Cherry blosson time

The cherry blossoms came early this year, so we took an afternoon off to stroll around the tidal basin and admire them.

Washington Monument State Park

It was a total coincidence that we visited this park on president's day weekend, but an apt one. For our fifth #HikePATC2023 hike, we ventured to Washington Monument State Park. No, not that Washington Monument, but one in Maryland. 

The park itself isn't very large, but the AT passes through it. From the parking lot, we walked north on the AT before reaching the turnoff to the monument. From the lot to the monument is uphill, but only a quarter mile.

So, from there we proceeded north on the AT to the next road crossing. It was a pretty hike, with views through the winter trees. Round-trip, it added up to 5 miles, with almost 800 feet of elevation gain.