Cool weather begged for us to go hike the first section of Sunset Trail across Music Mountain in Hot Springs National Park. First, a phone a friend opportunity.
The phone call directed us to look at the large outcropping of novaculite behind us. This was an extremely popular rock for the Indians to use to make arrowheads. It is the ultimate stone to use in whetstone making even today!
Typical of a trail walk is Leon waiting patiently while I take a few pictures.
We soon came across this "ancient" sitting area that has long been in need of repair.
The path was much steeper than I recalled but the north wind on a 60 degree day was inviting. Wild flowers bloomed all along the path. I don't know the names of most of them and don't know where my wilflower book is.
But I do recognize this healthy patch of poison ivy. Leaves of three, let it be!
The starflower is one of my favorites. I have one in my backyard. Perhaps I should gather some more, but NOT in the national park. The flowers were all blowing in the breeze and it was hard to get an infocus photo.
As we rounded the corner and headed north we came across these lovely little violets.
Soon a black snake crossed our path. What a coincidence! We were headed towards the car parked on Blacksnake Road.
Never do I recall seeing this little gem. It was just so dainty!
All along the trail we were reminded of how the Indians must have gathered these rocks in years past as they traversed these same trails. Nature provided us with a natural gravel trail most of the way as the novaculite crumbled and washed onto the path if it weren't already there.
When we drove back down West Mountain Leon was reminded of how small town really is as we looked across to the old Army Navy Hospital.
Perhaps soon we will be hiking many of the trails on this mountain! If we hike both mountains in one day we can get an AVA stamp!! Maybe one day.
