clearwing hummingbird moth

All posts tagged clearwing hummingbird moth

Turbulent Skies and Butterflies in Cedar Glades Park Arkansas

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 18, 2012
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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Am I a photographer who hikes or a hiker that takes photographs? This is a question which often enters my mind whenever I am out on the trail.  I am torn between standing engulfed in the beauty and trying to bring home the essence of what I am witnessing.  My Love for G-ds gift of Nature overflows from my Heart and it is my hope you will feel it whenever you visit my blog.

My husband Rick and I appreciate each opportunity to hike the trails in the beautiful state of Arkansas. We never take for granted how blessed we are to live in this amazing location.  We send a special thanks to the employees of our  city, county, state and national parks throughout the United States of America. Your care for the land and wildlife will preserve these important Eco-systems for future generations.

Love to ALL!
Lee

PS Dear Nature, Thank You for all the lovely trail Valentines waiting for me on the Blue Trail :o)

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Nature Weaves a New Tapestry of Living Artistry

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 9, 2012
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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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

First Hike in Cedar Glades Park Arkansas

Posted by Lee Hiller on March 26, 2012
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

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The first thing I need to mention about this hike, the trails are mixed use.  Hikers and mountain bikes share the same narrow trails. For this reason my husband and I hiked the blue trail clockwise even though the markers are displayed counter clockwise.  We decided it was safer to see the cyclists coming so we could get out of their way. Although it was a Sunday morning we only encountered only 2 riders during our 3.84 mile hike. Both cyclist were come at a good clip so it is wise to be prepared to step off the tail. This said I feel fellow hikers should have this information before heading out. (see printable map below for list of trails)

This is not a full on mountain hike, it is instead a peasant hill and dale terrain.  I would highly recommend hiking boots as the blue trail is narrow, rocky with continuous exposed roots.   The free flowing streams have both man-made and rock bridges for all weather condition crossings.  Also be aware there are no benches for those wishing to sit and rest along the trail.

The Trees were alive with song during our hike, but we did not catch sight of any birds.  I believe the mountain bike usage may have made them wary of coming close to the trail edges.  Butterflies, Lizards and Hummingbird Moths were abundant throughout our hike.  As the weather heats up areas around springs should become a great place to spot turtles, snakes and frogs as well. Next time we will go a bit earlier in the morning as the trails numerous natural springs likely attract larger wildlife as well.  In late April or early May when all the Trees are in full leaf it should be like hiking in a mini rain forest.

Please note this is a multipurpose park and some areas will be noisier than others.  This said once we were on the back side of the blue trail we heard only sounds of Nature.  For a family seeking a variety of activities there is a rock wall, Frisbee golf, hiking, biking even a hike-in campsite.  Clean modern bathrooms are available at both entrances/trail heads.  This is a great road trip stopping point for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages or a fun FREE use day trip.

Love to All!
Lee

Cedar Glades Park Arkansas Trail Map

Wings and Wildflowers Paint the Forest Trails

Posted by Lee Hiller on March 7, 2012
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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Change bursts forth as Leaves and Wildflowers awaken in the Spring Forest.  Delicate Butterflies float on breezes in search of tantalizing nectar warming in the sun.  Once bare Trees are gracefully decorated with blossoms of pink and white.  While the tips of branches begin to unfurl buds to reveal new Leaves. Each birth within the Forest celebrates renewal, change in it’s purest form.

In a few hours storms will be arriving in the park bringing nourishing rain. Change…

Love to ALL!
Lee

Hot Weather Hiking Tips Plus Hummingbird Moth, Skipper, Butterfly and Birds

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

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The heat wave continues to flow across the south and even the earliest morning hike resembles a sauna.  As I head along Central Ave to the West Mountain Trail access House Sparrow chicks are peering at me from between the metal spears of an iron fence. They are so cheeky looking with the splashes of yellow on the sides of their still forming beaks.  I am sure they think I should head back home instead of hiking in the heat… so I decided to devote this blog text to some important hiking tips during the heat wave that is crossing the USA.

  • First thing to remember if you are thirsty you have waited to long to take a drink, drink before you think/feel the need for fluids. Take a drink every 10 or 15 minutes, more often as the temperature climbs. You can loose up to a liter of water every hour from sweating.
  • Mix electrolyte powered into your water or bring Gatorade. Alternate with your plain water.
  • Hike in the cooler shaded mountains rather than in the valleys where heat is trapped and there is often no shade.
  • Wear clothing that will wick the sweat away from your body and keep you cooler.
  • Powder your body to avoid chaffing and tend to blisters immediately.
  • Bring something to help repel insects (heat means deer ticks and Lyme disease), heat can accelerate the venom in stings and bites.
  • Bring more water than you think you will need, especially if you are venturing out on trails that are new to you.
  • Make sure you have a first aid kit.
  • Bring a dried fruit nut mix for protein and energy

Extreme heat it never a good time to test your hiking limits,  plan to take more time than you would on a mild day.  Please drink, drink, drink and then drink some more water. Sweat is your cooling system, more water equals more sweat.  One more thing avoid hiking when both heat and humidity are high, knowing when not to go hiking is just as important.

Love to ALL!
Lee

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