Flip-Floppy ...

The definition if a "flip-flop" in the A.T. is one who hikes north, reaches a certain location and then drives to MTaine and hikes south to the location where they left the trail. We did this last year due to Bailey's heartworms :/ . 
We decided to "FLIP"to Maine again this year based on a few other factors ...
1. 100° + temps were taking their toll on us all.
2. The drought in VA was also unbearable.  We found ourselves hiking 10-15 miles between reliable water sources.
3. My daughter is back in Camden, ME working aboard the Schooner Appledore. (Flipping gave me a reason to surprise visit her:) )
We drove from VA to ME in a day and spent 3days with my girlie on the coast aboard the ship. Nick was able to catch up with many of his sailing friends and one was actually willing to drive us 3hours to the trailhead...many thanks, John!
With our batteries recharged we got back on trail just outside of Andover, ME.  We found cooler temperatures, ample water and big hills to climb. The change has definitely been for the best.  We settled back into the long days and low mileage of New England. These mountains are a completely different game, you don't push for miles an hour here and we are lucky to get 10 miles in a day.
Our bodies are transforming and I no longer dread the uphills, I never thought I would say that! 
On a bit of a lower note Bailey suffered an injury to one if her rear nails in the Mahoosuc Notch :(.  We gauzed and wrapped it with duct tape for two days until we reached town.  She has been on bed rest for 3days and we ordered her a set of boots to protect her from the upcoming rocks.
We are also resting up for the Whites, the toughest the trail has to offer.

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