I've learned over the years not to worry if I get a late start or change my mind about my original plan.
Iridescent Green Beetle
There may be a reason not to go in the direction I was headed.
On this particular day, I had planned to take a hike from the trailhead near my house, beginning on hwy 484. But when I came to the hwy, the traffic was at a standstill to my left. So I turned right and drove to Halpata Tastanaki Preserve.
It was a beautiful day and I saw lots of birds and wildlife.
I love this new sign on the fence post.
Gray Catbird
I found out when I got home and searched online that the traffic was stopped because of a bad wreck involving 2 cars and an ambulance. It had happened less than an hour before I left my house. So I was thankful for my late start that morning.
I watched 2 Florida Scrub Jays from a distance.
I see the most variety here on the HTP preserve and it's one of the first (it's actually the second) trail we ever hiked here in this part of Florida.
Three White-tailed Deer ran across the trail right in front of me! I was happy that ONE showed up in my photo!
Dove
Flycatcher
Monster (thanks for asking, Iris! I always wonder if anyone will question my 'monsters'. This is a broken trunk of a tree about 4 ft high. It looked like a huge 'monster' bird...just for fun!)
And how about this very cute animal track!
So it turns out that Plan B was the best plan. It's great to have so many trails close by so that I have choices. I have much to be thankful for!
Are you having good weather to enjoy time outdoors?
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42 comments:
...plans are make to change!
It's good to be flexible, and it's good to have options. Our weather is supposed to warm up this weekend and I'm looking forward to some walks and some time in the garden! Enjoy your weekend, Diane, exploring more of your beautiful world.
traffic is at a stand still every where here, its spring break. UGH good that you were later starting
That is an excellent Plan B!
I am 100% with you! I have done enough worrying. Very enjoyable. Walk with you today. Thank you Aloha
What a fascinating and beautiful beetle! You made the right choice in your route -- the birds are great! Happy weekend!
The green beetle stands out the best
Thank goodness for late starts.
That beetle is kind of pretty. I've never seen anything like it.
lovely a White-tailed Deer and birds...
Have a great weekend.
Great photos!
Have a blessed day!
Hello, Diane
Another great hike and wonderful wildlife sightings.
I love the Gray Catbird, the Florida Scrub Jay and the deer running. They are all great photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
You were lucky with the traffic.
Why is the bird called "Monster"???
I think of Cookie-Monster, after all there are cute monsters around!
Wow! ~ The Universe was 'watching over you' ~ glad you late and found an alternate route ~
Lovely nature photos ~ love the dove making a nest and of course the deer but all are wonderful shots ~ thanks,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I love the Catbird - I haven't seen one for a couple of years. Glad that you had a safe hike.
When we were little we played with and caught bugs---- we would've been thrilled to find a bug with THOSE colors! LOL. Love those Florida scrub jays--- so pretty. Have a happy weekend!
Yowza! Iridescent Green, alright :)
Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy your weekend!
What a colorful beetle!
Lovely birds.
LOL, that "Monster-bird" is still cute!
Thank you for explaining!
That's the neat thing about where we live. No matter which way we go there will something great to experience.
Love all your images.
Enjoy the weekend.
Great photos, as always!! Thanks for taking us along!
Beautiful birds. Nice monster. Looks like a great place to hike.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
The 2 Florida Scrub Jays are they having fun, cheers Diane.
Even the most familiar trails can sometimes have surprises, and no matter how often we walk in a particular area we barely scratch the surface of its riches,
I think it's good to be flexible.
Always a pleasure to see your photographs.
That tree trunk really does have a monster look about it.
Enjoy your weekend.
All the best Jan
All delightful captures. The beetle looks stunning!
Beautiful photos with the insects and the flycatcher. Greetings Caroline
Sometimes the best hikes come about quite by accident. Great job capturing that running deer!
it's wonderful that you have so many choices, we do here as well. my zinger will not ride comfortably on unfinished paths but we have penty that are finished!!
it seems this was the place you were meant to be on this day, plan b really paid off. i only see catbirds during the spring and summer, they should arrive in a few weeks!! nice monster!!
You have to be flexible sometimes and it looks like you found a great alternative.
It's so good that you went another way and to another trail that day. I'm so sorry to hear about the bad accident, and hope everyone was Ok with the two vehicles. What a joy to see the three deer on your hike. And that green beetle picture is really cool. I'm wondering now what animal tracks those were. Yes, we've had good weather this past week, but we're supposed to get more rain.
Have a good week ahead, Diane.
~Sheri
Thankful for your delay and God's protection. We never know of all the things we are saved from. looks like a great hike for you and you captured some very good photos...
I like how green the beetle is! If the track a dog or fox? Usually they have the two middle toes together like that.
Lovely photos. Looks like a great day.
Diane - I admire that you can change your plans without much of a to-do - I struggle with that, even though I know it makes me miserable! Aren't humans just the weirdest creatures? Love all your birds, and monsters!
I like your attitude. Sometimes the unexpected turns out to be a blessing.
Thank goodness for the late start and plan B. I really thought that tree trunk was a bird at first. You got a wonderful photo of the deer. Happy Hiking!!
-Soma
Happy to go with you on your walk. That first photo is amazing.
Siempre feliz de pasear contigo, me encanta todo lo que vistes. Gracias y besos.
A fantastic life lesson in this post along with lovely photos. Thank you my friend.
Carla
You are lucky to have trails close by and good weather for hiking. WE are having good weather here in Autumn. Not too hot and not too cold. I am depressed these days because I can no longer walk on our trails which we call tracks. I have sciatica and I can only manage short distances. Will have an op soon to fix it hopefully.
Ha ha, I like the "monster" shot! (or is it Yucca Man??) Good call to turn right instead of left. I like to have a Plan B when I go out hiking.
Somebody was watching out for you! I'm glad you were slow getting started. And that you have this beautiful Plan B -- gorgeous hiking place.
What a lovely adventure, Diane!
Your photos are stunning as always.
I especially love the iridescent green beetle.
Your 'monster' trunk brought a smile to my face!
Happy Friday!
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