Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 49-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Friday–April 9, 2021
Trail Day–049
Trail Mile–12.5/506.7
Location–Carter Gap Shelter, AT Mile 93.5
Everyone is out and gone from Muskrat Creek Shelter by eight. I’m in no rush, as I’m to meet Rick, my 
current support, at Deep Gap at three. I’m finally out and moving at nine-thirty.
A really rocky section coming down to Deep Gap slows me down considerably, but I’m still in well before one.
My dear friend, Stanley, has driven over from Alabama and he’s waiting in the gap to greet me. Cory, a friend of Rick’s from Outdoor 76 in Franklin also
comes to greet me.
Folks are here in the Gap handing out trail magic–trail angels Robert Water Pants Sosebe; Bob Big Heart Capps; Aaron Stitches Harper; and Allen Mas Aqua Balkcom. Great burgers and dogs–thanks fellows!
Northbounder, Christy Bryson, wants a pic with me. Says she’s reading my book online. Oh yes, Christy, picture time; just great energy for me. Thanks!
Stanley gets me set with on-trail food for supper this evening and I’m back out hiking again before two.
From the gap I’ve got a 1200-foot hard climb to Standing Indian
Mountain, more rocks and roots to keep my attention. Amazing views from the summit of Standing Indian. The hike down off the mountain, a dreadful scene; the rhododendron, everywhere I look, all of them dead.
My energy level is low for some reason, but I make it a happy day–stay the trail, and arrive Carter Gap Shelter just before seven.
Fellows already set up, they move over and make room for one more. Thunderstorms forecast for tonight, all night, and tomorrow. Glad to be in…
Happiness is not something ready made.
It comes from your own actions.
(Dalai Lama XIV)
One Comment on “Journal 49-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
Keep on trucking Will:)! What’s with the Rhododendron?
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