2010 March 23 « Hike Our Planet – Lee Hiller Nature Photography

Woodpeckers, Cardinal, Squirrel, Spring Leaves and Wildflowers

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Another lovely morning in the park, the air is a mix of Blossoms, Green and Earth. I love taking in a deep breath of Nature’s Spring perfume as I begin my hike. The sunlight on the tops of the Trees on North Mountain are enticing as I hike up the Floral Trail. I am blessed to see both a Male and Female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. They fly in a swirling pattern among the Trees as I connect with the with the Lower Dogwood Trail.

A lovely Robin hops from Tree to Tree following me up the Mountain, it’s wonderful to hike with a new friend. All along the Lower and Upper Dogwood Trails delicate leaves are unfurling. The delicate new green is accented by exotic pink and red tipped leaves. As I near the Goat Rock Trail a sweet squirrel sees me coming and darts off deeper into the forest. I am about to leave when he returns, hops up on a tree, looks at me and then jumps from Tree to Tree back into the forest.

On the Goat Rock Trail I almost step on a poor little lizard, I am not sure which of us is more surprised by the close encounter. A bit further along the trail I discover a Wild Plum Tree with delicate white blossoms, nearby a bee is testing a soon to open bud. As I look to my right I see a Male Cardinal creeping along through the vines and bushes. It makes me giggle as I feel as if I am being stalked.

On the lower part of the Trail the Birds-Foot and Dog Violets are blooming all along the edges. The various shades of purple look spectacular against the green and I am excited to see each new bloom. The Trail is spectacular Wildflowers, Blooming Trees and Lichen Rocks, I feel blessed as I continue my hike.

I hike up the Gulpha Gorge Trail to the Hot Springs Mountain, Dogwood and Floral Trails. As I leave the park and head toward home I notice more wildflowers have bloomed today. Beautiful Spring Beauty and Common Blue Violets are a beautiful visual feast for my memory to remember today’s hike.

Stop and smell the wildflowers )
Love You ALL!
Lee

PS: My Beloved Rick and I had another lovely evening hike, we climbed up North Mountain! It is a beautiful part of our Love, sharing the beauty of Nature. Take a stroll or hike with the one you Love, it is Romantic.