2010 April 19 « Hike Our Planet – Lee Hiller Nature Photography

Fungi, Cardinals and Wildflowers in the Forest

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Large White Mushroom

Light rain, dark clouds, it is a perfect morning for a hike in the forest. The Azalea bushes at the park entrance are spectacular in fuchsia and pale pink. I am happy to see the rain, it feeds the park and awakens Spring’s next growth spurt. A male Cardinal looks over the city from his perch above the Arlington Lawn as I crest the Tufa Terrace. A Northern Mockingbird is singing to the new day and a lovely Squirrel is eating breakfast as I cross over the Promenade.

As I reach the Carriage Road another male Cardinal is sitting high in a Tree above me. His song rings out through the the entire lower park. He looks spectacular tucked in the green with the gray sky as his backdrop. I head up the Dead Chief Trail and then connect with the Short Cut Trail. While looking at the trail edge for Chipmunk on the run I spot fungi fans on an old log. When I finish photographing the fungi fans I see a group tiny golden mushrooms sprouting on another log. These are the first mushrooms I have seen in the Forest.

As I hike along the Hot Springs Mountain Trail I see beautiful cream blossoms on low bushes along the trail. Their shape is unlike any blossoms I have seen in the park this Spring. Wildflowers are blooming all along the trail, the mix of colors and multiple flower types are creating a spectacular display. My hike is refreshing my soul within a paradise of Trees and Flowers. I am free to meditate and be thankful for the glorious gift of hiking in this park.

As I reach the North Mountain portion of the Trail I spot very big white Mushrooms. Each of the largest Mushrooms is over 6 inches wide and are a growing from under a downed Tree. Their white and tan coloring glows within the green of the surrounding foliage. It is a wonderful discovery in the Forest, a joyous surprise to have seen these today.

As I exit the park on the Floral Trail and walk down Fountain street I feel refreshed and renewed. The Forest and Mountains are a blessing, I am thankful Rick lived here and asked me to join him and share his Mountains.

When Nature touches us it heals our Souls.
Love to You ALL,
Lee