Nimblewill Nomad

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Friday–September 10, 2021
Trail Day–203
Trail Mile–-6.0/2142.2
Remaining Miles–475.2
Location–Carlo Col Shelter

Another very difficult goodbye time this morning. Honey, your friendship is such a blessing to me–these many years. I pray the time will come that I’ll get to see you again. For now, so long dear friend!

Hopper gets Odie and me loaded one last time, for the long shuttle run back up the mountain. She has us back to Mahoosuc Notch Trail and we’re headed up the two-mile blue blaze back to the AT, west end of the Notch. Another sad goodbye. Hopper, you’ve provided such needed help to me on this journey. You’ve prepared food for me, you’ve bandaged my wounds, and you’ve shuttled me great distances over the most god-awful roads. Thank you, Hopper–thank you!

We’ve steep, dangerous climbs first thing, up and over South, North, then the main peak, Goose Eye Mountain. Then late afternoon we manage to put Mount Carlo behind us. It’s nearly dark by the time we reach Carlo Col Shelter. The eight miles (counting the two-mile approach) has taken us over ten hours.

There’s room on the upper platform for one more. I move in. Odie prepares a hot nourishing Mountain House meal for me (that he’s carried up the mountain). Supper done–my lights are out-zzzzz.

Feeling tired?
Learn to rest, not to quit.
(Dido Stargaze)

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Thursday–September 9, 2021
Trail Day–202
Trail Mile–-0.00/2136.2
Remaining Miles–481.2
Location–The Cabin, East Andover, Margery Honey Towne, Proprietor

Rain has been forecast for this entire day. I can certainly use more rest. So, decision was made last evening to take another day off and rest here at The Cabin. Right decision. I rise to a misty morning, which soon turns to rain, then hard rain this afternoon.

I’m able to keep my feet up, rest, even get some sleep. Thanks, Honey, for your kindness. The Cabin has become like home to me!

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Wednesday–September 8, 2021
Trail Day–201
Trail Mile–-0.00/2136.2
Remaining Miles–481.2
Location–The Cabin, East Andover, Margery Honey Towne, Proprietor

This past week I’ve been suffering a red, splotch-like rash that developed on the inside of my right ankle. Probably the result of a tick or spider bite–and it hasn’t shown any sign of improvement. If it’s Lyme, not good to risk waiting any longer. So, decision: Go get a diagnosis. And that takes the day, another day off-trail. Gotta do it. Dang!

Don, Honey‘s son, drives me the half-hour to the VA Clinic in Rumford. They can’t help me–but send me across the street to the emergency room at Rumford Hospital (and authorize my visit). No definitive diagnosis. Some form of cellulitis but could be tick related. I’m back on doxy (again), awaiting blood test results for potential Lyme disease. Kind folks in the hospital emergency room were compassionate and helpful. Thanks, Scott (workup), Dr. Kerr, Laurie (ultrasound), and Ken. It’s late afternoon before we’re back to The Cabin.

Rain is forecast to come in tonight and remain steady all day tomorrow. Just what I need. Here comes the attitude again. No more whining, please!

A complaining tongue reveals an ungrateful heart.
(William Arthur Ward)