Last weekend, folks here on the north coast of CA hosted four Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hikers: Adam “Hemlock Muppet” Canter, Kasi “Beam” Craddock, Jesse “Mountain Goat” Crocker, and Ana “Birdy” Roberts. The hikers furloughed from Etna, CA, after completing over half of the 2,600-mile trail. When finished Beam, Birdy, and Hemlock Muppet will have completed two of the U.S.’s great hiking trails - the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
The video’s below include interviews about their experiences. Thanks for your town time, hikers!
Recently, I was delighted to find Walking the West, which documents the story of two men in their attempt to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Lightheartedly, the film brings unique perspectives of these common trail themes:
realization of overpacking / decision to cut weight on a micro-level
the push to stay positive with tough terrain and failing gear
connection with nature’s simplicity
importance of food
requirement of mental toughness
deepening of connection with self
I was impressed at the filmmaker’s ability to capture a full trail experience in less than one hour of film. Of six trail documentaries I’ve seen, I’d recommend this one to beginners. To view in high quality, purchase the film here. If you are willing to watch in low quality, watch for free below:
In the premier episode of the Long-Distance Backpacking Podcast, I talk with with Dr. David Horton, Professor of Health Sciences & Kinesiology at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. David has been an ultra-marathon runner since 1979 and in 1991 set the speed record for traveling the entire Appalachian Trail, which he did in fifty-three days. In 1995, he finished third in a 2,906-mile race across North America and in 1999 set the Long Trail speed record. In 2005 he set the speed record for the Pacific Crest Trail, completing the trip in sixty-seven days, a journey that is documented in the film “The Runner” which was released in 2006.
In the interview, David gives descriptions of his experience on the Appalachian Trail and the PacifiCrest Trail and provides valuable health advice to anyone attempting a long hike. He also explains why he chooses to travel at the rate he does. After the interview, I’ll review some of the interesting points that David brings up about long-distance foot travel.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association’s (PCTA’s) annual Trail Fest in Portland, OR, this weekend went beyond my expectations of a trail association conference. Humming with trail culture, the event was much more than a business meeting for board members. Primarily focused around the PCTA’s communication with its members, Trail Fest also included classes on trail techniques, a sixteen-member vendor fair, and an open mic session for trail stories.
With several hundred attendees, the crowd was rich in trail experience. This made for worthwhile discussion in the classes I attended. I recognized some faces from the PCT and was able to get a few interviews of noteworthy folks in the backpacking community. The interviews will be released in Podcasts soon!
Here are some points of interest from PCTA Trail Fest 2009:
“Walk” films - a collection of PCT documentaries by Scott “Squatch” Herriott
Gossamer Gear - a cutting-edge lightweight gear company
Last weekend, folks here on the north coast of CA hosted four Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hikers: Adam “Hemlock Muppet” Canter, Kasi “Beam” Craddock, Jesse “Mountain Goat” Crocker, and Ana “Birdy” Roberts. The hikers furloughed from Etna, CA, after completing over half of the 2,600-mile trail. When finished Beam, Birdy, and Hemlock Muppet will have completed two of the U.S.’s great hiking trails - the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
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