Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 16-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Sunday–March 7, 2021
Trail Day–016
Trail Mile–17.0/189.2
Location–Small Branch by Cave Spring Road
I had a great evening at Davis Mountain Shelter; a beautiful sunset, had the place all to myself–until a bunch of ORV folks came roaring in, followed by the Piedmont EMT squad, also on ORVs. Inquisitive bunch. I 
answered their questions and they finally left after I told them I was hiking the
Pinhoti Trail and was looking for a little peace and quiet.
Another fairly long day with lots of climbing over rocks and boulders. This is my
third time up and over Indian and Flagpole Mountains, but I don’t at all recall the enormous boulder piles. But that was a long time ago and I was much more agile back then!
I have made good time though, reaching the Alabama/Georgia state line a little after one. The state flags of Alabama and Georgia grace 
the spot, placed by Rick Cranford. Nice touch Rick!
Earlier in the day I got off trail and ended up in a briar patch, which did a job
in my old raggedy shorts. Tore them up good. Not good! In my meager four-plus pounds of gear I’ve failed to afford myself spare anything. So, the shorts I’ve got on–they’re it. A call to Nathan saves me the embarrassment of hiking further in my see-through ripped up shorts. Turns out he’s got a shuttle over this way so he brings a spare pair.
A good friend, Dennis Speedy Blackerby and his uncle, Mancil Copperhead
Scogin, have come to hike a couple of days with me. Nathan had told them he’d be meeting me at Old Jackson Chapel Road. Ahh, and they’re all right here, big smiles–all three! Saved me, Nathan; thanks!
A few more minor ups and downs and by late evening we arrive at our destination, the little branch (with the large trail directional sign) just before Cave Spring Road. Well look, sign says Key West that-a-way. We pitch in the soft bed of pine needles and are down before dark.
A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.
(John Barrymore)
4 Comments on “Journal 16-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
Leave a Reply to Sidney Cancel reply
Nimblewill Nomad 
Hi. My name is Susan and I live in Maine near Katahdin. I have set up magic along the 100 Mile Wilderness in recent years. I would love to help you with a hot meal or resupply along that stretch. Have a safe journey!
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I’m so happy to see that you’re still hiking! My friend, Coleman, and I met you along the Pinhoti in Alabama in 1998. We’ve spoken of you often (especially when hiking the Pinhoti or in the North Georgia mountains). In normal times, we would have loved to “meet” you again along the Pinhoti section of your hike. But, I live in Northern California now and I’m not planning to fly until the pandemic is under control. Best wishes for an awesome hike! I’m looking forward to hearing your story.
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If your headed North when your on Hwy 100 we have offered several hikers a place to stay under a carport. Send message an I will give you more info
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Good morning to you. My name is Sidney Adkins and I am a friend of Mancil Copperhead. I am reading comments on your journey. Enjoy your writings also saw the report on channel 6 Absolutely Alabama. Hope each of have a blessed and safe journey.
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