Lightning, Heavy Rain and Excessive Heat

Posted by Lee Hiller on July 8, 2021
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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All we wanted to do in June was hike.  Nature had other ideas and every day weather was either Lightning, Heavy Rain and Excessive Heat or a combination of the afore mentioned. 

There was a small break in the weather chaos one morning and we bathed in the beauty of the Forest.

Happy Trails to All!

P.S. 7/8/2021 Dear Arkansans, please get vaccinated! Yesterday we had 1000 new cases and 80 people on ventilators.  Seven unvaccinated people died.  We have a vaccination rate of under 45% and 1/3 of senior have not gotten even a single dose.  Delta Variant of COVID is going to kill our fellow citizens.  Fourth of July tourist filled the streets this past weekend in the state.  This influx of people from Texas, Mississippi, Missouri etc. will create even higher rates. 

Rebuilding my Strength in Nature’s Beauty

Posted by Lee Hiller on May 6, 2021
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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A year away from 3+ hikes a week and you lose a bit of agility.  The exercises at home did not replicate the ever changing trail conditions, obstacles, weather and balancing while holding a camera etc.  There appears to be random muscles that were never fully engaged in my indoor workouts.  My knees movements are not as elastic either. 

2021 is the year I rebuild, repair and heal on the trails.

Happy Trails and Love to ALL,

Lee

 

 

Wildflowers Sooth My Soul

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 27, 2021
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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Hiking is unique in its muscle use and rebuilding my strength took several weeks of easy trails.  It was a feeling of both joy and relief to complete an old favorite trail(s) circuit.  The comfort of seeing old friends (the Trees) and breathing in the scents of the Forest was healing.  Each lovely Wildflower reached out to my Soul and soothed the wounds of being apart.  

Happy Trails Everyone!

Lee

Begin Rant: To be honest the only thing I really missed during the pandemic was hiking. I was however lucky to quarantine with my best friend aka husband. We leveraged the internet for delivery of supplies and only ventured out in the dark hours of the morning to walk, get gas or use needed services.  However to get to the trails would have meant facing steams of tourists who were largely unmasked even when 4000 people a day were dying.  They came to our little tourist town because the Governor of Arkansas sent mixed signals about masking. 

Now that we are fully vaccinated it is only semi liberating.  I know 10% my fellow humans can still become infected after receiving both doses.  Many in Arkansas do not seem interested in getting any of the vaccines so it is always going to be masks on when going out on the city streets. The only time we currently unmask when out is on the trails. Mutations of COVID19 love antivax humans.  Due to antivaxxers the pandemic may drag on longer than it needs too.  End Rant

 

Everyday Should be Earth Day

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 22, 2021
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

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After 10+ years hiking in Hot Springs National Park I love it when I see something new. I have over the years taken photos of does with fawns and lone adult bucks.  However this is my first capture of young bucks with burgeoning antlers traveling in their own herd.  Plus as a bonus I found my first Shaggy Inkcap Fungi. I Love Nature!

Happy Earth Day!

Lee

 

Embracing The Spring Forest

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 19, 2021
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

View From North Mountain

I embrace the Forest as I dance among her spring leaves.  A breeze washes over me as I close my eyes and inhale the many fragrances.  It refreshes my Soul.  Wildflowers paint the trail canvas with delicate brush strokes.  Each step on the trail is a blessing.

Happy Trails to ALL,

Lee