Nimblewill Nomad: AT Thru-Hiker

Take me to the bridge

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Saturday, October 21, 2000

• Trail Day: 151 on the ECT/102 on the AT
• Trail Mile: 2343 on the ECT/1647 on the AT
• Location: VA16, Partnership Shelter

The thirty-mile day that got me here yesterday set me up for a short, casual hike on to Partnership Shelter today, so I sleep in until after eight, then take the most relaxed time enjoying breakfast at the Village Restaurant right next. It's after ten before I'm back on the trail.

There are steady pulls today over Glade, Locust, and Brushy Mountains but I find it takes little effort to make these climbs anymore. The hike goes quickly and a little after two I emerge from the woods at VA16. Before I hit the road, FannyPack is here with a broad smile and grand hello! Oh, it's so good to see this great friend again. We spend the afternoon at Partnership talking trail.

Later in the afternoon three weekend warriors come limping in with sorebacks and blistered feet. They're carrying enormous packs, wearing heavy boots. One of the poor chaps has a blister the size of a silver dollar on his heel. While he's dressing his wounds, the other two take off and leave him. He also leaves shortly but soon returns in so much pain he can hardly hobble. His hike is over but the problem is. . .his buddies have the tent they've all been using, and he has the tent poles!

After waiting for over an hour, the others failing to return, FannyPack gets the map out and figures the next road crossing. Loading up a bag of cold pop, some snacks. . .and the tent poles, he's off. He's no sooner gone than the other two show back here at Partnership, and in awhile FannyPack returns. The three are now together again but their tent poles are lying out there on the trail. In total frustration now FannyPack exclaims,"Didn't you guys make any plans at all in case you got separated. . .What a Laurel and Hardy operation this has turned out to be!"

So it's late now, FannyPack is gone trying to get the three fellows andtheir tent poles back together, then all of them to an automobile they've left somewhere. . .while hungry hikers who've heard about the cookout FannyPack has organized come rolling in. And we all wait. . .and wait, for FannyPack to return from his trail angel mission.

"Hungry" and "hiker" are synonymous and after awhile we can wait no longer, so we fire up Fanny's neat grill, under Fanny's neat portable pavilion. . .and raid Fanny's score of coolers to help ourselves to all the goodies he'd set to prepare for us!

In the evening now and near dusk, FannyPack finally returns to a happy and most joyful occasion! To help celebrate (and put away the grub) are Rocks, The Rooster, Garbage Man, Bumpy, Leap and Frog, Manno and dog Maverick, Huckleberry, Big Guy, Earlybird, Shannon and yours truly. Later comes in Ausable Mike, GAME 2000, with more bags and boxes full of goodies. What a grand affair. Thanks FannyPack...for your caring and for your giving! What a memorable day!

What is he carrying? Check Nimblewill's gear list.