Michael Freed

Father of 3 girls. Former Engineer turned eBay reseller. Socially liberal. Fiscally conservative. Here to stay.

Discovered hiking last fall and mostly post about that.

#HoosierMast #hiking #AppalachianTrail #chess #arcade #eBay #reseller

Public Key

npub1emr8lwzy3206njq90mpmcw5djq2r4t7mk6z93lzmvm7zyungzn6qaqhhvg

NIP-05 Address

freeder23_at_mas.to@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsva3nlhpzg48afeqzhasau82xeq9p64ldmdpzcl3dkdlpzwf5pfaqdnz757

Author Public Key

npub1emr8lwzy3206njq90mpmcw5djq2r4t7mk6z93lzmvm7zyungzn6qaqhhvg

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Last Notes

2024-04-30 23:34:10

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@npub1vad…mz4u I stunk so bad!!! I'm not sure I'll ever get it out of my shirt. Forever unclean!

2024-04-17 23:10:00

This is the group I'm hiking with.
I have a hiker name now: Magic Mike! 🕺
I also got a tick bite. We got it removed. We have an actual doctor in the group and she said I'm probably fine. Just watch out for the bullseye or a fever. Ugh.
#thruhike #AT2024
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2024-04-11 19:32:03

Packed and ready for my trip. We don't leave until Saturday.
My wife is about to find out how little I do around here. 🤣

2024-04-04 19:35:55

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@npub1npy…3sf4 that is the worst!

2024-04-03 14:33:08

I forgot to post this one last week for #waterfallwednesday
Small waterfall in the Punch Bowl at Turkey Run State Park in Indiana.
Video in followup post.
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2024-04-02 20:16:12

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@npub1vad…mz4u it was on the red trail

2024-04-02 13:47:48

An approximately 210 year old black cherry tree.
#thicktrunktuesday
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2024-03-29 19:47:01

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@npub1npy…3sf4 stunning!

2024-03-27 23:27:17

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@npub1c5c…644a ya, the Xero Shoe's I have won't stay on my feet, even with the heal straps.

2024-03-22 22:52:02

Vacation is officially over. Back to those Midwest sunsets... This is probably what the total solar eclipse is going to look like in a couple weeks. 😭
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2024-03-17 23:34:19

#silentsunday
I hobbled across the street to see the sunset. :)
Anna Maria Island, Florida
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2024-03-17 08:19:16

Headed to Florida for a few sunny days on the beach with the family. 🏝️

2024-03-13 16:35:29

On a lighter note ( pun intended), do any of you have one of these tick remover tools? I was originally going to get one on Garage Grown Gear but they were out of stock. I see they carry them at REI too.
Do they work? Do I need it? I will have fine tipped tweezers in my med kit. So, I'm guessing I don't NEED it.
#whatsinyourpack #backpacking #thruhike #AT2024
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2024-03-13 16:21:51

What a start to the day!
I woke up to find our Cricket cellular service disconnected. My wife had added a phone line yesterday and paid. Of course, I couldn't reach my wife at work. I checked our account and it said we owed 95 plus an activation fee. WTF!
So, I drove to the cricket store my wife went to yesterday. They were supposed to open at 10:00 but no one was there. So, I went to a different store and got almost no help. They just told me to call customer service, which I couldn't.
1/2

2024-03-11 21:48:57

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@npub1c5c…644a I thought about sending them in. Ticks are already here in the Midwest with the warm weather we have had.

2024-03-11 20:09:57

Permethrin. Not exactly #whatsinyourpack, but it will be on my clothes. I treated all my hiking clothes today and will again when I head out in a few weeks.
I used this all last year (along with Picardin) and didn't find a tick on me all season.
Should I apply it to my tent and backpack as well?
#backpack #hiking #thruhike #AT2024
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2024-03-09 23:25:40

I'm toying with the idea of blogging my thruhike of the Appalachian Trail. Originally, I planned to occasionally post on here and on FB for friends and family. Then I thought maybe I could just do it in one place for everyone.
I know about The Trek but the blogs on there seem more like articles written by journalists. I just want an easy to use site that I could post a paragraph or two and a couple photos.
Looking for recommendations. Thanks!
#backpacking #thruhike #blog #blogging #AT2024

2024-03-09 15:46:34

April 15th is the official start date for my AT thru-hike! That's just over 5 weeks away. I'm excited and freaked out!
My wife is probably the only person in the world that realizes how big a deal this hike is on a personal level. She's very worried I won't come back. Not because of any dangers on the trail but that I'll decide I just don't want to come home.
My biggest fear is quite the opposite. I'm worried I'll come home early and defeated.
#backpacking #thruhike #AT2024 #whatsinmyhead

2024-03-07 16:44:10

No hiking today. I've been going to physical therapy twice a week (referred by my podiatrist). I got my calves scraped and dry needled. It feels like I got hit in the calves with a baseball bat. Hopefully it's worth it!

2024-02-26 19:25:17

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@npub1vad…mz4u hike you are feeling better!

2024-02-26 18:34:32

Beautiful spring day... In February! It's not supposed to be this warm in February in central Indiana but I'm taking advantage. It's already 70F in the early afternoon.
Second day in a row at Blanton Woods doing some short hikes with a partially loaded pack. I think I'll head over to Shades or Turkey Run State Parks tomorrow.
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2024-02-21 21:01:11

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@npub1vad…mz4u I hope you are feeling better.

2024-02-20 20:52:31

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@npub1npy…3sf4 thank you for sharing that video Franz! He had some good advice.

2024-02-19 22:19:01

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@npub1vad…mz4u booo. Sorry to hear that. Your post last night reminded me to test my youngest. Luckily she tested negative... I hope your symptoms stay mild. Get some rest.

2024-02-19 18:51:07

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@npub1c5c…644a same here. I've usually had a picnic bench at my camp sites as well. I could see having a chair being nice early on in my AT thru-hike when I am hiking shorter days and spending more time in camp. Later on, when I'm doing high mileage days, I probably wouldn't use it much. I imagine I will be hiking, eating, and sleeping.
The $179.99 price tag kept me from making an impulse buy. Lol

2024-02-19 17:36:37

For today's #whatsinyourpack:
Camp chairs. Yay! Or nay?
I've tried all the ultralight camp chairs at REI. The Nemo moonlight was the most comfortable by far for my big frame but heavy at 2lbs. They just came out with the elite version that is 1 lb 2 oz (without the foot pad).
I'm seriously considering getting this but it's definitely a luxury item and adds weight to my pack.
Do you bring a camp chair backpacking? I would love to hear from any #thruhiker's!
#backpacking #AT #hiking
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2024-02-19 04:02:24

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@npub1vad…mz4u 4 times? Yikes!

2024-02-19 03:35:13

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@npub1vad…mz4u he had a good run! Everyone in my house (3 daughters and my wife) have had it at least once. We quarantine in their bedrooms until they test negative. I still haven't got it.
I hope he recovers quickly.

2024-02-17 15:04:03

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@npub1vad…mz4u ya, we were only supposed to get 2 inches. I think we got 6! Quite unexpected.

2024-02-16 22:13:49

#falsespring is over! Back to #winter at least for a couple days.
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2024-02-13 20:44:52

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@npub1npy…3sf4 I've loved your black and white winter photos! For this one, I prefer the one with the blue hue.

2024-02-12 21:52:40

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@npub1npy…3sf4 sorry to hear you have a cold. I just had my first one in 4 years. No fun. I hope you are feeling better.

2024-02-12 20:38:01

Update: my UPS driver is amazing! He made a second attempt to deliver my package. He rang the doorbell and knocked. I don't know how I missed him the first time!
Good thing I stayed home all day waiting for the UPS driver so I could sign for a package. I never heard him knock! Sneaky!
Now I have to go pick up my package. Grrrr...
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2024-02-08 14:17:43

Big news today! I am going to thru-hike Appalachian Trail this year!!!
I told my parents yesterday, so I guess it's official.
I'm planning to do a flip flop starting in Harpers Ferry mid-April. I'll hike all the way to Mount Katahdin and then return to Harpers ferry to hike south all the way to Springer mountain.
#hiking #backpacking #thruhike #thruhiking #appalachiantrail #flipflop
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2024-02-02 22:49:48

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@npub1vad…mz4u yes it is. 🤣 Better weather is coming. Enjoy!

2024-02-02 22:41:28

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@npub1vad…mz4u #jealous

2024-02-02 00:46:16

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@npub1c5c…644a I am. I'll be sharing details soon.

2024-02-01 21:13:48

I spoke with Mighty Blue today about hiking the Appalachian Trail. He's done it twice! What a great guy! I highly recommend his podcast: Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail. It's on most of the streaming sites and at: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/

2024-01-28 19:01:46

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@npub1vad…mz4u agreed. I'm taking a nap.

2024-01-26 23:42:58

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@npub1c5c…644a @npub1yxz…fkyg a pack liner is a must for me. I used a Nylofume Pack Liner from Garage Grown Gear all last year. Very durable.
I just like the idea of a waterproof pack. It's an extra layer of protection and it won't get heavier from absorbing water.

2024-01-26 21:03:33

2 mile hike today and a stop at REI to try on the Osprey Exos 58 backpack. I would call that a good day!
I wanted to try on a pack with a ventilated, trampoline back.
Pros:
I liked the feel of the pack. It seemed to fit well and carried weight well. Very adjustable. Reasonably priced.
Cons:
I was not impressed with the hip belt pockets. They were really small and felt far back. The brain is removable but no roll top closure. Water resistant but not waterproof.
1/2
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2024-01-18 21:10:31

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@npub1npy…3sf4 my wife and I have rediscovered our love of Legos over the last couple years. It's so much fun!
Edited to add that we are currently building the Lego Atari 2600 set.

2024-01-12 15:26:06

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@npub1c5c…644a I've always went with the drill method. I take the hard drive out and drill a couple holes in it. I suppose that hurts the resale value though. Lol

2024-01-02 21:06:39

Progress! I've been searching off and on for over a year for proper hiking shoes. When you wear a size 13-14 extra wide, your options are limited. I found an AT thru-hiker survey at The Trek on what shoes people wore. There I discovered Merrell Moab 3's.
They are a cross between a trail runner and a boot. They have a stiff shank so the shoe doesn't flex at mid foot (per podiatrist orders). The best part is I was able to find 13 wides at my local Dick's sporting goods.
Cont...
#hiking
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2023-12-20 14:06:54

Exciting day in the neighborhood yesterday (not the good kind). I was working and felt the whole house shake. I honestly thought someone hit the house with a car. I went outside to see the neighbors garage on fire. Another neighbor had already called 911. The fire department showed up in 8 minutes. The house was already consumed by that point. It did some significant damage to the siding on both houses on either side. Fortunately, everyone made it out safely including the dog.
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2023-12-17 18:54:16

At one of my happy places yesterday, Tappers Arcade Bar in Indy. The arcades are free to play. You do have to pay for pinball though.
My wife and I fell in love with this new Foo Fighters pinball machine. We looked into buying one. Only $7k-10k if you can find one 😱
#arcade #arcademachines #pinball
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2023-12-02 00:02:25

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@npub1c5c…644a simply amazing!

2023-11-22 20:14:36

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@npub1c5c…644a @npub1cm6…4hjk that reminds me... Do you do any training during the week between weekend hikes?

2023-11-16 17:43:13

I think my fortune cookie is trying to tell me something.
#hiking
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2023-11-15 21:21:59

I almost forgot!
On Monday, I celebrated one year booze free! Anyone that knows me, knows I like to drink. I've adjusted well to my new lifestyle. It's still weird for some of my friends. Lol... Honestly, it was harder to quit Diet Coke!
My health has improved quite a bit over the last year. I'm down at least 15 pounds, I sleep better, and I feel better. MUCH less anxiety. I had blood work done recently and my glucose and A1C levels went down to normal levels.
#sobriety #soberlife #alcohol
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2023-10-22 22:18:25

SUCCESS!!! I slept well in my tent! FINALLY!
I camped overnight in a friend's backyard. There was a freeze warning but I think it only got down to around 40 F. I stayed toasty warm and actually slept!
I did a couple things differently: I brought my memory foam pillow from home and I used my inflatable pillow as a knee pillow. I think the knee pillow really helped. I had my mattress adjusted just right and had no hip pain. Now to find a new backpacking pillow for my head...

2023-10-07 16:48:34

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@npub1c5c…644a amazing photos! Glad you are feeling better.

2023-10-04 16:28:57

I did another practice hike today with my pack. It was a little more challenging than it needed to be. The trail entrance was closed at the park due to construction and I forgot my water bottle. After driving to the other entrance, I forgot my water again and took the wrong trail! It worked out for the better as I circled back around to my car and got my water bottle.
A little under 4 miles in all. Fall is here and I saw an amazing hornet nest right on the trail!
#hiking
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2023-10-04 02:20:41

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@npub1c5c…644a That is significantly lighter than my reg wide Big Agnes Rapide SL. I think it's 1 lb 8 oz. I had stayed away from the Neo Air because of the crinkle. I may need to revisit.

2023-10-03 00:39:47

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@npub1c5c…644a I love all the photos. Thanks for sharing.

2023-09-28 03:53:36

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@npub1c5c…644a I can't imagine dealing with freezing temps yet! We have a heat wave coming next week here in Indiana. It might get up to 90° in the Southern part of the state.

2023-09-27 01:15:16

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@npub1c5c…644a they are pretty cool and a little sketchy. I only had to go up one of them.
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2023-09-26 19:07:58

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@npub1c5c…644a exactly! Turns out they were repairing some stairs. I found a way around. ;)

2023-09-20 18:33:40

Today I hiked the Rock Shelter Trail at Morgan Monroe State Forest. I remember hiking this for the first time about a year ago. It was my first real hike. I had only a paper map (which I lost). I remember thinking that the rock shelter was probably a man-made structure. Much to my surprise, it was a beautiful rock overhang.... What a difference a year makes. The hike was much easier this year, even though I forgot my trekking poles!
#hiking #stateforests
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2023-09-16 18:42:21

Out enjoying the last of the summer's wildflowers at the Portland Arch nature preserve. The bees were busy preparing for winter. My wife did not care for them. Lol
#hiking #indiana #bees #insects
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2023-09-14 12:04:48

Yesterday, I finally got back to my goal of hiking at all the Indiana State Parks. I did a Northwest tour of Tippecanoe, Potato Creek, Indiana Dunes State Parks. At Indiana Dunes, I did the 3 dune challenge. That was my favorite part by far. It did my Michigander soul some good to see lake Michigan, even for just a few minutes.
Only 4 to go!
#hiking #HoosierHikerChallenge2023 #HHC2023
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2023-09-06 23:56:23

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@npub1c5c…644a @npub1cqh…4rf7 @npub1tt5…cjkq thanks for sharing your trip! I've been following along.

2023-08-26 17:01:05

Yesterday, we had to say goodbye to Teddy.
He was such an amazing dog. He was the smartest and most stubborn dog I have ever known. He loved to chase rabbits and bark at birds. He was a giant but afraid of thunder and fireworks. He gave us so much love the last 7 yrs. He was always on guard duty, even until the end.
I hope wherever he is that he has rabbits to chase, children to protect, and there are no fireworks.
#dog #dogsofmastodon
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2023-08-26 16:32:18

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@npub1c5c…644a you are a hiking machine! Amazing views! Thanks for sharing.

2023-08-25 13:29:40

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@npub1c5c…644a beautiful! Happy hiking!

2023-08-21 20:22:45

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@npub1c5c…644a amazing views! Thanks for sharing!

2023-07-16 17:36:30

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@npub1c5c…644a no bugs is good. Love the trail photos!

2023-07-11 21:11:04

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@npub1c5c…644a I hope it works for you. It has worked great for me so far this year. Although, I have not been in the deep back country yet.

2023-06-18 20:32:54

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@npub1c5c…644a sounds like an adventure! I was ready to bail early last night because it was too hot!

2023-06-12 02:41:25

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@npub1c5c…644a let us know how you like it... I currently have the Big Agnes Rapide SL. It's supposed to be one of the most comfortable sleeping pads on the market. Unfortunately, I'm walking up with hip pain. I'm a side sleeper. I feel like The Princess and the Pea!

2023-06-07 14:14:49

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@npub1c5c…644a I don't own a single Apple product. #HowDoILive

2023-06-03 15:14:15

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@npub1c5c…644a early bird gets the view all to himself.

2023-05-29 18:38:39

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@npub1c5c…644a looks like an amazing trip! Glad you are ok.

2023-05-21 21:58:08

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@npub1huc…cd4k @npub1c5c…644a I love the trail photos too. It's not always just about the destination. Thanks for sharing these stunning photos as always.

2023-05-17 00:41:40

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@npub1c5c…644a it was a couple days on average. They are teenagers and did not take Paxlovid.

2023-05-17 00:01:12

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@npub1c5c…644a good to hear! When my kids had COVID, they had a similar experience with the tests. The color faded as time went on. We kept them quarantined until we got 2 negative tests 24hrs apart. No one else got it.

2023-05-14 14:59:37

Today I'm celebrating 6 months alcohol free!
I'm not sure if he will see this, but I would like to personally thank @npub1ndl…kcvk. He was brave enough to share his own story on the bird site. This inspired me and I reached out to him personally for help. He recommended a couple books to read and what worked for him. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer and help a complete stranger.
#sobriety #soberlife #alcohol
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