Heat Wave

After three days of thunderstorms which thoroughly soaked everything that I own, the temperature on the Eastern Seaboard has soared into the upper nineties with no real relief in sight and humidity that casts a haze over every vista and valley.  Considering how hard it is to stay hydrated and watered down in average heat when in the mountains, I've reevaluated my plan and opted to break from the Appalachian trail for some time.  I plan on spending a month or so working in DC, at least through Independence Day, before picking up the trail again in Shenandoah National Park.  

Having walked close to 120 miles, I do not feel that this is admitting defeat.  I think this is an intelligent decision designed to avoid dying of heat stroke.