and I both and our hubbies have spent the past few days doing lots of hiking......I am enjoying it so so so much after being isolated and all trails/parks CLOSED. So glad we can now get out at least some now. Are your beaches open there as well? Ours are open, with restrictions and you must keep moving, no sitting in lawn chairs. Hugs my friend!

NatureFootstep said...

wow, that is one beautiful deeep forest hike. Many interesting things to discover. I´d follow you any day :) But of course with that name: Shangri-La trailhead it HAS to be gorgeous :)

Take care. stay safe.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Oh, I love this so much! My heart is right there with you. I love to walk in the woods for all the same reasons as you describe so eloquently! My hubby isn't quite as adventuresome as I am, and prefers to walk in familiar pathways where he knows what is up ahead, but at least it is still in a wooded area where no one else is and I spend time looking at the flora and fauna as we walk. Even on the same path every day I am finding there is always something new to look at. We are blessed to live in an area where there is still so much of nature abounding around us, aren't we? I wouldn't trade this for any city in the world! No concrete walls and towers and floors for me! Give me God's beautiful creation every day! Amen!! Loved your pictures so much. Thank you.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I’d love to get out for a hike like that again. One of these days maybe we can hit the Oregon version of the woods! It was funny seeing the love bugs! We missed them this year by leaving early (well, you know there are two meanings of “missed” ...they really do love our white SUV )). The rest of what you show makes me miss Florida in the other definition of the word!

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

It’s wonderful that you and your husband can get out and go on nice hikes to see nature. Have a nice week Diane.

Creations By Cindy said...

I think this one of the reasons I enjoy sitting in a tree stand in the midst of those tall pines in Georgia hunting with my husband. It's so peaceful, quite and gives me time to reflect, think, pray and well, it's just a little piece of heaven for me. I feel the same way though at home with being outside. On my porch, sitting by my pond or even taking a little stroll around my yard. It is crazy at how that soothes me. Love your post and it truly warmed my heart and soul today. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Dawn said...

Look out for ticks and redbugs or some folks call them chiggers. Awful little itty bitty things.
Our weekend plans for hiking/walking at the lake were rained out.
Maybe next weekend.
Be safe
Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

Susie said...

Diane, I love all the natural beauties of nature. You make me think of my daughter Kathy, she is totally a nature lover. Prefers that to crowds and noise. Blessings, stay safe, xoxo,love, Susie

Jeanie said...

Beautiful images, Diane. Things here -- well... OK. But I'm not feeling good about getting out unless it's relatively isolated, few people, masks. A lot of people are violating all those measures which is a bit nervewracking, so I guess it is just one day at a time.

Lea said...

I feel very blessed to live in a rural area so that I can get out and enjoy the beauty of nature!
I am still very cautious about being around other people. I have to go to the grocery store today. I will wear a mask and use hand sanitizer, but a lot of people do not. I had a doctor appointment yesterday, and we were told ahead of time "you must wear a mask, and get your temperature checked at the door." There was a separate area of the waiting room for sick people. I was happy to comply, glad they were taking extra precautions.
I enjoyed seeing your photos!

SImple and Serene Living said...

I always prefer a walk out in nature. Not getting much of that right now. xo Laura

Jeannie said...

I have almost lived outside this past week. I was determined to get the vegetable garden planted before a big storm blew in. Job done! Now I can enjoy myself in my flower garden without feeling guilty.
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry

Red Rose Alley said...

Yes, I DO know what you're talking about. I told Nel that we have to drive to the mountain line this weekend, as I need to be around nature. The orange flowers you came across are pretty, and what an unusual looking rock that is. And look at those raspberries growing wild! Such a cute picture of you in your mint green hiking shirt. : )

~Sheri