Cascade Falls Loop, Patapsco Valley State Park, MD, 7/11/23

  

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Third attempt to complete this short hike, a 2.3 mile loop. 

We set out on July 4th, only to turn around at the park entrance given the mile long line of cars waiting to pay the entrance fee.  Last Saturday we tried again, only to turn around after a few wrong turns on the trail and finding ourself without enough water to complete the loop in 80 degree weather. 

Today, on a sunny and not excessively hot, very pleasant day, we were finally able to enjoy the hike and surroundings. This trail could well be named "raspberry loop" for the many raspberry vines lining the trail.  I almost ate my fill!    

                           An easy hike, except for a couple of stream crossings, and

                                 some scrambling when we finally reached the falls,

                                        less than a 1/4 mile from the trailhead.  

 

Middle Patuxent Wildlife Loop trail, Columbia, MD, 7/2/2023

This closest to our house trail was our go-to trail to take a walk with Mylee, my daughter's 18-year old Havanese. Today, however, we walked the trail with my son's dog, Charlie Bowtie, and my daughter's dog, Suna.  Full of energy and enthusiasm in spite of the heat, we hurried along the paths at twice the speed we did with Mylee. 

 Crossing our path without hurry or fear, a beautiful young turtle.