10 Mar

Baby Buds, Drops of Life and a Forest Ghost on the Hot Springs Trails

Posted by Lee Hiller in Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Road, Lower Dogwoord Trail, Peak Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Lower Dogwood Trail Water Drop Forest Reflection

Thank You Bob Williamson (@ZEROGreenhouse) for inviting me to be a guest writer “Awakening with Nature” it is an honor to be writing for the Zero Greenhouse Foundation. I also want to thank Deb Dobson (@DebDobson) for the beautiful article she wrote about me this week I am humbled by her kind words.

I thought today would be about fog again, the sky was dark and clouds sat low in the trees in the park when I awoke.  I was out the door in less that an hour and into the park ready to capture the foggy forest.  In the gray light I saw a lovely female Cardinal on the Tufa Terrace, she was grabbing berries in a tree. As I moved away I could hear her lovely song  drifting through the park as I began my hike.  To get up to the fog line I hiked up the Peak trail in record speed, but discovered the fog had lifted when I arrived.

When I reached the top I saw a movement over on the west loop of the Hot Springs Mountain trail and was blessed to see a lovely Chipmunk.  Hiking down the trail I glanced over at North Mountain to see a bank of fog had settled on top.  I doubled back to the Honeysuckle Trail and raced down, then up the Floral Trail to reach the Lower Dogwood Trail. Up Upper Dogwood and finally connecting with the north side of the Lower Dogwood Loop.

When I arrived the Fog had changed to mist and Hot Springs Mountain was again fogged in.  I decided to stay put and photograph the lovely beads of water and buds on the branches along the trail.  The Drops of water were the gift of life in the forest nursery where trees were renewing with tiny flower and leaf buds.  In the gray morning sky all the colors appeared muted like a lovely watercolor painting. It was a wonderful place to be this morning.

I was just finishing a close shot of some vibrant tree blossoms when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. A ghost had emerged from the mist, in view and gone so fast I was relieved I had not blinked.  A mature White Tail Deer had lept across the path, up the hill and into the forest in mere seconds.  I was so unprepared, I did not get a photo this time,  but  I believe we will both meet again on this trail. Yes, I re-hiked the trail twice hoping to see this beautiful creature again but it was not to be.   It was a gift from Nature to even have had a glimpse of such a graceful being.

I hiked back over to the Floral Trail and down to the Hot Springs Mountain Road.  The edge path along the creek was decked out in lovely Spring Beauty Wildflowers.  The pale pink blossoms looked so lovely against the green speading out along the road side.  The park was changing rapidly, new growth and creatures were appear each week. It was a blessed day in the park.

Let Nature embrace you, she has so many secrets to share.
Love,
Lee

9 Mar

Fog, Rain, Wind and Sunshine on the Hot Springs Trails

Posted by Lee Hiller in Floral Trail, Goat Rock Trail, Gulpha Gorge, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Short Cut Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Hot Springs National Park Short Cut Trail Fog

When I woke up this morning I looked out the window and discovered the clouds were low on the mountain.  I knew I would have to hustle drink my lemon with honey, get dress and get up there before they started to lift.  Less than an hour later I was across the street and heading into the park.  No birds were in the air, but I heard a Carolina Wren in a nearby bush and caught a glimpse of a male Cardinal in a tree before he slipped up under the leaves.

I hiked non stop up the Dead Chief to the Short Cut Trail trying to reach the top before the fog lifted completely.  There is something magical when you are in the forest when it’s foggy.  Sound is softer and the winter colors seem more intense in contrast the to gray.  My hike on the Hots Springs Mountain Trail was serene in the fog and silence, hiking meditation.

As I neared the Gulpha Gorge the fog was lifting and I decided to hike up the Goat Rock Trail for a bit of cardio in the drizzle.  The dark sky made taking detail photos near impossible, it was frustrating as thee were so many Wildflowers blooming. When I reached the top of the 1.1 mile trail the wind picked up and the clouds began to clear.  Yes, I decided to hike back down the trail and photograph all the lovely Violets.

Today I saw my first Common Dog Violet, it was so small I nearly missed it’s delicate bloom.  So few are out I was excited one had survived the battering wind and rain of the night before.  Further down the trail were clusters of beautiful Bird-Foot Violets.  Spectacular Purple blossoms that looked so Sstriking spreading out down the side of the Trail. Of course I had to stop and look at each new patch of them.

I hiked back up the Gulpha Gorge Trail and reconnected with the Hot Springs Mountain Trail.  I passed two birders as I headed toward the Upper Dogwood Trail, both never stopped looking up binoculars scanning the trees.   I glanced at my Watch, realized I had been out nearly four hours and needed to pick up the pace.  From the Upper Dogwood I took the Lower Dogwood then the Floral Trail down to Hot Springs Mountain Road.  Along the road side I spotted more white Wildflowers, gorgeous Sleepy Beauty.  The wildflowers are so wonderful, Nature creates a new garden of blossoms each day.

Thank You for taking time to come with me on my hike.
Love to You ALL!
Lee

7 Mar

Wildflowers, Tree Blossoms, Rocks and Small Creatures

Posted by Lee Hiller in Floral Trail, Honeysuckle Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Lower Dogwoord Trail, Peak Trail, Promenade, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Hot Springs Mountain Road Wood Anemone

It was a beautiful morning in the park and waiting on the Promenade to start my hike was a lovely Female Cardinal. She flashed me a quick glance as she held a bit of food in her beak. With my newly minted smile I decided to go to an area I had not visited since 2009, a little strip of the Honeysuckle Trail.  The last time I was there it was a wonderful place to see squirrels, and today was no exception.  A nervous and rightly so squirrel was hunt in the leaves from breakfast.  Every few minutes a crow would fly over and the little gray squirrel would flatten itself to a tree.  It seemed to be a tough morning for foraging in such an open area.

There were a lot of people out on the trails and several stopped to take a photo of the little squirrel when they saw me with my camera. It was wonderful to see do many people enjoying the park on this lovely spring like morning.

I decided to hike to the top via the Peak Trail then connect with the West side of the Hot Springs Mountain Trail Loop.  I have never see any small mammals on this section of the trail, but today I saw both a Chipmunk and a Squirrel.  The warmer weather that brought out all the hikers also encouraged the smaller creatures to venture into the open to forage.  It was interesting to note the mammals were venturing out farther, however the birds were now staying up in the highest tree or deep in the vines and thickets.

From the Hot Springs Mountain Trail I connected to the Upper Dogwood and discovered a small patch of pretty bird-footed violets.  These were the first wild flowers I had seen in this area and they added wonderful color to the forest trail.  I was also  happy to see Rocks I have never noticed before.

At the top of the incline I switched over to the Lower Dogwood  and enjoyed the peaceful scenery of this out of the way trail. As I neared the half way point on the trail I noticed a small tree beginning to blossom. I have no idea what it is, if you know could you please tell me, it has a beautiful blossom.

On the south side of the trail loop I found glorious Wood, Gnarled Roots and more Rocks.  All along the trails I could hear the rustling of leave as small lizards darted about.  There is more cover on the Upper and Lover Dogwood Trails so I have been unable to photograph one here, yet.   As I was focusing on a log I heard a loud bark and discovered I was being stated at by a Terrier without an owner.  I looked up the trail and saw I man up a head, the little dog ran to catch up but first stopped to mark the forest as his territory.  The man was carrying a leash he had no intention of using, unless he got caught. (Consider Yourself Caught!)

My hike continued on the Floral Trail where I discovered more Wood and Rocks.  I exited the trail onto Hot Springs Mountain Road and discovered an lovely patch of Wood Anemones on the side of the road.  The lovely whites blossom were the first of this type I have seen this springs.  It was the perfect end to a hike in the forest.

Get out and play, feel the Love of Nature.
Love All,
Lee

6 Mar

Secret View, Wildflowers, Lizards and Vandals

Posted by Lee Hiller in Dead Chief Trail, Goat Rock, Honeysuckle Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Goat Rock Trail Male Prarie Lizard No.1

I am not starting from the beginning but from a side trip I took in the Hot Springs National Park.  I discovered an unmarked trail that leads to a viewing area that does not appear to be on any current  guides.  I surmise the lack of use as there was no litter or vandalism.  When I need a quite moment it will be  a place of sanctuary.  I tried to spot the area from all the nearby trails and it is totally hidden.

I begin today’s hike with 10 sneezes LOL it appears something bloomed over night that my body is trying to expel.  Fortunately after that the sneezing ceased so my hike continued as planned.  I headed up the Dead Chief where a sweet squirrel was breaking open a nut.  The pounding on a log was what drew me to it’s location.  Every squirrel is a strong survivor from our winter storms.

On the Short Cut I was nearly knocked over by an 85 lb. Boxer who was off leash.  Although there was nothing vicious in the actions of the dog it could have easily hurt a child or elderly individual.  The woman hiking behind me left the trail and headed up the Hot Springs Mountain Road clearly not wanting to have the same contact with the dog.  No one should have to leave the trail because of a dog.  This large playful dog was also freely digging and roaming in the protected (using this term loosely) habitat of many small mammals. This is another reason I am an advocate for banning dogs from the Hot Springs National Park. (see on going reports)

I had a feeling I would not see much life on the short cut trail as I hiked to the top and I was correct.  From there I connected to the Hot Springs Mountain trail.  This trail too was very quiet and I wondered if the big dog had traveled this trail to.  I bit later a couple passed me with a small dog on a leash and was relieved the bigger dog was no where near.

At the trail head I decided to hike up to the North Mountain Overlook and drop down to the Goat Rock Trail.  The lizard sightings from yesterday made me want to see more. The Goat Rock Trail has three of my favorite things to photograph Wildflowers, Rocks and Lizards.  There has been a lizard population explosion on the trail, the little beauties are everywhere.  There are more Bird-Foot Violets and glorious colorful rocks waiting for me as well. A large winged grasshopper landed near me and I noticed the Yin Yang symbol on it leg joints.

I look at my watch and realize I have been out three hours and need  to head back as it will take about an hour to return home.  Up the Gulpha Gorge to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, then connected to the Honeysuckle Trail.  I looked up the slope and saw a couple off trail digging in a location between the Hot Springs Mountain and Honeysuckle Trails. When they were finished they hiked up to HSMT and danced around.  I can’t begin to imagine what they were stealing from the park.  If you recognize them please contact the Hot Springs National Park Service. The Parks belong to all of us.

I hiked down the  Floral Trail and out onto Fountain Road for my walk home.  Sometimes  a hike in the park can have both wonderful and sad experiences.  It is a part of caring for the park and it’s inhabitants.

Live, Love, Laugh and Play!
Love,
Lee

5 Mar

Chipmunk, Squirrel, Lizards, Rocks and Wildflowers on the Hot Springs Trails

Posted by Lee Hiller in Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Goat Rock Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Road, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Short Cut Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Hot Springs Mountain Trail Chipmunk Standing

Sunny skies welcomed me as I entered the park and the bird song was spectacular.  I was greeted on the Carriage Road by a Robin who had a now healed chest wound.  He sang a beautiful tune as he foraged for berries. He was reminder of how tough it can be living in the wild.

I decided to go up the Dead Chief Trail and was treated to the sighting of a lovely little squirrel watching another squirrel climb up a tree. Eventually they ended up in the up too near each other and a lively chase ensued. As I connected with the short cut trail I was treated to a beautiful display of colorful rocks.  The earth pushed up the perfect canvas for lichen and mold to paint, the hike up to the top was like an art gallery.

Next I traveled along to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail at the top and was treated to a beautiful chorus of songbirds. Not far into my hike on the eastern part of the trail loop a tiny head popped up next to me in the leaves.  I froze and a few minutes later the sweetest little chipmunk stood up looked around and headed out in search of food.

When I reached the halfway point  I was happy to get a phone call from my new friend Deb Dobson (Twitter @DebDobson).  She kindly chose me for her next blog, it is a cool series called “Meet a Tweep” and it a great place to check out people to follow. I thought it would fun for her to interview me while I was hiking.  Deb was having a hike with me and it was really fun to have someone along form the journey.

Part way up Hot Springs Mountain Road on my way to the overlook Deb and I parted company, I continued my hike.  I dropped down to the Goat Rock Trail and was treated to one of many delightful surprises.  I heard a noise and looked down just in time to a Pretty Ground Skink. I think Lizards cool, I realize I have have another subject to read up on.   Further along I spotted several new Bird-Footed Violets along the sides of the path.  I found another violet and as I leaned over to look, another lizard appeared.  I tiny little thing I could not believe I spotted it. It was little female Prairie Lizard.  The Goat Rock Trail was a feast for the eyes Painted rocks, tiny lizards and wildflowers.

Next I took the Gulpha Gorge Trail and was happy to see a  black-capped chickadee working on it’s new home.  It appeared to be the same on I had seen a few days before.   A few yards from the top I spotted a larger lizard darting up a tree.  It was a mature male Prairie Lizard with beautiful Blue and Turquoise scales on his belly.   What an amazing adventure I was having meeting so many wonderful creatures of the forest.

I connected again with the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, then to the Honeysuckle and over to the Floral Trail.  As I was leaving the park a Northern Mockingbird with an unusual beak landed on the bush next to me.  It turned, looked me straight in the eye then performed and a series poses.  It was an impressive disiplay to end my day in the  park.

Love to You ALL!  Get out and play everyday!
Love,
Lee

4 Mar

Dawn’s Early Light on the Hot Springs Trails

Posted by Lee Hiller in Arlington Trail, Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Road, Lower Dogwoord Trail, North Mountain, North Mountain Overlook, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Hot Springs National Park North Mountain Forest Sunrise

They are replacing all the carpeted hallways with tiles in our building, so there was a standing order either be in or out of your apartment 9am to 5 pm.

I chose an early morning hike leaving just after 6 am. Hiking in via the Floral Trail I expected to hear the  rustling of  leaves from nocturnal creatures. I was sad to hear nothing.  The sun was still a half an hour out from cresting Hot Springs Mountain and it was still dark in several places on North Mountain.  I was blessed with 2 sunrises this morning it was glorious.

I know there are mammals I have not seen yet, a skunk left it’s odor on the trails several weeks ago.  I hiked the South side of the Lower Dogwood loop first as this is where I had the aroma encounter.  I was alone when the sun rose as a large fireball peering through the trees.  It was my first sunrise in the Hots Springs National Park.

I had hoped to see a dark shape hopping, running and moving across the forest floor.  With the sun rising I  hiked over to a spot where there isn’t much foot traffic and it has deep valleys. Even on the back of the Lower Dogwood loop there was barely a bird call and my only companion was a Robin waiting to greet the sun on the North side of the trail.  Twenty minutes later the fire of the sun began to show through the trees and the orange leaves appeared to change to a dark blue color.  Once the sun began to rise the forest rapidly lit up.

I headed to the Arlington Trail and barely caught a glimpse of a squirrel on a breakfast run.  Still, only a few bird calls could be heard as I checked my watch and realized I needed to get back to the apartment for the lock down.  On my way out of the park a Northern Mockingbird landed on a near-by bush and a Robin hopped out for a friendly good-bye.

Thank You for hiking with me in the early morning! It’s always wonderful to share a sunrise with a friend!

Love,
Lee

PS I now have my own private label of coffee with images of my Lee Hiller Designs and Hot Springs Wildlife and Nature Photographs.      This is a story for another time.

3 Mar

Little Birds, Hearts and Details on the Hot Springs Trails

Posted by Lee Hiller in Arlington Trail, Floral Trail, Goat Rock Trail, Gulpha Gorge, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Lower Dogwoord Trail, Peak Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Goat Rock Trail White-Breasted Nuthatch

I decided to enter the park from North Mountain instead of the traditional entrance, what a great idea it turned out to be.  The sun was shining and the light was illuminating the Forest,  I was happy to be hiking up into the mountain.  All the little details were popping out from everywhere, if you look closely you will see Nature has created many hearts today.  Beautiful blue and amber sap bleeding down a log, deeply rutted bark and a glorious yellow and taupe rock.  As I hike further up I connected with the Lower Dogwood Trail and could  in the distance a crew working on the Arlington Trail.

On the North side of the Lower Dogwood Trail I discovered a really cool clay pipe and then found a pretty rusting painted metal pipe.  They had go un-noticed until I hiked the trails in reverse.  I discovered I have been hiking in mostly a counter clockwise direction, so my perspective of some trails was skewed.

When I reached the Goat Rock Trail I discovered the most amazing tree.  I had never noticed it before because it was hidden when hiking up from Goat Rock.  This Tree has bent twice during a storm and was on an unusual angle and still it stands tall in the Forest (see Pictures below).

Farther down the trail I discover a few Bird-Foot Violets, they look so lovely.  The Bird-Foot Violet Viola pedata (Birdsfoot violet, Bird’s-foot violet) is an ornamental plant in the Violaceae family. Bird-foot Violet grows in dry fields, clearings in woods, and roadsides. These plants spread by rhizomes, underground stems that grow sideways. Rhizomes can send up new stems to make new plants. These lovely violets attract Butterflies, Birds and Small Mammals so I am grateful to know where they are on the trail.

Along the Goat Rock I see many wonderful rock formations painted with beautiful Molds and Lichen.  I am strolling through Nature’s beautiful art gallery.  A small flutter to my right and I am blessed to see a Male White-Breasted Nuthatch.  He boldly hangs on to the side of the tree and looks straight at me, it’s a blessing as they always seem to be moving.

On the Gulpha Gorge Trail I am barely a few feet up when a lovely Carolina Chickadee caught my eye.  It pecked into a branch making a hole, as the Chickadee worked on the hole it dove in occasionally to test the fit. I watched for a few minutes before moving along, I didn’t want to disrupt their home building.

Up the top of the Gulpha I connect with the Hot Springs Mountain Trail.  I hear the lovely songs of many of my favorite warblers but am unable to spot any low enough to photograph.  As I approach the second crossing of Hot Springs Mountain Road I hear an odd wheel sound, I look up in time to see a skateboarder whizzing past.  I hope no one hits him on one the blind bends.

I switch over to the Honeysuckle trail and on the last incline look down to see a root in the shape of a whales tale, fluke.  It makes me smile to think how many times I missed it hiking up this trail.  I finish my decent on the Peak Trail and am treated to the site of a sweet Brown Creeper searching the bark for insects. Growing a the bottom of the steps are spectacular pale blue wildflowers.  So sweet and tiny dotting the edge of the Carriage Road.

It has been a lovely day in the park, thank you for coming with me.
Love,
Lee

2 Mar

Tiny Bubbles and a Spa Day for the Birds

Posted by Lee Hiller in Dead Chief Trail, Hot Springs Commentary, Peak Trail, Short Cut Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Park Entrance Cascade Robin wading in the Hot Springs

I started the day with Bubbles in the park, a stray bubble floated past me as I walked in the park entrance.  When I was at the top of the entrance ramp a cluster of bubbles landed on the branch next to me. I never expected to start my hike with the Lawrence Welk treatment, all that was missing was the accordion music.

Change is good and the bubbles inspired me to hike up the peak trail to the top.  I could feel the temperature dropping and I looked up to see the cloud cover increasing.  I popped my big brimmed hat on my head, I was thankful to have thrown it over my shoulder.

The closer I go to the top the cooler it began to feel, at the Pagoda the sky was ominous and the land below dark.  As I turned to leave I heard the familiar cackle of a Pileated Woodpecker, one quick snap of the camera and it was gone.  As I had not been down the Dead Chief Trail toward the the Gulpha Gorge is quite a while I thought it was a perfect idea for a change day.

The air temperature was still dropping as the wind gusts became stronger so I headed out at faster pace to keep my circulation up.  Down the short cut Trail over to the Dead Chief heading east, the wind seemed a bit calmer which was a relief.  All the wildlife seemed to have vanished off the trails, I did not blame them the wind had bite. The weather forecasters did not bother to tell me the park temperature was going drop as strong winds built up as the morning progressed.  They had all shown a happy sun with a tiny cloud and upper 40s temperatures. What had been the perfect hiking attire and layers at 09:30 was inadequate by 11:00, I decided cut short my longer hiking plans.

When I neared the top of the Dead Chief Trail Bend and T was treated to the sighting of a male and female White-Breasted Nuthatch. I was so excited to see them, it was a joyous gift.  As I exited the Dead Chief Trail I was hit by the full force of the North wind. Pushing forward against it I reached the Peak Trail in time to see the back side of a Red-Bellied Woodpecker in an odd position on the tree.  It did mean I was able for the first time to get a clear shot of the red belly it is name for.

When I reached the Hot Mineral Springs Cascade at the Park entrance I found out were all the bird were. The place looked like it was having a Spa Day for Robins, Sparrows and Cardinals.  They were all dipping their toes in to stay warm, I would have loved to join them to defrost.  The rising steam everywhere made in the perfect bird sauna.

Thank You for hiking with me today… Love Nature, it wants to Love You Back!
Love,
Lee

1 Mar

Cardinals, Lichen and Signs of Fire on the Hot Springs Trails

Posted by Lee Hiller in Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Lower Dogwoord Trail, Short Cut Trail, Tufa Terrace Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Hot Springs National Park Short Cut Trail Lichen Bark

Hot Springs National Park Short Cut Trail Lichen Bark

It was one of those chaotic days in the park dark skies, big equipment and signs of fires being set.  The big equipment included a dump truck, a tractor and a trail buggy.   This silenced much of forest and sent it’s inhabitants deeper into the trees.  Some of the peace I hoped for was lost, but I understand the important work involved in maintaining the trails.

It was a turbulent morning in the Park, many of the creatures were beautiful silhouettes as I strolled along the Tufa Terrace.  A male Cardinal was just above me pecking at berries, while a female moved on to a bare limb as the sun tried to peek out. A sweet Squirrel lept onto a rock in front of me, paused and quickly ran up a tree.  I watched as they jumped from Tree to Tree in the highest limbs available.  As I head toward the Dead Chief Trail a Turkey Vulture does a fly by.

On the Dead Chief Trail the Blue Jays, four of them were making an odd murmuring noise.  It’s the second day I have heard them display this unusual sound.  The Crows are back on the South side of Hot Springs Mountain today and As I climb higher the forest is becoming so quiet. As I hike up the Trail I see bark and many rocks beautifully decked out in Lichen, it is Nature’s beautiful art work.

The sky from the Pagoda it’s a lovely mix of blue and pinkish yellow, it appears to be getting darker again.  I wonder if it might rain and decide I had better move down to the Hot Springs  Mountain Trail.  I love this trail and always feel serene as I journey along it’s many bends and slopes.  I often stop and shoot down into the forest hoping I will capture and unexpected treasure.  Until today it had always been forest trees.  My shot revealed a woman way off the trails with two black dogs off leash.  Who knows how much habitat they were destroying.

At the trail head I ran into Tony Caver of the National Park Service, he was driving a tractor moving soil and gravel to repair the storm damaged trails. I want to tell him it’s a loosing battle, Nature always wins.  After a quick visit and a promise more employees will be sending me photos I head off to the second section of the trail.  From the Hot Springs Mountain Trail I connect to the Upper then the Lower Dogwood Trail. Slowly the sections of the park that had remain cold longer were seeing increasing numbers of birds and small mammals.

I made a disturbing discovery when I reached the junction of the Lover Dogwood and Arlington Trails.  Someone had built a large fire in the middle of the path, chard branches were spread out on the forest floor.  On the second section of the loop I discover a large log that was burnt all along the underside.  I suspected people were hiking up the trail from the city below and connecting with the Lower Dogwood.  When I reported the burns  to the NPS, there seemed to be little concern about the fires being set and the bigger issue for them was why the maintenance crews had not cleaned up the mess.  Personally I would want to find a way to get those starting the fires so they don’t burn down the forest.

Saddened by the NPS attitude I made my way over to the Floral Trail and hiked down off North Mountain. I hoped I would not see  North Mountain on fire because no one thought it was important to investigate.  I Love My Park.

Thank You for hiking with me today.
Love,
Lee

28 Feb

Carolina Wren, Wedding Party and a Blond Chipmunk

Posted by Lee Hiller in Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Peak Trail, Short Cut Trail, Tufa Terrace Trail, Upper Dogwood Trail. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Hot Springs National Park Short Cut Trail Blonde Chipmunk

Hot Springs National Park Short Cut Trail Blonde Chipmunk

When I entered the park today I was greeted by a screeching Squirrel, actually it’s a cat like sound.  I don’t remember ever hearing Squirrels in Oregon or Pennsylvania making this noise. They are definitely a vocal group in Hot Springs National Park.  On the Tufa Terrace I am treated to the site of a male Cardinal pecking for food.  The past couple of weeks  the Cardinals had been chasing each other out of Trees.  It seemed odd to see one relatively still.

The Carriage Road was a delight with blossoms in bushes and Wildflowers along the path.  I was surprised to see a Mourning Dove exit a bush, I had never seen one in the lower park areas. On the Dead Chief Trail a Carolina Wren waited patiently for the sun to crest the trees and then broke out in sweet song to greet the day. The song was spectacular and it was worth waiting to hear it.

On the Short Cut Trail I looked over at some leaves and noticed a little face peering out.  A  lovely little blond Chipmunk was staring at me.  After a couple of photos I moved on quickly as I had heard a crow earlier and  I did not want it to see the Chipmunk because I was standing there.  A bit further up the Trail Nature had hung out another Valentine for me to see.

Today the Pagoda had a lovely surprise, a wedding party.  Brittany and Jason were having pre wedding photos taken, later today they would be Mr. & Mrs. Anersen.  Best wishes for your new life together as husband and wife..  Thank You Jason for your service to our country.

The Hot Springs Mountain Trail was so quiet, no birds, no small mammals and no fellow hikers.  My hike along the Trail had a meditative quality and before I knew it I was  at the Hot Springs Mountain Road.  I decided to hike up the Road to the North Mountain Overlook.  As I was passing a parking area an SUV pulled up a man got out followed by a large dog, the dog darted out into the road and was nearly hit by a car.  Then he bolted down the trail as the owner casually strolled across the street.

From the overlook I dropped down to the Upper Dogwood Trail, now that the weather was warm the trail was becoming more active. Small birds were darting about squirrels were chattering, the normally quiet Trail was so full of life.  It is so exciting watching the park change each day.

From the Upper Dogwood I connected to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, hiked back up the Mountain and traveled down the Peak Trail to the bottom.  On the way down I passed two groups with children and it made me happy to see families out enjoying the park. The next generation of fellow Nature lovers.

Thank you again for sharing my adventures.
Love,
Lee

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