Archives

All posts for the month November, 2011

Blue Skies, Autumn Leaves, Berries, Birds and a Squirrel in the Park

Posted by Lee Hiller on November 29, 2011
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Finally a glorious sunny morning greets me as I enter Hot Springs National Park.  For the past week the skies have a been covered in a seemingly never ending band of dark gray clouds each morning.  Now the sunlight illuminates autumn Leaves as I enter the park and they look like beautiful glowing strings of lights.  Above me a juvenile Squirrel is practicing it’s balance and forage skills I head up Hot Springs Mountain.  I carry this joyous sight with me during my hike up and around the mountain.

Decorating the trail edges are lovely autumn Berries and glowing autumn Leaves. At the top of Hot Springs Mountain small Tufted Titmice are flying among vibrant leaves of red, orange, yellow and green.  They are busy feasting to prepare for the colder temperatures that have arrived early this year.

As I am reveling in the beauty of the changing Forest it is not long before I reach the Honeysuckle Trail.  I always Love stopping by Rick’s and my wedding Chapel, it is a blessing to remember the glorious day of our marriage.

Nearing home I spot a container lid in the park that has gathered rain water.  House Sparrows are happily splashing in the makeshift bath glittering in the sunlight.  As they fly back into a nearby Magnolia Tree I spot one of their nests.  Now I understand why they are so difficult to spot among the Leaves.  The nests are woven into a bowl that blends into the branches. A perfect place to hide from my lens 🙂

Love to ALL!
Lee

Advertisement

Into the Dark Autumn Forest and John Lennon Looks Out On Hot Springs

Posted by Lee Hiller on November 28, 2011
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

An autumn chill has fallen over the Forest and only a sprinkling of leaves remain on the Trees.  As Rick and I hike up North Mountain the skies are covered in dark clouds.  The last of the colorful leaves glow in the gray of the late morning.  In the distance the call of of a Red-Bellied Woodpecker echos across the Mountain.

Colorful Leaves give way to bright curling Fungi decorating rotting stumps and Trees.  A small Slug is feasting on pieces of bright yellow fungi on a rust Leaf.  On the trail rocks once hidden by the foliage of spring and winter appear as Nature gives up her treasure.

Along the Promenade the color of the Forest is seen in a pair of beautiful Cardinals.  They are soon joined by a small flock of Juncos in search of food.  Swooping into the scene a pair of Northern Mockingbirds chasee the visiting birds out of their territory.

We decide to walk home through the Historic District and notice John Lennon is peering out from two Gallery windows.  His iconic face is always a welcome sight.  As we parallel the HSNP Bathhouses lovely Molly catches Rick’s eye, she is a sweet Bearded Collie.  Rick’s baby Thor who past away several years ago was also a Bearded Collie so Molly made his heart happy.  Have a lovely road trip Molly, thank you for saying hello!

Much love to ALL!
Lee

Vegan Thanksgiving and Hike – Thankful For My Life

Posted by Lee Hiller on November 25, 2011
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 3 Comments

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

While the rest of the world shops I am typing my blog, thankful to be warm and rested sitting at my computer.  Yesterday my husband Rick and I went for a lovely Thanksgiving hike, a wonderful new tradition for the Hiller/London household.  Another new tradition was our vegan meal, my first attempt at a formal menu since we both stopped eating animal products.

I am thankful my husband has become a vegan because it means we can have a longer healthier life together.  I am thankful to be able to step out the door and go hiking in a National Park. I am thankful for the wonderful friends and family who care about us. I am thankful to be alive.

I am thankful to have so many lovely people read my blog. Have a wonderful day!

Much Love to ALL!
Lee

Rain, Rain and More Rain with a Flash Flood Warning

Posted by Lee Hiller on November 22, 2011
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Yesterday it rained almost the entire day so when it momentarily stopped I dashed outside to take a few photographs.  Dense fog kept the Tower and Trees along top of Hot Springs Mountain hidden and caused others to appear as if they were ghostly sentinels.  Rain drops hung like large glinting jewels from Branches and autumn Leaves. Tiny House Sparrows flitted among the Leaves feasting on tender Seeds.  Soon rain resumed casting a veil of gray over the Trees and little Sparrows once again.

Much Love to ALL!
Lee

Autumn Leaves Give A Second Curtain Call

Posted by Lee Hiller on November 21, 2011
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A cluster of storms are currently sitting over Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.  As I sit at my desk  typing this blog rain is pouring down through dense dark low clouds, aka fog. Flood warnings are in place with a long term forecast going through Tuesday night.

My husband Rick and I dashed out for a hike the other day during a break in the storms.  Beautiful rainbow clouds reappeared as we headed into the Forest on West Mountain, a perfect start to our adventure.  They are always a awesome spectacle and I never tire of the view. As we hike up the Canyon Trail the clouds begin to get darker and I wonder if it might rain.   In the low light the last of the autumn Leaves glow in lovely shades yellow red and orange.  Each time I think a storm has taken all the glorious fall colors from the Trees the forest surprises me with another vibrant show of color.

Dark skies continue as we make our way across West Mountain,then back to the city.  At each view point between the Trees the city is framed by blue gray skies. As we hike back down the Canyon Trail a young crow is calling out to it’s family.  It’s cries/caws are a sad song, fortunately a few minutes later we hear a adult Crow answering back.

It was a wonderful break in the Forest…

Much Love to ALL!
Lee