Lake Catherine State Park

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When I am solo hiking there is always a feeling of joy in finding a bridge. Wood, stone, chain, rope each reminds me of our human connection to Nature. The excitement of traversing a ravine, gorge, stream, pond, lake, cliff side etc. Alone it feels as if a fellow traveler has reached out to help you along the trail. The echo of planks beneath your boots echos a message stating I am here. Serenity in looking at a reflection of clouds drifting past or peering into the abyss below and wondering whether the ropes or chains will hold. Lines and curves enticing us to cross over to new adventures.

: Stone Arch Bridge

: Stone Arch Bridge B&W

: Stone bridge at Ricks Pond

: Stone bridge at Ricks Pond

: Winding Canopy Bridge

: Winding Canopy Bridge B&W

: Wooden Ravine Bridge

: Wooden Ravine Bridge B&W

: Chain Suspension Bridge

: Chain Suspension Bridge B&W

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Super Sensitive.”

If you were forced to give up one sense, but gain super-sensitivity in another, which senses would you choose?

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I am a photographer and hiker (HikeOurPlanet.com) and rely on four senses for my nature photography. Sight is obvious, but I also rely on scent and sound to spot wildlife for my photography. Often overlooked is a need for touch to press down at the right moment to open my camera’s shutter. Sight, sound, scent and touch combine for balance and safety as I hike through the Forest. This leaves one obvious sense that I would give up.

Happily I would forgo taste to continue with my love of seeing and photographing the beauty of nature. For me it would be a very small price to pay for enhanced eyesight.

The Universe sings to my Soul with the poetry of Natures beauty. ~ Lee Hiller

: HSNP Eye Contact – Black and White Warbler

: HSNP Eye Contact – Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

: HSNP Eye Contact – Chipping Sparrow

: HSNP Eye Contact – Male Cardinal

: HSNP Eye Contact – Feral Cat

: HSNP Eye Contact – Squirrel

: LCSP Eye Contact – Whitetail Deer

: HSNP Eye Contact – Chipmunk

WWII Veterans Dad and Mom in Uniform

Lee Hiller Hiking in Hot Springs National Park

My beloved husband Rick and me on the trail

Thankful my Mom and Dad found each other in ‪WWII‬ I miss them deeply. Each sacrificed, each found the course of their Dreams change as have many Veterans of past and present wars. They never gave up on who they were and found ways later in life to reclaim their original Dream path. Today I honor them by reclaiming my original Dream path. My beloved husband Rick London he too climbed over obstacles to reclaim his. I celebrate the challenge of being lost and finding the way back. Much is learned wandering in the wilderness. {{{HUGS}}} to all who join me each day in the Dream of life. Below are a few thankful moments from my Dream Path (I have included links to full blog postings which have additional photographs for each topic. My amateur videos were shot in HD so can be viewed full screen) ❦

Hot Springs National Park Hot Springs Mt Trail Fog

Beautiful Foggy Mountain Trails

I began Hiking in Hot Springs National Park in 2009 for fitness. I was trying to shed what I called my IT professional cubical weight. My first hike up into the park I threw up. I went back up the next day and the next, miraculously one day I was no longer struggling to reach the top. I carried a Sony Cybershot to document my journey. The the Hot Springs Mountain Trail shot to the right plus the Bird’s Foot Violet and sunrise in the trail below were the beginning of my photography journey. ❦

Hot Springs National Park Dead Chief Trail Sunrise

Hot Springs National Park Goat Rock Trail Birds-Foot Violet

Hot Springs National Park Goat Rock Trail WildFlowers

Hot Springs National Park Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker Brothers in Hot Springs National Park

I had spotted Pileated Woodpeckers at a variety of distances but never this close. Two males tousling in the trees at the same time was an amazing site. Capturing them in photographs was exciting and having time to video as well was exhilarating.

I hope one day to see and photograph their cousin the Ivory Billed Woodpecker. ❦

LCSP Horseshoe Mountain Whitetail Deer

OH DEER! Horseshoe Mountain in Lake Catherine State Park

On my first hike at Lake Catherine State Park I encountered this lovely Whitetail Deer. For over a year I had glimpses of Deer in Hot Springs National Park, but none stopped long enough to get a clear photograph. At the top of Horseshoe Mountain in a winter clearing a large Whitetail Deer halted and turned mid stride to stare at me. As I raised my camera to take her photograph the unthinkable occurred. My camera battery alert began flashing and then the viewfinder went dark!

I slowly lowered my camera and reached in my pouch to get a fresh battery. Neither her or I took our eyes off one and other. Obviously I got the shot and was very happy. She snorted after several images were taken and out of the corner of my eye three more Deer stepped into view. I was able to capture her entire beautiful family of four traveling across the Mountain. ❦

Hot Springs National Park Arlington Lawn Blue Jay

Beautiful Blue Jay, Foraging Squirrels and a big Fly?

The Blue Jays in Hot Springs National park were my friends early on. In fact once when I was hiking one found me on the trail 30 minute after a morning encounter to frantically let me know to take cover. Seconds later a huge flock of crows flew low weaving through the Forest canopy.

Blue Jay in the park are larger and more colorful than the ones I saw regularly in Oregon. My eyes always search the Trees for their spectacular cobalt color. I felt blessed when this lovely Juvenile Blue Jay landed in a Tree near me. It was delightful to be able to take its photograph and share the beauty. ❦

HSNP Hot Springs Mt Trail Pagoda Cedar Waxwing

In 2010 I was still using my Sony Cybershot when I was hiking. I would stand in the Pagoda at the top of Hot Springs Mountain using it as a blind for bird photography. Open on four sides it afforded me both cover and visibility.

February 18 2010 I could hear bird song and feel the life around me as I hiked up the trails. When I reached the top the picnic area was silent and there appeared to be very view birds. However, as I moved toward the Pagoda I saw a large flock of Robins, they ignored me as I walk through them to the steps.

I had finished my view shot and from the corner of my eye saw a bright fluttering in the large tree next to me. I could see these were not Robins and when I put my camera up the zoom revealed a flock of Cedar Waxwings. Looking below I could see the two flocks were mixed together… The Lovely Creatures of the Forest on the Hot Springs Trails ❦

HSNP Whitetail Deer Fawn

My husband and I had finished a hike in the park and were heading down the North Mt Loop when a tiny fawn appeared on the grass edge. It came up the embankment from the terrace below tail between its legs looking scared and confused. Fear wore off quickly and it began trotting around exploring its new territory. Check the photos in the blog to see what happened when it discovered us. Lovely Whitetail Deer Fawn in Hot Springs National Park The photos and video are a wonderful reminder of this lovely curious being. ❦

Lake Ouachita State Park Mist on the Lake

Mist was rising off the lake as I entered the park. It appeared to dance toward me as I stood on the beach watching the sun rise above the distant ridge. The air was still cold causing my lens to ice up and creating some interesting effects in my photographs and video. As the sun continued to climb higher behind me the water and sky transformed into a surreal blue… A Beautiful Morning In Lake Ouachita State Park ❦

HSNP My Neighborhood the Rainforest in Hot Springs National Park

HSNP Chinaberry Tree Male Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

The Chinaberry Butterfly Trees

A breeze blows gently causing the branches of a towering Chinaberry Tree to dance above us. American Lady, Red Admiral and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies soar between the new green Leaves and purple Blossoms. They are frantically feeding on the nectar warming in the glorious spring sun. ❦

HSNP Promenade Brown Thrasher with Insect

HSNP Promenade Female Cardinal

My husband had an ankle injury in 2011 and while he was on the mend we had to change our hiking habits. Early each morning we would go to the lower reaches of Hot Springs Mountain for a gentle hike. After about a week of our routine birds began landing very close to show us their catch of the day. Baby Mockingbirds would follow Mom from Tree to fence for flying lessons. Male and female Cardinals flashed us with their colorful feathers. Hiking with these lovely winged friends made it one of our favorite summers. Another Day with the Beautiful Creature of Hot Springs National Park ❦

HSNP Tufa Terrace Trail Male Eastern Cottontail

Once upon a time there was a lovely couple that lived on the slopes of Hot Springs Mountain. Each summer they would come out of hiding to say hello as I would begin my morning hike in the park. It has been nearly 3 year since I saw them and I hope they simply moved up the mountain. Although I know this might not be their fate I always look each time I hike past their old burrow area. This blog has photos from my last sighting and conversation >> Natures Beauty: Eastern Cottontail, Scarlet Tanagers and Wildflowers ❦

Lee Hiller Photography Posters and Prints

Each of the Wildflowers in this three part 2011 series are in order of discovery beginning in February 2011

Hot Springs National Park BirdsEye Speedwell

Tufa Terrace Bluet

Promenade Henbit Deadnettle

Promenade Purple Deadnettle

Hot Springs National Park Promenade False Garlic

HSNP Fordyce Ricks Pond Grape Hyacinth

HSNP Fountain Street Lawn Wooly Blue Violet

Hot Springs Mountain Road Wooly Blue Violet

HSNP Sunset Trail Pink Oxalis

Hot Springs National Park Floral Trail Birds Foot Violets

Hot Springs National Park Peak Trail Shooting Star

HSNP Tufa Terrace Fuchsia Spiderwort

HSNP Peak Trail Yellow Oxalis & Everlasting Pea

HSNP Tufa Terrace Periwinkle/Myrtle

HSNP Peak Trail Everlasting Pea

to continue to Part 2 Click Here

Spring Wildflowers Butterflies and Birds in Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas

Posted by Lee Hiller on May 19, 2011

Posted in: Lake Catherine State Park. Tagged: Arkansas Birds, Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Wildlife, Black Butterfly, Black Swallowtail Butterfly, blue Grosbeak, Brown Butterfly, Butterflies, Butterfly, Canadian Geese, Carolina Larkspur, Common Buckeye Butterfly, Cranesbill Geranium, ducks, Goat's Rue, Goat’s Rue, Hiking Trails, Horsehoe Mountain Trail, hot springs national park hiking trails, Lake, Lake Catherine, Lake Catherine State Park, Lance-Leaved Coreopsis, Male Spicebush Swallowtail, Mallard, Mountains, Nature Photography, Orange Butterfly, Ouachita Blazing Star, Photography, Silver-spotted Skipper, small skullcap, Spicebush Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly, Spring trail, Spring Trails, Squirrel, State Park, Turtles, Twistflower, Venus Looking Glass, Wildflowers. 2 Comments

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Below a clear bluish violet morning sky it is 58 degrees with a light breeze as I enter Lake Catherine State Park. The park glows in the early light as I stand on the balcony of the visitors center looking out over the lake. I pause to watch the glossy black birds flying back and forth across the lake from the nesting boxes atop a high pole.

I drive over to the trail head and begin my hike on the Horseshoe Mountain Trail. The first thing I notice is the trail has been cleaned up a bit since my last hike here in January 2011. Last winter I could barely see the trail as the Autumn leaves were several inches deep from the winter wind. The beginning of my hike along the Horseshoe Trail is a series of gentle inclines in a Short Leaf pine Forest. Soon the landscape changes and a large Rock formation appears on my right. The dirt trail now is a series of well-worn boulders heading higher into the park. Glorious yellow Lance-Leaf Coreopsis are growing in patches among the Rocks, drops of sunlight in the spring Forest. A Pine Warbler peeks at me from the branch of a Pine Tree while higher up a Male Blue Grosbeak looks out across the park.

The higher I climb Pines begin to give way to a mixed forest and greater numbers of wildflowers. Twistflowers in pink and magenta cast a lovely pink glow over the top of lovely green undergrowth. Accents of Purple Small Skull Caps and Clasping Venus Looking Glass, Blue Carolina Larkspur plus yellow Lance-Leaf Coreopsis create a colorful feast for the eyes. The tall growth waves gently in the morning breeze and Forest has the appearance of taking rhythmic breaths. I cannot express the beauty of each step along the trail and can only hope my photographs will be an ample expression.

As I proceed up the second climb on the trail bright pink Ouachita Shooting Stars appear in greater numbers. At the top a lovely garden of Wildflowers is revealed in the rocky loose soil. Ouachita Blazing Stars, Clasping Venus Looking Glass and Twistflowers create a glorious Butterfly haven. Vibrant orange and Large Black Swallowtail Butterflies move from flower to flower surfing on a perfect spring breeze.

Soon the trail is winding down the Mountain and rounding the next bend I have a clear view of the lake below. On this perfect day I am surprised there are no boats out on the Lake. Further along the trail more Ouachita Blazing Stars sprinkled across the left side of the trail, on the right lovely blush and yellow Goat’s Rue are just beginning to bloom. As I hike down the Mountain the mixed Forest gives way to Tall Pines stretching up toward the sky and glimpse of the lake appears between their large trunks.

At the bottom I look across a small cove, on the opposite shore I spot the silhouettes of two familiar large birds sitting in the shade. Turtles are lined up along partially submerged logs catching the warmth of the spring sun. A beautiful garden of green is growing on log near the shore. Soon I reach a chain suspension bridge that likely would have water below it when the lake levels are higher. When I leave the trail to reach the Lake front I can see my to photographic subjects are still resting in the grass.

A pair of Canada Geese and Mallards Ducks are sitting at the edge of the Lake and I approach slowly, 15 minutes later all four get up and swim out into the Lake. The Mallard pair swim into the cove and tuck their heads under their wings to float and sleep. The Canada Geese paddle out into Lake and swim cautiously past a Fisherman standing on the bank.

Back on the trail it isn’t long before I spot a Squirrel foraging in the Forest and climbing Trees. It is always a delight watching Squirrel agility, their amazing skill at leaping from Tree to Tree. When I reach the Trail Head I glance once more back into the wonderful Forest where I spent my morning.

Find time to get out and let Nature wrap you in her arms.
Love to ALL!
Lee

PS Special Thanks to K J Garrett for settling the debate of Canada Geese vs Canadian Geese… although the Internet has many articles debating this issue here a Hike Our Planet we tip our hat in deference to KJ.