2010 June 02 « Hike Our Planet – Lee Hiller Nature Photography

Where the Wildflowers and Fungi Grow

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Woodland Sunflower

Hot Springs Mountain Trail

I enter the park at the main entrance and need to change my plans, maintenance crews are causing a ruckus. Heading down the promenade to get away from the noise I am greeted by a sweet Chipmunk. It jumps out of the Ivy and I am not sure who is more surprised. After staring at me the Chipmunk hops back in the Ivy and as I start to walk away it hops back out. There was curiosity on both our parts.

I hike up the Floral Trail on the Hot Springs Mountain side. In twilight the trail has a soft glow in the rich green as the sun begins to pierce the spaces between the trees. It is the first early hike I have made on this side of the trail. When I reach the Honeysuckle Trail I go into the Wedding Chapel. I sit on the ledge and look out into the Forest and spot a male Cardinal in a nearby Tree. Sitting here fills my heart with serenity, it is beautiful to be immersed in Nature.

From the Honeysuckle Trail I hike up to the Top on the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and head to east side of the Mountain. Amongst the lush green the trail is sprinkled with Scaly Blazing Star and Wood Sunflower Wildflowers. The canopy is getting thick wrapping over the trail bringing shade to the lovely little Fungi that are springing up everywhere. A Lovely Squirrel run up a log bathed in sun that has found a break in the leaves.

When I reach the Upper Dogwood I can hear a rustling in the leaves to my side. A Squirrel is foraging and looks at me and darts off into the Forest. I rarely get a clear look at the Squirrels on North Mountain, they are shy of human contact. I continue my hike on the Lower Dogwood Trail and in the leaves I see the shadow of a Butterfly above me. A tantalizing glimpse of the winged beauty. I exit the Forest on the North Mountain side of the Floral Trail. A breeze has begun to cool my a bit as I head toward home. Thank You for traveling in the forest with me today.

Nature is waiting for you to come play!
Love to You ALL!
Lee

PS: Rick and I have been hiking in the evenings and he is healing!!!!