Exploring Nature One Step At A Time

Archive for May, 2011

West Mountain Spring Pink Fire and a Dung Beetle Video

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I am having one of those crazy weeks where I am fighting to catch up with… everything! Aside from normal family activities I have been hiking, designing, blogging, tweeting and editing my photographs. So I am taking a deep breath and admitting to an inability to catch up.  Today my blog will be an exercise in brevity.

Highlights of my hike included colorful Fungi, spectacular Pink Fire Wildflowers, beautiful spring trails and an industrious Dung Beetle. Please enjoy the photographs and video of my hike on West Mountain in Hot Springs National Park!

Love to You ALL!
Lee

May 31, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Squirrel Portraits and a Mammoth Surprise

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Under partially cloudy skies Rick and I head out for a mid morning hike. On the Arlington Lawn an old friend, a lovely female Squirrel who is missing part of her tail searches for food.  She turns to look at me for a portrait shot then continues foraging for her breakfast.  In the distance a movement catches my eye and I see two birds near the wall.  As I creep closer I see the juvenile Brown Thrasher I spotted a few days prior has been joined by another.  It will be wonderful to hear their duel mimicking of birds, people and electronic devices.

On the stone wall that borders the Fountain Street Lawn Rick spots a beautiful pregnant Squirrel is eating her breakfast.  She is content to let me slowly (very slowly 5 steps and pause) approach her and I am rewarded with several eye contact portrait shots. As two people approach from the opposite direction she moves on to the lawn near a Tree closer to my location. I am thankful she is very hungry devouring many nuts as we look on.   I finally get a shot of a Squirrel peeling the husk from a nut.  When a couple with a dog passes by she quickly climbs the Tree ahead of us.

As we reach the foot of North Mountain a single deep blue Asiatic Dayflower is blooming, only visible as it has struggled out of a tangle of vines.  Nearby a lemon Lime Butterfly is balancing on bright green blades of Grass as the sun glows through parted momentarily parted clouds.   A few steps onto the Floral Trail and a tiny blue gray butterfly lands on a white Rock. We hike up into the gentle green of North Mountain to a serenade of distant birds.  At the trail head of the Lower and Upper Dogwood Trails a wonderful bright yellow Fungi has appeared to decorate the path.

Tan Fungi in a variety of shapes and sizes have popped up along the edges of the Hot Springs Mountain Trail.  This will provide a feast for many of the small mammals and insects within the park. I spot a red Fungi covered in nibble marks, it makes me smile.  As we head down Fountain Street toward our home a Male Sparrow bids us farewell.

We are several paces out of the entrance of Hot Springs National Park when I look back and see an unusual sight.  In the dried leaved on the Arlington Lawn is a large winged creature.  I turn a run to get around the hedge and signal to Rick to look over the side.  As I get closer I can see it is a giant orange and brown Moth struggling to take flight. It  moves in circles disoriented unable to become airborne.  As my longtime readers know I don’t generally interfere with Natures course, but cannot leave it on the lawn to be crushed by foot traffic. I grab a leaf to move it to a peaceful location on the top of a nearby hedge, instead it grabs onto my watch band.  I am unable to express the beauty of the moment as it delicately touches my wrist as I moved toward a safer location.  Many came to take photographs of this beautiful gift from Nature as I gently lowered it onto the top of the hedge.

Move with patience through Nature and she will reveal many gifts and surprises.  It is not the miles or speed with which we travel that makes a wonderful hike.  The perfect journey is often found in the time we stop and appreciate the grace of each living creature.  Nature is no place to hurry :o ) I would rather take five hours to hike four miles and see the Universe unfolding before me… rather than hike five miles in 2 hours and see a blur.

Love to ALL!
Lee

May 29, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Dark Spring Morning Reveals Wildflowers, Wings and Wonderful Sights

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Clouds do not abate as I head out for my hike into a cool spring breeze traveling across the park. In the overcast morning light the beautiful Wildflowers seem to ignite the landscape as I hike up Hot springs Mountain.  The vibrant pink of Wild Roses on the Tufa Terrace lead me to the glorious Blue of Asiatic Dayflowers on the carriage Road.  Like lanterns lighting my way  Woodland Sunflowers glow again the lush green tendrils caressing the edges of the Dead Chief Trail.  As I climb higher soon yellow gives way to the purple of Smooth Petunias and Small Skullcaps.  On the Short Cut Trail Spring has sent out vines to caress the Rock features.  Bushes once covered with red Berries have sprouted delicate tiny white and yellow Flowers.

On the Hot Springs Mountain Trail pale yellow wildflowers dot the rise leading to the Pagoda.  A male and female Cardinal are moving through the Trees and Grass seeking a morning feast.   The trail ahead has a pink glow from the bright blooms of Ouachita Blazing Stars covering both sides of the path.  Further along a sweet Carolina Chickadee sings a beckoning song to the morning light trying to pierce the clouds.  For a brief moment sunlight breaks free to reveal beautiful Carolina Larkspur on slender stems between the trunks of Short Leaf Pine Trees.  As I near the trail head patches of Fungi begin to decorate the path.

On the Gulpha Gorge Trail yellow Lance Leaf Coreopsis lead me to the now blooming storm battered blush color Goat’s Rue.  I glance up to see the now fading Ouachita Blazing Stars have been replaced with the yellow and orange blooms of the Prickly Pear Cactus (Lesson learned doing plant research for this blog… the Prickly Pear Cactus is native to Arkansas!  I had no clue.).  As I turn to leave a Brown Butterfly kisses my cheek and lands in the dried autumn leaves at my feet. I take a moment to pause and say a silent prayer of thanks.

When I reach the Goat Rock Trail I wonder which wildflowers it will reveal to me this morning.   Bright yellow Lance Leaf Coreopsis and St. Johns Wort lead me past Goat Rock heading up the trail. The Clouds are separating in patches exposing the brilliant Hot Springs blue sky.   Looking down to right I see an unusual Wildflower, it is square white with yellow banana like protrusion. My research later reveals its name, Horse Nettle.  In the distance I see what appears to be the glow of torches.  As I draw near I am delighted to see tall radiant orange Butterfly Weed glowing in the light of now brightening skies.

As I round the bend of the final rise along the Goat Rock Trail a lovely hiking partner appears.  On many occasions along this trail I have had the blessing of being lead by many different winged friends, but none as small as the one hopping a few feet a head of me.  My usual hiking companions on the trail have been Robins, Crows or Mourning Doves.  To have a tiny Black and White Warbler leading the way, not flying off at my close foot fall has never happened prior to this moment.  Five minutes along she flies up to the side of a nearby tree and I take a final photograph before she moves back across the trail and deeper into the Forest.

Turning to follow her path I see a wonderful Wildflower climbing up the branches of a small Tree. This unusual vine has lovely bell shaped purple blossoms that appear to bust forth into feathery tendrils.  I am intrigued by the variety of beautiful transitions this Wildflower attains.   Special Thanks to Gerry Williamson @USWildflowers  http://USWildflowers.com for assisting me with the identification of Leather Vasevine – Clematis viorna. Also a thank you to the sweet Black and White Warbler for leading me to its location.

I decide to begin my return home via the North Mountain Loop to see which Wildflowers are blooming on the roadside.  It is a visual feast of Sunflowers, Black-Eye Susans and Daisy Fleabane with the occasional patch of Ouachita Blazing Stars. It is as if Nature threw a hand full seeds at the hillside to created a wonderful tapestry of color.  I spot a lovely patch of Pink Clover Flowers and for a moment I am five years old in the field next to my childhood home in Oregon.   Near the bottom of the loop I spot another patch of Prickly Pear Cactus with large yellow and orange blossoms.  I am still amazed that Cactus could be native to Arkansas.

As I leave the park another wonderful gift from Nature awaits me on the Arlington Lawn.  Pecking in the Grass is a lovely Juvenile Brown Thrasher.  I can’t wait to hear it’s repertoire of the park and city sounds as it matures.  The last one I saw in the park could imitate all the neighboring birds, a GameBoy and several different cell phone ring tones.

When you see the world through Nature’s eyes you will find peace in your heart.

Love to ALL!
Lee

May 28, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Squirrels Forage and Rain Fills the Creeks in Hot Springs National Park

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My beloved husband Rick and I both awoke early and decide to get in an early morning hike as the sun was finally revealed by receding clouds. A small Male House Sparrow was scanning the Fountain Street lawn for breakfast as we head to the Sleepy Hollow Fountain to fill our water bottles.   Seven minutes out the door and at the foot of North Mountain the skies darkened.

The creek along the Hot Springs Mountain Road is full of life giving water.  Immediately we are aware of the roar of rushing spring storm run-off as it drowns out all other sounds.  We are please to see the bridge across the creek and onto the Floral Trail has been repaired as has much of the surface of the path up the Mountain. Last nights storm has however begun to create erosion patterns further up on the newly restored trail.

As we connect with the Upper Dogwood Trail a light mist begins to fall and the sky is getting darker. We decide due to recent sever Thunder Storms and Tornado warnings a shorter route might be better. A rain battered Lance Leaf Coreopsis is swaying in a gentle breeze joined by delicate Daisy Fleabane.

When we reach the bottom of the Mountain several Squirrels are busy digging up nuts to enjoy for breakfast.  One is a female with two healed but deep wounds, another is a young female and the last is my old friend a female with a bobbed tail.  They are the perfect sight to end our much needed hike.

Much Love to You ALL!
Love,
Lee

PS As I type this a Tornado Watch has appeared on our television and my weather alert is flashing orange…

May 24, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Spring Wildflowers Butterflies and Birds in Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas

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Below a clear bluish violet morning sky it is 58 degrees with a light breeze as I enter Lake Catherine State Park. The park glows in the early light as I stand on the balcony of the visitors center looking out over the lake.  I pause to watch the glossy black birds flying back and forth across the lake from the nesting boxes atop a high pole.

I drive over to the trail head and begin my hike on the Horseshoe Mountain Trail.  The first thing I notice is the trail has been cleaned up a bit since my last hike here in January 2011.  Last winter I could barely see the trail as the Autumn leaves were several inches deep from the winter wind.  The beginning of my hike along the Horseshoe Trail is a series of gentle inclines in a Short Leaf pine Forest.  Soon the landscape changes and a large Rock formation appears on my right.  The dirt trail now is a series of well-worn boulders heading higher into the park.  Glorious yellow Lance-Leaf Coreopsis are growing in patches among the Rocks, drops of sunlight in the spring Forest. A Pine Warbler peeks at me from the branch of a Pine Tree while higher up a Male Blue Grosbeak looks out across the park.

The higher I climb Pines begin to give way to a mixed forest and greater numbers of wildflowers.  Twistflowers in pink and magenta cast a lovely pink glow over the top of lovely green undergrowth. Accents of Purple Small Skull Caps and Clasping Venus Looking Glass, Blue Carolina Larkspur plus yellow Lance-Leaf Coreopsis create a colorful feast for the eyes. The tall growth waves gently in the morning breeze and Forest has the appearance of taking rhythmic breaths.   I cannot express the beauty of each step along the trail and can only hope my photographs will be an ample expression.

As I proceed up the second climb on the trail bright pink Ouachita Shooting Stars appear in greater numbers. At the top a lovely garden of Wildflowers is revealed in the rocky loose soil.  Ouachita Blazing Stars,  Clasping Venus Looking Glass and Twistflowers create a glorious Butterfly haven.  Vibrant orange and Large Black Swallowtail Butterflies move from flower to flower surfing on a perfect spring breeze.

Soon the trail is winding down the Mountain and rounding the next bend I have a clear view of the lake below.  On this perfect day I am surprised there are no boats out on the Lake.  Further along the trail more Ouachita Blazing Stars sprinkled across the left side of the trail, on the right lovely blush and yellow Goat’s Rue are just beginning to bloom.  As I hike down the Mountain the mixed Forest gives way to Tall Pines stretching up toward the sky and glimpse of the lake appears between their large trunks.

At the bottom I look across a small cove,  on the opposite shore I spot the silhouettes of two familiar large birds sitting in the shade. Turtles are lined up along partially submerged logs catching the warmth of the spring sun. A beautiful garden of green is growing on log near the shore.  Soon I reach a chain suspension bridge that likely would have water below it when the lake levels are higher.  When I leave the trail to reach the Lake front I can see my to photographic subjects are still resting in the grass.

A pair of Canada Geese and Mallards Ducks are sitting at the edge of the Lake and I approach slowly, 15 minutes later all four get up and swim out into the Lake.  The Mallard pair swim into the cove and tuck their heads under their wings to float and sleep.  The Canada Geese paddle out into Lake and swim cautiously past a Fisherman standing on the bank.

Back on the trail it isn’t long before I spot a Squirrel foraging in the Forest and climbing Trees. It is always a delight watching Squirrel agility, their amazing skill at leaping from Tree to Tree. When I reach the Trail Head I glance once more back into the wonderful Forest where I spent my morning.

Find time to get out and let Nature wrap you in her arms.
Love to ALL!
Lee

PS Special Thanks to K J Garrett for settling the debate of Canada Geese vs Canadian Geese… although the Internet has many articles debating this issue here a Hike Our Planet we tip our hat in deference to KJ.

May 19, 2011 | Categories: Lake Catherine State Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Wildflowers Everywhere and a Surprise Discovery

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I spent so much time hiking, taking and editing photographs that words will be kept to a minimum.  I must begin by mentioning my delight in seeing Stubby, she is a sweet Squirrel who is missing nearly half of her tail.  It has been many weeks since our last encounter, I was concerned that she might have been killed or injured.

Wildflowers are bursting open across the park with purple, pink and yellow being the predominant colors. I discovered one lonely battered Birds-Foot Violet with a teeny tiny grasshopper sitting on its bottom petal. The new park arrival abundant on both the Gulpha Gorge and Goat Rock Trails is the Pink Ouachita Blazing Star.  Lovely bell shaped pale purple Smooth Petunias are blossoming on nearly every trail in the park.  The spectacular array of Wildflowers are attracting a variety of colorful Butterflies.  There colors rival the flowers on which they are feeding.  A nearly invisible Prairie Lizard is frozen on an old log resting within a field of Pink Wildflowers.

My biggest surprise was discovering a patch of Cactus hidden among the Wildflowers I was photographing.  Yes, Cactus! I had no idea they could grow and survive in this climate.  I must return soon as they will be blooming soon.

My final comment is about the Male Cardinal I photographed today.  This poor fellow is molting in on one spot, his head.  He has a receding hair/feather line and looks as if one of his parents was a vulture.   To learn more about molting please read this great article by The Cornell Lab.  Embarrassed to say I had no idea this was happening to my feathered friends in the park. I Love learning something new everyday, Nature is the best teacher!

Love to ALL!
Lee

May 16, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

2 Hikes: Squirrels, Wildflowers, Butterfly, Damselfly, Dragonfly and a Salamander

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Hike One:
It is a sunny morning with a very light breeze, I love the feeling of the sun on my face as the wind pulls at my hair.  I enter the park and notice the lack of bird song, it is as if something is missing from my heart.  I head up the peak trail and notice recently downed Trees from the storms are now bleeding sap.  The droplets glitter where the sunlight peeks through the leaves to illuminate the trail.

As I reach the top of the Mountain I spot a lovely Red Spotted Purple Butterfly.  Torn by time and storms it is still a radiant flying jewel within the forest. Movement to my right reveals a delicate Black-Winged Damselfly.  It gracefully moves from leaf to leaf almost as if it is surfing upon the spring breezes moving along the trails.

Heading down the Floral Trail the I stop to appreciate the beauty of the Wildflowers.  Yellow Lanced Leaf Coreposis rise high to meet the sun, purple Venus Looking Glass and Twistflowers glow on slender green stalks.

As I head home along Fountain Street a sweet Squirrel is having a late breakfast. I stand in stillness watching as it dives into the ivy and comes up with a treat.  Inching closer I see it is harvesting mushrooms from beneath the leaves and ivy.  Last year I learned fungi are a favorite treat for our local Squirrels. 

Passing the Arlington Hotel I hear the sound of House Sparrow babies, along the balcony I spot a sweet bird on a window ledge.  I Love how Nature spills out of the park into the surrounding city.

Hike Two:
My beloved husband Rick is gradually getting his health back after a heart attack and kidney stone procedure last year. He is now venturing up into the Forest after being away for nine months. Our journey today begins looking up to see a spectacular Southern Magnolia in full bloom above our heads. Fully open it exposes anthers and stigmas of cream green and hot pink.

Insects are abundant in the late afternoon Forest, they dance across the new green foliage. A large Green Clearwing Dragonfly buzzes past and hides is a cluster of leaves. On the trail I spot a shiny black creature and am surprised by it’s slow movement. Research reveals this is a Sticky Salamander, it is the first Salamander I have seen in the park.

The birds are singing to the lowering sun as we finish a wonderful hike across North Mountain and head toward home. It has been a lovely hike in the Forest with my husband.

Hike with Joy in your Heart! Time to get out and play!!!
Love to ALL,
Lee

May 14, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Magnolias, Wildflowers and Racing Pigeons in the Spring Forest

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I know it is wordless Wednesday… so I will attempt to be brief. My hike began with a melodic Male Cardinal and a chatty Squirrel. It ended with another but less vocal Squirrel eating beneath the beautiful blooms of the old Southern Magnolia Trees at the entrance to the park.  In-between I was surprised to see a pair of Racing Pigeons strolling along the Carriage Road and discovered beautiful purple Venus Looking Glass Wildflowers on the Floral Trail. Last year the the lack of rain meant there were hardly any Flowers on the Floral Trail. Now the entire park is bursting with glorious color.

On a sad note I found the body of a young Blue Jay as I was heading out of the park on the Hot Springs Mountain Road.  With no apparent injury at first glance it appeared only to be in a sweet sleep.   I took a moment to remember how its short life brought beauty to the Forest and prayed for its young spirit to have peaceful journey.

Love to ALL! Make a play date with yourself to get out in Nature :)
Lee

May 11, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Hiking with Squirrels and Butterflies on a Perfect Spring Morning

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As I enter Hot Springs National Park I notice a canvas tent pitched on the Arlington Lawn.  A nearby Squirrel having it’s breakfast in the early light seems unfazed by the new structure. We both look at each other and then head off in separate directions. As sign on the lawn indicates the tent is related to a Civil War history display. I head up a path leading from fountain street to the promenade and notice how beautiful the landscape looks in the early light . The nearly 100 year old Fountain Street Lawn stone wall gracefully curves toward the path leading to the Promenade.  I often wonder what happened in 1914 that caused so many man-made features to be added to park.

Nearing the end of the Tufa Terrace beautiful pink blossoms glow in the dim morning light.  A perfect Mothers Day Weekend bouquet of Wild Roses are growing along the path.  Although the sun is barely up their pollen is a temptation to a large Bumble Bee.  I stop for a moment to enjoy the simple beauty of these blooms.

At the bottom of the Peak Trail a Squirrels stands and watches me as I pass by on my way up Hot Springs Mountain.  A lovely brown Butterfly (or moth) flies past brushing my face and lands on the path ahead.  The Peak Trail wall looms above me as I reach the edge of the Forest.  The hike up Hot Springs Mountain is wonderful in the cool breezes and fanning of the new leaves.  As I near the top I see a sweet squirrel perched on a branch enjoying a tasty morsel. Lovely tiny white Alpine Bluets line the edges of the upper trail.

At the top I take the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, a beautiful blue gray Butterfly dances gracefully over bright green clover. I stop to close my eyes and enjoy the warmth of the Sun kisses my forehead through a gap in the Trees. I am surprised at the empty trails, usually on a perfect weather weekend there are many people hiking. Crossing over to the North Mountain side of the trail I can see many tiny pastel blue gray butterflies hovering above the last of the Blackberry Flowers. They delicately perch and turn on each blossom to find sustenance.

At the bottom of the Floral Trail a lively Carolina Wren peers out at me from beneath the leaves of a nearby Tree. While I am looking into the creek flowing at the bottom of the trail a wonderful American Snout Butterfly lands on the opposite bank. I think of reader Lara Buford who kindly often helps me identify the lovely Butterflies I post in my blog.

I decide finish up my hike by checking out Civil War Day in the National Park, something new for this northerner.  As I head down the Tufa Terrace ramp another event draws my attention… please read Park Wedding Reveals A Moment of Humanity.

Sadly there were only two reenactment displays in the park, I had hope to learn more about Hot Springs National Park during Civil War Era.  Special thanks to those who did bring a bit of history to the park.

As I leave the park I look up to see a couple of large white Southern Magnolia have fully opened.  They look so beautiful glowing in the last of the rising morning sun.

I Love hanging out with the Squirrels!!!!
Love to You ALL!
Lee

May 9, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Park Wedding Reveals A Moment of Humanity

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It is the Day before Mothers Day, the first since my Mom passed away.  She would Love what happened in the park today because it would have reminded her of my Dad.  He never met a veteran he did not want to help…

Today as I finished my hike I decided to stop by the Civil War display on the Arlington Lawn at the base of Hot Springs Mountain.  As I descended the Tufa Terrace ramp I could hear someone below yelling.  It is not unusual during the spring and summer to see weddings in Hot Springs National Park, but not overlapping with another event. When I reach the first overlook I see an older gentleman with long hair and beard dressed in a camouflage jacket approaching a wedding party.

Some in the wedding party are laughing at him as he approaches, they look at him as if he is a tourist attraction.  Looking down I knew this was an unusual event so I raise my camera and begin to photograph the exchange.  Something beautiful occurs, a moment of humanity.  The groom begins to speak in a soft tone until the unexpected guest at his wedding does the same.   This calms the situation and in the end the groom’s kind smile eases the agitation of his guest.   A beautiful gesture of kindness on a special day.

Happy Mothers Day!
Kindness is a gift that can be given any day….
Lee

May 7, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

A Lovely Spring Hike Across West and Music Mountains

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A perfect start to my morning hike, a mother House Sparrow and her babies are having flight school. Mom lands, babies arrive and she flies off to a different branch. It is one of my favorite parts of spring. The trail is wrapped in the new green brought forth from the storms of the past few weeks. Further along the Canyon trail a lovely Black-Whiskered Vireo makes a quick visit on a limb above me. Do birds know when they are out of their habitat boundaries as defined by humans?

My hike along the Oak Trail begins with a small obstacle course. Two Trees have succumbed to the recent storms and fallen blocking the path ahead on me. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind climbing over the Trees, but I have to take great care as I am carrying two cameras. If NPS is reading removing them would be a good safety activity.

Male Cardinals seem busy in the park today, they are present on my hike on both the Oak and West Mountain Trails. Their glorious red coloring against the new spring greenery is a wonderful sight. I am beginning to appreciate how much easier it was to spot the smaller birds in the bare winter Trees. I am thankful Nature gives some of them contrasting plumage that allows me to see them in the lush foliage.

At the top of West Mountain the warmth of the sun mixes with a cool breeze creating a perfect spring morning. I tip my face to the sun for a moment of peaceful meditation. Slowly I open my eyes and turn toward a patch of greenery covered in Yellow and White Flowers. What I first thought to be a Butterfly hovering above the Japanese Honeysuckle is in fact a Hummingbird. Its metallic body glistens briefly before it rapidly vanishes into the Forest.

The Sunset Trail is draped in its spring finery and I almost miss seeing the rest hut ruins slowly vanishing into the Forest. As reach the top of the first rise I hear a familiar song. As I scan the Trees following the melody I am unable to spot the crooner. Sun flashes on a wing, suddenly a Black and White Warbler appears on the protruding perch of a dead Tree. It sits in full view loudly proclaiming it’s greeting to the morning sun.

When I reach Music Mountain I decide it is time to see where the Trail that slits to the right leads. In the past I have traveled left which leads up to the towers, there I would watch the Black and Turkey Vultures flying. Today I am hiking down then back up and them back down into the mixed Forest which is accented with Rock formations and Wildflowers. I stop briefly to pay my respects to a Red Spotted Purple Butterfly which has folded it’s wing and passed away among the leaves on the trail. When I reach the Trail head I realize several hours have passed and it is time I returned home to my Beloved Loving Caring Patient Husband Rick.

It has been a glorious day hiking the trails in Hot Springs National Park.

I Love to play in Nature!
Love to ALL,
Lee

May 6, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Into the Forest After Lightning Storms And Floods

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The rain finally stopped in the dark of the early morning hours.  Slowly blue skies crept into Hot Springs, Arkansas, my eyes squinting at the sight of long missed sunshine.  As gentle breezes fill the park as my husband Rick and I slip into the Forest for a late afternoon hike.  As we head up the Peak Trail we catch sight of a juvenile Summer Tanager in the green before us.  It drops down from the branch to drink from the now flowing water from the spring rains.  A wonderful sight to begin our hike through the spring Forest of Hot Springs Mountain.

Further up the trail a sweet Tufted Titmouse sings a beautiful song as it follows us higher into the park.  We are surprised to see a Tree shattered from a lightning strike, it is so sad to see this old Short Leaf Pine ripped apart and laying across the trail.  A Tufted Titmouse lands in a Tree next to us singing loudly.  I wonder out loud if it is telling us of the moment that took down this beautiful Tree that was surely was home to many Forest creatures.

Do you ever wonder if you are being followed? On the Hot Springs Mountain Trail it was not long till another Tufted Titmouse appears on a branch that reaches across the path. It is a wonderful feeling to have so many lovely birds serenading us as we hike in the park.   As I listen to the songs of the Forest I notice the sides of the trail have been worn away by the heavy rains which swept through the park the past 15 days.

Heading home along the Hot Springs Mountain Road a small beaked face appears as we reach the gates of the park.  It is a blessing to see yet another Tufted Titmouse has come to see us safely from the boundaries of the park. The gift of a sweet song to fill our hearts and carry us home. It has been a lovely hike in the park with my husband.

It is not hard to imagine the fear these storms created for the many nesting birds in the park.  Flooding would have filled the burrows of many of the small mammals that make there home in Hot Springs National Park.  My heart aches for the many lost lives in the park this spring.

Love to ALL!

May 3, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

The Sun Shines Briefly in Hot Springs National Park

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Spring hiking this year in Hot Springs National Park has become a weather divination nightmare.  Storms have been raging in Hot Springs and across the south, lives have been taken and communities destroyed. Please take a moment to say a prayer and donate to the Salvation Army to help those who are struggling to rebuild their lives.  This weekend Lightning Storms, Flash Flood Warnings and Tornado Watches have returned to Hot Springs, Arkansas and many other areas across the southeastern United States.

While others were glued to their televisions watching the Royal Wedding I went hiking.  I feel blessed to be able to enter the park to commune with Nature, sunshine and the chance to get outside must not be wasted :)   This hike fulfilled my goal of traveling someplace new in the park this spring.  After photographing Ricks Pond in its new greenery I headed up the Sunset Trial to the junction that leads to the Fordyce Peaks.  This time I headed left and explored the Sunset Trail that encompasses the third leg of the Sunset Trail and connects the old Fordyce Estate to Sugarloaf Mountain.

The spring rain has greened the bare winter forest and decorated it with vibrant colorful wildflowers and previously traveled parts of the trail seem new. Dragonflies in blue, brown and yellow buzzed up and down the trail, one stopping to have a snack in the sunlight.  Warblers sing beautiful tunes tucked safely under the lush spring leaves. Although I heard several deer I only caught a teasing glimpse of the tops of their ears bobbing below the ridge line on both side of the path.  Last year I did not hear frogs along the trails, today in distance there were faint ribbits echoing in the Forest.  I discovered a bight green Katydid eating the pollen covered stamen from the center of a purple Spiderwort. The Trail heading toward Sugarloaf Mountain has knee high grasses and resembles an overgrown road more than a traditional trail and on several occasions completely vanishes.  It is a lovely hike along a trail that meanders through mixed Forests of Pine and Oak.

Recent rains have exposed roots and rocks, sturdy boots will help save your ankles from twits and turns.  The storm water cut trenches into the center of sloping paths and there are many loose rocks on the inclines.  Note to hikers and NPS there are downed Trees on the Sunset Trail midway between Ricks Pond and the Fordyce Peaks Junction.

Love You ALL!
Lee

May 1, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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