SPring Forest

All posts tagged SPring Forest

A Curious Spring Whitetail Button Buck

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 12, 2016
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A lovely spring hike cradled in new foliage and trails dotted with new leaves and Wildflowers.  Stepping out onto the trail a handsome whitetail button buck.  He stopped and stared then casually strolled into the Forest.

Love to ALL!

 

Advertisement

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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)

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

Magnolias, Wildflowers and Racing Pigeons in the Spring Forest

Posted by Lee Hiller on May 11, 2011
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I know it is wordless Wednesday… so I will attempt to be brief. My hike began with a melodic Male Cardinal and a chatty Squirrel. It ended with another but less vocal Squirrel eating beneath the beautiful blooms of the old Southern Magnolia Trees at the entrance to the park.  In-between I was surprised to see a pair of Racing Pigeons strolling along the Carriage Road and discovered beautiful purple Venus Looking Glass Wildflowers on the Floral Trail. Last year the the lack of rain meant there were hardly any Flowers on the Floral Trail. Now the entire park is bursting with glorious color.

On a sad note I found the body of a young Blue Jay as I was heading out of the park on the Hot Springs Mountain Road.  With no apparent injury at first glance it appeared only to be in a sweet sleep.   I took a moment to remember how its short life brought beauty to the Forest and prayed for its young spirit to have peaceful journey.

Love to ALL! Make a play date with yourself to get out in Nature 🙂
Lee