Random Thoughts Of An Ozark Nature
Spring Flowers Explode In Color And Beauty
It has been a nice spring so far this year. Temperatures have remained mild for the most part and we have had a decent amount of spring rains. We did have a few hot days where I had to test out the air conditioner. It worked great! One of the things I like most about spring is the emergence of all the various varieties of flowers , bushes and trees that display the most brilliant colors. Of course this occurs both in the city and out in the woods. The Buffalo River Park and the various wilderness areas and national forests become quite spectacular.
I spent some time this month rearranging my vegetable garden. The neighbor's trees have grown so tall that they are shading out one of my beds. So, I am experimenting with container gardening. If I can get a decent crop I will turn my old vegetable garden beds into flower beds and grow my tomatoes in containers.
My friend Bill bought a new camera but the lenses had not yet arrived. I have some compatible lenses that I received when my friend David passed away. Bill was eager to start learning about his new camera so I lent him one of mine until his arrived later that week. We didn't have a lot of time, so we decided to go over to the Haggard Ford bridge, which I was surprised to learn he had not visited before.
Bill was eager to spend time learning the controls of his camera and to take pictures, so I just wandered around a bit. Based on previous visits it seemed to me that natures was getting the upper hand on removing the bridge. Lots of vine growth on the sides. I am sure the folks that watch over the bridge do remove it from time to time. I saw a mother and son taking advantage of the swimming hole here and visited with them for a short time. They lived just a mile or so away and often came here turning the spring and summer to enjoy a warm day in the sun, but with shade from the bridge if needed. Bill captured a few pictures of me, surprisingly he didn't need a wide angle lens!
As you may have guessed, springtime is one of my favorite seasons here in the Ozarks. The creeks come alive with the sound of rushing water. The flowers burst forth in color. Of course the park experiences it's busiest time of the year. That is one reason we usually leave the park to the tourists and just disappear onto the back roads of Arkansas. I really do not enjoy being around so many people when I am out trying to enjoy nature. I know that most folks don't have a choice, it's the weekend or a two week vacation, those are their choices. Luckily I and my friends don't have those limitations.
One of the favorite hobbies of a lot of my friends is hunting for morel mushrooms. They are actively sought after in the spring, and many folks have their favorite and secret hunting grounds. My friend Dwayne sent me the below picture before harvesting it. They are also knowledgeable in identifying other species of mushroom and edible plants.
One of the favorite hobbies of a lot of my friends is hunting for morel mushrooms. They are actively sought after in the spring, and many folks have their favorite and secret hunting grounds. My friend Dwayne sent me the below picture before harvesting it. They are also knowledgeable in identifying other species of mushroom and edible plants.
A Morel Mushroom
Springtime in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas is a special time. The river is running and the creeks are full. Campgrounds along the Buffalo River are filled with folks finally being able to get out and away. Cabin rentals are booked, canoes and rafts also. Hiking trails are usually packed on the weekends and still fairly full during the weekdays. The bottom line is there is always fun to be had here in the Ozarks. Give it a try you will love it!