Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet

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I want to begin by thanking Twitter friends @avocadocreation @melisheath for identifying the Spotted Cucumber Beetle on the pink Peony.  At the Arlington Lawn Peonies are still blossoming as are several bushes.  These bushes are attracting a beautiful array of insects this morning it is lovely moths drinking the nectar of the white bell shaped flowers.

Leaving this late this morning I am quickly aware I have missed the morning breakfast run of my Forest friends.  From the Tufa Terrace up to the top of the mountain via the Peak Trail it is so quiet.  A gorgeous orange Moth is sunning itself on a lichen covered Tree. Further up the trail a beautiful Red Spotted Purple Butterfly sits on a leaf bath in the glow of a ray of sunlight.

Once I reach the top I pass several hiking groups on the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, the second wave of tourists mostly retirees.  People and Dogs equals  mammals in hiding along the Trail.  A lovely Tufted Titmouse sings a sweet song to me as I hike toward toward North Mountain. I glance up to see it peeking down from high in the Tree ahead of me.

When I reach the North Mountain I connect with the Upper Dogwood Trail.  It is a meditative hike, a chance to listen to my Soul as I move among the Trees.   When I reach the Upper and Lower Dogwood fork I see a spectacular sight on the last day of summer.  High in the canopy one Tree has changed into it’s Autumn splendor.  It’s a color is only the first of what will soon paint the Forest in Hot Springs National Park.

Down the Floral Trail, off North Mountain to Fountain Street to fill my water bottle with wonderful mineral water. I decide to stop by the Arlington Lawn on my way home to see what is feeding on the nectar of the flowering bushes.  A sweet sparrow looks down at me from a Magnolia Tree as I head across the lawn.  Across the park I can see a family of House Sparrows is enjoying a feast in the grass near a hedge.  It is wonderful to see the young birds taking flight and moving around the park.  A lovely Bumble Bee is feeding on the nectar of a near-by flowering bush pushing the smaller Moths out of its way.  Nature is always busy with life, it never fears change.

Get out and play!
Much Love,
Lee

PS on my Twilight hike with my beloved Husband Rick we saw sweet Ring-Neck Snake and this amazing Copperhead Snake…