Spring Storms Herald the Return of the Rainforest

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Okay I have been a bit stir crazy for the past few days trapped inside by a string of storms.  When I went to bed last night the weather prediction indicated two more days of rain with possibility of lightning.  When I woke up this morning it seemed so light out I thought my watch had stopped.  No, I had not slept in.  While I was sleeping the clouds had parted and  there was a hint of a blue sky.  The new green was shimmering across the mountains of Hot Spring National Park.

In less than an hour I prepped my gear and was out the door to hike in the emerging Rainforest.  White Dogwood blooms and pink Red Bud blossoms glowed in the early morning light as I headed up into the park.  I was surprised the delicate petals had survived 3 days of heavy rain and wind.

Part way up the mountain I stopped to enjoy the sunrise with a crowd that was gathered at the Dead Chief Trail.  The glorious winged group included Cedar Waxwings  and Cardinals.  Each took a turn at summoning the light with songs to entice the sun over the top of Hot Springs Mountain.

As I hiked up to the top new growth was gently encasing me in a trail funnel of green.  Beautiful rain battered wildflowers dotted the edges in purple, pink and yellow.  Spectacular Swallowtail Butterflies flitted along the new green leaves and blossoms.  It was a perfect morning in the Forest.

Shameless Promotion: Please check out my new monthly hiking column and weekly photograph in Mature Arkansas (I had hoped to be in Immature Arkansas LOL).  If you are in Arkansas you can pick up a Free magazine at Krogers, Edwards, libraries, restaurants, tourist locations etc..  If you live outside Arkansas here is a link to this weeks edition with my column on pg 15 http://issuu.com/arkansastimesvisitorsguide/docs/ma032212_issuu  In case you missed it last week I was interviewed about hiking on page 7 http://issuu.com/arkansastimesvisitorsguide/docs/ma031512_issuu/1

Love to ALL!
Lee

Filed under: Hot Springs National Park Tagged: Arkansas Birds, Birds Foot Violet, Butterfly, Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, Dogwood Tree, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly, Hiking Trails, Hot Springs National Park, Male Cardinal, Nature Blog, Nature Photography, Photo Blog, Photography, Red Bud Tree, Spicebush Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly, Spring Leaves, Tiger Swallowtail, Wildflowers

Lee Hiller owner of Hike Our Planet is the most followed Nature Photographer on Twitter (@LeeHillerLondon) with over 25,000 followers. To find out why CLICK HERE.

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