Robert,
Your caterpillar on the railing looks like the a Black- waved Flannel moth. (Megalopyge crispata) Whatever you do never touch one of these caterpillars, they have stinging spines that can cause severe pain and may even require medical attention.
Don Parsons
Follow my Blog
http://natureinmypocket.wordpress.com
Website
http://www.natureinmypocket.com/
