Yep, it's typical terrain for the area. I'd say dry earth and dust, rather than mud. Although, the pic showing the Tiger (in the distance) waiting to cross the pool being planked, is again typical of that type of terrain, where soft, wet areas can be found, which may only be a few yards across, but are subterranean springs (usually) which can stretch for miles. Hence the crossing problem. With a PzKfw IV, it probably wouldn't be a problem , but the Tiger's weight would need the ballast to provide some traction, ortherwise it would just dig itself in.