Nimblewill Nomad
Long Distance Hiker/Author
Journal 260-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!
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Saturday–November 6, 2021
Trail Day–260
Trail Mile–12.4/2606
Remaining Miles–11.7
Location–Goose Pond Road (1548.7) to West Branch Road (1561.0), then to home of Mike & Carol Whalen and son, Craig, Otis, Massachusetts
Trying to wrap my head around the thought–one more day, just one more day and this long journey will come to an end.
Thankfully, on trail today and hiking with me: Slim Jim, Kitchen Sink & Pooter Scooter. They watch over me, help and support me with compassion and understanding–as I struggle uphill and downhill through the mud and leaf-covered rocks and roots. I fall a lot and whine a lot. Ahh, but does not their patience and good humor carry me through–this long, tiring day…
Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.
(Christina Georgina Rossetti)
19 Comments on “Journal 260-ODYSSEY 2021: Bama to Baxter-Hike On!”
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Nimblewill Nomad 
Congratulations! Most of us never reach the goals we set for ourselves, many seem to wander aimlessly having no goals at all. Then here you are, smashing enormous goals, and with so many stories to tell! I met you once a long time ago, 1998 or 99, in Front Royal Virginia. You were shopping for some warm gloves. The sales clerk was so rude it caught my attention so I took you to a better shop where they sell lots of hiking gear. I really enjoyed your company that day although I wasn’t able to keep up with your journey. My now grown son loves everything outdoors, during a conversation with him last week I thought of you and remembered you told me you were writing a book about your journey and how we had swapped emails. I was overjoyed when I googled and found you and started reading about your adventures. I never made it onto the trail, just day hikes in the local area. Life took me in a different direction. I just want you to know I’m glad I met you and that you wrote about your journey, for those of us who will live vicariously through it. You really are an inspiration.
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What a amazing ride!! you had young man!! So blessed with so many people who love you and support you. You have set the pace May God Bless and all who surround you.
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Congratulations!
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Congratulations my friend. There is no one in the whole wide world I had rather see break my age record than you. Are not only THE ONE but deserve it most. You and I are the only ones alive that can truly understand the difficulty of what you just acomidationd. Stay healthy my friend.
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It has been an ADVENTURE to just read along your Journey. Glad you are going to finish this feat. Happy to see the prior record holder made an appearance. Safe travels.
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Nimble Will, your indomitable spirit inspires such loving support❣️How wondrous and boundless the supply of the LORD to meet our every need❣️You’re almost there ❤️
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 🙂
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Congratulations! I enjoyed the posts along the way. We’ll done!
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Old Grey Beard (revised)
Ole Grey Beard
hikes trails so rough,
now Ole Grey Beard
has finished up,
But ole Grey Beard
like a nail is tough
since ole Grey Beard
never does give up!
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OLD GREY BEARD
Old grey beard
hike trails so rough,
now old grey beard
have finished up,
but old grey beard
like nails is tough
since old grey beard
never does give up!
-d.knape
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I didn’t write that revised comment. My original is my original.
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Congratulations on completing the AT and setting a record for the oldest hiker on the AT.I hope to hike it in a few years when I retire.
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Wooohooo 💫💫
Congratulations!!!😎😎 an
Thank you so very much for allowing me to follow this amazing wonderful journey through your posts and special beautiful photos.
God bless keep safe keep healthy May the wonderful memories fill your heart and soul❤️😎😎😎
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My grandson was finishing Kindergarten while I was in Spain finishing the Camino de Santiago in 2017. On his last day of school he told his mother that he was feeling “Memorous,” She asked him to define. He said, “It’s when something big happens and you have a lot of memories jumbled up in your brain and you have to go through them and sort them out. It’s bittersweet.” That certainly resonated with me as I neared the end of my adventure and I’m guessing you’re feeling “memorous” at this time, also.
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NN, thanks for sharing the adventure and world record. Enjoyed and followed you all the way. Stay strong and congratulations!
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Just one more day! We are wishing you many more “just one more days”!
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Somehow I became aware of your journey and have been following along for a while. Thank you for sharing it all. I’m encouraged by your courage and thankful for your attitude of thankfulness. I love the quotes at the end. I hope you take care of yourself, and I hope to hear of you again. Alice
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I have followed you every step of the way and enjoyed the journey. It will be bittersweet for me for you to end your journey as I looked so forward to your posts.
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So honored to have met you on Saturday. A great big congrats on your finish today! I wish you many blessings in the future. Lifehiker
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Congratulations on another successful journey. I am so glad my husband and I were able to meet you on your route 66 Odyssey.
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