Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 254-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Sunday–October 31, 2021
Trail Day–254
Trail Mile–10.3/2537.9
Remaining Miles–79.8
Location–River Road (1475.8) to West Cornwall Road (1486.1), then to home of Barbie and Dan Howland, South Kent
Another rainy night. So thankful to be out of it, warm and comfortable in Barbie and Dan’s lovely home!
Less time is needed to get to the trailhead this morning, so I sleep in till six. Barbie and Barry are both in the kitchen. Barry is frying my eggs and Barbie is fixing potatoes and fruit dishes. Ahh, and fresh-brewed coffee!
Kitchen Sink is suffering plantar fasciitis, both his feet. So, he’ll be staying back today. It’s Slim Jim and me; were back on trail before eight.
The climbing continues. We’ve another day in excess of 4,000 feet elevation change in the afternoon. First, a delightful walk along the Housatonic River. It’s unusual to have such smooth, level trail. I’m able to stride out without having to watch every step I take. Autumn is in full swing here, the bright yellows and reds are splashing their bright color all across the mountainside.
Excitement for today comes in the fording of Guinea Brook. It’s a swift-running mountain stream choked with boulders. I no more set foot in than the great volume of swift-running water starts pushing me around. Slow, methodical going. Seems a very long time, but we both cross safely and in good order.
Early evening, Barry awaits patiently at West Cornwall Road, and we’re soon back to Barbie and Dan’s.
Another grand evening. I’ve been so blessed this journey…
Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lac
so we might see the blessings we possess.
(Max Lucado)
2 Comments on “Journal 254-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
Wow! My friend and I were hiking that section of the AT that day, just as part of the Pine Knob loop, and we saw you! We certainly noted that you looked like a very experienced and determined hiker. Then I just saw a news article tonight about you finishing the entire Trail, and I said OMG!! That’s the guy we saw!!! A huge congratulations to you!!!!
(this is for Nimblewill, not sure how to comment directly so it is entered as a reply to previous comment). – Lori Tanner
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I’ve been following your posts with envy. These photos show the magnificence of nature and the trails you walk. So beautiful and tranquil. We’ll, except for that rough little brook. You are a voyager who inspires us all to get into the woods to unfold our minds. Safe travels my friend. You are proof that a nimble mind can overcome a humble body anytime. Just got to follow the “want to.”
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