pink fire

All posts tagged pink fire

Colorful Butterflies return to the Rainforest

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 27, 2015
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 5 Comments

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Last year Butterflies were scarce in Hot Springs National Park.  Many friends throughout the country also reported seeing less insects including Butterflies in 2014.  Nature is resilient if we give her space to breathe and recover from human devastation.  It has been a blessing to see colorful wings in 2015.

Please be thoughtful in how you protect your plants by avoiding chemical pesticides in favor of interspersing repelling plants. Also a mix of garlic and cayenne makes a great plant spray.

Love to ALL!
Lee

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Pink Fire lights up my hike on West Mountain

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

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“When we think we have discovered the meaning of life it changes as the Universe smiles.” ~ Lee Hiller-London

To every season… my first year hiking I saw no Pink Fire blossoms, my second year one cluster and this year there are clusters everywhere.  They glow with radiant beauty along the edge of the darkening spring Forest. Each day Nature redecorates the trails so no matter how many times I hike it feels new. It is a blessing to see creation…

Love to ALL!
Lee

PS Special Thank You to my beloved husband Rick for hiking in the brutal humidity with me ❤

West Mountain Spring Hike filled with Wildflowers and Wildlife

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 25, 2012
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

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As I stepped out my front door the early light  illuminated the flowers creating a sunrise spring bouquet… Nature weaves her magic everywhere.

This year spring arrived early in Hot Springs National Park.  The leaves were fully unfurled 6 days after the official 1st day of Spring creating a spectacular green canopy in late March.  Prominent Wildflowers from the past two years appeared in smaller numbers and vanished quickly this spring.  The combination of lovely green and warmer temperatures stunted the growth of some wildflowers or caused their quick demise.  The good news is I am seeing lovely shade dwellers like the Partridge Berry, Horsemint and Pink Fire in greater numbers.  Nature is always an amazing teacher… I do miss the Jewelweed which was abundant last year.

A landslide closed part of the Oak Trail and I had to backtrack to head up West Mountain on the Canyon Trail.   This turned out to be a wonderful change of plans.  As I headed higher up the trail I had a feeling I was not hiking alone.  I turned back and looked down the trail to see a lovely Doe watching me.  I took a few photographs and she put her dead down to graze apparently deciding I was not a threat.  Further up the trail I heard a rustling in the leaves, looking up I discovered she was moving parallel below me.  She was peeking at me through the brush to see what I was doing in her Forest.  Maybe I will end up in her version of the park news 🙂

The lovely morning continued with the sighting of a Brown Thrasher capturing it’s breakfast and discovering new wildflowers to add to my photography collection.  It was wonderful to see a flurry of  airborne Butterflies,tiny busy Prairie Lizards and a sweet Male Box Turtle.  Trails covered in a canopy flickering green provided a peaceful hike across West and Music Mountains.

Thank You for reading my blog and traveling with me in the Forest.
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
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