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 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 ❦