The state parks around Maryland promote the First Hike of the year. The way Kathy and I look at it – any day is a good day to hike! And the weather couldn’t have been better! Last day of the year and the first day of the year hikes.

On Saturday we did a small hike at a park we never hiked before. Kathy came up with the idea to hike somewhere we never have for the last hike of the year and somewhere we have hiked for the first hike of the new year. Louis Krause Memorial Park was the last of 2016

When trees hunt no hunting signs

Small park wit a couple roundabout paths

After a complete circuit, leaving the woods we came upon these steps.

The top of a lime kiln

A kissing bench. (If you have been paying attention to my post, most hikes have benches)

An old kiln. This one is a lot smaller than the ones at Cromwell Valley Park.

Some history on the kiln

The next day, New Year’s, we took a hike at our favorite place to hike – Cromwell Valley Park. Lots of first day hikers there – it was crowded.

First stop – the big sycamore tree.

Kathy told me to lie down on the picnic table and take one straight up – ok, I’m easy!

Another type of view of the tree, using a filter.

A smaller kiln at CVP. A lot of people don’t even know this one is here. Can’t find any history on it.

Marble Spring. I’ve always called it bubbling brook. Usually there is some movement in here from the lime stone underneath meeting up with the spring. Watercress floating on top.

Almost done rebuilding the lime kilns. Just 6 years ago these were covered in vines and trees, crumbling apart. Amazing job these guys are doing.

New observation deck up on top.

The old log cabin

Simulated limestone in the top of the kiln. Across Mine Bank Run is the old Long Island Farm. Almost bought up by the City for Watershed property.

Steve Jobs first garage where he came up with the idea of a computer – I think? Maybe not!