Hi there! My name is Ariel aka "Hootie" and I am chasing my dream of thru hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2024. Join me as I embark on this adventure of a lifetime! With this channel, I want to document my life on trail including the beauty of the great outdoors, the realities of trail life, and the lessons I will inevitably learn along the way. Most importantly, I hope that as you follow my journey, I inspire YOU to chase your dreams too! Life is so short and we've only got one, so what are you waiting for?
Weather was looking great there. And I’m pleased it’s looking like loads of fun. I may not always comment. But I will be watching each one of these memories you are making and cheering you along the way. Happy hiking 🥾🥾
Hi Ariel. I spoke with Gloss last night, Friday. She was going to give you my number, as we don't use much social media. I couldn't find an email for you.
Smart move pushing to the tent site with your friends. I have watched a lot of hiking videos but have never seen that overlook. Thanks for sharing it. Your videos are great. You are doing amazing and getting better every day. Hike on Hootie.
Hi Hootie! My name is Nonnie. I attempted hiking the AT in 2023 but had to come off trail due to foot problems. I am returning to the AT this fall for two months. In watching your video, I noticed your cell phone holder. This appears to be an awesome piece of gear. If you don't mind, would you please share the name of the gear and where you purchased it? I'd love to have this before going back on trail. I am thoroughly enjoying your journey. Your positivity, fresh outlook, and kind aura are pervasive. Well done, you! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Nonnie
Hi Nonnie! I'm sorry to hear you had to get off trail last year, but I think it's amazing that you're coming back out! :) Thank you for your kind comments and the gear I was wearing is actually really cheap from amazon! I'll drop the link! PellKing POV/Vlog Smartphone Selfie Neck Holder Mount for GoPro and Phone,Compatible with iPhone Samsung Smartphones,Hero 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 a.co/d/0i2nmNdm
Hey Hootie, hope you are well, and enjoying your adventure. I do have a question? Where do I find the camera holding gadget around your neck? Thank you in advance, happy trails. Looking forward to more videos of your epic adventure. 🥾🏕🏔👍❤️
Thank you! :) I'll drop the link for ya! Very cheap on Amazon! PellKing POV/Vlog Smartphone Selfie Neck Holder Mount for GoPro and Phone,Compatible with iPhone Samsung Smartphones,Hero 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 a.co/d/0i2nmNdm
Hi Hootie! I'm the guy who recognized you at the ATC headquarters; even though I knew you were 'in the area' I was kinda shocked & starstruck to meet you, hope I wasn't too dorky haha. Good day, even tho you had to dig deep & keep going from the shelter. I love how observant you are with the colors & flowers! Happy hiking! -Dan from MD
Hi! This is your first vid that I've watched, I enjoyed the day, lots of climbs, which I can't do anymore, so it was a treat to go along. I liked the touches of post production you did, the background music & photos, & the photography. Enjoy your trek! -Dan in MD
Thank you so much! I enjoy creating these videos, but the editing definitely requires a lot of effort! Haha that's why my videos are so delayed, but I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed it! Yes, this day was my favorite day in the Smokies!
I never thought I would catch up with you again once I left that morning with Sharkie and big spoon. I never realised you got so cold. But, I'm glad you warmed up throughout the day and got trail magic. We must have passed through before they came along. I spent that night in Gatlingburg with Freedom and the steak was a amazing. 😊 Stay safe. 🥾🥾
Sounds like you had a good time in town! And you knew I was slower than you! Haha I'm surprised you thought you wouldn't catch me, bur I'm glad you did! I really enjoyed our hang out session with Sharky and Big Spoon the day after this at the shelter in the sun.... right by the privy! Lol
Thanks, Dawn! I am having such a blast still! YT is definitely hard to manage on trail, so I'll get the videos out when I can even if they take a while. Thank you for your support! 🥰
Loved the music, both the improvised and mystical forest. Glad you were successful in calling out the sun, if only for a short time. Keep enjoying all aspects of the trail!
Don’t worry about vlogging for the internet. You are on the greatest adventure ever and deserve to enjoy it. Shoot video for your memories. Something that you can share with your family later in life. You don’t have to post every day or at all if it interferes with your hike. I will follow your channel no matter how much you post because it is very enjoyable. Hike on Hootie.
You're so kind, thank you. I am absolutely vlogging for me first (which is why I took a zero recently to get my storage situation fixed, so I can continue recording stuff!!) but I love that I can share my journey with my family and friends and friends on the internet! I appreciate you being so understanding! Haha yes, posting/uploading will always be slow for me, bur rest assured I am still capturing moments from each day while I'm out here! I would be sad if I didn't. :)
Glad to see you're still on track AND that you got those videos back. I'm enjoying watching your journey, but can't even imagine having the energy needed to not only record video but also edit it! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us out here on the interwebs!!
Hahaha thank you! Yes, it's the biggest struggle I have out here, tbh. But even if my uploads are slow, know that I'm still recording and capturing moments from each day and that I'll be sharing them when I can! :)
I appreciate the suggestion! I don't wanna stop recording, that's for sure, but I won't put as much pressure on myself to upload every single time I hit town. :) I'm recording the views, my feelings, the weather, animals, and all that the trail has to offer for my own memories first!
We're so enjoying all of your videos! Imhopeful you can rescue your data off your micro sd card. Bruce's phone stayed on the bottom of our pool's deep end one year in green, then cloudy water until I could dive down for it after 4 days. All the card's data was fine!
I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos 🥰 and yes, I'm hopeful that I can recover my data too!! It has the second half of the Smokies and the Grayson Highlands too!!
I don't know what your posting delay is, or exactly where you are, but my wife (AT Class of '18), kids and I (USCG guy that was stationed in Guam too) live in Roanoke, Virginia. If/when you're in the area, let us know if you need anything.
