You may recall reading about a dear friend we met several warmer months prior when Alanna and I tended to refreshments following a summer ascent of Mount Moosilauke; before leaving, we met and shared tales with Ma, who was waiting for her husband and happy pup (appropriately named Happy) to finish that day’s section of trail.

Gavin (G-man, or Dogman) hails all the way from the other side of the pond - born in England, yet soon relocated to the great state of Maine, where he could lose himself more often in nature. Having backed off “organized hikes” with larger groups, the New England 67 (peaks above 4000-feet in VT, NH, and ME) was the only list which caught Dogman’s attention before hopping on trail, to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail during the 2023 season.

Some of his favorite hiking memories are from when his daughter joined he and Happy for a trek to the summit of Baxter Peak, at the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Alanna and I ended up running into Gavin, Ma and Happy once again, while on our own cross-country road trip; we could not believe our eyes: “is that Ma’s VAN?!”, was heard as we pulled into our campsite at the base of Mount Elbert (CO). As luck would have it, in this tiny, compelling world, the van-dwelling trio had decided to overnight several camp spots away from our own tent!

While out west, celebrating his recent AT finish, Gavin went on to summit state high points, many Colorado 14,000-footers, and various other craggy mountaintops - summiting Mount Borah, with its harrowing “Chicken-out-ridge”, has become one of Dogman’s most favorite memories shared with his pup, Happy.

“It’s impossible to focus on your troubles while in nature.”

We could not agree more. Cheers, Gavin - Happy trails, friends!

Meet Dogman + Happy

Meet Amy + Tim

Meet Tim + Bergen