A Passion for Hiking!

 

Everyone knows I have a passion for hiking! And this week, we are seeing the Passion Flower in full bloom! It's the funniest thing. The vines don't stand out in the forest but when the big beautiful bloom opens, you can see it here there and everywhere. 

We always say that about the cactus. We don't notice how much cactus there is until you look out and see all the yellow blooms. They 'jump' out at you!

It's been perfect weather for hiking this week!

Warm but lower humidity and a nice breeze most days!

(trying to stay away from bugs and bears! lol)

We'll keep going while we are able!

And enjoy the beauty along the way.

We've seen some amazing sights this week.

And just when we think we've 'seen it all', we see something we've never seen before.

Like a hiker on the Florida trails with a guitar on his back. 

There he goes! He was headed to Deer Woods at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve. Other photos taken at the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, HTP, Florida Trails, 49th Ave Trail and Limerock Road. Get out and enjoy the sights! 

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE 

AND my Monday post HERE.

Florida in February!

 

We start seeing flowers and flowering trees in the month of February here in Florida. We even have a fair amount of pollen already.

But it's beautiful!

And we love it!

Most of these were taken at Blue Run Park in Dunnellon, a nice place to spend a day any time of the year. 

We usually go once a week and take a hike!

I hope everyone is seeing their weather improve now.

A few of the birds we saw that day.

(Anhinga, Red-shouldered Hawk and White Ibis)

How are you doing on this fine Monday morning?

Have you been able to get outside and walk any?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.

A Hike into the Canal diggings!

 

I've had an exceptionally good and interesting week. Not all weeks are as much fun as this one has been and it has kept me preoccupied!

 

I'd like to share some neat pics we took on a hiking trail through the canal diggings of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. 

(the hiking trail intersects with a biking trail here)

(critter homes)

(looking across the way at the horse trail)

I know we all agree that it's been a very difficult year so to have some fun things to experience is truly a blessing.

So I'm outside more than inside right now. I'll stop by and visit when I take a break from having fun. lol

I hope the weather improves for everyone! We are having some pop up showers but temps in the 70s and 80s for the most part. 

Take care and stay safe and warm!

Is it my imagination or does this mushroom even have a happy face?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.

It's a SIGN!

 This doesn't really have a double meaning....

I saw some neat signs this week!

But if it DOES have a double meaning, it might mean that I need to get busy with something besides playing with photos.

I love to make mosaics and it is addictive.

I took this photo of an airplane during a hike at Halpata Tastanaki Preserve. There's a small airport nearby so it's a great place to see these beautiful small airplanes. So this one is 'straight out of the camera'.

And then I did a stained glass effect for Mosaic Monday.

And the next thing I know, I've made a Kaleidoscope out of it! lol I use a free version of Photoscape to edit my pics.

A few of the dogs we've seen lately. And no, they are not all rascals! The one really is named Rascal though! He's an older dog and a real sweetheart.

And the mosaic I showed last week....

is a survey marker that was in the ground next to the trail at Johnson Pond.

Our temps are in the 70s this week so it's perfect for hitting the trails.

Have a wonderful week!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.

Florida Christmas Colors!

 

We've had a good frost this winter so we are enjoying the colors of Christmas! 

The Bald Cypress trees are gorgeous when they turn to burnt orange before they shed their needles.

And on this particular hike at Blue Run Park, the river was gorgeous!

Even this kayak was perfectly placed for a photo op! (he was fishing)

This is the Withlacoochee River that we walk along as we hike this trail.

Hike #150 for the year! We are happy to reach our goal and adding to the number now while the weather is nice! 

Hugs to my hiking buddy! It's a special day week for him!

The house on the river.

Views of the Withlacoochee River.

I hope you've enjoyed views of North Central Florida in December! I love seeing the photos many of you are sharing of the SNOW in your area! Stay safe and healthy this week!

Update: the trees I am showing are Bald Cypress trees that grow along and IN the water. It's unusual for a conifer to be deciduous but this one is, it loses its leaves in winter thus the name 'bald'. 

 holiday hugs! 🌴

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.