We have been in stay-at-home mode since the first week of March and we have been using masks plus wipes since February. This was the first time we have been out for a hike in the past 2 months. Usually outings were for essentials only.
It was dark, a bit foggy and the light was horrible. The fresh air however was divine. For an entire hour we were alone with Nature our masks pulled down breathing in the forest fragrance. It was intoxicating to feel the air and hear bird song
From our windows we could see the Magnolias blossoms this spring. I thought we had missed the live show but we were lucky one waited around for us to see up close.
We slipped out at 6 a.m. and did not see any humans til we were heading back home at 7:15. Running humans without masks who headed toward us so we had to cross the street. Arkansas never closed and I have been called names for wear a mask. So many people willing to risk other peoples lives by not wearing masks or at the very least respecting social distancing.
I dream of a time where I can safely see the magic hour again outside.
The yearly migration of birds from Mexico and Central America has begun. We love the arrival these colorful winged beauties. I wish however to salute a winter friend. The American Robin lives year round in Hot Springs National Park. They walk the trail with us often leading the way.
Thanks to the American Robin we are rarely alone even on cold winter days.
Some spring days reveal a fantastic transformation as Nature weaves a new tapestry of living artistry before our eyes. When my Husband Rick and I headed up into Hot Springs National Park it was clear Nature was painting a glorious spring portrait. It began with the “The Chinaberry Butterfly Trees” and continued across the mountain.
Each Tree and Leaf held beauty either of it’s own design or via a delicate visitor. Butterflies and Hummingbird Moths danced lightly across the green seeking warmth and sustenance. Tiny birds hid within the new canopy building nests and calling to would be mates and suitors. Each step along the trail pulled us into a glowing tunnel of new greenery. Wildflowers became delicate brushstrokes of color on the canvas of the Forest floor. Spring was creating a magical ever-changing landscape and for a brief moment in time we were a part of its beautiful artistry.
Special thanks to the sweet Mourning Dove that against its instincts did not fly off as planned. Your graceful wing stretch should have heralded your departure. Instead you chose to stay and even walked back toward me. Your flight up into the Tree when others approached did however seem prudent. I am grateful you trusted me to take your photograph.
Love to ALL!
Lee
HSNP Arlington Lawn Foxglove Tree
HSNP Arlington Lawn Foxglove Tree
HSNP Arlington Lawn Foxglove Tree
HSNP Arlington Lawn Foxglove Tree
HSNP Arlington Lawn Foxglove Tree
HSNP Arlington Lawn Foxglove Tree
HSNP Arlington Lawn Foxglove Tree
HSNP Arlington Lawn Foxglove Tree Leaves
HSNP Carriage Road American Snout Butterfly
HSNP Carriage Road American Snout Butterfly
HSNP Carriage Road Clearwing Hummingbird Moth
HSNP Carriage Road Japanese Honeysuckle
HSNP Carriage Road Myrtle
HSNP Dead Chief Trail Spring
HSNP Floral Trail Spring
HSNP Honeysuckle Trail Oxalis
HSNP Honeysuckle Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Birds Foot Violet
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Birds Foot Violet
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Birds Foot Violet
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Birds Foot Violet
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Birds Foot Violet
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Mourning Dove
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Mourning Dove
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Mourning Dove
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Mourning Dove
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Mourning Dove
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Mourning Dove
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Mourning Dove
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Pagoda
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Pink & White Phlox
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Potato Danelion
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Robin
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spiderwort
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Spring
HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Trail Summer Azure Butterfly
Continuing from Some Of My Favorite Moments from 2010… Where to begin, it would not be possible without YOU! Thank You to those who have kindly subscribed and clicked through to my blog this year. A blog is nothing without readers, those who hike with me via my words and photographs on Hike Our Planet this is dedicated to you!
A special Thank You to my beloved husband Rick who puts up with my time away hiking and photographing the beauty of Arkansas.
2011 was filled with wonderful moments along the trails in Arkansas. I created more videos and became more adept at capturing creatures with my new camera and lens. I visited two new parks (for me) and hiked many new trails. Snow fell, leaves sprouted, wildflowers bloomed, heat sizzled and autumn painted the trails. In November 2011 I celebrated the 2nd anniversary of my Hike Our Planet blog. Added 40+ new videos to my new YouTube blog Channel Lee Hiller Designs Photography. Videos included a series for Photographers For Japan to aid Mercy Corps with Japan earthquake/tsunami relief. Lake Ouachita State Park’s Caddo bend Trail was hit by a tornado so sadly the trail won’t reopen until late 2012 (hopefully).
If you have your own favorite post or photograph from my 2011 blog posts please share it in the comments below. You can click on any of the blog titles below to re-read any of my favorites.
Winter casts her blue light upon the Forest as first light caresses the canopy. Delicate wings whisper among the Leaves as I become one with Nature. A sweet serenade to the morning echos softly as I move along each trail.
We are the unfolding mystery of the Universe. ~ Lee Hiller
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah
Much Love to all!
Lee
Hike Our Planet - @HikeOurPlanet 