Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 45-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Monday–April 5, 2021
Trail Day–045
Trail Mile–8.4/465.7
Location–Unicoi Gap, then to Around the Bend Hostel, Gordon & Lisa Simmons, Proprietors
Low Gap Shelter was overflowing with northbounders last evening and there were tents pitched all around. That, plus the fact that I don’t care for damp, cold, low-lying places to pull up and camp this time of year. And so, the decision to hike on past to a small stream up the mountain, then to a campsite on the ridge–right choice! Fetched water, climbed some more and had the fine campsite all to myself?
No lingering this morning as I’ve a tough eight-mile hike ahead requiring climbs up and over Rocky Mountain, then Tray Mountain. It’s easy going once on the ridge, along an old
CCC-built road. But once the trail leaves the old roadbed, then comes the boulders, rocks and roots. No way but slow through this gauntlet. One slip and this journey is over. And so, slow, patient plodding!
Unicoi Gap is the location of the third bronze plaque cast in 1934 featuring Warner Hall. All three plaques have survived, the one on Springer, the one at Neels Gap–and this one here at Unicoi. Quite amazing they’re all still around!
Early evening, Rick Harris comes to fetch me at Unicoi Gap, then to carry me to Hiawassee for supper. After, he delivers me to the Around the Bend Hostel just down from Dick’s Creek Gap.
A long short-mile day. I’m very tired…
The two most powerful warriors are
patience and time.
(Leo Tolstoy)
2 Comments on “Journal 45-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
It was good to see you this weekend! All the best on your hike north, and we hope to drop in on you again sometime in the next few months! Much love, Waterfall
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Go cat go!!! I’m thinking about you everyday and sending good vibes and prayers your way! ADD
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