Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 112-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Friday–June 11, 2021
Trail Day–112
Trail Mile–-11.1/1,206.9
Location–VA-812, then to Stanimal’s 328 Hostel, Glasgow, Trail Mile 788.3
Charlie, manager at Stanimal’s, told us last night he’d be up and have coffee on at six. Well, by golly it’s six now and the coffee’s brewing! Next, and right away, hot off the grill he’s got a big stack of blueberry pancakes on a platter, ready to go. Wow, Charlie, thank you!
It’s a long winding road up to Petites Gap, but Kimm has me up there, out and hiking through the James River Face Wilderness shortly after eight, on the winding trail up to Highcock Knob. Its slow going through mud and rocks. Late morning I’m up and over, headed down, and more down, to a stunning view of the James River.
By one, the long descent is done and I’m standing at the James River pedestrian (AT hiker) bridge. Gretel, who hiked down ahead gets a shot of me by the bridge, then on the bridge.
On Sunday, October 8th, the year 2000, I became the first hiker to cross the James River pedestrian bridge. The bridge was all but complete, lacking only the steps on either side. It was two in the morning, a full moon, when Smith Old Ridgerunner Edwards boosted me up and onto the bridge deck. From there I crossed the bridge successfully. If you’d like to read the account of that day, October 8th, 2000… click HERE
I’ve another mile to complete my hike today, mostly up beside the happy little creek, Rocky Row Run. Nathan has come to get me (and Gretel) and take us down again to Stanimal’s 328 Hostel.
Thunderstorms had been forecast for the day, but fortunately they held off. A charmed hike? Oh yes!
What’s the good of living
if you don’t try a few things?
(Charles M. Schulz)
3 Comments on “Journal 112-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
You are doing great! Love seeing you smiling. Hike on. (Joan)
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Thank You for adding these journals. I look forward to reading about your trip as you have the time to write. It was a distinct pleasure to meet you during Trail Days this year.
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Nomad you blew it! You did not cross the James River Pedestrian Bridge, you crossed the James River Foot Bridge that was so named by me in honor of the late Bill Foot who was primarily responsible for it being done but he passed away from stomach cancer not to long before construction began. Glenn Collins “Lazerlegs”
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