Monday, September 19, 2022

I'm not THAT tough!

 
I'm braver than I used to be. I've learned that I can get out in the forest and feel very comfortable in nature. I am still alert when I get off the beaten track but I feel excited too. You just never know what you'll see when you go deep in the woods...


be quiet...go slow....follow me.


Use your imagination! 


Forest creatures!


So would I throw a sleeping bag on the ground and sleep at this primitive campsite?


Nooooooo!!!


I walked outside into my courtyard last night to listen to two Great Horned Owls calling each other. I know there would be all kinds of interesting sounds in the woods. I've hiked and backpacked and camped when I was younger. My boys grew up loving time spent in the forest.


But I like walking in the woods and then going home to shower, have lunch and look at the photos I've taken on my hike. I'm spoiled to all of my creature comforts.


And then too....what if a wild animal peeked out from behind a tree while I was camping?


Gray Squirrel

It could happen!!!

Do you love the outdoors as much as I do?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

and I like Thursdays HERE !  

38 comments:

Tom said...

...fabulous images. Years ago I thought that I was 10 foot tall and bulletproof, but not today.

NanaDiana said...

I lovE being outside. As a kid, growing up in the mountains of PA, I was always outside. I would take a book and a bite to eat and go find a tree in the woods, climb up and spend hours reading.
However, I would not do rustic camping anymore. lol...actually, I never would do rustic camping.
Great pictures. Have a wonderful week. xo Diana

Vee said...

I wouldn't enjoy your outdoors as much as you do, but I enjoy mine quite well. Mostly, I enjoy looking at it. 🦌🐿🦝🐈‍⬛🦮

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

I enjoyed looking at the photos of your hike in the woods. I like those photos of the squirrels. I hope you have a nice week Diane.

Rainbow Evening said...

aww.... wonderful views....

when I grow up nearby forest, yes, we may find a lot of interesting things in the forest

MadSnapper said...

I am laughing and smiling at your gray squirrel critter. I am sitting at my kitchen table finding it hard to type because a critter just like yours is siting on the roof, debating which avocado to nibble on next. I stood in the back yard yesterday waiting on his majesty to find the right spot, and the screech owls were hooting to each other and I did not mind waiting while listening. we have had a 3 day break from rain and thunder storms, they were out there but missed us. and today it was 76 at wakeup and felt so good. now the critter is sitting in the crotch to the tree eating the fruit i put there from the ones he knocked on the grund. all i can see is his butt and tail with sun beams on it. I LOVE OUTDOORS and all you show us, but have never and never will slept outside. not even on my grandmothers screened porch... I want walls around me when I close my eyes, a nice log cabine would be good

Teresa said...

Antes hacía muchas caminatas por el campo, ahora las rodillas no me dejan. Tu paseo se ve precioso, siempre me gusta. Besos.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
I do love the outdoors, all things nature and especially seeing any kind of wildlife. Your squirrels are cute. Hubby and I used to love camping, now I prefer a nice comfy bed. Take care, have a great new week!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Great pictures
There are places that have a low Earth vibe when you walk through the woods. The squirrel is looking out for you. :)

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

When I was young I enjoyed walking and hiking in the woods. That time is past for me so I always enjoy visiting you and other hiking bloggers. You always show me the Florida I remember from treks decades ago. I now enjoy the views from my comfy chair. Thanks for taking us with you.

Penelope Notes said...

I enjoyed your wooded walk ... and the squirrel that kept his eye on you!

Creations By Cindy said...

That squirrel was watching you watching him! LOL! Girl, you amaze me with your hikes! I grew up in the country and the woods and I live in the country but not quite sure I could venture out like you do. I am a scaredy cat! I am petrified of snakes...good or bad ones! Now, I do go to the woods and venture out to hunt with Marty but he has to walk in front of me. LOL! But most often I am carrying a rifle too!!!! Ha! Ha! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Carla from The River said...

Yes, I love the outdoors just as you. :-) Our boys grew up camping and exploring too. They both continue to explore and camp.

Terri D said...

With a chuckle, I freely admit that I don't like the outdoors as much as you, especially when it is so hot!! BUT... I love that you take us along and share your experiences and photos!! Thanks for that!! xo

David M. Gascoigne, said...

When I was younger I spent time in some really remote locations in "back to earth" conditions, but I suspect it would be too much now. Age has a way of converting an adventure into a hardship! If I had the opportunity, however, I might still be tempted o give it a shot!

Linda said...

I don't know of ANYONE who loves the outdoors more than you - unless it's Anni. Y'all are my two very favorite out door girls!

Jenn Jilks said...

I've never camped! We had a cottage.
I love your 'forest creatures' as I often see critters where none sit! There is a name for that, and I cannot remember it.

Jenn Jilks said...

P.S. I love your header!

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

That is exactly how I feel about walking in the woods. Comfortable, excited, and alert. These photos are so lovely!! Wish I could hear an owl in person, it has been so long.

-Soma

happyone said...

Terrific photos. Yes, I love the outdoors and the woods, after all we live in the woods. :) But I do like having a house!!!

stardust said...

The Grey Squirrel took my breath away. How cute! I love outdoors, too. Keep hiking, keep smiling.

Yoko

Angie said...

Diane - I think I do love the outdoors as much as you! I am sure there will come a day when we no longer camp in our tent; we already have preliminary plans to buy something like a Sprinter Van! Love that last picture of the squirrel! I saw a black bear in our neighborhood twice this week - same bear - and the second time was while I was out running! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!

Gillena Cox said...

Thanks for taking us along on your gorest trip. Lovely photos.

Have a nice week

Much💛love

Ann said...

I have always loved the outdoors but I also like modern conveniences. I went camping when I was younger but if you wanted me to go these days you better have a luxury camper for me to stay in.

Jeanie said...

I get nervous walking alone in the woods -- not because of anything or anyone bad or even animals but wipin out on a tree root or whatever and being stuck! But it's a beautiful spot you are near and so much to see.

ann said...

Bears? Any bears? Here bears are easily encountered, though I have never seen one in the wild; or maybe a mountain lion, or bobcat, or even a lynx. Your squirrel photo is a once in a long while photo. Oh and moose. Mean, aggressive, bull moose. In Estes Park the Elk take over the town during the winter. Our friend sent a photo of a massive herd headed to McDonald's drive-up window--but then that's Estes Park. I always enjoy your hikes. and don't you just love to hear the owls.

Irma said...

Beautiful photos from your walk.
The squirrel is really cute.
Greetings Irma

Linda said...

I love the outdoors too. I have thought about dressing up as a man, may be a fake mustache, so I would feel a little safer.

BeachGypsy said...

Love this post! Wow did you make the header picture Of the butterfly?-- That is GORGEOUS!! Love the picture of the beckoning path. Very pretty. Have a great day my friend!

Breathtaking said...

Hello Diane, I much prefer the outdoors to being indoors. I camped out as a girl, it was fun, but if I lay down on the ground now, I wouldn't be able to get up! I still like my walks in the forest though, always with mobile phone in case of an accident. Your squirrel images are so endearing, but those dark shapes look menacing. :=))

Lowcarb team member said...

Lovely photographs.
I especially like the ones of the Gray Squirrel.

All the best Jan

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh, your photos look just like the surroundings of my house. As I'm writing this, there are three squirrels in my front yard haha. Mama must have had babies, and don't ask me why they feel comfortable here, as I always shoooo them away. Now, I'm wondering if your "forest creature" is a piece of bark or something? If it is, you took the picture at the right angle making it look like a black forest creature! That trail is pretty too. The photo of the stake looks like a pencil! What wonderful imagination you have!

~Sheri

Caroline said...

Beautiful photos. I like the grey squirrel. I saw on the news they live in the UK too.

Ricki Treleaven said...

I love the outdoors, too, and your photos and posts always make me happy! :D

Tanza Erlambang said...

wonderful place.... love it

21 Wits said...

Oh wow this was a fun little wander about nature, and what amazing views deep inside. You certainly know how to entertain us, thank you so much. Take care.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I do love the outdoors, Diane. I love to explore both old and new trails. The fire pit you saw would worry me here as we often have tinder-dry drought conditions and often wildfires begin with neglected campfires, but I know Florida is much more wet and humid. The bears are very active here right now as they prepare to bulk up for winter, so I carry bear spray on the trails for safety as well as my hiking poles so my camera gets less use...lol

EricaSta said...

Oh ... please, you should change the MosaicMonday Linkparty is here now.
https://happy-hour-with-picts.blogspot.com/2022/10/mosaicmonday-no-1.html?m=1

Thank you for stopping by.