Welcome to the South!

Today we're in Daleville, Va! Computer access has been sparse lately- sorry for the lack of posts! We're thrilled to be in Virginia and are still feeling great and moving pretty quickly. The leaves are gorgeous and we notice more and more color sweeping over the mountains everyday.
We spent 5 days hiking through Shenandoah National Park and looooved it. The mountains are finally getting big again, the views are better and better, and there is water! (it's been such a dry year that almost every spring we passed was dry, even creeks weren't reliable!)
Also, crossing the Mason-Dixon line means we can now have sweet tea and grits when we're in town. AND being through the Shenandoah means we have family close enough to visit us! Our cousin Melanie brought us a pan of brownies and a plate of cookies to Waynesborough and took us out to dinner. She also brought her two little ones, Leah and Anthony, who provided the entertainment. (Quick story- after dinner we all went back to our hotel room which was full of our old, dirty, sweaty gear and shoes and Leah said, "raise your hand if you want to cover your nose!" and I said, "Shawn, put your hand down!" ) Trail Angel Debbie (aka Mom) paid us a visit at a road crossing beside the James River where we had salad, baked potatoes, steak hot off the grill with onions and mushrooms, brownies, milk, soda and apples. We love the food and we love seeing some familiar faces even more!
We really couldnt be happier! we're well fed, close to friends and family, the weather is cooling but isn't too cold, there's water to drink, beautiful and gentle trail, and we even have friends to hike with! Two speed, who is a riot, has been near by for a few weeks now, and Lucky and Charm have caught us and we are so excited to hike with them again!