2010 April 16 « Hike Our Planet – Lee Hiller Nature Photography

Colorful Wildflowers in the Spring Forest

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Pink Phlox

The park entrance was receiving a bathtub when I arrive for my hike this morning, yes an antique bathtub. Tomorrow the park will celebrate the new series of US Mint Quarters celebrating National Parks. Hot Springs National Park is the oldest of the Parks and will be honored with the first minted quarters in the series, they will be available on April 20th in Hot Springs.

On the Dead Chief Trail I glance up in a Tree and see an eye peeking out from the V of two branches. It is a sweet Squirrel, it leaps onto the power lines and then to another Tree before vanishing into the forest. All along the Short Cut Trail I can hear Lizards darting under leaves and catch fleeting glimpses of their tail tips. The forest fragrance is wonderful a blend of sweet green and earth, I love how it fills my senses. Wrapped in the Forest I feel blessed to be hiking on Hot Springs Mountain.

My hike along the Hot Springs Mountain Trail is a feast of color created by blooming Trees and Wildflowers. Phlox is appearing in large clusters all along the trail. The colors are spectacular in white, violet, pink and purple, the variations are glorious. They are beautiful bouquets from Nature.

A male Prairie Lizard appears and briefly pauses on a log laying on the Forest floor. When I turn away I see a lovely little Squirrel sitting in the middle of the tail ahead of me. I slowly move along the tail so they can finish eating the nut in their paws. As I connect to the Upper Dogwood I met a lovely couple from Wisconsin who were hiking the North Mountain. They were enjoying Hot Springs and are heading to the Quapaw baths after their hike.

I connected to the Lower Dogwood, then the Floral Trail, out onto Fountain Street and Home. My journey through the park has been a joy for my heart and soul, but I miss Rick and cannot wait to tell him about my hike. Thank you for hiking with me among the Wildflowers today.

Have a Nature filled weekend.
Love to You ALL,
Lee