Chiggers and Ticks, Oh My!

Craig, Holden, and I spent the Memorial Day weekend backpacking on the Appalachian Trail from Allen Gap (on the NC/TN border) into Hot Springs, NC. (We forgot a camera, so the above photo from a similar AT hike last summer will have to suffice.) It was a great trip, with awesome mountain views and perfect weather, and it couldn't have ended better - with a dip in the French Broad River and lunch/beer at the Paddler's Pub in Hot Springs. However, there were a few small issues. Very small, in fact... chiggers and ticks. I have chigger bites all over my legs and we're still finding dead ticks that dropped off Holden (thank goodness for TopSpot!). Between the scabs around my ankles from the retractable leash incident and all the chigger bites, my legs are going to look fabulous for the wedding next month!