Walk
Scott Herriott, a self-proclaimed lazy***, had no desire to hike 2,658 miles (at least in the same calendar year). So, instead, he went out and interviewed those who were attempting to do so. From late April to early Oct. of 2003 he tracked down over 100 intrepid/insane souls who were in the middle of committing a half year of their lives attempting to trek the Pacific Crest Trail...one of the world's most geographically diverse paths that winds from the Mexican border in California up to the Canadian border in/out of Washington state. The result is "Walk", an insightful and funny look at those who partake of the journey that is long-distance hiking. The film was an official selection of the Greenwich, Malibu and Olympia film festivals in 2004. Along the way Scott learned of motivations, how regular folk smell to long-distance hikers, and, surprisingly, that hawks sometimes attack unsuspecting adventurers. Most of the walkers have trail names like Lugnut, Batteries Included, and So Far (who deemed most of those who attempt the hike as Bohemian Masochists). For Potato Picker, it's his second long-distance hike and since he enjoyed his "...first mid-life crisis so much..." he thought he'd have another. Scott also learned of the beloved stops that these trekkers congregate at...including Kennedy Meadows General Store (the beginning of the much loved and feared High Sierra), Seiad Valley Cafe (home to an infamous Pancake Challenge that only 7 have conquered in 17 years), and Pooh Corner (a house where a retired husband and wife (Trail Angels) allow the tired and the filthy to hang out for a day or two and climb their indoor rock wall if they so desire). If you love the outdoors and wry humor, this is a must for your DVD collection.