M. J. "Nimblewill Nomad" Eberhart
 

"It is indeed an honor to have my page presented here for all veterans to view and enjoy, especially by those who served in combat. My service was during peacetime. So, please know, to all you who served in combat, the privilege of associating with you here is deeply humbling. Through your valor, your heroic sacrifice, America remains strong and free. Thank you, Sam, all of you, thanks for this great country."

 

 

I was born in New York state and reared-up in the Ozark Highlands of Missouri, living in the neat little farm-to-market village of Russellville, population: 336. I’m an armed forces veteran and a retiree from an optometric practice down in the sleepy East Coast Florida village of Titusville. After retirement, I moved to Nimblewill Creek, near the base of Springer Mountain, near the little mountain town of Dahlonega, Georgia. There, I started making up for lost time…after being cooped-up in examination rooms with no windows for nearly thirty years.

I started hiking and backpacking in the early 80’s, mostly in jerks and starts over a period of 15 or so years. In January 1998, I set out on my first uninterrupted long distance hike. That trek began on the Florida Trail, thence continued to the Cliffs of Forillon, Cap Gaspé Quebec, a distance of over 4,000 miles. During that time I took on the trail name: Nimblewill Nomad. 
 

Since that time, there have been many miles traveled by this long-distance hiker. . . . .

2000-2001     Appalachian Mountain Range - 347 days/over 5,000 miles
2002              Cape Hatteras, NC to Point Loma in San Diego, CA - 147 days/over 3,000 miles
2003              Natchez Trace Trail - 21 days/468 miles
2004              Lewis & Clark National Scenic Trail - 125 days/over 3,000 miles
2005              Continental Divide National Scenic Trail - (1st half) 74 days/1,469 miles
2005              Mo-Pac Bagnell Branch - 3 days/50 miles
2006              Lewis & Clark National Scenic Trail - (Return Trip) 109 days/2,594 miles
2007              Continental Divide National Scenic Trail - (2nd half) 65 days/1,068 miles
2008              Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail - 137 days/just under 3,000 miles

In 2008 I also closed the gap on an amalgamation of sections that comprised four separate treks, to complete a trail that has come to be known as The Great Western Loop. Also, having hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1998 and the Continental Divide Trail in 2005 and 2007, upon completion of the 2008 Odyssey of the Pacific Crest Trail, I was honored to be added to that short list of intrepid who've completed the Triple Crown, the three premier U.S. trails.

Spending so much time out on the trail, in God’s Nature, has generated much insight, much joy, and much profound inspiration. As a result I have written countless poems and published several books along the way. I also keep a website current, providing journals and images of my adventures for all to enjoy, along with maps and information about the various trails. So, if you've got a few minutes and are looking for something to do, stop by www.nimblewillnomad.com and see what the old Nomad has been up to --- and maybe even follow along during the next adventure on the North Country National Scenic Trail, coming in 2009.

 
 

A publication of the tale of Nimblewill Nomad and his journey of the Odyssey of '98. By M. J. Eberhart.

Although this first edition classic is sold out, a number of copies are available through resellers on the used books/secondary market. At http://used.addall.com type in M. J. Eberhart, then Ten Million Steps, and a list of location availabilities will be provided.

 

 
 
 

This book is a true story about a 347-day trek by foot covering well over 5,000 miles, from the Cliffs of Forillon, Cap Gaspé, Quebec Province, where the St. Lawrence meets the sea, to the southernmost point on the eastern North American continent in Key West, Florida.

As part of this adventure, and as a distinction, this is the first known trek to cover the entire Appalachian Mountain Range, at least as we know it to exist on the North American continent.

This odyssey is narrated in first person (journal entry) format, in hopes you might enjoy journeying along from day to day. Though vicarious your quest, be prepared to experience the joy, feel the pain, and test the loneliness and toil that only a trek of such magnitude could ever offer up. As it has been for the Nimblewill Nomad, it is hoped this adventure will also prove a journey of inspiration and discovery for you.
 

Although this first edition printing is sold out, copies may be available through resellers on the used books/secondary market. Try a title search at Amazon.com for current used availabilities.
 
 

A publication of the tale of Nimblewill Nomad and his journey of the Odyssey of '98. By M. J. Eberhart.

The "First Edition" hard back version of this book, printed in 2000, was so popular that it sold out in a very short time. Now a new edition has been made available in the form of a 528 page paperback.

 

 

 
 
 

This collection of poetry was written by the Nomad over a period of time, then compiled into a published edition in 2001, recently updated in 2005. The main index lists 5 subject categories that include Life/Inspiration, Mysterious Medium Time, That Fire in Our Gut, Hiking/Backpacking, and Nature. There is an accumulation of 70 poems in this volume, which is dedicated to the memory of his father and mother.

Although "out of print" and not yet available in a newly updated version, the Nomad warmly shares these writings with you through the Poetry/Ditties section of his website.

http://www.nimblewillnomad.com/poetry_ditties.htm