Odyssey 2012 NENST Videos

The Nomad carries a small digital camera (see Gear List) with him to capture the people, places and breathtaking scenery found along the trail. Every couple of weeks he sends home his camera media card so online photo albums and videos can be created to share with you. Be sure to check back often to view these images and experience the journey through his eyes.

Nimblewill Nomad – Odyssey 2012: NET (Part 1)

August 28, from Long Island Sound, Guilford, CT to August 30, Intersection of Menunkatuck and Mattabesett Trails

This segment begin at Long Island Sound, in Guilford, Connecticut, from where the Nimblewill Nomad departs to hike the New England Trail, his 11th of the 11 National Scenic Trails in America. Please enjoy following along as he makes his way to the Menunkatuck and Mattabesett Trails intersection, pausing briefly for a visit with the fine folks at the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, and then back to the intersect to head on down the trail.

Nimblewill Nomad – Odyssey 2012: NET (Part 2)

September 3, Westfield River, in Massachusetts to September 9, at the summit of Mt. Manadnock, New Hampshire

In this segment of video, the Nomad has finished the Connecticut portion of the New England Trail and is now spending Labor Day in Massachusetts, along the Westfield River. Traveling further down the path, the Nomad pauses near the outfall of Ruggles Pond. Then, without fanfare, and little markings to identify it, the Nomad reaches the Northern Terminus of the NET, at a creek in Royalston Falls, New Hampshire. Although this might mark the currently recognized end of the trail, the Nomad continue on a bit further, along some extended trail leading to Mt. Manadnock, where he climbs to the summit to claim his finish. At this time, with several friends hiking this last day with him, to be there to share in his accomplishment of being only the second person to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails, the Nomad brings to an end his quest. The first NST (the Florida Trail) hiked in 1998, and the 11th and final NST now completed in 2012. A long and rewarding journey, with many other trails, many friends, and many experiences mixed into those years. So what’s next for the Nomad? Can his wanderlust be tamed? For those of you who know the Nimblewill Nomad, you know that, God willing, his hiking shoes will surely hit the trail or tarmac yet again!

Nimblewill Nomad – Odyssey 2012: NET Mushrooms

September 3 thru September 9, 2012

The Nimblewill Nomad found himself amazed with the available abundance and variety of mushrooms he came in contact with along the New England Trail. After photographing a few, he decided he’d continue to do a diary of still shots and video, hoping to have a collection to share with those who might be interested. Mushrooms growing as single entities to multiple groupings, some harmless, while others poisonous, and yet all a beauty and wonderment to behold as they quietly, yet boldly and majestically grace God’s nature. The Nomad made no effort to identify or disturb, just capture their beauty as he shared the trail with them. Hope you enjoy! 

Nimblewill Nomad – Odyssey 2012: Nomad‘s Last Day On The NET

September 9, 2012

This is a compilation of photos and video taken by hikers “Neighbor Dave and Chikety” on the last day of the Nomad’s journey along the NET. This being the day the Nomad becomes the second only to complete hiking all 11 National Scenic Trails, makes for a very special time, and the occasion is made even more special when  Neighbor Dave, Chikety, Slider, and Honey join him as he makes his way up the summit of Mt. Monadnock. The Nomad soon finds out that a grand celebration has been planned for him, as Chickety pulls out a full sheet-cake of brownies, decorated with “Congrats Nimblewill”, and Neighbor Dave pulls a bottle of champagne out of his pack, along with 3 posters made for picture taking. One poster says “11/11”, another says “Congratulations Nimblewill”, and the third says “Want a Gatorade? Hi Gordon!” A long time friend and often trail support (not only for the Nomad but for many other hikers throughout the years), Gordon Smith, was not able to be there for this special occasion, however this group wanted to be sure and let him know that he was there with them in spirit. The Nomad soon gets into the mode of celebration, showering all with spewing champagne, and his best hiker-trash grin!

The descent from Mt. Monadnock is effortless. Back down off Monadnock, now together are Rick (founding president of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society) from New Hampshire, Nopack (the founder of the Sentier International des Appalaches/International Appalachian Trail), his partner Geraldine, Bill (Maine International Appalachian Trail member and professional photographer), Slider, Honey and Bear, all from Maine, and Neighbor Dave and Chickety from Connecticut, and of course the person they are all celebrating with today, the Nimblewill Nomad (long-distance triple-crown hiker and author) from Missouri.

Butterfly