Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 63-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Friday–April 23, 2021
Trail Day–063
Trail Mile–17.1/(667.4 adjusted)
Location–Pigeon River Bridge just past Davenport Gap, then to Quality Inn, Newport, Tennessee, AT Mile 240.5
It got down to 27 degrees at Tri-Corner Knob last night. Not equipped for that kind of cold. However, I did 
manage a reasonably decent night’s sleep. Just want y’all to know I did put forth due diligence at writing my journal entry. But even in my tent, wrapped up in my quilt, I was unable to get my fingers to work well enough. So, for the delay.
Barry rousts us at six-thirty this morning. Don’t recall ever not wanting to
get up and get going, not ever, at least not like this morning. I finally roll out, break camp, shoulder my pack and get moving–my painful old bones creaking and complaining as I go.
A climb first thing (always a climb first thing) up around Mount Guyot, Old Black, then up Inadu, Camel Hump, Ross, and Cosby Knobs. After dropping down low through Low Gap, two more climbs to 
finally top out mid afternoon on Mount Cammerer.
Now the scary part, steady and steep descent to Pigeon River at Davenport Gap past historic rockwork by the Civilian Conservation Corps (cribbing and walls). Another stumble and bumble the rocks and roots day, through continuous cold overcast.
Lots of complaining. Hey old man, no one wants to put up with your complaining!
Five-thirty, Julie comes for us, loads us right up in her nice warm truck, then hauls us down and off the mountain to town…
Pain is inevitable.
Suffering is optional.
(Haruki Murakami)
9 Comments on “Journal 63-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
Your poor bones. The cold will certainly play havock on our bodies. Stretch and stretch some more…as the days warm up you will have an easier time.
Your photos are great and through them I am remembering my hike back just two years ago.
Sending hugs
Julidaydreamer
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Watch out for Julie, she is known as the “Stripper” and could lead to trouble! Lazerlegs
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Always remembered your advice when I was on trail, You are going to hurt every day the trick is to not hurt in the same place. Lol enjoy the cool weather soon it will become a furnace!
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Here’s a connection for you: last night at the Academy Awards the best picture of the year was “Nomadland”! I haven’t seen it yet but I bet it’s about you!
Best,
Cameron B!
>
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Hopefully the cold weather is leaving us and you won’t get any more freezing nights. But, there is always the chance for another snow storm to come!
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You’re doing great! You’re growing into the trail every day. It’s almost May and the warm, warm temperatures are almost here. Our Sunday rain storm turned out to be only a trace. We are now in a drought. Eat, sleep, hike, …Repeat!! Stay warm.
Best,
Cameron n Romel
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Hope tonight is warmer.
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Would love to help you out when you get to Rockfish Gap at I-64 at the bottom of the Shenandoah. I can resupply you or take you wherever you want to go. I know you are still a good bit south of Rockfish, but I’d love to help you when you get there. I can get supplies at a store and deliver then to you at the gap or take you into Waynesboro (or both). We crossed paths last year as I was ending my Pinhoti trek on the south side of Flagg Mountain. I was in a hurry and y’all were climbing, so we didn’t talk long.
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My email address is scuddog@gmail.com. Danny Llewallyn
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