I would rather HIKE!

 I spent the summer complaining. I knew I shouldn't but I did it anyway. It was too hot to hike. I had a heat rash that made it miserable to even be outside. Whine...whine...whine! hahaha!

But John took me for some evening drives to my favorite trailheads.

And each and every one gave me such a great feeling. And of course we saw things every time we got out in nature. I had to be good and not wear my hiking shoes so I would not be tempted to get out of the car and hike! 

The weather is changing. I'm improving. So I am excited about this next chapter of my life.

So here's a couple of trailheads and what we saw.

Halpata Tastanaki Preserve (hwy 200) trailhead

Of course I got out just to 'look' down the trail.

And I spotted this little lizard on the fence post.

He was happy to be photographed.

Another evening we drove to Shangri La trailhead and campground.

This tree was full of bluebirds darting around like flycatchers.

But they wouldn't stand still!

So I caught a couple on the fly! 

Do you ever complain? 

Do you have trouble 'standing still'? 

I DO!

Love, Diane 💜

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE!

The Bluebirds are back!

 Sometimes I get out in nature and laugh out loud at what I see!

And that's what happened when we got to the trailhead of Halpata Tastanaki Preserve.

A pretty bluebird was peering over the trail sign.

And then another one flew in and told him it was safe to come out.

They both looked pretty regal on the posts of the sign.

And I had a good laugh!

Eastern Bluebird

They were also on the Florida Trails when I hiked the section between hwy 484 and State Rd 200. 

I watched about 30 Bluebirds at the top of Bluebird of Happiness Hill and then before I left, another flock joined them.

They were beautiful and I smiled when I turned around to head back to the Jeep.

I hope everyone in the US enjoys a blessed Thanksgiving day.

Get out and enjoy nature when you can. You'll smile and maybe even laugh at the unexpected things you see!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.   

I'm joining Mosaic Monday HERE 

and I like Thursdays HERE !  

Halpata Tastanaki Preserve and Antler Shedding

 I've hiked on the Halpata Tastanaki Preserve trails a little more this month because they are doing some prescribed/control burns on some of the Florida Trails I usually hike. It's a good thing and they alternate burns but it still means you go to plan B when you see smoke. lol

I met a young man recently that had found something pretty unusual, a deer antler still attached to a deer skull. 

What a discovery!!!

When I first saw him, he was standing away from the trail to give me a chance to pass. 

His dog was from a shelter and did not trust people so he kept the dog close to him. (all dogs are on leashes even on the forest trails) He sure was a beautiful dog and now he has a good home! 

I've never found a deer antler but I did a search online HERE and learned a little more about shedding.

We learn so much from getting out in nature, don't we?

Birds abound in Florida at this time of year.

Phoebe and Bluebirds

Flycatcher

And wildflowers are blooming like crazy! 

Yellow Jessamine

Blueberry bushes are in full bloom too!

Have you ever found deer antlers on a hike? I don't think I really look for them but I probably will from now on!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.