Heavenly Bamboo « Hike Our Planet – Lee Hiller Nature Photography

Spring Unfurls In the Light of a Winter Morning

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Within the quiet Rock and swaying blade of Grass is a message of Love from the Universe.
~ Lee Hiller

Winter has for the most part eluded Hot Springs National Park. The morning chill of December and January hovers around the mid 30s and warming into the low 60s by the afternoon. No snow, no freezing fog, I feel cheated as winters chill has barely brushed the winter landscape decorating with a scarce sprinkling of Frost Flowers.

As I hike up the Mountain I spot tiny spires of red among the winter greenery. Delicate flames lighting my journey along the trail leading higher into the Forest. On closer inspection they are not flower buds as I first imagined. The colorful display is an unfurling ballet of leaves, a sight most often seen as spring arrives in late March or early April.

Further up the Mountain I pause below a Tree that initially I believed held tiny yet to fall rust colored leaves. Above me glowing in the soft winter morning light are branches that have begun to blossom. These early to arrive orange buds are glorious against the vibrant blue sky. The sun is illuminating rocks, leaves and fungi along the trail edges as I near the top of the mountain.

At the top I head over to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail. When I reach the trail head on the north face of Hot Springs Mountain a dimly lit winter landscape of Trees sculpted by past storms awaits me. Bright blue skies give way to pale aqua and colorful flora is replaced with subtle shades of brown. This near monochromatic trail is like stepping onto another planet, a reverse Wizard Of Oz moment. I pause to let my Heart show my eyes the beauty of the path ahead. As I near the bottom of the mountain a squirrrel comes down a Tree to take a look at me. A perfect end to a lovely morning in the Forest.

Happy Hiking!
Love to ALL,
Lee

: HSNP Carriage Road View Of West Mountain

: HSNP Dead Chief Trail Winter

: HSNP Dead Chief Trail Winter Berries

: HSNP Dead Chief Trail Winter Red Leaf

: HSNP Fountain Trail Winter Squirrel

: HSNP Fountain Trail Winter Squirrel

: HSNP Fountain Trail Winter Squirrel

: HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Winter

: HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Winter

: HSNP Short Cut Trail Winter

: HSNP Short Cut Trail Winter

: HSNP Short Cut Trail Winter Fungi

: HSNP Short Cut Trail Winter Rock

: HSNP Short Cut Trail Winter Rock

: HSNP Tufa Terrace Trail Dandelion Autumn Leaf

: HSNP Tufa Terrace Trail Heavenly Bamboo

: HSNP Tufa Terrace Trail Unfurling Leaves

: HSNP Tufa Terrace Trail Winter Tree Buds

: HSNP Tufa Terrace Trail Winter Unfurling Leaves

: HSNP Tufa Terrace Trail Winter Unfurling Leaves

January 30, 2012 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: Arkansas Wildlife, Heavenly Bamboo, Hiking Trails, Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs National Park Trails, Leaves, Nature Blog, Nature Photography, Photo Blog, Photography, Rock, Squirrel | 2 Comments »

Cold Winds Of Winter Arrive in Hot Springs National Park

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A cold winter wind set upon Hot Springs National Park this morning, 31 F feels like 21 F with every blast of the north wind. Entering the park a runner dressed in only shorts and a shirt shouts good morning my way. A large rock with protruding chunks of quartz glows in the slowly rising sunlight as I climb higher into the park. Beautiful Heavenly Bamboo is putting on a spectacular display of transitioning leaves of green and red. As I reach the top I am thankful for the hike up the Mountain as it has warmed my entire body.

The view from the pagoda is peaceful and the valley below is visible through a frosty haze. I turn my face to the sun and enjoy its warmth upon my chilled face. The warmth of the east side of the mountain gives way to a piercing cold as I step into the full blast of a fierce northerly. The heavy gusts of icy winds are not only keeping people at home but also the wildlife. As I head home I am encouraged to move faster along the trails with each gust of icy wind.

Love to ALL!
Lee