Backpacking the Appalachian!

WE'RE BACK!!! What an amazing adventure we experienced last week! My husband and I, along with our dear friend Shane - backpacked 31 miles of the Appalachian Trail (33 total) in Virginia! Words cannot even begin to express how incredible this trip was for me!! I saw some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen in my life. God's creation is breathtaking!! The climb was tough - almost all uphill! Camping was pretty good (the first night was amazing!) - it was a little difficult to sleep in the woods at night, but pretty good for the most part! No shower for 3 days... yikes! It's crazy though because as tired and as exhausted as we all were by the end of the day - it was all worth it.... and after a "good" night's rest - we were ready to go again! No one experienced any major injuries, which is a huge blessing! The last day we were out we walked 2 miles in a DOWNPOUR! And when it rains.... the trail turns into a riverbed. We wanted an adventure, and definitely got one the last day! Wow! So, that's it in a nutshell. It was absolutely exhilarating... and has turned all three of us into lifetime backpackers!! We're already roaring to go next year!!! Here are some pictures: