Berkeley Springs and Cacapon State Park, WV, 9/11/23

 Treasure tour of Berkeley Springs starting at the Roman bathhouse,

passing by George Washington's bath and residence,

and strolling along the many flowering borders. 

Above, an Obedient plant in full bloom.  

Finished the afternoon with a meandering amble along moss covered trails at Cacapon State Park. 

Below, a happy Monarch butterfly caterpillar munching on milkweed.   

                                                                                      

We spent a relaxing three days in Berkeley Springs, WV,  enjoying our ultra comfortable cabin, the surrounding rolling green hills and trails, as well as the town, know for its historic thermal hot springs.   Our first trip away since my shoulder surgery two months ago. 

Patuxent River State Park, MD, 9/2/23

To mark the long Labor Day weekend, and my return to active life after shoulder surgery mid July, we decided to check out the Patuxent River State Park Nature Center.  The volunteer rangers do a fine job of sharing nature's gifts.  The ranger explained that the park is located along the upper 12 miles  (headwaters) of the 115-mile river as it travels to the Chesapeake bay.

Above, our lunch spot along the river.  

Thriving along the river's edge: 

Jewel weed, with it's delicate orchid-like flowers (Impatiens capensis) 

 We were not alone.... see what's peaking around the bend. 

All in all, we spend a pleasant 2-3 hours traveling the almost 3-mile out and back trail. 

A perfect "re-entry" hike!