Ahh the Humidity, Even the Rocks Are Sweating

Carriage Road Chipmunk

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Brown Turquoise Butterfly

Tufa Terrace Droplets

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Pagoda View

A morning so humid the Rocks are sweating, I had no idea it was possible. I start my hike on the the Tufa Terrace lovely droplets are glistening on the bright green grass.  They sparkle like tiny gems in the new light of the morning.  On the Carriage Road a little Chipmunk pops put from underneath a Tufa Rock.  In it’s sweet little hands a big nut as it tentatively comes out into the open to eat.  After 6 months of never seeing a Chipmunk on the Carriage Road now I have seen two within a week.

I hike up the Dead Chief and Short Cut Trails to reach the top of Hot Springs Mountain.  Along the Hot Springs Mountain Trail I stop at the Pagoda to see the humidity hanging over the valley below.  I begin to sweat more at the sight of the heavy humid air.  Although the Forest is beautiful hiking in humidity is beginning to melt me.  I am thankful for my very big water container filled with hydrating spring water.  I look down and see a rock sweating, yes it is that hot.

On the west side of the Hot Springs Mountain Trail a gorgeous Butterfly has bravely come out into the heat.  It is a spectacular mix of brown, turquoise and white. It flutters from leaf to leaf stopping to open it’s wings in a fanning motion.  I am mesmerized by this glorious site.

When I reach the Honeysuckle Trail I stop at my wedding chapel for a moment of joyous remembrance of the day I married my Rick.  As the heat builds my water is diminishing, I decide for safety to head down the Floral Trail and onto Fountain Street to head home.  I Love the park and its always changing beauty.

Remember to take water during your adventures in Nature!

Love,
Lee

July 14, 2010 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: Butterfly, Chipmunk, Forest, Humid, Humidity, Trails, Wedding Chapel | Leave A Comment »