A real update

So, As I mentioned before, finding a computer to D/L Picasa and upload photos is nearly impossible.  Most libraries have a block (understandable) on their hard drive. I am finally able to upload some photos!  We have ventured nearly 175 miles on trail, we have hiked through fields of cattle, hiked over numerous "roller coasters" (Virginia is NOT flat!), spent some time with a few wild ponies, survived a few chilly nights in our summer bags, hiked in the the heat (100 degrees), surviving a drought, had a bear in camp, had a skunk in camp and also a few deer in camp. We have hitched in the back of numerous trucks and managed to cram ourselves into tiny cars.  We have hitched into town in a chuch bus going down gravel road, clearly not meant for it and also were able to stowaway into the back of a UPS truck :).  All the while, it has been an experience all over again.  An experience I have missed dearly. 

Southern Virginia is challenging thus far. The heat is wicked and the water is hard to find.  The "reliable" water sources are scarce and some are even dry.  We have been carrying extra water and even filling Bailey's water bladders in her pack. This downside to this is the extra weight ( 1 Liter= 2.2 lbs) Nick has been carrying roughly 4 liters and I have been carrying 3...Bailey's pack carries 1L in each bladder on either side of her.  The local churches have been leaving water at gaps to ease the burden of the stretches where there is no water, but that is not always reliable.  Hikers communicate via the shelter log books alerting others to water sources. 
 

Nick is a machine and has no aches, pains, bumps or bruises...I, on the other hand, have lost two toenails, all the flesh on both heels and a bit of flesh on my calf...and I still trek on, all part of the experience ! Baileys is doing well, with the exception of yesterday when the temperature was roughly 100. We took LOTS of breaks, but it wasn't enough, so Nick carried her pack the last 4 miles of our hike and that helped her to carry on.  Now, if I could just get him to carry mine ??? ;) 
 
 
We had some of Nick's family join us on trail for a couple of days and it was nice to share our experience with them.  Nick's sister, Andi (from FL) and nephew, Erwann (who is visiting from France)  were able to see how our days basically go....early to bed, early to rise, eat, hike, search for water, break, climb, descend, SWEAT, stink, break some more, make camp, eat, sleep....then do it all again.  :)