All New Adventures of Ponytail Dave and his 2010 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

Spring hiking on AT

2011-05-05T18:34:00.000-04:00

Hi All,
I'm still going thru AT withdrawls,battling inside myself feeling like I'm not doing enough(of what I'm not sure, for the ASPNC for Pam for myself ?) but a hike last Sunday with my friend Gary up to Mt Jackson at least got me back on tha AT for a short while. It was a beautuful day, but there is still 5-6 feet of snowpack still in some places(checkout the blase on the tree in the picture, about 8in. off the snow), it made for some tough walking in some places cause your actually walking up in the trees.
Pam and I are going Damascus for the Trail Days celebration, were going to meet up with Tequila John, Tillerman and Tree + hopefully many other thru hikers from last year and also many hiking this year will be there!! It's going to be a blast.

Memories and thoughts of my thru hike last year run through my brain on a daily basis, sometimes it makes me sad (life was so much simpler out there), but most of the time the memories just add alittle more pleasure to my day. I would go again tomorrow if Pam would join me (and we could afford it!), but for now I'll settle for hiking up here in the beautiful region where we call HOME!

"Pirates of the High Skis" - Cannon Mnt - Sat 2/12

2011-02-07T14:56:00.000-05:00

Pirates of the High Skis...at Cannon! - February 12 - Fundraiser for Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country - non profit org

Arrgh! Ski Like a Pirate and Hunt for Ye Treasure! This is a fundraiser for the Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country - a fun and adventurous day includes: treasure maps, costumes, contests, raffles and a day of skiing & riding for a great price and a great cause! Could win a SEASON PASS TO CANNON MNT, restaurant gift cards, overnight lodging at Mittersill Resort and much more.

Registration starts at 9am in the Peabody Lodge on Saturday morning, more info email me or go to www.adaptivesportspartners.org

THANK YOU!!!

2011-01-09T18:29:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year

2011-01-09T18:25:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to All,
Where does time go, one minute I'm on the trip of a lifetime hiking the AT, next it's Jan 2011, WOW.
Been very busy at work,and taking training clinics inside and on mountain, to prepare to help with the winter part of the ASPNC, there is alot to learn to be involved in the winter skiing part of the program. Cannon is a great mountain, and Feb 12th is our first fundraiser of 2011, Pirates of the High Skis.
It takes alot to keep this program running and we need all the help we can get, as usual anything anyone can spare will help,even if it's just coming to Cannon Mountain on the 12th and helping out.
Hope to see everyone out enjoying the outdoors this winter.
Hope you all have a great year,
Ponytail Dave
Ps please check out our new website, the link is still on the blog.

2 months !!!!

2010-10-10T18:54:00.000-04:00

Hi all,
It's been 2 months since I finished my hike, time flies by. Last night I was showing my cousin Mark pics of my trip,after I went to bed I layed there for quite some time realizing how much I missed being out sleeping in the mountains, but life must go on normally working , and being happy with small hiking trips,but it will forever be in my brain that I would love to do another long distance hike this time with Pam. This will probably never be doable, but I can dream!!! Living life normally will never seem normal to me again, I think I will always feel just alittle lost, the AT truley left a mark on my soul!
Hike safe
Life is good

Dave ( aka Ponytail Dave)

Tuesday 8/10 - "Katahdin" from Ponytail Dave

2010-08-31T13:36:00.001-04:00

Got somewhat of a good night sleep last night (much anticipation – felt like a kid on Christmas).

All up early 5am, had a quick breakfast, changed into hiking clothes. My stomach was doing flip flops as we were all getting ready.

5:58AM – signed hiker trail register. There was a group that went ahead of us at 2AM to catch the sunrise. Other than that we were the only ones on the Hunt Trail.

Trail started out easy, but after Katahdin Falls it getting rockier and steeper, soon we were above tree line and it was harder w/many large boulders w/rebar on them. Hand over hand got us up. The steep scrambling kept my mind occupied as did watching and talking w/Pam, Elise and Ollie. This was a pleasant change, since most of my hiking was alone. Nights were where I met up w/other hikers.

After the “Gateway” the climb flatten out a little and you could see people at the summit. I could not believe this was it. I was about to finish. How would it feel? What next? My mind was going on overdrive, thought of Michael, my family, the Adaptive program and all the people that I have met on the trail. Ironic, 3 friends I made and started w/back on 4/1 were waiting for me at the top. How cool is that, that we all get to summit together. Also, thinking about the joy of having my wife finish with me. She really is a trooper.

As, I got closer I felt s strange calm come across me. Pam, Ollie & Elise went first to the summit so they could get my picture as I approached. I could see Moose, Tetherball and Inferno as I approached the sign. When I touched the sign I heard nothing. Not even all the people clapping and cheering. I just stood there and yelled to Michael “I made it”. I was frozen for a minute then straight over to Pam for a big hug.

I DID IT!!!! 2,179 miles I WAS THERE!

Took some times for hugs & high fives w/everyone. We even opened a bottle of champagne, lit some sparklers, took pictures and celebrated. After 45 minutes or so Moose, Tetherball and Inferno hugged me and were soon disappearing down the trail. I will miss seeing their warm smiling faces daily!

We took almost 5 hrs to get back down. It was harder than up.

I was kind of quiet, walking ahead lots of times, just thinking about the last 132 days. What an adventure. It seems like I just left Springer Mnt back on April 1st.

At 5pm I signed the last trail register and kissed the last white blaze and we headed home. My journey was officially over. I was feeling good.

I drove the entire 6 1/2hrs home. Beautiful sunset on Rt 95 and I sang the whole way home. I really missed music.

Now I have to try to return to a “normal “ life. I think it is going to be hard.

I love you all. You all have been great and so supportive of me and Pam.

THANK YOU,
Ponytail Dave

Moose, Inferno, Pony Tail, Tetherball - CLASS 2010 GA-ME

Ollie, Elise, Pam, Dave

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Ollie - class of 1995, Dave - class of 2010

Monday 8/9 - RAIN - 0 day

2010-08-28T11:05:00.000-04:00

We all woke early to the rain pelting on the shelter. PTD went to talk to the ranger to check the forecast. Rain! To let up late in the day. Ranger did say Tuesday would be a glorious day. Ponytail decided he came this far he can wait one more day.

We got up, had breakfast and went into town for lunch. PTD ate lots. Baked lasagna, salad, potato skins, French fries, mozzarella sticks, a beer and then as we were leaving he went up to the ice cream stand and got a chocolate shake. Think he only missed GA and WV for chocolate shakes. He was napping in the car about 10 minutes down the road. Just took our time picking up some more supplies for dinner at the local food market.

When we got back we couldn’t have the same lean to because it was rented out so we now had to get a 3 person lean to #C. Tight but we all fit. Elise is small.

Moose, Thetherball and Inferno were there(they are part of the April Fools Gang). All 4 started together on 4/1 in GA. How Ironic that they would all summit together on the last day of the journey.

When when they were done setting up their camp they came over to ours to have some burgers, mac and cheese, fruit and roasted marshmallows. We sat by the fire and talked for a bit. Nice to hear them all reminiscing about their journeys and everyones anticipation and anxiety of tomorrows hike. The last day, the last hike of their amazing journey.

Dark came, they left and we all went to bed.

Oh forgot to mention our car trouble(muffler), nothing a Moxie can and a Coca Cola can wouldn't fix

8/23 $10,000.50 raised to date

2010-08-23T20:40:00.000-04:00

Don't even know what to say!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

Sunday 8/8

2010-08-23T20:38:00.000-04:00

Very excited today. He knows that we are coming to see him and that the end is near.

9:30 goes across the Abol Bridge, he is now in Baxter State Park. Says he passed lots of nice ponds and had view of Katahdin all day long. He arrived at Katahdin Stream Campground about 2ish. Checked in w/the ranger and got our lean to all squared away. He set up camp at lean to #5, started a fire and waited for us. At about 4pm, Ollie, Elise and I arrived. We were all thrilled to see each other.

We hung out and had dinner and early to bed. They are calling for 70% chance of showers. Bummer. We will make the decision in the morning on whether to hike or not.

This was an exciting night for Elise and I. We had never slept in a lean to. Always in tents. I was just hoping no critter would run across us in the night. None did! we both said we would do it again.

Woke in the middle of the night to rain pelting off the shelter.

PTD hiked about 17.7 miles today 5.2 left (REAlly!!) 2,173.8 hiked to date

Saturday 8/7

2010-08-23T12:48:00.000-04:00

6:30AM UP AND HIKING. Cool morning about 45 out. Very cool sunrise.

Right off the bat Ponytail saw a family of otters and a moose taking a morning swim. He got her picuture as she was running out of the water.

1:30 he was at Nesuntabunt Mnt – he could see Katahdin. Beautiful crisp clear view. It is massive! Just stands out from all the other mountains. Just to imagine a few more days and I would be there on the top. Amazing! He knows that I only have 36 more miles to go.

Stayed at the edge of Rainbow Lake. It is his last night alone. No one else camping w/him. Time to reflect.

Hiked 26.3 miles today

Home Coming Party – 8/21

2010-08-19T10:19:00.002-04:00

Home Coming Party – 8/21

This Saturday at the VFW on Cottage St in Littleton, NH

5-8pm

Please bring an appetizer

Kids are welcome!

Hope to see you all there

Friday 8/6

2010-08-15T13:16:00.000-04:00

Actaully yesterday at the end of the day Ponytail reached 2,100 miles. He can't believe he has walked all these miles already. Says some days it doesn't seem like 4 + months that he has been on the trail and other days, well, we won't talk about those. He says it wasn't easy!

Off and over Hay mnt, White Cap mnt, Little Boardman mnt. several ponds and streams.

It was still warm but he could fell the air changing. Weekend to be less humid so he was told.

Toward the end of day once he set up camp at the Antlers Campsites, he could see a perfect full rainbow off in the distance. It was glowing off of the Lower Jo Mary Lake. Deep colors. Couldn't figure out the camera to do a panoramic view but he did manage to take some pics of it from both sides. Says he could see the beginning and the end over the lake. Truly magnificent! What a great thing to see at the end of a long day.

26.8 mile TODAY 51.9 more mile to go!!!!!!!

no picnic tables or rocks so the ground had to do for cooking dinner

home sweet home for the night

Thursday 8/5

2010-08-15T12:40:00.000-04:00

Today it was humid once again. Lots of mountains today. 4th Mnt, 3rd Mnt, Columbus Mnt, Chairback Mnt. More ups and downs to hammer the knees. Eyes to the ground to watch the footings.

Also, went across the Katahdin Iron Works Logging Road to the West Branch River to the Hermitage (protected area of old pines).

Stayed at the Carl A. Newhall Lean To - sleeps 6

16.88 miles today 78.6 left 2099.6 to date!

he was up early too gathering food

Wednesday 8/4

2010-08-15T12:10:00.000-04:00

PTD Woke to an all you can eat breakfast at Shaw's Lodging for $7.00. Super! What a way to start the day. Little foggy from all the beers w/the gang last night.

Today is the start of the 100 mile Wilderness. He has been waiting for this. 100 mile wilderness is exactly that. 100 miles of trees, ponds, swamps, animals, very remote area in Maine. You should carry about 5-6 days of food, if able to do high miles as Ponytail can.

Says it was a a bit of a tough day. Lots of ups and downs. Elevation gains and losses. His knee and foot are very sore. He can't wait (in a way) to end so he doesn't have to walk everyday! It is hot and humid. The air is very dense and makes breathing difficult.

He did pass lots of ponds (Maine ponds are more like lakes). Spectacle Pond, Bell Pond, Lily Pond, North Pond, Little & Big Wilson Falls and Streams and Long Pond(where he hit the 100 mile mark left to go). No shortage of water out here. Went over Barren Mountain. Nice views.

Stayed at Cloud Pond Lean To -sleeps 6 - rained over night.

About 19.1 miles today 95.4 more mile to go

6/16 -6/19 pics

2010-08-13T12:26:00.003-04:00

more PA rocks

Karen (sister) and Ponytail at Karen's work

Dave and nephew Braylon

Dave, his mom and Uncle Bobby

Stay Tuned!!! More to come!!!

2010-08-12T11:09:00.001-04:00

We are gathering more pics from the trip and writing some blogs from the 100 mile wilderness and Katahdin that we will be posting really soon. Thanks for your patience and stay tuned!

WE MADE IT !!!!!!

2010-08-11T07:29:00.001-04:00

Hi All,

Reached summit of Mt. Katahdin at 10:45 am, Tues Aug 10th. Thanks Pamela, Ollie and Elise for joining me! Got home 12:30 last night , will talk more later.
Thanks so much to All,
Ponytail Dave

Message from Ponytail in Monson

2010-08-06T08:37:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

Here in Monson Maine, the last trail town on the AT. Tomorrow I will be off to the 100 Mile Wilderness and then to summit Mount Kathadin.

My journey is almost over, time to go back home to a regular life (no more trail life). I am happy and sad all at the same time. Looking forward to my wife, family, friends and motorcycle. Emotions are running very high at this point of my journey. I’m left w/great appreciation for what I have in the world and all the great people all around me.

Thank you to all that have helped me on my trek. Also, thank you to all of you that have donated to ASPNC. This helped make it an even more rewarding journey for me. Michael would be proud, to know that we have helped make a difference.

I am asking now that if anyone out there thought about donating and haven’t, NOW IS THE TIME TO DONATE. Let’s finish this hike w/a BANG and get to $10,000. Only need $1,850 more to go. Every $5 and $10 will make the difference. If you know of anyone interested in donating, please give them the info on how to. THANK YOU.

Thank you again for all your support.

Look forward to seeing everyone at my coming home party.

VFW – Littleton, NH --- Sat 8/21 5-8pm

Dave

Tuesday – 8/3 – Day 125

2010-08-06T08:21:00.001-04:00

PTD missed it! The moose swimming in the pond. I guess Tetherball and Moose got to see him. They had gone down to the pond early because they heard there was one there the day before. As soon as they saw it Moose wanted to go wake Ponytail but didn’t’ know if she should. They decided to let him sleep. He could really use his rest.

His boots and clothes were damp from the night before. On they go and off he goes. They only got wetter as the morning went on because of how wet the grass was from the rain the night before.

Into Monson(close to Hebron Lake) by 2pm. He stayed at Shaw’s Lodging. Nice and comfy.

Went out to lunch, did laundry, met up w/some friends, got his care packages in the mail. He needed to resupply before the 100 Mile Wilderness (no stores).

Bruce (Feather foot – thru-hiker class 2009) drove all the way to Monson to see Ponytail. Bruce had just come up from NJ to NH the day before. Now he traveled 6 hrs just to see Dave. How very nice! THANKS BRUCE! It was a surprise to boot. PTD didn’t know he was coming. They got to go out and have some beers at a local pub. Bruce got to meet PTD’s hiker friends too. They all shared stories about their trail experiences. Bruce fit right in since he too hiked the same trail just last year. They all had a good time.

17.9 miles today 114.6 left 2,063.7 traveled to date on foot!

6/13 -6/15 pics

2010-08-05T15:51:00.000-04:00

Shall he say more about PA trails!!!

Pavillion where he stayed

Could have been a pal for Coco & Chezly

6/12 -6/14 pics

2010-08-05T13:05:00.000-04:00

Les - this is for you

Inferno relaxing in Duncannon

6/1 - 6/11 pics

2010-08-05T12:54:00.000-04:00

Preparing for the feast

Kim, Linda, Ponytail & Gary's Picnic at the Caledonia State Park

Kim & Dave

These little rascals seemed to love his poles

Ahhh! Beer and Crown!

5/25 - 5/31 - 3rd set of pics

2010-08-04T16:00:00.000-04:00

Acutally in side Mike & Nancy's house

Sue & Jere ready for their hiking adventure w/Ponytail

Ponytail, Jere, sister Susan, Nancy, Mike and the Flying Scotsmen

5/25 - 5/31 - 2nd set of pics

2010-08-04T13:16:00.000-04:00

Dave and Jimmy

Upstairs a friend's hunting lodge (BEST PLACE!)

5/25 - 5/31 Pics - 1st set

2010-08-04T12:58:00.000-04:00

Guess which one they call Long Shanks?

Jim, Flying Scotsmen & Ponytail

Penny for your thoughts!