6/2/21 Back on the trail. Hard leaving Piper at home in NH but it was the best thing for both of us. Too hot for Piper to hike daily already image in middle of summer. My dream to hike the AT not hers. Thanks to Michele and Hannah as I know they will keep her busy with walks etc. I was having to carry water for her which is heavy and I was getting worn out. I miss her terribly. Flew yesterday to Charlottesville and got a shuttle to Stanimal’s hostel which was nice and a shuttle to the trail this AM started just south of the southern end of Shenandoah National Park. Entered the park and actually crossed Skyline Drive twice. Mostly flat climbed over Bears Den Mountain, Little Calf and then Calf Mountain. Trail had some rocks but much was smooth. No water until nearly reaching the Calf Mountain Shelter where I am staying as rain expected. When I got to the shelter I was the only one but others have arrived. No great views but lots of new plants that I need to identify using iNaturalist.