The Universe sings to my Soul with the poetry of Nature’s beauty. ~ Lee Hiller
Love to ALL!
Lee
The Universe sings to my Soul with the poetry of Nature’s beauty. ~ Lee Hiller
Love to ALL!
Lee
Southern Magnolias line Bath House Row in Hot Springs National Park. From a distance the white blossoms look like popcorn sprinkling the dark green foliage. Up close the lovely creamy white petals glow in the spring sun. Sheltered in the leaves baby sparrows await their dad who is bringing them lunch.
Glorious purple Venus Looking-Glass are blooming along the Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Their star like blooms layer the green foliage with rich color. Spring grasses ripple in a gentle breeze creating the illusion that the trail is moving. Above me a lovely juvenile Squirrel grooms her still pristine spring fur.
It has been another perfect day in the Forest…
Love to ALL!
Lee
This is a salute to the Sheriffs and Horses who are part of the mounted search and rescue patrols that save the lives of thousands of people each years across the USA. They cross Mountains and valleys and searching the Forests for those who are injured or lost. Without their devotion to their horses and the people they serve many people would not make it back home alive to friends and families.
Rick and I were surprised and grateful to see them on the trail in Hot Springs National Park.
Love to ALL!
Lee
As a photographer I have found the past three weeks of hiking frustrating. It has not been the heat and the sweating but the fogging over of my lens and viewfinder at inopportune moments that has hampered by photographic abilities. Out of my frustration I have created humidity Photography tip, to keep lenses from foggy up in humidity wrap gear in freshly warmed towels from dryer 1/2 hr before going outside. Most of us live in the comfort of air conditioned abodes, the towels help your gear to slowly warm up and equalize to the outside temperatures. Make sure towels are warm not hot.
I have noticed the local wildlife and I are looking a little soggy on the trails. The fur of Chipmunks and Squirrels are molting, matted or damp, I can’t imagine what it would be like to wear all that fur in this weather. The once lush green of the Forest is receding and some leaves are burnt resembling a mid summers autumn. The air hangs as a hazy veil of humidity appearing like light fog hovering before my eyes. As the clouds part the sun piercing the withering leaves cause the air to glow on the trails. I stop for a moment to listen to the far off chorus of Songbirds migrating through the park. Familiar voices of Chickadees, Tufted Titmice (or is that Titimouses) and Nuthatches softly caress the Tree tops. As I take a long drink a stream of water rolls my back and the sides of my face. The top of the Mountain is quiet and head for another drink at the fountain in the picnic area. I am thankful for the wonderful spring water that is readily available in the National Park and city. Yes it is easy to be thankful when you live surrounded by a National Park.
Have a lovely day and Take care in the heat..
Love to ALL!
Lee
Many tourists to Hot Springs National Park never leave the Historic bath House Row. Why? The bath houses are the parks revenue source and the longer you stay there the more money they make. Unfortunately this means many visitors never see the beautiful trails that weave across the six mountains found in the park. See the five trail maps below.
The main mountain visible from the city below is Hot Springs Mountain with its iconic tower for spectacular views. A quick hike up along the Peak Trail and you can reach the tower in approximately 20 minutes depending on fitness level. After you have enjoyed the Hot Springs Tower view hike down to the Pagoda looking out over the valley. Then take the 1.7 mile Hot Springs Mountain Trail Loop below and then reconnect with the Peak Trail to head down the Mountain.
From the National Park campground hike up the Gulpha Gorge Trail and connect with the Goat Rock Trail on North Mountain. Once you reach the North Mountain Overlook you can head down the North Mountain Road to reconnect with the Gulpha Gorge Trail or hike further on the Upper Dogwood Trail. From the campground you can also take the Sunset Trail over to Ricks Pond and continue on the first section of the Sunset Trail Loop.
West Mountain can be accessed from Central Ave on the driveway next to the Mountain Valley Water Company. The Canyon Trail takes you to the junction of the Oak Trail which connects you to the West Mountain Trail and the West Mountain Top Loop. From there you can take in the views, continue around the mountain or head out along the Sunset Trail.
As you can see in my many past blog entries the trails have abundant wildlife and ever changing foliage including spectacular wildflowers. I am always happy to direct my readers to photography, wildlife viewing and wildflower locations (although you must remember the wildlife does migrate freely throughout the park). I read and reply to comments so please make contact anytime. You can see more videos at my you tube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/LeeHiller?feature=mhee
Happy Hiking!
Lee