Ross Prairie Forest "Holly Hammock Trail"

 I have so much to share but it's such beautiful weather for camping and hiking that I'm still not sitting at the computer as much. It will get HOT here in Florida soon and then I'll catch up. I guess! lol

This is right at the halfway point and you really have to look to see the turn. 

Sparkleberry bush

Link for the ID is HERE! And thank you so much to my blog buddy "Tom the backroads" for help with identifying it! These bushes are in full bloom and smell so sweet! 

We've camped at Ross Prairie State Forest Campground twice now and I hiked different trails both times. I did hike the Holly Hammock THREE times though because it's my favorite.

For locals, the trail is in the best shape I've ever seen it. And when you take the loop you come to a pond at the halfway point. The pond is full of water with lily pads in full bloom.

With the bonus of wetlands beyond the pond with so much to see. 

It took me about 2 hours to hike it because I spent 20 minutes at the pond taking photos. 

But it's an easy hike. Just watch out for roots and stumps in the trail. Lift your feet when you walk!

This is a popular trail and I've met a couple of hikers that leave little trinkets along the trail.

A dragon on the trail? 

They are fun to find.

When I say it's popular, I still only saw 1 other person hiking it on this 2 hour hike. I just wish more people got out to enjoy a nature walk. There are so many rewards.

Mourning Dove

And WHAT is this little critter?

Have you walked outside this week?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

Halpata Tastanaki Preserve - Plan B

 I've learned over the years not to worry if I get a late start or change my mind about my original plan. 

Iridescent Green Beetle

There may be a reason not to go in the direction I was headed.

On this particular day, I had planned to take a hike from the trailhead near my house, beginning on hwy 484. But when I came to the hwy, the traffic was at a standstill to my left. So I turned right and drove to Halpata Tastanaki Preserve.

It was a beautiful day and I saw lots of birds and wildlife.

I love this new sign on the fence post.

Gray Catbird

I found out when I got home and searched online that the traffic was stopped because of a bad wreck involving 2 cars and an ambulance. It had happened less than an hour before I left my house. So I was thankful for my late start that morning.

I watched 2 Florida Scrub Jays from a distance.

I see the most variety here on the HTP preserve and it's one of the first (it's actually the second) trail we ever hiked here in this part of Florida.

Three White-tailed Deer ran across the trail right in front of me! I was happy that ONE showed up in my photo!

Dove

Flycatcher

Monster (thanks for asking, Iris! I always wonder if anyone will question my 'monsters'. This is a broken trunk of a tree about 4 ft high. It looked like a huge 'monster' bird...just for fun!)

And how about this very cute animal track!

So it turns out that Plan B was the best plan. It's great to have so many trails close by so that I have choices. I have much to be thankful for!

Are you having good weather to enjoy time outdoors?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !  

An afternoon drive to the Preserve!

 

We drove past Halpata Tastanaki Preserve while running an errand. 

When we finished and made the turn around, the Jeep drove right into the gate at the Preserve.

It was impossible to drive past it twice in one day without stopping!

Great Blue Heron at a distance

We didn't even get out of the vehicle but we saw so much.

Dove

I always encourage everyone that reads my blog to get out in nature and sometimes that means taking a drive to a park or preserve. And if you can't do that, maybe you can sit outside when the weather is nice or look out the window at bird feeders when it's not. Letting your mind relax and enjoy the outdoors is what's good for you!

Great Crested Flycatcher

American Kestrel (on the drive in)

All photos taken from inside the car!

Red Shouldered Hawk

He sees US now! 

And another Kestrel on the drive out!

Time to FLY! 

And guess what? Another year has flown by and it's my birthday this weekend!

And guess what my sweet hubby gave me for my birthday! 

A Victrola record player! 

I've been playing records and dancing and he's been singing! So don't peek in the windows and get skeeeered! We both still have a few of our old 45s! 

I'm sure I'll be out on one of the Florida trails enjoying nature or at least taking a ride some place interesting.

Have a wonderful weekend!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.   

Jungle Trekking

 

Florida can look and feel very jungly (is that a word?) at this time of year.

Everything is green and lush and some of the vegetation reaches out and tries to grab you when you walk.

We really enjoyed the boardwalk at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve.

The drive out there was a one lane dirt road which makes you wonder what you've gotten yourself into. 

But we only saw 2 other vehicles the whole time we were there and they were both parked. (we didn't meet anyone on the narrow road...whew!)

The boardwalk itself is just like new and absolutely beautiful!

Lot of overlooks and benches and information along the way.

Lots to learn!

And what views!

The visitor center was not open (except for the screened in lower level) on the Sunday we were there but it's very nice too.

We walked and walked and enjoyed our Sunday morning until we got off onto the grassy trail.

The bugs were awful! Flying all around, trying to get in your eyes and mouth! The only thing I can say that was good about them is they didn't bite! We were surprised. It still wasn't pleasant to be in a swarm of non biting insects though! heehee!

It was a beautiful day and we'll go back again soon! (preferably when there's a breeze)

Dove in a Pine tree

Have you gotten out for a nice walk this week?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!