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.
42 comments:
...thanks for taking me along on your hike. Where are we going next?
A lovely hike, though longer than you planned! Thanks for good wishes and I join you for all suffering in any way, either from conflicts with bullets or the weather changes from climate change.
Gosh, that sure looks like a beautiful place to camp and hike!! Thanks for always taking us along!! xo
Hello Friend, I agree with your last shout out, we need to be kind and keep praying. xx oo
I had to chuckle just yesterday I was on a hike and found a feather of a grouse stuck in a branch, I took a photo of it too. ;-) I will post it soon.
Love, Carla
Wow, that was a long hike. The sights along the way are so interesting and beautiful too. I'm impressed that you found your way back. I tend to get disoriented in those forests.
Hiking with you one truly learns about 'The Real Florida', a place so different from what people like myself who has never been there, imagine it to be.
Thanks for taking us on this. Magnificent ramble! You saw monsters and wildlife and a river and now we've enjoyed them too! Thank you friend Aloha
What a gorgeous place that is. A hike would be nice there but I'm thinking a 2 hour hike would just about do me in.
lovely place to walk, beautiful sun dapples and I do love sun dapples
I see that you did not "stir up the hornet's nest" (even with it being old and raggedy.) Good. That red cardinal is beautiful!
Traversing the sylvan paths as part of a hike is a most delightful experience. The serenity and splendor of the woods truly enriches one's journey.
So nice walking along with you OUTSIDE. :) Love the cardinal and the feather too.
You certainly did see some beautiful sights along the way ...
I enjoyed your photographs.
... and wherever people may live to all those affected by fire, snow or floods my thoughts and prayers are with you.
All the best Jan
Looks like a beautiful place to hike! But I'm glad I wasn't trying to keep up with you! I know my days of long hikes are over, but I do love to see all the beauty that is out there in the woods. Thank you for sharing it with us.
You are amazing! Love seeing all the gorgeous photos in the forest!
Beautiful series of photos.
I don't understand anything you write, it would be so nice if you put Google Translate on your blog, so I can respond to what you say about the photos.
Greetings Irma
Sounds like a nice hike, a bit further than you wanted to go. That means so much more to see and enjoy.
The Autumn colors are beautiful, love the trees and your monster.
The Cardinal is handsome. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
The forest scenery is stunning. Thinking of everyone impacted by the disasters.
Oh Diane, those are stunning. Our leaves lasted well into November (which is amazing -- usually gone by the end of October) but to see this colorful array in December would be striking. I love the elegant simplicity of the feather.
wow! Good for you doing that longer hike and getting great photos for your blog ~ enjoyed 'walking with you' ~ hugs,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Your hikes are a treasure all year. Thank you!
Your climate is very warm. It must be wonderful to hike in December.
Hah, that is a hike and a half but you made it okay and took some great photos on the way.
That´s quite a hike and meeting a friendly stranger giving you tips is even better!
A long hike definitely challenges one’s old bones! This looks like a beautiful place. Your list of the terrible things happening now is too right.
Best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
It looks like it was a gorgeous day but you must have been tired by the time you got back. Stay safe.
That indeed was a lovely hike!
Hello Diane :)
You took some wonderful photos of this beautiful forest area Diane, and saw some curious things along the way.Your hike was longer than you had intended but kudos for reaching the river, and getting back safely.
My thoughts are with all the people suffering from the fires in California and other disaster areas with freezing temperatures and floods which have also caused damage and loss of lives.
All the best
Sonjia,.
It looks like a wonderful place to hike. I love hiking in forests. Sadly my limit is less than 2 hours these days, even with walking poles which I always take. Wishing you a wonderful 2025, and many more glorious hikes. Those fires in California look horrific. And thankyou for visiting my blog last week.
That is a delightful story! Ah, young people!!!
I am tired just looking at how far you walked! lol
I found you on Sandra's site.
I love all the nature you found - the log and the rings of that tree. The old hornets nest - good for you for doing all that walking and camping.
I thought I was following you and then realized I was not. So sorry.
My husband was sick and almost died, but he recuperated. Praise God. But we have moved twice. In that my computer information was lost. I am all over the place - but it was great hearing from you. I would LOVE to write back, would you send me your address - I don't have it anymore. Mine is skcz@comcast.net THANKS
December is definitely fall in Florida. Most everyone is on to other things, but it is truly beautiful in Florida in December. Your pictures look New England in September. I thought we had exceptional color this year. The cardinals is gorgeous. Oh the difference in perspective for the distance of the walk:)
First of all, I loved reading your sentiments at the end of your post. Thank you so much for them. I believe this wholeheartedly. Thank you also for taking us on this amazing walk. Loved every photo! Your meeting with the ranger made me chuckle. You certainly did see beautiful sights. Have a great week!
Interesting details. I miss being able to walk in the woods. It’s wintry here.
The beautiful cardinal and the face in the stump of the tree really stood out to me. This is such a pretty area...Love the beauty of nature
Me encantó esa caminata, me parece preciosa, me habría gustado acompañarte. Besos.
A lot of my walks are longer than I planned, but I've learned to stop/rest when my leg, back gives me a nudge. I know I'm slow for most people, but I've learned to listen to my body, and yes, I'd love to hike with you.
A wonderful walk with many impressive details. Thank you for sharing.
Well, with this extended hike, you did see some fun things along the way. The red cardinal is a wonderful sight. The hornet's nest is neat too. And the white feather is my favorite. Thank you for your prayers for the fires in So. California. I appreciate that so much. You saw many lovely things on your hike, Diane. I have been wanting to go to the creek, maybe soon. : )
~Sheri
I so enjoyed the hike.
The cardinal looks so beautiful in his red coat.
This is a fine hiking place, sunny and shadowy.
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