Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 197-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Saturday–September 4, 2021
Trail Day–197
Trail Mile–-10.1/2117.9
Remaining Miles–499.6
Location–East B Hill Road, then to The Cabin, East Andover, Margery Honey Towne, Proprietor
Here at The Cabin, Honey, Hopper, Rusty, and Jojosmiley, they’ve been a team, working together in every possible way to assure the success of my trek, Odyssey 2021 – Bama to Baxter – Hike On. This morning, breakfast (and steaming hot coffee) is set before me at six (not served guests until seven). Lunch has been prepared for me and sent along with Rusty, who will be hiking along and helping me today. Jojosmiley gets the two of us loaded in the hostel pickup, then drives us the 45-minutes up bumpy South Arm Road to deliver us to the trailhead there. Rusty and I are hiking right at seven!
We’ve two long and difficult climbs right away. First, up and over Moody Mountain, ditto for Hall Mountain. More ledge climbing; more mud. But we concern ourselves the least with these expected trail condition. Rather, the day has turned blue-perfect, cool temps, light breeze, warm sun. Rusty and I hike along together enjoying this magnificent day. I see photo ops. Rusty sees a moose!
Other than a short break at Hall Mountain Lean-To for lunch (I managed a short nap), we kept in trail the entire day–just shy of ten hours to complete the 10.1 miles. We came off the mountain at four-thirty, where Honey was patiently waiting at East B Hill Road. Just a grand hiking day; thanks, Rusty, for coming along, for helping and hiking with me today!
Back at The Cabin, fried chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, corn on the cob–and peach cobbler a la mode for desert.
Over 2,100 miles of this odyssey now completed. Less than 500 miles remain to finish. Getting there folks. Slow and steady does it…
Let thy step be slow and steady,
that thou stumble not.
(Tokugawa Ieyasu)
3 Comments on “Journal 197-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
Sure have enjoyed following your blog lately. I knew of you back in the 1990’s- forward, and have occasionally seen your great stories! You have always been such a great inspiration!
I thru-hiked the AT in 1994, the Colorado Trl in 2000, and the PCT in 2001. In 2002 I was attempting a second AT thru-hike, but got West Nile Virus and had to pull out at Bear Mtn, NY. July of this year (20 years later, now age 65) I FINALLY resumed my AT hike at Bear Mtn NY and made it to Hanover, NH. I’m definitely not the hiking machine that I was 20 years ago. lol ! I Hope to finish NH & ME next summer.
In a nutshell, you are the definition of inspiration and I so admire your determination and all of the additional challenges that come from age. Best Wishes Mr. Nimblewill and I sure hope that we cross paths someday out there on the trail !!!
Hike On!
“Lightningbolt”
Dave Brock
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You are getting it done well, my friend.👍
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Sunny, we are praying for your safe journey. Congratulations on breaking less than 500 mi to go. See you around Christmas time on Flagg Mt. Wishing you all the best!
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