'Forest to River' at O'Leno State Forest (a funny story)!

 Grab your walking stick and let's take a hike!

Even in December we enjoy colorful leaves in the forest here in the South.

This story begins deep in the forest.

 

I hiked to the youth camp first.

This is NOT where we camped! Don't worry we did NOT have outdoor showers! HA!

 

But I took a few pics of the beautiful forest and then made a turn.

I looked at my watch and I had been hiking for 45 minutes so I knew it was time to turn around.

And here's where the funny story begins. I came to a 'T' in the trail and when I looked to the left, I saw someone walking my way. A forest ranger on foot, deep in the forest.

We talked about all the wildlife in this forest. I was seeing lots of deer tracks and small animal tracks. He asked me where I had started my hike. So I said, I left the campground and walked to the Youth Camping area and then turned right down another trail and I was planning to turn around. He said you are not far from the river now and another group camping area. So I said, Oh great! I'll keep going. Well...for someone in their 30s, it wasn't very far. But for someone "my age" it turned out to be a 'fur piece'. Haha! 

 

I did get down to the river and I did make it back to camp but it ended up being about a 2 hour hike (which is about my limit these days). 

So that's the funny story.

An old raggedy hornet's nest.

A white feather.

 I saw some beautiful sights along the way!

Some gorgeous trees,

a monster or two!

And the Santa Fe River.

Happy Hiking!

We are praying for everyone suffering in the horrific fires in California and for those freezing in this winter storm. We still keep those affected by the hurricanes in our prayers, too. Take care and be kind. Everyone faces challenges in this life and everyone needs a kind word and a prayer.

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !