Exploring Nature One Step At A Time

Posts tagged “Myrtle”

The Art Of Spring Painted With Wildflowers and Butterflies – Plus Arkansas Hiker Alerts

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Note: Another Great reason to hike in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas… You can hit the trails and relive Baseball spring training history following in the footsteps of Cy Young and Babe Ruth.

Like the beautiful blooms in the spring Forest I am luring you to my blog today with the nectar of Wildflowers and Butterflies.  As always I had a wonderful hike because I prepare before I head into the Forest. Information about weather or being sure to carry water plus a snack are done to ensure I have a safe and happy hike.

Spring is a glorious time to hike, but like any other activity there can be some dangers easily avoided to ensure you have a safe time.  In Arkansas we currently have two warnings due to the lack of cold winter temperatures.  I am sharing this information not frighten or dissuade you from hiking, instead it should be viewed as a travel advisory for hikers.  The warmer winter temperatures throughout the United States may mean the hiker alerts below are applicable in many states.

Hiker Alert: Hikers please be aware the very short winter has caused a rise in rabies cases in Arkansas.  Nocturnal creatures moving about in the daylight hours should be avoided and any strange activity reported.  http://www.4029tv.com/r/30858715/detail.html  In Arkansas there have been 54 confirmed rabies cases, just in the first four months of the year, compared to 60 total cases in 2011. Most have been skunks, bats and one cow. Report Rabies 1-501-262-2091

Hiker Alert: This is why I always recommend wearing boots when you are hiking… Flip Flops and sneakers are not enough protection! Snakes are back in Arkansas; tips for bite victims and more http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/205488/2/Snakes-are-back-in-Arkansas-tips-for-bite-victims-and-more

Love to ALL!
Lee

April 11, 2012 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Nature Weaves a New Tapestry of Living Artistry

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Some spring days reveal a fantastic transformation as Nature weaves a new tapestry of living artistry before our eyes.  When my Husband Rick and I headed up into Hot Springs National Park it was clear Nature was painting a glorious spring portrait. It began with the “The Chinaberry Butterfly Trees” and continued across the mountain.

Each Tree and Leaf held beauty either of it’s own design or via a delicate visitor.  Butterflies and Hummingbird Moths danced lightly across the green seeking warmth and sustenance.   Tiny birds hid within the new canopy building nests and calling to would be mates and suitors.  Each step along the trail pulled us into a glowing tunnel of new greenery.  Wildflowers became delicate brushstrokes of color on the canvas of the Forest floor.  Spring was creating a magical ever-changing landscape and for a brief moment in time we were a part of its beautiful artistry.

Special thanks to the sweet Mourning Dove that against its instincts did not fly off as planned.  Your graceful wing stretch should have heralded your departure. Instead you chose to stay and even walked back toward me. Your flight up into the Tree when others approached did however seem prudent. I am grateful you trusted me to take your photograph.

Love to ALL!
Lee

April 9, 2012 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Wings and Wildflowers Paint the Forest Trails

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Change bursts forth as Leaves and Wildflowers awaken in the Spring Forest.  Delicate Butterflies float on breezes in search of tantalizing nectar warming in the sun.  Once bare Trees are gracefully decorated with blossoms of pink and white.  While the tips of branches begin to unfurl buds to reveal new Leaves. Each birth within the Forest celebrates renewal, change in it’s purest form.

In a few hours storms will be arriving in the park bringing nourishing rain. Change…

Love to ALL!
Lee

March 7, 2012 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Winter Wildflower, Rocks, Tiny Nest & a Morris Minor Traveller

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A beautiful icy winter breeze is blowing through the Forest as my beloved husband Rick and I head out for a morning hike.  Above us two flocks of birds are darting back and forth over Hot Springs and North Mountains.  As we enter Hot Springs National Park Nature displays a taste of spring with a glorious purple Myrtle (Periwinkle) bloom.

When we reach the Upper Dogwood Trail the faint beeping of a Downy Woodpecker lingers and slowly fades as we move deeper into the Forest.  Soon we are aware there are no voices of other hikers, no rustling in the Leaves and no bird song, it is as if the entire Forest has fallen into a deep sleep.  We become aware of muffled crunch of our boots on the damp autumn Leaves coating the trails as it becomes the only sound as we cross from North to Hot Springs Mountain.

Nearing the end of our hike I spot a tiny cluster in debris in a Tree to my side. On closer inspection we can see it is an intricately woven bird nest masquerading as a clump of leaves.  A beautiful discovery at the conclusion of a perfect morning in the Forest.

Love to ALL!
Lee

PS check out the wonderful Morris Minor Traveller that we spotted at the Fountain in the Park. Rick identified the make when we were still several hundred feet away :)

February 6, 2012 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Wildflowers and Blossoms: Springs Paints Hot Springs National Park

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This is dedicated my Beloved Husband Rick London who does not complain when my photo safaris carry on past time expectations. His Love and support of my work is a blessing beyond words.

Morning began with a serenade from a Chickadee hanging on a lamp post… I knew it was going to be a perfect day!  I was out from 9am to 12:30pm and then back out from 1:30pm to 4:00pm on my expedition see Spring in action.  I spent the day hiking across Hot Springs National Park searching for the wildflowers appearing in an explosion of color.  We have another storm rolling in on Sunday so it feels as if I am racing against time to catch the beauty before rain and lightning arrives. I hope you will enjoy the beautiful wildflowers and blossoming trees… swimming turtles and lovely birds too!

Lets all play in Natures garden
Love,
Lee

March 13, 2011 | Categories: Hot Springs National Park | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 73 other followers