Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 242-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
Sponsors Journals Itinerary Gear List
Tuesday–October 19, 2021
Trail Day–242
Trail Mile–8.9/2419.5
Remaining Miles–198.3
Location–Stratton Pond Shelter (549.7), then to USFS-71 (558.6)
A cold night in Stratton Pond Shelter, mid thirties, but we all slept soundly. Rain came in shortly after I bedded down on the wooden platform. Never heard it!
Slim Jim prepared a fine hot Mountain House meal for me last night, then this morning, hot coffee and oatmeal.
We’ve a long, hard climb ahead of us today, up and over Stratton Mountain. Cold, windy, the climb. Snow and hoar frost everywhere on the summit.
There’s an old fire tower at the very top. Slim Jim & Kitchen Sink make the climb–while I rest in the warming sun, out of the wind, down below. The great view, the photo from there, was taken by Kitchen Sink.
These Green Mountains of Vermont are nowhere near as rugged as those to the north. Consequently, the ascents and descents aren’t as difficult. No more straight up and down boulders and ledges to deal with, just lots of not-so-scary elevation change. No matter, I take another hard fall today, stumbling through the mud and rocks. Seems I’ve broken my left hand–again. I’m able to grip my trekking pole okay, though. So, deal with it old man – HIKE ON…
Adversity causes some men to break;
others to break records.
(William Arthur Ward)
7 Comments on “Journal 242-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
Leave a Reply
Nimblewill Nomad 
when will you be in rte 20 lee ma area or tryingham crossgings. woudl liek ot connect wiht you,. can help in any way. motherhen/key-mho-saw-bee AT 95
motherhen9@verizon.net
LikeLike
We know that you are trail crazy. Thanks for the telling us about the reality of the trail. Wow what a muddy rocky trail high. I read and recline on my sofa hiking in my mind with you.Let the spirit guide you. The trail is getting shorter every day. Calera Sunshine
LikeLike
Oh no Sunny. So sorry about your hand!! I can’t believe how tough you are! I hope you can get it looked at soon!
LikeLike
Hope you heal up n feel better
LikeLike
You are old! Hike on! Many have never experienced your success! Sent from the all new AOL app for Android
LikeLike
You are so close! Be careful out there.
LikeLike
Now hiking with a broken hand? And in late October in New England? You good sir, are as tough as woodpecker lips!
LikeLiked by 1 person