Hot Springs National Park, AR Park Entrance Squirrel

My sweet friend above is a reminder that hiking in the forest can mean contact with ticks.

A perfect sunrise greet Rick and I on our patio, a beautiful way to celebrate his surviving his heart attack.

Hot Springs Sunrise From Our Patio

As I entered the park I am greeted by a sweet squirrel peering at me from a tree. After I am deemed a non-threat it hops down and forages for breakfast.  It is always a perfect way to start my morning hike.  Heading up the Floral Trail I am amazed at the amount of new growth throughout the forest. Each day the trail seems new as more plants appear, climbing higher they form a dense canopy above me.

I connect with the Lower Dogwood Trail and a spot chalice shaped fungus growing from an old log.  Below the larger growth are lovely smaller button shaped Fungi, I Love Nature’s beautiful artistry.  On the Upper Dogwood Trail I glance into the curve at the base of an old tree and another Fungi display.  They are fantastic in their texture color and design, I am joyous to find each new fungus.

From the Upper Dogwood Trail I connect to The Hot Springs Mountain Trail and hike up to the North Mountain Overlook.  From there down to the upper portion of the Goat Rock Trail to see the flowering Wild Plum Trees.  The white blossoms look glorious against the vibrant blue sky as I peer up into the Tree.  As I head toward the Upper Dogwood Trail I spot several Brown Moths flitting between the path and the Wildflowers along the edges. They appear to dance upon the wind as they circle around me.

My hike in the forest is a taste of serenity, in the glow of  green bathing the path before me. I stop to watch a lovely spider weaving a web between two plant stems.  It has a yellow, white and black body, it appears to sparkle as the sun shines on it’s web.

Along the Lower Dogwood Trail I can hear the rustling of leaves and cannot quite see the small creatures moving through the forest. It makes me smile to know I am never alone as I hike in the Mountain.  I reach the Floral Trail and begin my hike out of the park.  On a log I see a Robin’s Egg cracked and emptied of it’s life.  It reminds me Spring is also a fight for survival by many of the Park’s future inhabitants.

As I reach the bottom of the Trail a wonderful Brown Swallowtail Butterfly lands in front of me. It flies from leaf to leaf along the Trail edges. It is a beautiful sight as it catches the breeze and travels deeper into the Forest. A Lovely Bicknell’s Thrush sings me a sweet song as I begin my walk home.  It has been a wonderful morning hike in the park.

Let Nature fill your Heart!
Love to You All,
Lee

PS: My Rick is doing much better today! Thank You for the Love and Prayers you have sent our way.