Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 134-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Saturday–July 3, 2021
Trail Day–134
Trail Mile–-13.8/1,517.4
Location–Woods Road, then to Best Western, Shippensburg, AT Mile 1,098.7
The Hilton Tru Hotel in Chambersburg was absolutely first class. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there–thanks Lucky!
Nimrod and I are down to the dining area for coffee right at six. The breakfast bar is open, so I hit it good–milk, cereal, yogurt, and a waffle–plus plenty more coffee. I’m ready for this day’s hike!
Lucky gets us checked out and we’re headed for the trailhead on another perfect day for hiking the Appalachian Trail. Lucky is hiking with me again today, while Nimrod drives around to be at the woods road (AT mile 1,998.7)where we’ll finish for the day.
We’ve a bit of climbing and a few rocks, but the trail today is mostly a gentle grade and obstacle-free, and we make good time. Nimrod surprises us at one of the many road crossings to bring us cold drinks and snacks.
The rhododendron maximum, which has a large pink-white blossom, is blooming now in Pennsylvania. I get a few pictures today. The flower is truly magnificent.
Quarry Gap Shelter has got to be one of the most home-like shelters anywhere along the AT. I linger and try capturing just a bit of its delightful features.
The folks at the Appalachian Trail Museum, Pine Grove Furnace, have located and marked the halfway point for the AT. Good to reach this milestone, although I reached the halfway point in my hike miles back.
The wild lowbush blueberry is beginning to come in, bearing delightfully sweet berries. In another week or so there’ll be handfuls to pick all along the trail.
Evening, Lucky checks us into Best Western in Shippensburg. Supper is at CJs Bar & Grill right down the street.
A really fine day!
Magic exists.
Who can doubt it,
when there are rainbows and wildflowers,
the music of the wind
and the silence of the stars?
(Nora Roberts)
Nimblewill Nomad 