Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 114-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Sunday–June 13, 2021
Trail Day–114
Trail Mile–-15.3/1,236.2
Location–Salt Log Gap, then to Airbnb, Wintergreen Resort, Nellysford, Guest of Scott T-Bone Walker Baldwin & Tulie Tulip Kaschub, AT Mile 817.6
What a grand evening with T-Bone Walker, Tulip and their sons, Charlie & Henry. T-Bone Walker entertained us (at my request) by playing and singing. Such a happy time!
From the Wintergreen Resort back to Reservoir Road is a fair distance over long and winding roads. So, decision is to get up at five for breakfast. T-Bone prepares coffee and a tank-stoking plate of eggs, sausage and toast for me and we’re on the road by six-thirty. I’m going to have company today. Tulip will be hiking with me–like old times!
Somehow, after what seems at least ten turns, we’re back at Reservoir Road where I ended the day yesterday. T-Bone gets Tulip and me out and hiking before eight.
We’ve a very long climbing day today, but Tulip is a very strong hiker (as I recall). She’s out and hiking ahead of me. I can’t keep up. So, she must stop from time-to-time and wait for this old hiker. Ahh, we’re having such a grand time–way up the mountain, in the clouds again.
We’ve had close to 5,000 feet of climbing today and we’re both very tired. However, after the long, energy sapping day we’re rewarded with an amazing walk across a high mountain meadow. The clouds part just long enough for a view of the rugged Virginia Blue Ridge. Could not have had a better time!
As we descend, down, down, and more down, I’m surprised as here comes T-Bone hiking up to meet me. More giddy time with another long ago hiking friend!
Evening, it’s back to Wintergreen Resort and the beautiful Airbnb home. Gail Safari Baldwin from Delray Beach, Florida, has driven two days to come support me for this coming week, and she’s made it here this evening. T-Bone & Tulip order in pizza, then T-Bone entertains us by singing and (this time) playing his steel guitar.
A remarkable day on the mountain–a memorable evening with dear longtime friends. Indeed, life is good…
In order to write about life
first you must live it.
(Ernest Hemingway)
Nimblewill Nomad 