Hiking the Nature Center

Is it hiking if you are wearing tennis shoes?  Well, it’s definitely more than just walking!

Sunday morning I went to the Nature Center and hiked the trail twice to get in my 5 miles for

the day on my FitBit.

What a beautiful way to start the day.  Normally, when I go out and walk, I take my iPhone and

listen to Jillian Michaels podcast….I just love her…if you want to download her free podcasts

just go HERE ….she talks about way more than diet and fitness….I swear, listen to her, you’ll fall in love!

 

On this day, I just unplugged and walked.

Such a wonderful day, in a wonderful setting.

I’m quite enamored with tree roots, so don’t be surprised if you see more pictures of tree roots

as we go along here.

Most of the trail is shady with sun shining through the trees.

I also have a thing for fallen trees with odd lichens growing on them…..so interesting!

Other parts of the trail are out in the open and you walk on these boardwalks.

Some of the boardwalks cross little streams.

Some of the paths are composed of rocks….that’s why I call it hiking….you have to pay attention to

where you are walking.

Climbing a stony path…

Beautiful moss covered rocks.

More interesting tree roots!

More fallen trees with lichens the size of dinner plates!!

 

Here is a tree that is standing with the same fungi…..so cool!

I don’t know that this goes anywhere, but in my imagination, it’s a little cave entry to a secret forest world.

You can take a little 1/10th mile detour and sit in the photo blind to try and photograph wildlife.

I arrived too late for there to be too much action going on….

The bees were about the most active thing I saw, give or take a few squirrels.

Most of the leaves are still green, but I did find a little bit of color near this bridge.

Not sure what kind of bird house this is…..it was really big!

I did see a little turtle family sunning themselves on a log….have never been so excited to see turtles!

What a great way to spend 5 miles!