Leaving the Shennies, June 19
Awoke -- cramps in the night required a lot of leg rubbing, a jello packet and a gatoraid packet straight up. Can't forget those 'lytes. We all sleep with a full water bottle handy -- always wake thirsty in the middle of the night. Sure, you're going to need to pee when you first get up, but you can't sleep parched. Body needs to rehydrate after it's owner has trashed it on forced-marches in the middle of Virginia summer heatwaves. Keep the fluids flowing.
Awoke again at first light. Pump a bilge, breakfast, hit the privy again, and started packed my gear. Yesterday was nuts. Today will be an easy day.
As it turns out, the day was again miserably hot. Some of the water sources weren't available. NOT a good sign with the hottest and driest months and miles not far ahead. After about ten miles, B.J. and I officially crossed out of the Shennies. They were fun, save for the paucity of views.