Back to Fletcher Park in NC for another hike!

 This park is only 1 mile from our condo in NC so it's quick and easy to run over there for a hike. 

The weather was beautiful! 

We're going to walk over to Sycamore Lane for this hike.

It meanders through big Sycamore trees and stays shady most of the day.

I love this old rusty bridge.

Can you see it 'steaming'? The sun was coming in on the moist bridge and causing it to steam. I was surprised the photo showed it so well.

And walking on a side trail leads down to Cane Creek.

We spotted this Great Blue Heron up in a tall tree.

And watched a squirrel having a little mid morning snack.

This little dog was trying to keep up with his master on a bike.

Above photo, Thanks David G. for identifying this as a damselfly, a male Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata).

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Humming right along!

 

We enjoyed some time in the mountains of North Carolina and took a few hikes while we were there too.

The first place we headed was Fletcher Park!

It never disappoints!

We watched this hummingbird while we enjoyed the flowers and art work in this part of the park.

It hovered right in front of our eyes!

I'm not sure what these red flowers were but the hummers loved them!

Our hike was a little stalled while we marveled at these tiny birds.

And around our condo there were lots of flowers planted to attract hummingbirds and hummingbird moths.

It was neat to see these moths every time we walked around outside.

Just one more! lol

It's fun to see different birds and flowers when you travel.

But back at Fletcher Park, I'll get a few photos of the Jeep with mountains in the background. This is Bernie Mt.

Oh and one more moth, a Skipper!

We had a good time but it's also nice to be back in Florida!

 (even though it's too HOT to hike!)

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Indian Summer in the Mts!

We were too early for the Fall colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

But there were still lots of flowers blooming at Fletcher Park!

Do you see the little loops in this flower?

And on this particular afternoon, some beautiful clouds!

There’s a path we call Sycamore Lane.

It is lined with huge Sycamore trees and you can tell how big this leaf is next to my size 7 Montrail hiking shoe!

I kept seeing pretty leaves and when I put them altogether in a mosaic it does indeed look like Fall!

The bittersweet even had a few red berries!

I’m very happy to be back in blogland…

and joining Mosaic Monday HERE.

Finally! Let’s take a Hike!

After being in NC for almost a month, I finally got to take a few hikes! We worked so hard to help a family member with a move that we didn’t have the energy to walk. (we climbed the stairs dozens of times though so that kept us in shape! lol)

My beloved Fletcher Park is always my favorite destination.

And it never disappoints!

The weather was fabulous! Usually around 80 degrees with a nice cool breeze.

I saw this Starling up high at the ball field.

And this frog down by the pond.

Of course seeing this little boy riding his bike was fun too.

I remember trying to keep up with my  4 sons when they were little.

Parks are a great place to make some memories.

And the views here at Fletcher Park are amazing!

Those mountains are ‘smokin’!

Have you had a chance to get outside this week?

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.

The Last of the Fall leaves

After November 1st you can be sure most of the leaves will be on the ground here in the Mountains of NC but I found a few ‘hangers on’!

I’ll have to zoom in for you to find these!

But quite a few were still colorful on the ground.

We hiked at Fletcher Park and I took pics on the run. It was cool and windy!

This Cypress tree was gorgeous and there were some people having a picnic nearby. (they didn’t stay long!)

Do you recognize this green leaf? It looks a little like a mitten, doesn’t it?

Have you been able to get outside and walk this week?

I’m joining Mosaic Monday HERE .

“Hiking in the Mts of NC” Fletcher Park

It was a cool and windy afternoon but the sun was out bright so we took a brisk walk! (hike #42)

Right when we got to Caney Creek a Hawk flew in front of us and landed in the tree along the path.

We’re pretty sure he is a Red Tailed Hawk but if you think otherwise, let me know.

He was a little smaller than the ones we’ve seen lately in Florida so at first we thought he something different.

I got good photos of his back, breast and head though.

I think he’s looking at me here! lol

We also saw a big fat robin and other song birds on the trails.

We noticed that we were walking at a little faster pace with the temps in the 50s and a 20 mph wind. It felt great though!

I’ve lived in this area for many years and it’s always like coming home. I love it!

Fletcher Park still had it’s tribute for the Veterans out so that was nice to see too!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.