It seems crazy to already be in New Hampshire. Crossed the state border into Hanover,NH where after a brief stay I pushed out of town solo for a night of re grouping with myself. The Whites are just around the corner and I feel like I am ready for them. I have been praying for good weather and its been nice, hopefully it holds up thru Mt Washington. The shelter I'm in tonight has a clear roof, and its a clear night, the stars are really awesome! I got a great mail drop today! Thank you Smiley and everyone at BRRS! I have more than enough food for the Whites. Also got my cold weather gear from home and my solar charger cord, hopefully I can get a full charge tomorrow, we'll see... I hope Birch catches back up tomorrow or Wednesday, he's a great person and I like his pace. Bella is doing great, holding her own like a true thru-hiker. I'm a little worried about how she'll do thru the Whites, but only time will tell. Dinner tonight was organic chicken,apple,and maple syrup sausages from the local co-op in Hanover, they were great over an open fire,ate all but 1 which Bella loved. Tomorrow is a new day, who knows what it holds.

-Fresh and Bella
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Northern Vermont has been like a roller coaster. The terrain is good though, other than all the vermud everywhere. We cowboy camped again last night in an open field near Pomfret,Vt. It was a clear night and the stars were intense! We hiked about 12 today into another small Vermont town, I think West Harpford. We're camping in Steve and Nancy's backyard tonight,they have a really great setup. Steve is in the sign bussiness and appears to do really well. They have a great garden, fire pit, spring fed brook with island and bathing hole, and steve even has a pitching area with 2 sand bunkers and a putting green. They stay here for spring and summer,spending the winter on their sailboat somewhere in southern Florida. I picked tomatoes,carrots,onion,peppers,beans, herbs,and garlic from their garden,dutch bought some pork loin, and using a borrowed cast iron stove and red wine I made a pork and veggie ragu of sorts over the fire. It was bomb.com! Everyone is full and enjoying wonderful stories from steve and an awesome fire. Tomorrow marks 8 weeks I've been out here and I'll be pushing out of Vermont and into Hanover,New Hampshire to prepare for the Whites and Maine. We should meet up with Birtch again tomorrow in Hanover if all goes according to plan. The trail has been great in Vermont, I love it in New England, but I still can't wait to start heading south towards Ga.

-fresh and Bella + the Merrell Crew - 1
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After 51 miles in 2 days we're slowing down. Vermont has been beautiful, absolutely beautiful. 10 miles of taking pictures yesterday. Passed Thundering Falls, and the Mountain Meadow Lodge where Bella got to play with a miniature horse named Alex,and a 200lb pig named Alice it was interesting, I was surprised the horse didn't kick her. Stayed at Story Brook shelter last night and had an amazing meal: parmesean pasta with siracha,tuna,and pepperoni. For dessert a tortilla smeared with nutella and covered with banana chips and reese's pieces, warmed over the fire, it was bomb.com ! Its starting to get colder! I'll be realy glad to have my cold weather gear, I think I'm gonna buy a pair of techwick thermal bottoms. Onward to a look out tower,after this stop for second breakfast and a quick update. 3 days til New Hampshire!

-fresh and Bella + the merrell crew -1

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51 miles in 2 days. Enough said. Stayed in Rutland,Vt last night at a hostel and cafe run by the Twelve Tribes, a religious sect or cult of some sort. What an experience, we tried hard to totally immerse ourselves in their culture, it was interesting, but still a bit odd. We left their hostel and went to their commune for a "gathering" in a circle songs were sang,words said,praise given, and then an awesome meal. Still a real odd vibe,none-the-less everything we were hoping for. Anyways..
My mail drop in Manchester Center,vt was amazing! I'm carrying wayy too much food, my pack is at about 40lbs lol. Thank you so much Dave, for the best mail drop so far. Weather is ok today, rainy at times windy and cloudy at others. Lazy day in the Tucker Johnson shelter today, 15 tomorrow and only about 4 days til the Merrell Crew is out of Vermont and into New Hampshire. 4 weeks and I should be done with Katahdin and making my flip. The adventure has been amazing so far, I can't wait to start heading south and see some old friends for some sections towards home.

-fresh and bella + the Merrell Crew-1. (Birtch Is off trail at a wedding.)
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Vermont is beautiful! I've been hikinging with a group of 5 for the past 5 days. Myself,the wandering jew,birch,wiskey slim,and dutch. We all wear merrells,so the merrell crew, is the name we've been dubbed. We pushed out of Bennington, Vt on the 18th after a stay at the Vortex and a normal town visit. The town had public bikes to get around on so a few of us took several rides, really laid back town. Tons of cool shops. Once out of town we Cowboy camped up on porcupine lookout. Sunrise was amazing. Its really getting a lot cooler at night. I'm eating a lot more, and its time for more clothing. Last night we stayed at Story Spring shelter. It was an 18 mile day into the shelter, passing by an amazing fire tower with 360 views. We're in moose country now, tracks and scat everywhere. Myself, birch, and wiskey sat by a beaver pond for around 3 hours after dusk to try and see one but to no avail. Its been a cold rainy day and 12 miles was all I've been able to do. I'm at the Straton Pond pay shelter and I've been in my sleeping bag since 2. Tomorrow its into manchester center to hopefully pick up a mail drop and hit a grocery store if I can scout some cash. I've got 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and no snacks left. Time to reconsider calorie intake. More snacks less larger meals. We might take a shot at a Vermonster tomorrow at ben and jerry's, and I could use some stuff from EMS, hope there's a subway. Cell cignal is growing harder and harder to come by and I still don't have the adapter for my solar charger! The climbs of the Green mountains are here and the Whites are waiting behind themm big mountains are coming and I'm ready for them.

-fresh and bella

Ps. I can't see anyones comments, I can only see I have them. If you want to reach me please email or text. 7706331767 primobiker424@yahoo.com
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After an amazing peach-blueberry pancake breakfast at upper goose pond cabin, pushed out 20 miles to the birdcage hostel, and I haven't left. This is one of the secret hostels on the trail and it is amazing! Rob, the owner does your laundry, opens his house to you, and gives you a place to sleep, all while wanting nothing in return. After a zero day yesterday, I pushed a 23 mile slack pack 23 miles south from williamville mass, up over mt greylock which is the highest peak in mass with a 3500 ft ascent over 6 miles of continual uphill, back to the birdcage for one last night. tomorrow Rob will take me and the crew I'm hiking with, 23 miles north again, this time we will have all our gear and head north. I got my new boots yesterday,and used today's slack to break them in. They are great! I like them a lot better than my first pair. Tomorrow I'll be out of Massachusetts and on into Bennington,Vt for another secret hostel called the Vortex. Very secretive place, really excited to have the chance to stay there. Under 600 miles left to Katadhin and the Whites are about a week away. The miles keep rollin ,the terrain is beginning to get technical, and the weather is beginning to get cooler. Loving life.

-fresh
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I'm at Upper Goose Pond Cabin ! Today has been a great, no an epic day! This morning I was invited by a guy out for a day, to have brunch with him and his family at his brother's house. Turns out the brother is a lawyer in Hong Kong ,and the house is a ultra modern multi-million dollar home, equipped with touch faucets, ultra chic decor,and maids. Brunch was amazing,full spread prepared by the maids, after a shower, which was a waste so early in the day, I thanked them and headed back north. I pushed onto the next road crossing where I met the local mushroom club, they had found 62 species in the morning's hunt. I caught a hitch from one of them into Great Barrington, Mass. The town center was really buzzing with people, bella got us a lot of attention. Hit the subway and a local bar for a beer, I was going to head to a local hostel for the night, but a lady stopped me and asked me to join her and her and her family for dinner. Ofcourse I obliged. They ended up living on lower goose pond, 10 min from the trail and 3 miles from the cabin. Well here I sit! I've got some of my NOBO friends so no more hiking and camping alone! Its good to see some people I haven't seen in a few hundred miles. This cabin is amazing! right on the pond, 2 story, with fireplace,kitchen, front porch, bunkroom with heavily padded racks, and the caretaker cooks pancakes for all the hikers in the morning!!! What an amazing day. Tomorrow is an 19 mile day to the next shelter, or possibly 21 to the rabbit cage hostel. We'll see what the days is like. The rain sat in after I got here and has since stopped, hopefully it won't start up again tomorrow. Its a packed house here and I love it! Great company in a great setting. Out of Mass in 3 more days,onward to Vermont! New boots in 2 days, maybe a brewery tour who knows. Bella is alive and well, hiding under the cabin somewhere. I have a feeling I'm gonna sleep great tonight. Sitting here by the fireplace, there is no other place I would rather be then right here right now. The trail provides.

-fresh
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And just like that I'm out of Connecticut. One more state down, 4 more to go til the flip. Last night I stayed in Lakeville, Ct at a pizza joint. Eddie thank a lot for being such a gracious host and for letting me sleep in your restaurant. I got a pretty early start this morning, and given the amount of beer consumed last night I'm happy with my 16 mile day. I took more pictures today than I have since I got the camera. I crossed the highest peak in Ct, the 2nd highest peak in Mass, and in Sages Ravine passed a series of awesome waterfalls. The views today were the best so far, Bear Mnt,Ct they say, is the view where the idea for the AT came to be. I'm at the Helmlocks shelter tonight, no real company save these 2 day hikers who disappeared about an hour ago, hope the bears didn't get to em. Tomorrow its into Great Barrington for subway then onward to the upper goose lake cabin for the night. The cold is begining to creep up in the mornings and evenings, I hope my gear and myself hold up. The new sleeping bag rocks though. More concerned with clothing but we'll see...Alas another thru hiker has arrived! That's all I've got for tonight.
Live vicariously through me.

-fresh
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The trail provides. Its been an amazing week off trail, but if feels even better to be back out here tonight. The hike here was easy simple up and down, however, the terrain ahead looks challenging. Bella and I had a wonderful time in Hopewell Jct, Ny with Annie and Linda and all the dogs, birds, and the rabbit. I will miss you guys a ton. Thank you for everything you did for Bella and. I. Annie you are a piece of work. Thank you for all the laughs and for sharing your isms with me. Linda you remind me so much of my own mom " I can't stand It!"
You two were gracious hosts. Thank you for the work and for all the new gear. I'm sure I'll see you guys in the future. Tomorrow is only a 12 mile day. I completely lost my trail legs in the 8 days off trail. We'll start back with 18s- 20s around the beginning of next week. Jimmy and Melissa, thank you guys so much for the amazing mail drop! I can't wait to get it! Seriously its gonna be the best mail drop so far! Thanks!
I bought a solar charger while off trail, look for the reviews in the coming week. Bella is back in her element it seems hopefully my legs will follow suit. Turning in, its past hiker midnight. Pray no rain tonight. Goodnight.

-fresh
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The trail provides. Its been an amazing week off trail, but if feels even better to be back out here tonight. The hike here was easy simple up and down, however, the terrain ahead looks challenging. Bella and I had a wonderful time in Hopewell Jct, Ny with Annie and Linda and all the dogs, birds, and the rabbit. I will miss you guys a ton. Thank you for everything you did for Bella and. I. Annie you are a piece of work. Thank you for all the laughs and for sharing your isms with me. Linda you remind me so much of my own mom " I can't stand It!"
You two were gracious hosts. Thank you for the work and for all the new gear. I'm sure I'll see you guys in the future. Tomorrow is only a 12 mile day. I completely lost my trail legs in the 8 days off trail. We'll start back with 18s- 20s around the beginning of next week. Jimmy and Melissa, thank you guys so much for the amazing mail drop! I can't wait to get it! Seriously its gonna be the best mail drop so far! Thanks!
I bought a solar charger while off trail, look for the reviews in the coming week. Bella is back in her element it seems hopefully my legs will follow suit. Turning in, its past hiker midnight. Pray no rain tonight. Goodnight.

-fresh
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What a long strange trip it has been so far.

First off I apologize for not updating lately. I have been being completely lazy. I'm off trail in New York and have been since Wednesday. Here comes the story, get ready. Tuesday night i arrive in Pawling, New York, which has a memorial park that hikers are allowed to camp in. I get to the park a little after 9 and make camp, dinner,reading,bed. Around 2am Bella begins going ape-shit, total ape-shit, I open the fly to the tent to quiet her, and 15 yards away stands a huge black bear, blowing at her and I. commence tightening of the sphincter. I make every bit of noise I can, clicking sticks, hollering, etc. and the bear moves off into the woods, Back to sleep. An hour or so later same thing, except this time the bear is within 10 ft of me and my gear Time to call the rangers. Rangers don't show, instead a female Pawling police officer shows up and tells me her first issue is me camping in the park, I had to show her on the rules where it said I could be there. She says she'll take me somewhere for the night. After a 20 min ride in a cop car, I am dumped at The Pine Grove Motel (shit hole) not knowing where I am in relation to the trail or anything else for that matter. Its around 4:30 am.After every issue in the world with the manager, It takes an hour and a half to finally get into a room. Sleep.Sleep. Sleep. at 11:30 a pounding on the door from the manager to tell me I've missed check out and need to hurry and get out. I've been in this room less than 6 hours. Total shaft by the manager. 67 bucks for a room for 6 damn hours! I got shafted. I digress. After checking out, I realize the cop had brought me 20 miles back down the trail to Poughquag where I had been the day before! To make this long story shorter, I end up getting a hitch from a woman named Linda, who takes me to this legit Italian deli for lunch and ends up resupplying me with all sorts of Italian goodies. We exchange info and she drops me off back at the trail. That evening I receive an email from her asking me If I would be interested in getting off trail for a few days and doing some work for her and her partner. I quickly agree. I have been with Linda and Annie now since Wednesday, doing random handyman jobs (painting, rebuilding a deck, installing a gate), and basically having an entire downstairs apartment to my self.These women are great! They have taken great care of me, and have compensated me nicely for the work I've done. I think I'm going to get back on trail Monday, and yes it will be hard. I've let out some trivial details but you got the gist of it.
The trail provides. That is the best, and truest thing I have heard anyone say out here. The trail truly does provide. Thanks to the kindness of all of my old friends, family, and newly found friends, I have mail drops set up back through Virginia. I've been gone over a month now and life is great.

Big thanks to Linda and Annie, The crew at Eastern Mountain Sports, Vinny, Artie, Sonny,Sasquatch for the Mint Juleps, the 2 cute servers from Tiramisu, and everyone else that has helped me out along the way.

THE TRAIL PROVIDES.

-Fresh

(The Mafia is still alive and well in New York)

Ok this post is for everyone out there who is planning on doing a mail drop for me. All others read below. Here is a prospective list if food that I like out here. Feel free to get as much or as little as you can. It is very appreciated either way. Please don't go over board, use common sense, and please don't over buy, remember I have to carry all this lol.
The best way to send drops is using the postal service's flat rate boxes, the are priority shipped and I can have them forwarded up and down the trail if need be. Shipping from Ga takes about 4-5 days. Thanks again to everyone who has sent a mail drop or is planning on it. I couldn't make it out here without all of you.


Carnation instant breakfast
Bagels or deli rounds or flats
Tortillas
Nutella
Sugary cereal
Gatorade or drink mix singles
Instant coffee singles
Reese's pieces or pretzel m&ms
Summer sausage
Sharp cheese or longhorn cheese
Tuna packets
Chicken packets
Oatmeal packs
Beef jerky
Any just ad water side dishes
Granola bars
Honey buns
Ramen (chicken,beef, oriental)
Pepperoni
Dried bananas
4lb bag dog food
Dog treats
Dried fruit (no plums)



Today we pushed 22 miles to the Telephone pioneers shelter. Stopped along the way in Poughquag,Ny to pick up a package. Thanks for all the food Matt!
I'm the only one here so far, if no one else shows up I think I'll night hike down into Pawling,Ny. They have a free area at the park for hikers to camp. Tomorrow I'll see the Dover Oak Tree. It is the oldest tree the trail passes, over 300 years with a diameter of 20+ ft. I'll also be crossing into Connecticut tomorrow! Only 9.7 miles left of NY! Today marked 4 weeks that I have been out here, almost at the month mark! The weather is slowly beginning to change up here, soon I'm gonna need my sleeping bag and a long sleeve T. Time to pack up and push on I guess.

-fresh

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The last 2 days have been great. New York is a beautiful state, the trail here runs through some amazing countryside. Pushed 19.5 miles yesterday to the Graymoor Monestary. They have a shelter that is open to hikers. It had a shower,electricity,and pizza delivery(which was sub-par). Met some cool locals at a roadside dive, wouldn't let me pay for my beers. Really good group of locals, it was like cheers. Played some cut throat UNO last night with a group of guys at the shelter,it was brutal. Got some great pictures. Today we took it easy,just 13 miles to Clarence Fahnestock state park that has a free area for thru-hikers with showers and flushing toilets. Tomorrow I'll push into Poughquag to catch my mail drop from Matt. Thanks a lot man I can't wait to see what's inside! Bella has started sleeping next to me in the shelters and in the tent, she is becoming quite the trail dog. Got some trail magic today from a guy named Auggie. Thanks for the beers and the conversation. For some reason this park is near a parkway. What happened to my serene wilderness experience? Oh well. I hope the rain holds off. Bella says hi to everyone from Blue Ridge.

-fresh
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