We resisted the urge to request a weekly rate at the Daleville Motel 6 and somewhat reluctantly returned to the trail with the resolution to simply be kind to ourselves. It must have worked, because our most recent stretch of trail felt easier and a great deal more enjoyable. I can't say that we're completely out of the woods yet (pun intended) but our Virginia blues are certainly lifting.
Crossing the James River, the longest foot bridge on the AT
It definitely helped that Virginia treated us to some summer sunshine last week, which Shiz reveled in and I appreciated from a safe distance in the shade. On the two brutally hot days (90+ degrees F), we found abundant streams and swimming holes to cool off. The sunshine also meant that we took out our phones more often for pictures and videos. I've included our favorites here and the link to the Google album is below.
We're now in Waynesboro, at the southern boundary of Shenandoah National Park. We're excited to hike the Shenandoahs...and further excited for visiting with friends in northern VA (home cooked meals!), for the halfway mark just past Harpers Ferry, and for a quick visit home in June (not long now). Much to look forward to :-)
Special good wishes to all those running VCM on the 28th - wishing you cool weather and a fantastic run.
-Sweet Pea
Google album link: https://goo.gl/photos/yVaQgu5Xce88YoVb8
We've hiked through rhododendrons since Georgia and now they are finally blooming!
It was hot enough to sleep without the rain fly over our tent. What a treat to see the sunset and stars at night.
The larger of two rattlesnakes that we've encountered, about 4 feet long! For full effect, see the video that Shiz posted in the Google album.
Cooling off in a swimming hole on one of the hottest days.
On our way into another swimming hole.
Low clouds in the valley on our way into Waynesboro.