Baltimore: Nature? Nature.

As has been well-documented here, I am not outdoorsy. I am a city girl through and through. I highly value basic plumbing, and just the thought of bugs makes me itchy. (Did you know there's a tick IN THIS REGION whose bite can make you allergic to red meat? For life? THE HORROR.)

But as it happens, my recent surgery has curbed most travel plans for the time being, and it has definitely sidelined me from the gym (waaaahhh). This time last summer, I was training for a marathon, and now I am relegated to mere walks.

Enough bitching though. I hate to admit it, but the surgery has forced me to literally slow the hell down and appreciate the scenery.

I also appreciate Boomerang.

You see, my boyfriend Scott is 100 percent more outdoorsy than I am. As much as I love the beach and hate the idea of camping, he loathes the beach and adores camping. My idea of taking my walks by the water where I always run has been at times supplanted by little trips to neighboring parks.

And as beautiful as I think the Canton waterfront is (on trash-free days), I must admit, Baltimore and its surrounding areas have some pretty beautiful green spots as well. I mean REALLY GREEN.

We've taken several evening walks to nearby Patterson Park, where Scott's dog Penny likes to play in the dog park's kiddie pool. We did a (tiny) hike (if you can even call it that...) through Gunpowder Falls State Park on July 4. And when I was still mostly immobile, we talk a short walk and sat and watched the geese at Loch Raven Reservoir.

Even though I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing for my recovery by sleeping a lot and binging Netflix like I've never binged before, I miss being out and enjoying the summer weather. And even though in the past that has looked like beach trips, runs, and sitting by the pool, Maryland's greenery hasn't let me down.

Have a look around!

-Staci

P.S. Yes, the first one I took is from my couch. My courtyard is THAT sweet.