Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Okay I have been a bit stir crazy for the past few days trapped inside by a string of storms.  When I went to bed last night the weather prediction indicated two more days of rain with possibility of lightning.  When I woke up this morning it seemed so light out I thought my watch had stopped.  No, I had not slept in.  While I was sleeping the clouds had parted and  there was a hint of a blue sky.  The new green was shimmering across the mountains of Hot Spring National Park.

In less than an hour I prepped my gear and was out the door to hike in the emerging Rainforest.  White Dogwood blooms and pink Red Bud blossoms glowed in the early morning light as I headed up into the park.  I was surprised the delicate petals had survived 3 days of heavy rain and wind.

Part way up the mountain I stopped to enjoy the sunrise with a crowd that was gathered at the Dead Chief Trail.  The glorious winged group included Cedar Waxwings  and Cardinals.  Each took a turn at summoning the light with songs to entice the sun over the top of Hot Springs Mountain.

As I hiked up to the top new growth was gently encasing me in a trail funnel of green.  Beautiful rain battered wildflowers dotted the edges in purple, pink and yellow.  Spectacular Swallowtail Butterflies flitted along the new green leaves and blossoms.  It was a perfect morning in the Forest.

Shameless Promotion: Please check out my new monthly hiking column and weekly photograph in Mature Arkansas (I had hoped to be in Immature Arkansas 🙂 LOL).  If you are in Arkansas you can pick up a Free magazine at Krogers, Edwards, libraries, restaurants, tourist locations etc..  If you live outside Arkansas here is a link to this weeks edition with my column on pg 15 http://issuu.com/arkansastimesvisitorsguide/docs/ma032212_issuu  In case you missed it last week I was interviewed about hiking on page 7 http://issuu.com/arkansastimesvisitorsguide/docs/ma031512_issuu/1

Love to ALL!
Lee