2010 February 05 « Hike Our Planet – Lee Hiller Nature Photography

Glorious Life Giving Rain on the Hot Springs Hiking Trails

Hot Springs National Park Trails HSMT Rock Lichen Moss

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Hot Springs Fact: Medical Arts Building was the tallest building in Arkansas from 1929 to 1960. At 16 stories tail this Art Deco Building became the tallest building in the South when built. (see pictures below)

It was a dark and stormy morning, literally. My camera is not an all weather model and I discovered when mist and rain cover the sensor it makes it nearly impossible to use the auto focus LOL. I kept it under the wide brim of my oil cloth Henschel Hat so I could get a few pictures of my lovely adventure.

Rain is a miracle element in the forest and as I entered the park the birds were all in the tops of trees and appeared as silhouettes against the darkening sky. They were basking and feeding in the life giving rain. When I reached the carriage road a tiny little bird was flitting amongst the leaves of a tree. It was moving so fast it took me 10 shots to get one full body photo. (If you can identify the mystery bird I would it you would leave a name in the comments section of the picture page.)

Heading up the Dead Chief Trail I was trying to dry my lens when a squirrel jumped across to a tree and I barely caught him peeking out of the ivy at me. A friend seeing me on my journey. As I moved up the trail I could see everything blossoming around me. Against the darkened sky the colors popped out from everywhere. I am always amazed at how new the trails feels each day I hike.

Up top at the Pagoda the view worsened as fog began to rise up from the ground and the rain came down a bit harder. In the distance I could hear a tree frog chirping and I felt elation at the thought of new lives waking in the park. So small, with a loud voice of joy proclaiming their birth in the forest.

I hiked down the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and the path was glorious. Nature has painted rocks and logs with vibrant greens and oranges. I could hear creeks flowing from the melted ice and 2 days of rain. It was wonderful to feel the change around me. I felt as if I too were a part of the renewing and rebirth.

I decided to go up to the North Mountain Overlook, the view was turbulent not even the eagles were flying today. Darkening clouds and swirls of rising fog spread out before me. The colors were spectacular, blue on the horizon, green and orange framing the hills When I reached the Upper Dogwood I headed back over to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail. The path was vivid, colors exploding from trees and rocks, the clouds remained dark in the sky above me.

When I reconnected with the Hot Springs Mountain Trail I could hear two creeks flowing and I stopped to listen to their song at the point where they merged. My traveling companion, rain, kept falling as I hiked back to the top of Hot Springs Mountain. Then it was back down the Peak Trail to the Tufa Terrace and out the park entrance to my home.

Love the Adventure of Life and let a little Nature in.

Much Love to You All,
Lee