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You can't long distance hike without regular resupply. The most basic purpose of our resupply is to re-fill our food bags so we can get back on the trail. But much more is involved - eating prodigious amounts of food, washing thoroughly filthy clothing and gear, catching up on our communications, showering off days of sweat and grime, and as much kid relaxing as possible are all key pieces to our off trail days.

Our long anticipated arrival in New England brings our most difficult trail situation to date. FIMBY sustains a foot injury and takes a rest period to recover, while the family continues hiking north. Tenacious Bling misses her mom. At the end of the rest period FIMBY rejoins the family for a trial hike to see if she is well enough to continue.

In New York state we are welcomed into a photographers' home to be a part of a thru-hikers photo project. On that same day we hike through a zoo and cross the Hudson river. After New York comes Connecticut, where we find water in the most unlikely of places, and... mosquitos. Hordes of them. The mighty Housatonic, rushing river gorges, and commuter trains to New York City all tell the story of the trail in New England.

In Pennsylvania we increase our daily mileage and re-connect with friends we met earlier on the trail. The YWAM team, reduced in numbers from their original group size, finds room in their hearts and space in their support truck to help us out. A partnership is formed and friendships are deepened as we all hike our way north. And we realize once again that people are the best part of this adventure.

At the Pennsylvania-Maryland border we cross the Mason-Dixon Line. Shortly after, we make camp by a contaminated water source but Toesalad is able to find water from a friendly neighbor. The Cumberland Valley offers a change of hiking scenery as we walk through cornfields and farmlands. We deal with cuts, bruises, blisters and ticks, but also discover the joys of slackpacking.