Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 204-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Saturday–September 11, 2021
Trail Day–204
Trail Mile–-8.5/2150.7
Remaining Miles–466.7
Location–Wocket Ledge Stealth Site
A good night’s sleep in the crowded shelter. No one snored, and we all seemed to roll over at the same time.
I’m usually the last one up, certainly the last one out. But, a quick (cold) oatmeal breakfast and I’m first on trail shortly before seven-thirty.
More slow, treacherous climbing today, but my spirits are greatly lifted as I reach the sign “New Hampshire – Maine State Line.” Another state behind me now, Maine–very long, incredibly difficult. Only four remain to complete Odyssey 2021 Bama to Baxter – Hike On! The states I’ve yet to finish: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Odie soon catches up with me. So too, Cat Tracks, a sweet lady, strong hiker. She’s been hiking with us from time to time since yesterday.
Mount Success, the climb up and over, arduous, treacherous. I take two hard falls, the second, the feared header. Picking my way down one of the nearly vertical (wet) sliding board ledges, my feet go, and the root I’m clinging to gives way. my head goes down, the rest of me–up and over. The flip lands me on my back. My pack grinds into the wet rocks and somehow gets me stopped. Slow, cautious, damage assessment. Arms, legs, (roll over), back, everything still seems to be working okay. Thankfully, I’m able to get up and continue the hand-over-hand creep on down.
Our destination today is Wocket Ledge, a (mostly) flat rocky overlook. We get there in plenty of time to set camp, prepare supper, then enjoy the magnificent sunset.
A (very) fortunate day for me. The head-over could have ended it all. Thank you Lord…
There is a place within us
that is courageous beyond our human understanding;
it yearns to explore beyond the boundaries…
(Dennis Merritt Jones)
5 Comments on “Journal 204-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
Brother, you are one tough SOB.
Hike on!!’
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Thankful you are somewhat okay and will be able to continue on!
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Oh no, so sorry about your wipeout! Glad you are okay, you are so close to the finish!
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466.7 to go. Be careful.
JohnPaul/AB4PP
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So glad you’re still in one piece!
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