Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 96-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Wednesday–May 26, 2021
Trail Day–096
Trail Mile––11.4/961.7
Location–US-11/Lee Highway, then to Relax Inn, Rural Retreat, AT Mile 545.7
Another fine evening back at Hurricane Campground. Superb dining–Stanley’s, Low Country Boil. Then a relaxing warming fire in the fire ring. A light rain late evening, the gentle patter of it on the pop-up canvas-like roof and I was right away gone.
Sad time coming once back at Mt. Rogers Headquarters. Stanley will break camp this morning and head for home. Just an incredible time we’ve shared. Thanks, Stanley, for your support and friendship. Safe travels my friend!
The morning starts out gentle enough, some climbing as usual. Not long, though, come the rocks. Up rocks. Down rocks. Either way,
whether climbing or descend, there are plenty of loose rocks, and churning through them, they tend to rattle around–the uphill ones rattling down behind me, the downhill ones rattling down ahead of me. The LNT phrase we’re all tuned to: “Take only photos, leave only footprints.” Photos? There’ll be some nice ones today. Footprints? Ha, no dirt up here to leave any!
A real problem the past couple of days, not a strong enough signal to send off my journal entries and pictures. And that worry is likely to continue, perhaps becoming even more problematic. So, daily journal postings may get a day or so behind, time-to-time.
Calling, texting, emailing, all unreliable. I’d hoped to stay this evening and night at the Long Neck Lair B&B (plus hostel). But the inability to communicate messed those plans up. Evening though (I’m staying at the old motel down by the interstate), I receive an invitation to come spend time with Ken and Cyndie Parkin, and dine with them. Ken and Cyndie are the proprietors of Long Neck Lair.
And what a delightful evening! Ken and Cyndie have converted a large garage into this fabulous B&B/hostel, and after a wonderful meal prepared by them, I’m given the grand tour. Just incredible energy here. Oh, happy day!
The Long Neck Lair name is fitting, as the Parkins are the proud owners of more than a few alpacas.
Well, as the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Pictures–the only way to go with this…
The answer lies within ourselves.
If we can’t find peace and happiness there,
it’s not going to come from the outside.
(Tenzin Palmo)
One Comment on “Journal 96-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
Hello Nimblewill, I have read you every day!!!! I love reading about your journey.
Your pictures are so great. I wish you good fortune!!!!!!!
Nopack
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