Monday, August 31, 2020

Our World, My World

 Happy Monday everyone,

Time to say good bye to August, tomorrow I will welcome September.  I am still not sure where August went, I just know the days and month are in the past. I hope all my blogging friends are safe/survived the Hurricane Laura, chaos and the wildfires.  My world is pretty calm.  Moving right along I am sharing a recent hike at the local Hemlock Gorge. This area is part of the Prettyboy Reservoir watershed. We hiked the trail along the Gunpowder River to a small waterfall which is surrounded by tall Hemlock trees. 

 Views of the trail and the Gunpowder River.



 One section of the trail and Gunpowder River.




 Eastern Tiger Swallowtails





Wildflowers and butterflies seen along the Hemlock Gorge trail.  I think the pinkish plant is Joe Pye weed?


 The Louisiana Waterthrush can be found along the Gunpowder River. We also had a quick look at the Belted Kingfisher as it flew by.


 Views of the Gunpowder River, Eastern Wood Pewee were heard often, Waterthrush and Goldfinches. I also saw and heard the Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe  and the Blue-gray Gnatcatchers.


 These 2 Goldfinches almost blend in with the yellow flowers.




 Louisiana Waterthursh, I have seen these birds on previous hikes in almost this exact spot next to the river. Maybe their nest is nearby?




 Goldfinch mosaic, these birds were enjoying the wildflower seeds.



Back near the parking area we saw this tiny Ring-necked Snake. They say juveniles are around 8 inches, this one was thinner than a pencil. It was black in color and had the yellow band. This was the 2nd day in a row where I almost stepped on a snake.



One last look down the river, there was a rope or wire hanging low over the river. I do not remember that being there the last time we walked here. 




We are still staying close to home, our walks/hikes are done locally. Deer hunting season will be starting soon, I think it starts the middle of September.  We will have to change the places and fire roads we walk on, avoiding the bow hunters. Saying prayers for peace in our country.   I hope everyone is safe, happy and healthy.  


What's happening in your corner of the world? Please check out and visit the following memes and links. I hope to see you there.



 
Thanks to Angie the host of  Mosaic Monday




Thanks to LadyFi  the host of Our World Tuesday!


Thanks for visiting and commenting, have a happy day and a great new week!

116 comments:

  1. Hello Eileen!
    As usual, your photos are great!
    I wish you a very happy Monday and a great week ahead!
    How was your summer, were you on vacation?

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    1. Thanks Ella!
      It is so nice to see you back blogging again.
      Take care, enjoy your new week!

      Delete
  2. Perhaps people are fording the river there and using the rope as a handhold to steady their passage through the water.

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    1. Hello David,
      You may be right, we have seen kiddies playing in the river and usually people fishing.
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great new week!

      Delete
  3. Hello Eileen,
    this last week of August has been hard due to bad weather in many places round the world, looks like.
    Thanks for bringing up lovely images of nature. It always soothes our feelings.
    I wish you a plentiful and safe September!

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    1. Thank you Luisella!
      The weather has been crazy, more intense storms are happening.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Thank you!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  5. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful photos. I'm in love with the Eastern Tiger Swallotail butterfly! It's so pretty.
    Enjoy your day, and take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marit!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Thank you!
      Take care, enjoy your day!
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  7. Uma foto mais linda que a outra. Adorei e que sejam presságio de outra semana! beijos, chica

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    1. Thank you Chica!
      Take care, enjoy your day!
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  8. ...nature's beauty sure was on display in August. Enjoy your September.

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    1. Thank you Tom!
      We do enjoy all nature's displays.
      Take care, enjoy your day!
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  9. Such pretty pictures as always (except for that evil serpent!!). The Gunpowder River is very scenic.

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    1. Thanks Vera!
      LOL, it was a tiny serpent.
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  10. Another wonderful trail for your hike. Great sighting of the butterflies and birds. Do take care, I hope these snakes are not poisonous.

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    1. Thanks Nancy! We do not have many poisonous snakes here, only one which is the Copperhead Snake.
      Take care, enjoy your day and new week!

      Delete
  11. You take us to the best places with such interesting names. Prettyboy Reservoir, Gunpowder River and Hemlock Gorge to name but three. The Louisiana Water thrush was so well camouflaged it took me a while to spot him!
    As you know I'm hopeless at identifying wild birds but I can report that I have identified a new (to me bird) a family of Pied Wagtails are nesting in the stables. Everyday they come waggling around the back door, pecking as they go, and always make me smile.
    Happy Mosaic Monday.

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    1. Thanks Maggie! The Thrush did blend in with the river rocks. Your Pied Wagtails are a nice sight to see.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  12. That is a nice walk by the water...nothing better, and the LA Waterthrush a bonus...the park where I saw the N. Waterthrush last year was basically closed all this year, it had flooding, then the virus, they they decided to go forward with some development plans, so it's been closed again! Hopefully in the fall in will finally be open to visit. I agree be careful during hunting season those people are dangerous!!

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    1. Hello Sondra,
      We do enjoy walking along the river, usually there are always birds to see.
      I hope you are able to visit the park soon.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  13. Your swallowtails are gorgeous i had some visit my garden last week😊

    My linky is back. Feel free to link up when you visit
    Have a safe and happy Monday

    Much🦋love

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    1. Thank you Gillena! Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  14. I'd be running the opposite direction of the snake...and sure as heck, wouldn't stop to take a picture. You're a brave soul.

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    1. Hello Anni,
      It was a tiny snake, I've seen bigger worms. Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  15. My hubby loves to come across the little ring necked snake. I've seen night crawlers bigger than them...back in Texas! lol I guess as snakes go, these are the least frightening. LOVE the Goldfinches in their bright colors. We got in hike #100 a few days ago. I hope Sept brings cooler temps! Hugs!

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    1. Thanks Diane! I love the Goldfinches too, they are sweet birds.
      I do not mind snakes, this one was tiny. Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  16. Thanks so much for taking us along for your walk...wonderful to be by the water and see those birds and butterflies. I cringe that you almost stepped on the little snake (a second one too!) Have a great week ahead, as I'm looking forward to seeing more of your photos!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Barbara!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  17. wild, birds, blooms and butterflies ... so happy and cheerful. the more the merrier ... thank you for sharing. i appreciate these. rainy day Monday ... hope ur well. ( ;

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    1. Thanks Beth! It is cloudy here, rain is on the way!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  18. What a beautiful place for a walk during these strange times!

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    1. Thanks Pat!
      It is a pretty place for a walk.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  19. i saw very few goldfinches during the summer, but they have returned and now i am seeing a lot!! pretty swallowtails, the ones i am seeing are quite torn and tethered!!

    these trails are so pretty...and gunpowder river, looks more like a small brook!!

    the views are beautiful and those wildflowers gorgeous...how do they survive on their own?!?!

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    1. Thanks Debbie! I see a few Goldfinches at my feeders, not every day though.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  20. Beautiful photos, thanks for taking us along on your nature walk. Those little Goldfinches really do blend in. If the photo was from further away you'd never spot them. They are so adorable too! Have a great week :)

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    1. Thank you Martha! Take care, enjoy your day! Have a great new week!

      Delete
  21. We had a lot of those ring neck snakes when we lived in Orlando. For some reason they loved to have their babies in our garage. I always checked behind my car so I wouldn't run over any when I was leaving.

    Walking by water ------------there is just something so centering about doing that. Thankfully, we have a few creek trails in this area so I can still get my water fix. It's not like walking along the St. Johns River, but for now it is the best I can do. LOL

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks Dee!
      I agree walking next to the water is nice and peaceful.
      This little snake was cute, so tiny.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  22. There sure is a lot of beautiful views here...and I love the birds and butterflies.

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    1. Thank you Rose!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

      Delete
  23. Yikes on the bow hunters. had not thought of that. maybe the rope is to hold onto while walking the rocks? i love the name Gunpowder River, it takes me back to the zillion Westerns I read in the past life and it is a river I would like to wander along and see it

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    1. Thanks Sandra!
      I do think people hung the rope so they could walk in the river.
      We saw some kids playing in the river that day.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

      Delete
  24. There's so much to enjoy close to home as your photos show us today. Happy Day.

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    1. Thank you Gayle! Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

      Delete
  25. Beautiful mosaics. I loved the photo of the little snake. It is rather similar to our Snok. Our Snok don´t have a band, it has two white patches on the head. I´m glad you avoided step on it :) It is a beautiful river :)

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    1. Thank you Monica!
      I was happy I did not step on the tiny thing, my hubby saw it first.
      Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

      Delete
  26. Lovely series of nature photos ~ what a wonderful walk ~ ^_^

    Live each moment with love,

    A ShutterBug Explores
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Carol!
      Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

      Delete
  27. I enjoyed reading so much... wonderful scenes in nature, fantastisc captures. Thank you for sharing. I love to watch Birds!

    Stay healthy and well.

    Happy MosaicMonday

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    1. Thank you Heidrun! I appreciate your comment and visit today.
      Have a great new week!

      Delete
  28. Beauty everywhere!
    Have a wonderful day!

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  29. That was a great walk among the hemlock. That alone would attract me but the butterflies, goldfinch and even the snake would keep me going. Thank you for taking me along.

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    1. Thank you Marie! There is so much to see, beauty is everywhere!
      Enjoy your day, have a great week ahead!

      Delete
  30. What an unusual name (Gunpowder) for such a pretty river, home to all those beautiful creatures. You are wise to avoid areas with hunters - we do the same here during hunting season as too many "accidents" happen because some hunters fail to identify their target correctly.
    Have a great week, stay safe :) xx

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    1. Thanks for the comment and visit.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  31. Time flies so fast...September will come soon.
    Stay safe, healthy and virus free.

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  32. Such a nice variety of photos, hope you're staying safe there, kia kaha.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Amy, thank you for the comment.
      Have a great day!

      Delete
  33. Hi Eileen. So much beautiful nature along this road. I love seeing goldfinches! Yes, hunting season will be here soon, too, but thankfully not in our area. Most hunters go north west but the fires this year are in those areas so I wonder where they will go? I'm not a fan of hunting but I know it can actually be good for the deer as over population brings them diseases.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Pat,
      I am not a fan of hunting, but I guess they do need to control the deer.
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Enjoy your day and week ahead!

      Delete
  34. So many beautiful photos to look at here as usual. Always a pleasure to stop by. Amazing how fast this month has flown by.

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  35. Too bad I couldn't go with you. This was a great place to visit.

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    1. Thanks Red!
      It is great place for a walk.
      Enjoy your day and week ahead!

      Delete
  36. Pretty photos and I love the collages. Lovely to see your Eastern Tiger Swallowtails. Great shot of the Belted Kingfisher also, as well as the other pretty birds. Flowers are lovely too. Good capture of the Ring-necked snake. Stay safe and healthy. I also am saying my prayers for everyone, sad times going on right now.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Denise,
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Enjoy your day and week ahead!

      Delete
  37. Another beautiful place to walk! You found a lot of great wildlife again.

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  38. I had a wonderful time vicariously walking on the trail. Love the movements and the activities in your photos. Thank you, Eileen!

    -Soma

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Enjoy your day and week ahead!

      Delete
  39. You always take us on such beautiful walks Eileen. Ours near hear are mere rambles. We have to go further for a proper bush walk. But spring is knocking, so the wildflowers will be out. I look forward to this time of year. Take care, and enjoy your week ahead, and thank you for visiting my blog this week.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jill
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Enjoy your day and week ahead!

      Delete
  40. Eileen - I am glad that you are safe and healthy. There are so many suffering right now for a variety of reasons. I too pray for peace in our country. Your nature photos are always a balm for my soul! I have been delighted to see a couple of kingfishers at a lake near here! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Angie,
      Thanks for the comment.
      Enjoy your day and week ahead!

      Delete
  41. Beautiful images and mosaics. What a beautiful created world we get to enjoy. Happy September to you!

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  42. Always loved your posts.
    Keep sharing. Greetings.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Enjoy your day and week ahead!

      Delete
  43. Hi Eileen,
    Beautiful photos and collages of your walks.
    I enjoyed your blog.
    Stay healthy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Irma!
      Take care and stay safe!
      Have a great week!

      Delete
  44. Been way too long since I 'visited' you! Beautiful photos as always - loved the hike.

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  45. Thanks for the visit and comment. Enjoy your day and week ahead!

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  46. Such a pretty trail and surroundings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  47. Great post, beautiful trail you have there. Watch out for them snakes!!

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    1. Thank you Alan.
      I worry more about the Copperheads than this tiny snake.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  48. I love the goldfinches with the flowers! I too live in a calm(er) place - no hurricanes, thankfully. I'm not ready for fall yet, though...

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  49. Such pretty shots and lovely scenery. Must be so relaxing to walk there - well, apart from the snakes, that is!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lady Fi!
      It is a very relaxing place.
      Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  50. That's quite a treat to watch goldfinches along the yellow flowers and wonderful trail to walk beside the river. Love the cute neck band of the snake. Nature is amazing to watch! Take care

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  51. Be careful out and about, even if the snake is non venomous they can bite and leave an infection.
    The birds, flowers and butterflies are lovely, the river/stream looks peaceful.
    Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

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  52. Looks like a lovely place! Your butterflies are gorgeous.

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  53. Waterfall hikes are the best! Birds and butterflies are even better!

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  54. What a delightful walk. The swallowtails are beautiful and I had to look really closely to spot those goldfinches. Have a good week.

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  55. Hi Eileend!!!...Beautiful series of images and mosaics ... Happy September ... stay safe

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  56. Calm is good Eileen - just the birds and the bees and the butterflies. Let's hope September continues like this. It looks beautiful out your way!
    Wren x

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  57. Que lindo paseo amiga. La segunda foto y la última,se parecen mucho al paseo que hacemos por del rio Cuerpo de hombre aquí en Béjar. Gracias por compartir.
    Buen septiembre Eileen. Cuidaros.
    Un abrazo.

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  58. I'm reallyh missing nature at this point, since we couldn't travel this year and have been isolating for 6 months now. Thanks for your lovely post - it was just what I needed.

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  59. Vistas prodigiosas de la Naturaleza. Me ha encantado el trabajo que has hecho en tu reportaje.

    Besos

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  60. It's so nice that you have some lovely trails through greenery, near you. The ones near us are in the middle of dry landscapes. I'm thankful for them tho' because these hikes seem to be the only safe trips we can do now.
    Stay healthy, Eileen. Take Care.:)

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  61. Another wonderful post.
    I always enjoy seeing your photographs.

    Happy September Wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  62. My, what a great place to hike and chill from the world!


    Feel free to share at My Corner of the World

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  63. Great and beautiful nature photos!

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  64. I do love your nature trails and wildlife. My perfect place is that trail through the woods. I agree that August has zoomed right on by. Now we are into September. Before the month of August ended I could definitely feel and sense the change. The air changes around mid-August every year. Enjoy the rest of your week and the weekend coming soon. xx

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  65. Hi Eileen,
    really a beautiful series of photos with a nice variety of animals and nature :-) You indeed get a lot for you, such as the hurricane and the forest fires.
    I am happy to read that your world is quiet for a while and it should be because it is all going very fast!
    Indeed, we are already in September. Where has the time gone?
    Stay healthy and safe too Eileen.
    Greetings, Helma

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  66. A natureza no seu máximo esplendor, nesta bela série de imagens!
    Apesar de ser um Agosto estranho, o deste ano, também tive a sensação de que passou bem rápido...
    Adorei as imagens! Saio sempre do seu blog, Eileen, com uma alma nova, perante tantos encantos, que por aqui nos são dados a apreciar!... Amanhã estarei de volta por aqui, com mais tempo, para espreitar as maravilhas que se me escaparam por aqui, em Agosto! Com as rotinas alteradas por causa das medidas de segurança do Covid, a minha disponibilidade para andar pela Net, continua completamente virada do avesso!... :-( Ir às compras, por exemplo, tornou-se um pesadelo... com uma infinidade de coisas para lavar ou desinfectar... mas a minha mãe não tem tido sobressaltos de saúde... e isso é o que importa!...
    Beijinhos! Tudo de bom! E que Setembro se revele igualmente um mês excelente, e repleto de bons momentos!...
    Ana

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Hello, thank you for visiting my blog. I always appreciate your comments.

BTW, Anonymous comments unless a name is included will not be published. Also, comments with links will be deleted.

Have a happy day, Eileen

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