Hot Springs Mountain Trail Brown Orange Blue Moth
Tufa Terrace Eastern Cottontail
Hot Springs Mountain Trail Pagoda Brown Moth
Honeysuckle Trail Baby Pines In Stump
The sky is awaiting the arrival of the sun as I enter the park this morning. Cool breezes are ruffling the leaves on Trees and Bushes and a golden glow is beginning to appear above the Trees as I reach the top of Tufa Terrace. A beautiful Eastern Cottontail is munching on a delicious grassy breakfast. Further along a pair of Mourning Doves sit watching me high in a Tree above the trail.
When I reach the Carriage Road a tiny Sparrow lands on the wrought iron border fence. It looks like a sweet little jail bird. I hike up the Dead Chief and Short Cut Trails to the Mountain Top. When I reach the pagoda the view although spectacular is overshadowed by a moth feeding on the ledge below me. Sometimes its the tiniest of creatures that overwhelm the panorama before us.
I continue my hike along the Hot Springs Mountain Trail and revel in the cool breeze caressing my forehead. The leaves are twinkling in the sunlight as I look high into the Forest canopy. On this perfect summer morning I am surprised I have not yet passed anyone on the trail. When I reach the west side of the trail loop a gorgeous Moth lands in the grass in front of me. It is brown with orange details and blue eye wing markings that glimmer in the sunlight.
Finally another hiker appears, it is Halcom and I we exchange salutations as we pass one and other. I decide to take the Honeysuckle Trail to the Floral Trail. When I reach the trail junction I spot two tiny pines sprouting up from an old stump. New trees sprouting where a life ended seems a perfect example of the Forest cycle of life. As I hike down the Floral Trail I feel as always blessed to have this precious time in the Park. At least once in your life visit a National Park each one is an inheritance that belongs to every citizen of this nation.
Play today outside and let Nature embrace you.
Love,
Lee
