Hot Springs National Park Trails

All posts tagged Hot Springs National Park Trails

The Beauty of Life in the Forest

Posted by Lee Hiller on July 6, 2016
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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On June 29th we were hiking and witnessed a pregnant Whitetail Doe waddling up the trail ahead of us.  In nearly the same location on July 01st my beloved husband spotted off the trail 2 lovely fawns.  Please travel with care in the Forest as Does and their Fawns share the same spaces.

Love to ALL!
Lee

After Spring Storms the Fungi and Wildflowers Bloom

Posted by Lee Hiller on May 20, 2015
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When I say after I mean the 8 hour break before the next wave of storms.  We basically ran out for a hike yesterday and now it is back to lightning, thunder and flash floods.  Sadly the lightning kept me away from photographing the always short pink phase of spring Wildflowers.  Purple Wild Garlic, Indian Tobacco, Venus Looking Glass plus Smooth Petunias, yellow Cutleaf Coreopsis and Hairy Hawkweed with tiny white Partridge Berry (Partridgeberry) paint the trail edges now.  Red, tan, yellow, orange and beige Gilled Fungi have blossomed pushing up through the forest floor debris and moss.

Love to ALL!
Lee

 

Subtle Shades of Winter

Posted by Lee Hiller on January 4, 2014
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We step softly onto the path of a winters day wrapped in the warmth of the Universe. The Forest is silent as a frozen mist dances among the Trees. Subtle shades of winter emerge unfettered by the fallen leaves that once stole the light from the trails beneath my feet.

Have a Lovely 2014!

Love to ALL!
Lee

The Art Of Spring Painted With Wildflowers and Butterflies – Plus Arkansas Hiker Alerts

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 11, 2012
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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Note: Another Great reason to hike in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas… You can hit the trails and relive Baseball spring training history following in the footsteps of Cy Young and Babe Ruth.

Like the beautiful blooms in the spring Forest I am luring you to my blog today with the nectar of Wildflowers and Butterflies.  As always I had a wonderful hike because I prepare before I head into the Forest. Information about weather or being sure to carry water plus a snack are done to ensure I have a safe and happy hike.

Spring is a glorious time to hike, but like any other activity there can be some dangers easily avoided to ensure you have a safe time.  In Arkansas we currently have two warnings due to the lack of cold winter temperatures.  I am sharing this information not frighten or dissuade you from hiking, instead it should be viewed as a travel advisory for hikers.  The warmer winter temperatures throughout the United States may mean the hiker alerts below are applicable in many states.

Hiker Alert: Hikers please be aware the very short winter has caused a rise in rabies cases in Arkansas.  Nocturnal creatures moving about in the daylight hours should be avoided and any strange activity reported.  http://www.4029tv.com/r/30858715/detail.html  In Arkansas there have been 54 confirmed rabies cases, just in the first four months of the year, compared to 60 total cases in 2011. Most have been skunks, bats and one cow. Report Rabies 1-501-262-2091

Hiker Alert: This is why I always recommend wearing boots when you are hiking… Flip Flops and sneakers are not enough protection! Snakes are back in Arkansas; tips for bite victims and more http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/205488/2/Snakes-are-back-in-Arkansas-tips-for-bite-victims-and-more

Love to ALL!
Lee

Nature Weaves a New Tapestry of Living Artistry

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 9, 2012
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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