It had been way too long since I was able to get out for walk amongst nature with my camera in hand. Three months maybe? This is my stress reliever, my way of getting away to .... breath. I wanted a place that was new, interesting, and photographic. Pedestal Rocks fit the bill. This was a place that intrigued me and the weather didn't matter much for photography. The skies were far too clear for decent light and even though we just had 1 to 2 inches of rain, it had been too dry for too long for any waterfalls to be decent. I wasn't able to get there early enough for the "golden light," but I think...

The Kings Bluff and Pedestal Rocks trail heads are located in the same spot. Check out my Pedestal Rocks blog post for info on that hike as well. This hike is short and easy, but be careful! You're HIGH up along a bluff line, so I'd suggest leaving the kids at home for this one. The hike is only 1.9 miles with some moderate elevation changes. If you go at the right time, there is one of the tallest waterfalls in Arkansas at the mid-point. Click here to view or download my Gaia GPS data for this hike. After a short hike downhill through the forest, you come out along a bluff line. I was happy...

With winter finally coming to an end (and a loooong winter at that!), I was looking forward to some springtime photography. Redbuds and dogwoods have been in full bloom around Hot Springs so I was specifically wanting waterfalls or creeks framed with some beautiful blooming trees. I decided to head to a trail I had never been to before, Caney Creek East Trailhead located in the vicinity of Albert Pike Recreational Area. 

One reason I love landscape photography is that it forces me to get outdoors more often. There is something special about getting away from a computer, phone, and the hectic pace of normal life. You can breathe... Oh, and even when it's COLD! On my drive to Hickory Nut Mountain, my thermometer hit a low of 5 degrees! Brrrrrrr! When I arrived at the Lake Ouachita vista overlook, it was a balmy 7. So, why would I venture out in such cold weather? I heard there was a spring-fed creek with some cascades and a small waterfall. I wanted to catch some ice and icicles if possible. 

I took a short hike along the top of Hot Springs Mountain the other day.  Along the way, my journey took an unexpected turn that was quite interesting. I quite literally took "the road less traveled."