The Wild Wild East

Yeah, the name doesn't have the same ring to it does it... 

But what a great part of the country!'

'

After our long hike on the AT we hung around Western North Carolina and did a bunch of boating in the WARM WATER!! Ran the Pigeon, French Broad, Ocoee, and Nolichuky. 

All were beautiful, but could have used a bit more water for some added excitement and opportunities to run some side drainages. Regardless, it was a great time. 

After the boating binge we met up with our friend Tyler for a long weekend hike from the Grayson Highlands to Damascus on the AT in Southern Virginia- and it was incredibly beautiful!

The Rhododendrons were blooming

There were ponies!

and baby ponies

and lots of Flame Azaleas

 We found and epic campsite near buzzard rock on whitetop mountian

and had a great evening

A long hike on day 2 landed us at a great campsite next to Whitetop Laurel Creek which allowed for a much needed bathing opportunity

After chowing some delicious cobbler with Tyler in Damascus we split, resupplied, and found a nice forest service site in Eastern Tennessee where we stayed for a few nights to rest our bones and regroup. 

and swim of course. 

Then a night in Asheville and up to DC to see our awesome cousin Rob and Kaite!

home of the water cows

and yes we are ready for the MOVEMENT! 

Go Hillary!

maybe

Yoga and Frizbee on the mall

Then off to upstate New York for some mountain stomping in the Adirondacks 

Which was awesome and muddy

and steep!

Annette wasn't super stoked on the steepness

until we got to our first summit (Mt. Marcy)

This is what 1000 ft per mile elevation gain looks like

But its usually worth it!

And the best part of the Adirondacks....

The Chairs!

Now off to Michigan for some Great Lakes fun!