A 'Half a Hike'!

 A 'half a hike'? Is that proper English? Or just Southern slang?

I drove out to the Pruitt Trailhead but instead of going down to Halpata Tastanaki Preserve, I parked in the regular parking lot and hiked the Florida Trail.

It was a glorious morning with temps in the 70s and a light breeze.

Out into the sunshine!

And when I got there, I was the only one there! (when I left there were 2 other vehicles with bike racks)
Since the two hurricanes blew through Florida, the birds have flown in!

All summer, I thought there were fewer birds but now they are everywhere in great numbers!

Not sure what this small bird is but I loved it's little feetsies! 

I walked behind some wild turkeys gobbling all the way....I mean THEY were gobbling, not me. I didn't even get a photo! But there were birds in every tree and the Swamp Sunflowers were in full bloom.

One of my best sightings was this female Blue Grosbeak.

She posed....

and posed 

and I was thrilled to get so close to her.

Another beautiful bird was this Northern Harrier.

I'm not sure what this wildflower is but it looks like a bouquet waiting to be placed in a vase!

But of course I'll leave it for the butterflies and bees!

Gulf Fritillary 

Dragonfly

Time to turn around at the FT sign!

We'll save the second half for next time!

I'm going to take a couple of weeks off to enjoy the season!

Are you seeing more birds where you live now too?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !

Aliens from outer space....close to home!

 The 'close to home' part of my title concerns our weather.

With the storms this month we've hiked close to home and went on a camping trip close to home.

The Alien?

Don't you love this beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly?

He was very photogenic and stayed around long enough for me to shoot a whole roll of film!

I guess back in the days of film cameras, I wouldn't have gotten this many photos!

The month of October has been stressful from the storms and restful with the camping trip.

And I won't complain about staying close to home.

Our weather has at least been good for the mushrooms! Lots of moisture, heat and humidity!

Hermit Thrush taken at Ross Prairie State Forest

We didn't have any damage from Hurricane Milton! I'm keeping everyone who did in my prayers. And we continue to pray for those affected by Hurricane Helene. It's been a tough Fall for this part of the country! 

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !

The Blue Grosbeak at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve!

 Finally!

I've driven out to HTP once a week for months now and finally saw the Blue Grosbeak!

I saw two of them which was a thrill.

They are at the preserve every summer but this year I went all summer before I spotted them.

I was at the end of my hike and they flew right across the trail in front of me.

I get so excited seeing something special like this.

A photo of what I call 'the view' along the trail.

It's always beautiful out there and you always see something special.

I like to look through the trees at the view too!

This little Downy Woodpecker was very cute climbing up and down on this tree.

I also saw an Eagle on my drive over, but I'll have to share more Woodpecker photos today. 

One day I drove out to the Shangri-La trailhead and parked next to this persimmon tree.

It was loaded with fruit!

Have you ever eaten a persimmon? Pucker up! 

We haven't really turned the calendar to 'Fall' here but change is in the air!

We are heartbroken to see the horrific damage caused by Hurricane Helene in so many places. We lived in Asheville, Hendersonville and the small mountain town of Hot Springs, NC for many years and it is devastating to see the damage. And of course worrisome to know so many people are suffering. My prayers are for all those affected. Our relatives that live there are safe. But we appreciate your continued prayers. 

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !