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A Dance Of Light Transformed – My Favorite Photographs and Moments of 2012

Posted by Lee Hiller on August 27, 2013
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

Within the quiet Rock and swaying blade of Grass is a message of Love from the Universe.  ~ Lee Hiller

We see our life with eyes made unique by the Soul that looks out from within our human form. The beauty of photography reveals our Soul via the lens as we try to communicate a unique vision to others. A single flower can become infinite unique photographs not only dependent on light or lens, but because each Soul seeks to understand with it’s own sight.

I do not wish to say that these are better than other photographs. They are a personal expression, a dance of light transformed into art and form. These are the images that caused my Soul to ignite with lingering emotion. Whether in happiness, shock, joy, sadness etc., to feel the moment and share it others is my only wish.

My favorite images are often the ones which exist unnoticed on facebook or quietly vanish from view down my Twitter stream without remark. They live in my Heart content that I was there to witness a singular moment as it faded into the past. I am thankful many of you kindly invite me into you day by visiting my blog.

Love to ALL!
Lee

January 2012
Sometimes it appears I am totally alone when I am hiking, not a person in sight.  Occasionally however Nature lets me see those beings with which I am sharing the Forest.  This lovely Whitetail Doe was part of a group of Deer moving on the ridge above me.  When she stopped to look at me  the white on one of here ears caught my eye. The winter Forest sleeps and dreams of spring. ~ Lee Hiller
Lovely Frost Flowers, Rocks, Deer and Wildflowers of Winter

HSNP Goat Rock Trail Winter Whitetail Deer Doe

HSNP Goat Rock Trail Winter Whitetail Deer Doe

February 2012
Nature often leave little Valentines scattered along the trail edges,  This lovely white Heart in the red Rock was covered or dislodged by heavy rains this Spring.  I am very happy to have this photograph as a reminder of this lovely discovery.
Winter Wildflower, Rocks, Tiny Nest & a Morris Minor Traveller

HSNP Floral Trail Rock 'Winter Heart"

HSNP Floral Trail Rock ‘Winter Heart”

March 2012
This is one of my favorite places in Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas. I never know what I will see when I round the bend, a field of Wildflowers, a Blue Grossbeak or a Whitetail Deer. Each time I visit Nature has another lovely surprise for me on the Horseshoe Mountain Trail.
Lake Catherine State Park Arkansas Horseshoe Mountain Trail

LCSP Horseshoe Mt Trail Spring

LCSP Horseshoe Mt Trail Spring

April 2012
On a trek through Cedar Glades Park was an alley created by young pines.  Every time I look at this image I know if we have a light snowfall I will hike the 4 miles to return to this spot.  In my mind I always see this spot on the trail with snow.
Trails, Campsites, Wildflowers and Wildlife in Cedar Glades Park

Cedar Glades Park Black Trail Spring

Cedar Glades Park Black Trail Spring

May 2012
Usually I don’t photograph Wildlife with man made items. I don’t feed the beings who live in the park as I try my best allow the Wildlife to remain wild.  I had noticed 2012 was a year of harsh changes in Hot Springs National Park.  Winter lasted less that 2 weeks, the spring rain never fell and the temperatures were already triple digits in late May.  We were in a drought and by May 30th 2012 the abundant population of Squirrels were struggling to find liquid.  The drought greatly reduced the small mammal population.   Sightings of the lovely Squirrels and Chipmunks has now become a rare event.
Lovely Rainbow Sunrise, Squirrels and Spring Trails

HSNP Fountain Trail Squirrel with Straw Lid

HSNP Fountain Trail Squirrel with Straw Lid

June 2012
One day when I was hiking in 2010 I spotted a hikers hut on the Honeysuckle Trail in Hot Springs National Park.  I got my cellphone out and called my fiance Rick to let him know I had found our wedding chapel.  In June of 2010 we were married in the hut on Hot Springs Mountain.  We hiked up for our 2nd Anniversary and as we sat in the hut my husband Rick spotted this lovely Scarlet Tanager… the sighting was a perfect anniversary gift.
Second Wedding Anniversary Hike in Hot Springs National Park

HSNP Floral Trail Scarlet Tanager

HSNP Floral Trail Scarlet Tanager

July 2012
The weather by July was brutal we were into about 20 days of triple digit temperatures.  The only cool outdoor location was Garvan Woodland Gardens and it was a perfect gift birthday gift.  I knew it was going to be a perfect day when I spotted a lovely American Bullfrog.  Yes I think frogs are lovely… snakes and lizards too!
A Beautiful Birthday at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens Arkansas American Bullfrog

Garvan Woodland Gardens Arkansas American Bullfrog

August 2012
We were under a severe heat alert for almost the entire month of August and I only posted two blogs for the entire month.  The only weather information came late in the month, it was a good news bad news situation.  Hurricane Issac hit US shores and the rain is going to reach Hot Springs Arkansas.  The day I learned the rain was on its way I spotted a colorful Dragonfly in the park, a good omen.
Dragonflies and Wildflowers in the Late Summer Forest

HSNP Hot Springs Mt Trail Dragonfly

HSNP Hot Springs Mt Trail Dragonfly

September 2012
The rain came and for three days liquid life fell onto the Forest.  It was a refreshing drink that seemed to revive us all.  On a glorious hike in the cooler air I spotted a cluster of bright red leaves.  The cooler days of Autumn were on there way.
Autumn Leaves, Wildflowers and Fungi on West Mountain

HSNP West Mountain Trail Autumn Leaves

HSNP West Mountain Trail Autumn Leaves

October 2012
Autumn Leaves paint the mountains and hiking is a wonderland of color.  When I reach the top of West Mountain I decide to continue on Music Mountain along the Sunset Trail.  Among the rocks Wildflowers are blooming and Butterflies are enjoying their nectar.  In the silence and beauty I find the peace I have missed when it was too hot to hike.  Nature teaches our Hearts to speak without words and our Souls to erupt in silent song. . ~ Lee Hiller
Autumn Beauty on Music Mountain Butterflies and Wildflowers

HSNP Music Mt Sunset Trail Painted Lady Butterfly On Aster

HSNP Music Mt Sunset Trail Painted Lady Butterfly On Aster

November 2012
I had two favorite photographs (hiking moments) in November of 2012.  The Caddo Bend Trail in Lake Ouachita State Park had been devastated by a tornado since my last visit. Large sections of the peninsula are covered in ripped out, shattered, bent and broken Trees. It was a hike filled with beauty and destruction so when I found this bridge nestled in the Autumn Leaves I took a moment to be thankful.
Tornado Shreds Caddo Bend Trail Forest in Lake Ouachita State Park

Lake Ouachita Caddo Bend Trail Autumn Bridge

Lake Ouachita Caddo Bend Trail Autumn Bridge

Garvan Woodland Gardens was covered in spectacular shades of  Autumn.  It was as if we where in Van Gough’s painting of the Mulberry Tree.  Rich gold and orange leaves reached across the clear blue sky a golden waves.  The Leaves twinkled, danced and rustled softly in the cool breeze moving among the trees.
Spectacular Autumn Leaves, Butterflies and Flowers in Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens Golden Maple Autumn Leaves

Garvan Woodland Gardens Golden Maple Autumn Leaves

December 2012
I wanted a snow day and Christmas 2012 it was delivered with a vengeance to Hot Springs, Arkansas.  First came the freezing rain and it coated the fragile drought damaged Trees in a layer of ice.  A few hours later heavy wet snow began to fall adhering to the ice coated surfaces.  It was more than many large Trees could bare and the ones unable to sustain the weight fell or snapped.  Lines came down and we were without power for several days.  Yes, I went for a hike in the beauty and destruction.
Hot Springs National Park Christmas 2012 Ice and Snow Storm Aftermath

HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Road Snow

HSNP Hot Springs Mountain Road Snow

The Art Of Ice and Snow in the Trees

HSNP The Art Of Ice and Snow in the Trees

HSNP The Art Of Ice and Snow in the Trees

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Spring Wildflowers Butterflies and Birds in Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas

Posted by Lee Hiller on May 19, 2011
Posted in: Lake Catherine State Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

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Below a clear bluish violet morning sky it is 58 degrees with a light breeze as I enter Lake Catherine State Park. The park glows in the early light as I stand on the balcony of the visitors center looking out over the lake.  I pause to watch the glossy black birds flying back and forth across the lake from the nesting boxes atop a high pole.

I drive over to the trail head and begin my hike on the Horseshoe Mountain Trail.  The first thing I notice is the trail has been cleaned up a bit since my last hike here in January 2011.  Last winter I could barely see the trail as the Autumn leaves were several inches deep from the winter wind.  The beginning of my hike along the Horseshoe Trail is a series of gentle inclines in a Short Leaf pine Forest.  Soon the landscape changes and a large Rock formation appears on my right.  The dirt trail now is a series of well-worn boulders heading higher into the park.  Glorious yellow Lance-Leaf Coreopsis are growing in patches among the Rocks, drops of sunlight in the spring Forest. A Pine Warbler peeks at me from the branch of a Pine Tree while higher up a Male Blue Grosbeak looks out across the park.

The higher I climb Pines begin to give way to a mixed forest and greater numbers of wildflowers.  Twistflowers in pink and magenta cast a lovely pink glow over the top of lovely green undergrowth. Accents of Purple Small Skull Caps and Clasping Venus Looking Glass, Blue Carolina Larkspur plus yellow Lance-Leaf Coreopsis create a colorful feast for the eyes. The tall growth waves gently in the morning breeze and Forest has the appearance of taking rhythmic breaths.   I cannot express the beauty of each step along the trail and can only hope my photographs will be an ample expression.

As I proceed up the second climb on the trail bright pink Ouachita Shooting Stars appear in greater numbers. At the top a lovely garden of Wildflowers is revealed in the rocky loose soil.  Ouachita Blazing Stars,  Clasping Venus Looking Glass and Twistflowers create a glorious Butterfly haven.  Vibrant orange and Large Black Swallowtail Butterflies move from flower to flower surfing on a perfect spring breeze.

Soon the trail is winding down the Mountain and rounding the next bend I have a clear view of the lake below.  On this perfect day I am surprised there are no boats out on the Lake.  Further along the trail more Ouachita Blazing Stars sprinkled across the left side of the trail, on the right lovely blush and yellow Goat’s Rue are just beginning to bloom.  As I hike down the Mountain the mixed Forest gives way to Tall Pines stretching up toward the sky and glimpse of the lake appears between their large trunks.

At the bottom I look across a small cove,  on the opposite shore I spot the silhouettes of two familiar large birds sitting in the shade. Turtles are lined up along partially submerged logs catching the warmth of the spring sun. A beautiful garden of green is growing on log near the shore.  Soon I reach a chain suspension bridge that likely would have water below it when the lake levels are higher.  When I leave the trail to reach the Lake front I can see my to photographic subjects are still resting in the grass.

A pair of Canada Geese and Mallards Ducks are sitting at the edge of the Lake and I approach slowly, 15 minutes later all four get up and swim out into the Lake.  The Mallard pair swim into the cove and tuck their heads under their wings to float and sleep.  The Canada Geese paddle out into Lake and swim cautiously past a Fisherman standing on the bank.

Back on the trail it isn’t long before I spot a Squirrel foraging in the Forest and climbing Trees. It is always a delight watching Squirrel agility, their amazing skill at leaping from Tree to Tree. When I reach the Trail Head I glance once more back into the wonderful Forest where I spent my morning.

Find time to get out and let Nature wrap you in her arms.
Love to ALL!
Lee

PS Special Thanks to K J Garrett for settling the debate of Canada Geese vs Canadian Geese… although the Internet has many articles debating this issue here a Hike Our Planet we tip our hat in deference to KJ.

Lake Ouachita State Park – Caddo Bend Trail Pt 2

Posted by Lee Hiller on January 29, 2011
Posted in: Lake Ouachita State Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

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Lake Ouachita State Park – Caddo Bend Trail Pt 1 Continued: As I traverse the tip of the peninsula the wind pushes my body as I balance on the narrow trail.  At once I am transformed, a mountain goat perched on the side of the cliff one with the Earth, Trees, Wind and the small Birds singing above me.  I look out over the water and want to know what is on the island that is so tantalizingly close.  A tiny dark eyed Junco appears on a branch high above me,  it turns it’s head as a gust of wind ruffles both our feathers.  The narrow trail undulates light a serpent above the water and finishes in a steep rise through a rocky maze.

The winter Sun is lower barely hovering at the tops of the Trees casting long shadows across the land on the north side of the peninsula.   This is a different landscape than what I saw this morning. Dense sleeping Trees populate the slopes, it is not as open and light as the sparse Pine Forest on the south side of the trail.  I can already imagine the green that will explode throughout this wooded area of the park.  This is a mixed Forest that includes Red Bud, Dogwood and Wild Plum Trees.  I will be back for the floral show this coming spring, a Tree Bud on the trial edge indicates it might be an earlier than I thought.

As I wind through the Rocky Forest trail I notice in the distance a wood bridge, it is a wonderful sight.  Although it is on the map its form was unknown until I arrive at this point on the trail.  Stepping on to the boards I pause to enjoy the peace of the moment and look out over the water. Closing my eyes I can hear rippling Lake as it caresses the rocks, I breath to the rhythm of the water.  It is wonderful to walk on a smooth surface suspended above the earth.  Not long after I leave the bridge the trail winds back into the Forest and away from the water.  It is in this dense and darker Forest I believe I am being followed, not by a human.  I am not afraid, it is only a Forest creature that is curious about my movements through their home.  I think it might be Coyote as it sounded low and paw like as if a dog were following me in the distance.  Padding softly across the leaves my ghost follows me until the trail heads back toward the water.

Soon I can see the water and the trail now takes me along a rise above the Lake.  The breaks between the Pine Trees create a flicker show of light and water.  It is peaceful in the sparkling light.  The trail drop down to pass a beach and I leave the path to walk on the Sand spread out before me.  The Rocky Sand glitters in the sunlight and is dotted with an assortment of white shells.  From here I can clearly see the Lake often hidden from view when I was hiking on the trail.  I look around with the hopes I will find a deck chair to sit on at the water edge.  This is a beautiful spot for meditation.

I reluctantly leave the beach and head back up to the trail and enjoy the view as it winds along the beach edge.   Looking down from a rise I see another bridge in the distance, this is wonderful surprise as it is not mentioned on the map I picked up at the tourist center.  This is longer and newer than the previous one I encountered earlier on my hike.  It is another beautiful view location and in spring and autumn will be a favorite photography location.  As I cross this bridge and hear my foot fall and I realize each board resonates a different tone as if I am play a muted Xylophone. It makes me wonder if that is what drew a woodland creature to follow me after I crossed the last bridge.  The sound although not loud would be a signal that something new has entered the Forest.  Each time I cross a wood bridge I will place close attention to the sounds that emanate from the within the Trees along the Trail.

For the next mile and a half the trail winds into and out of the forest crossing 2 dirt/grassy roads.  For half a mile I am in a mixed Forest along a rise above the lake, a light breeze feel divine.  As the trail winds into the forest on its way toward the Campground I spot a flash of white.  Moving as quietly as I can across the crunchy autumn leaves I soon see the source of the white.  Ahead of me are two Whitetail Does one is eating oblivious to my presence the other turns to face me.  She stomps her hooves and turns to flash her white tail at me in protest and to warn the other Doe.  Although I am getting her message the other Doe carries on as if I am not here.  I am so use to the Deer on Hot Springs National Park running away this is an unexpected experience.

As I near the end of the trail I see a bright flash of orange crisscrossing the trail.  For a brief moment it lands, a beautiful Angelwing Butterfly is escorting me to the end of my journey at Lake Ouachita State Park.  Stepping off the trail I look up and see a Turkey Vulture flying over as a farewell.  Although I completed the entire trail you can do it in segments and still enjoy all the beautiful places I have mentioned in this blog.

Thank You for hiking with me… Much Love to ALL,
Lee