A Lovely Rainy Day in the Forest

North Mountain Floral Trail

Upper Dogwood Trail

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Fog

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Molting Male Cardinal In Fog

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Big Stick Insect

Two days of storms and I could not stay away from the Forest one more day.  I gear up and stick my big oiled cloth wide brim rain hat on my head.  The park is empty as I head up the trails and in the drizzle I stop only to photograph Wild Rose Hips and Asiatic Dayflowers.  I head up the Dead Chief and Short Cut Trails to reach the top of Hot Springs Mountain.  I am moving at a good pace as there is a chance of lightning and I do not want to caught out in the open if it arrives.

Once I reach the top I head over to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail.  The trail is draped in a light fog and a I can see a flash of red moving in the distance.  As I move further along the trail I spot a molting male Cardinal moving from Tree to Tree.  He looks a little miserable sitting in the fog and I miss the usually joyful song.  There is no bird song on the trail nor are there any other hikers either.

The rain has brought back the once sun burnt Forest to a lush glorious green.  My hike is peaceful and cool in the rain splashing and dripping all along the path.  I have missed hiking and it is with childlike wonder I move further on the trail. As I am making my way to the Trail head I see big Stick Insect slowly moving in front of me.  I stop to make sure it has a safe journey.

As I cross over to North Mountain and connect with the Upper Dogwood Trail the rain picks up.  I move quickly through the Forest wanting to reach home before the storm builds to Thunder and Lightning.  I have had a beautiful morning in the park, I Love being outdoors.

Thank You for Hiking with me.
Much Love,
Lee