Nimblewill Nomad: IAT Thru-Hiker

Beautiful hiking weather

Comment On This Article

Add to My Favorites

Week 12/6

September 15, 2000
Trail day: 115/66
Trail mile: 1738/1042
Location: Duncannon, Doyle Hotel, Kirk and Shannon Nace, Proprietors

The trail glides along quite well for awhile, then Old Blue, hackles up, slams me around pretty good again through, as Joe Dodge would say, " . . . the jeezly rocks." Patience and concentration, both in short supply now must be called on, lest I stumble and tumble, busting vital moving parts. I know my reflexes and balance aren't what they used to be . . . and I no longer bounce off things very well. But I do manage and I do get through.

I am blessed yet again with a perfect hiking day; cool, a gentle breeze, not a cloud in the sky. The view across the ridges and into the valley from Shikellimy Overlook and Table Rock bring reasons for pause, offer peaceful repose and encourage praise to a higher order.

At PA225, comes over me the most pleasant, warm feeling, for as I set foot here again I am stepping onto familiar trail. In the past and for many years I worked hard at piecing together what I hoped would someday become a 2000M AT section-hike. But the furthest I ever got was a little past the AT halfway point here at PA225. From this place over fifteen years ago, and for the last few miles into Duncannon I had the pleasure of hiking with my sister Salle Anne. We talked of many things that day. It was a happy and joyful time. Our family's past is here, our heritage here . . . over ten generations. Pennsylvania was in its infancy then, the times of William Bartram and Benjamin Franklin. Coming from Philadelphia, our forefathers would have known them and have done barter with them. What a grand and proud heritage. Generations of our family are buried in the shadow of Peters Mountain, the mountain from which I am now descending.

I can hear the grinding din of traffic and the growling drone of the diesel locomotives as they pass the great gap cut by the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers. I soon cross the Norfolk Southern Railway and pass under US22 and US322 reaching Clarks Ferry Bridge.

Soon I'm in Duncannon, location of the grand old Doyle Hotel. The Doyle is such a remarkable old place, a highlight in any thru-hiker's journey. The Naces, who purchased the old darling from the Doyles in March of this year have begun extensive renovation to the bar, known as"The Beer Hunters Tavern" and both the large and small ballrooms on the second floor. This old hotel has stood as a landmark in Duncannon for the last 100 years. It was built by Anheuser Busch, with different owners over the years. And so the Naces have it now, and what a job they're faced with. Kirk and Shannon, it's good to be back again . . . I wish you great success with the grand old Doyle!

In the evening, and as I lie resting, a knock comes on my door. Glory be, it's Sheltowee! He has come to spend a couple of days hiking with me as I head south to Boiling Springs . . . Oh my, prayers do get answered! It will be such a joy having someone to hike with for awhile. Shannon—a couple of tall Yuenglings, Sheltowee and me, we want to celebrate . . . "Odyssey 2000," great times, great friends!

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