A Van Camper is great for a day trip to the HTP at the Pruitt Trailhead.
You have everything you need when you finish your hike. You can make a cup of coffee and enjoy a snack out of the refrigerator....oh and go to the bathroom! And sit down to eat!
We know we'll enjoy taking it on other days trips but of course Halpata Tastanaki Preserve is one of my favorite destinations and it's close to home.
These are the first American Kestrels I've seen in awhile.
I took pics of this one and then when I started to move down the trail, it flew and so did a second one.
So I think I caught a male and female traveling together.
We might see a Kestrel from time to time during the year, but more of them are here in the winter months.
Dragonfly
Bagworm
And don't forget to look UP!
The clouds looked like feathers and I saw a little pile of real feathers too.
There are still lots of Flycatchers at the preserve.
A view of the trail and my turn around point.
(get a drink of water and make the turn)
Time for some relaxation in the van before heading home.
Do you enjoy day trips?
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41 comments:
...thanks for taking my along, I'm snowed in today!
Hi Diane :)
A home on wheels has all the things you need when on vacation. I love your Kestrel shots, dragonfly and Flycatcher. I have been seeing birds with feathers in their beaks, so birds are already making their nests. It continues to pour down here though.
All the best
Sonjia
How lucky you are to go on those nice hikes and see nature and birds. It's been so cold here and I can't wait for spring and warmer temps. I hope you have a nice weekend.
I am so glad to see the birds, we have none here and have not even seen them at Walmart in past weeks. the storm scared them away maybe. we need rain so it might be that, all the rain that came down from the Gulf this week totally missed us as it always does. maybe the birds have moved on to where the rain goes.
It's been so long since I took day trips. I really wish I could get out and about. I do so vicariously thru your photos though and appreciate them so much!
The kestrel is looking fantastic
I'm delighted to hear that you are enjoying your new van. That dragonfly is so pretty :)
Is the camper van something new? Do you still have your jeep and/or your other camper? Just wondering if I missed something...I must have! I love the kestrels...they are beautiful. You do see the most beautiful sights on your hikes. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Beautiful dragonfly!!!
Your Van Camper sounds perfect for a day trip! I love the idea of being able to enjoy coffee and snacks right after a hike. Halpata Tastanaki Preserve sounds like a beautiful spot, especially with those amazing American Kestrels! How exciting to see a male and female together! Your nature observations, from the dragonfly to the feathered clouds, make me feel like I’m right there with you. Thanks for sharing! I’d love for you to check out my new post!
Day trips in the van sound like a great way to hike!
It's nice that you get out and about and share your lovely photographs.
From the comfort of my armchair I enjoyed seeing the areas you visit.
Have a lovely weekend.
All the best Jan
I love your nature photos, that dragonfly is impressive. Enjoy your van, it looks like fun.
It's so bright and sunny where you are. Love the kestrels and the gossamer wings on the dragonfly. Day trips are fun!
Beautiful series of photos.
Beautiful the dragonfly and the American kestrel.
I wish you a good weekend.
Greetings Irma
That would be nice having all those conveniences at the end of your hike. Those feather clouds are amazing.
Hello,
Your camper van sounds nice! Wonderful photos of the Kestrel. The dragonfly is a beauty. The feather clouds are a cool sight.
Pretty views of the flowers, birds and the trail.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
I understand that you enjoy your camper van. The dragonfly is very beautiful, and the kestrel too!
Oh always wonderful nature photography here ~ love our 'feathered friends' ~ hugs,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
You are getting incredible use of that van.
Marvelous photos! Nature is soothing to the soul. I heard that somewhere once and say it all the time to myself now because I find it very true. You have captured so much of it in your post and I have enjoyed every photo. Love the fact that you have a camper van, for all the reasons you mentioned. I look forward to the day we start going on our day trips again, and longer. Have a great weekend!
The dragonfly is absolutely beautiful.
Do you do your walks alone?
I do not know what a kestrel is - I don't think I have seen one or heard of them before.
I loved the dragonfly - you must have a great camera to see him so close.
Love the feathers too.
Glad you enjoyed your walk.
i must say that day trips are my favorites. i love being out in nature or anywhere for the day, and i like coming home and sleeping in my own bed. although having this set up, maybe you would be ok sleeping in the van, maybe you would get use to it. you two are lucky to have similar hobbies and interests and the van was a great purchase for you. your pictures today are outstanding, i especially loved the dragonfly. and many thanks for the well wishes!!
Those pics of the Kestrels are wonderful, Diane.
Finishing your hike back at the camper sounds perfect.
Congratulations on your new camper van!! I used to have one and practically lived in it!
So nice to see the kestrels - they are such a pretty bird. The feather clouds are amazing and love the little flycatcher. Your camper van is perfect for going on little adventures! I would love one of those, but alas, it's not in the budget this year. Or next...Lol! I do love to go on road trips, but the Mr. traveled so much for work that he has become a true-blue homebody since retirement. So glad to have my blogger friends to live vicariously! xx K
The feathery clouds replicating fallen feathers is just amazing!
Wonderful post! The American Kestrels are beautiful, and it's great you spotted a pair. I appreciate the details about the other wildlife you observed too – the dragonfly, bagworm, and flycatchers. The feather shaped cloud looks surreal. Your van camper setup sounds perfect for prioritized relaxation before heading home.
Lounging in your camper van after your hike is like the icing on the cake! I enjoy day trips, my most recent one looks far different that what you shared with us in this post.
Hi Diane -- those kestrels! Fantastic!
Your van does sound heavenly for the end of the trail!
The dragonfly is beautiful! You sure got some great shots of everything. Glad you enjoyed your hike. I need your energy. Happy Week to you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Your photos are great. I love how I can see all the detail and color on the dragonfly. Having your own bathroom is a HUGE plus...
I definitely enjoy day trips. So much easier than staying overnight.
American Kestrels are rare to see in our areas as well..... great to see them.
Thank you for sharing beautiful photos
Un día precioso que me habría encantado estar paseando con vosotros. Besos.
What a great way to enjoy a day trip! Having all the comforts of home in your van makes it even more relaxing. How exciting to spot a pair of Kestrels! I love the little details you notice—feather-like clouds, wildlife, and all. Thanks for sharing!
Great photos! The dragonfly makes me long for summer weather. :)
Ooooo, what a pretty dragonfly, and a striking color he is. The clouds are wonderful in the shape of a feather. And that little Flycatcher is sweet too. It's nice to have a camper for your day trips.
February is coming to an end, and wishing you pleasant March days. : )
~Sheri
loved going along on this adventure with yall! Love the kestreal pictures and the that dragonfly, so pretty! the feathers too. Hope your week is going great so far and yall have avoided the bad flu? Hugs!
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