The leaves are still falling and the sky is a perfect “Arkansas Blue” (you have too come to Hot Springs to see what I mean) that makes photos seem unreal. They are preparing the lower park Arlington Lawn for the Holiday light show. November 23rd will be the chili cook-off and tree lighting this year. As I head up into the park I realize it is MUCH colder now and the steam from the vents is more visible. When I reach the Carriage Road a sweet squirrel is digging up some breakfast which it proudly displays as I move closer. As I reach the Dead Chief Trail I look up to see a another squirrel heading across a branch to reach a large nut.
Traveling up the Dead Chief Trail I look up to see amazing red, yellow and green leaves highlighted in the first morning light. The sunrise is spectacular as the light radiates through the multicolor leaves. I feel rejuvenated bathed in Nature’s Autumn colorful rays. Along the Short Cut trail it is silent except for the light crunch of the rust leave covering the path. Moments later a LARGE dog rounds the bend roaming free and ahead of it’s owner (please see ongoing park dog problem).
On the Hot springs National Park Trail I hear the lovely chatting chirps of an old friend as I near the Pagoda. Peeking at me from the side of a tree is a wonderful Carolina Wren. In a sweet game of peek-a-boo it pops out on the side on the tree then hides for several minutes. Autumn reveals many winged friends hidden in the lush greenery of spring and and summer. I Love the transition of the Forest into winter.
When I reach the Floral Trail the Autumn Leaves are glowing in the late morning sun. The happy pip of a Tufted Titmouse is echoing before me. It is a joy to spot the delightful bird in the last of the green leaves to my side. Vibrant yellow rimmed in rust leaves are spectacular against a perfect “Arkansas Blue” sky, maybe that should be a perfect “Hot Springs Blue” sky. Its hard to keep from staring upward at the dazzling contrasting colors. I am blessed to be on this trail to see the beauty today.
Get out and crunch in the Autumn Leaves.
Love,
Lee
Filed under: Hot Springs National Park Tagged: Arkansas Birds, Arkansas Blue, Autumn Forest, Autumn Leaves, Blue Sky, Carolina Wren, Carriage Road, Dead Chief Trail, Floral Trail, Forest Path, Forest Trail, Hot Springs Mountain Trail, Lower Dogwood Trail, Short Cut Trail, Squirrel, Tufted Titmouse, Upper Dogwood Trail
