2010 June 27 « Hike Our Planet – Lee Hiller Nature Photography

Hazy Morning on the Summer Trails

North Mountain View of Hot Sprigs Mountain Tower

Tufa Terrace Hot Water Cascade

Upper Dogwood Trail

Note this was yesterdays hike… today I am having a newlywed day with my beloved Husband Rick.

It is a hazy humid morning in the park, hot the air is thick and my camera lens keeps fogging up. The National Park service is grooming the trails so the wildlife is either high up in the Trees or has taken cover. When I reach the Carriage Road I can see two juvenile Squirrels vocalizing their disapproval at one and other from the highest branches. Tails are rapidly moving back and forth in a sign of annoyance.

My hike on the Dead Chief Trail is difficult, crews are laying down a combination of earth, sand and rock to repair the trail. It is hard to get a foot hold in the soft mixture and every step up the incline is a struggle. The Short Cut Trail is a bit better but last weeks grooming still is not totally packed down. This is a wonderful sweaty cardio workout within the the beautiful Forest.

When I reach the top of Hot Springs Mountain I can hear weed whackers and chainsaws in the distance. I try to choose a trail that leads away from the noise, but it appears to be everywhere. I am resigned to the fact that the hike will be less than peaceful most everywhere in the park. The haze is making it difficult to focus or get any clear images. This is one of those days when life conspires against best laid plans. I hike from the Hot Springs Mountain Trail to the Upper Dogwood and then onto the Lower Dogwood Trail. From there I hiked to the Floral Trail and back home to my Husband Rick.

Take to time to get out for a walk/hike and listen to Nature’s music.
Love,
Lee