Here I am, 68 years old tied to a wheelchair feeling like I missed one of the most Beautiful Adventures that life offers. Your video of the PCT hike with all its breath taking views makes me feel like I missed a big part of my younger life. I always dreamt of hiking the AT Trail, yet never was able to fulfil the dream. Not until recently did I even know the PCT Trail even existed. At least you gave me the opportunity to see some of the PCT Trail with your hiking success which I dearly Loved. I did venture to Yosemite Valley and the Sequoia forests of California many years ago. Planet Earth has so many magnificent places and sights to see and visit, I just wish I had taken the time to see more of them. You are so lucky to accomplish this majestic hike that will carry you through the rest of your life. I love you for letting me see this part of America through your eyes. Thank You Julie Zweng!!
@katie_otoole Жыл бұрын
"...a trail that asked for all of me but gave me everything in return." Beautiful!
@JosephValenti2 жыл бұрын
"to listen to my 8 year old and my 80 year old self cheering me on" 8 year old the dreamer 80 year old the remembering your life. Damn that line hits hard
@EastofSublime Жыл бұрын
100% what resonated with me too. Very thankful to share that with you, and stoked on this video!
@TheHikingChick1 Жыл бұрын
Yep it got me too! 🌻💛
@brentonpolk Жыл бұрын
I cried upon hearing this. That line is so powerful and Inspiring, thanks @Juliezweng for sharing this! I hope tp hike the PCT one day and videos like this keep me inspired
@caitlin.hardee2 жыл бұрын
I don't know why this trail film affects me more than many others I've seen. Crying happy tears for you two. I was just a few hours ahead of you at the McKinney business and made it through to town, kept going through Oregon and roadwalked around the closures there, footpathed all the way to the border. It's wild to see how different your trail experience was, and yet how similar. Huge props for connecting the footprints and making it happen!! I so identify with the emotions and experiences here. What a precious, beautiful thing we experienced.
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Wow wow wow thank you for this comment! Truly remarkable how the fires set everyone on such a different path. SO impressed that you persevered around the closures, I didn't have it in me myself haha. So glad you resonated and thanks for watching
@tracykooken2606 Жыл бұрын
its a game changer 4 sur !!!!! NOTHING like a LONG trail for a ineffable exp !!! 😊
@INGELWOODJACK2 жыл бұрын
I’ve watched so many videos/documentaries about this trail. This is the only one that got me to cry on the inside wanting this adventure so bad. Hopefully one day.
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
I so believe that 'one day' is in your future:) thanks for the comment, wishing you the best in the in between and beyond. the trail will be waiting!
@ellenkunkel88454 ай бұрын
“Listening to my 8 year old self and 80 year old self cheer me on.” Wow. I love that!
@delgray88182 жыл бұрын
Denim! What a surprise when I clicked on this video that KZbin recommended to me and I realized it was you! This video is beautiful to look at and your narration is genuine and compelling. You have an artistic eye as well as a poetic soul, and those have combined here to produce one of my favorite PCT videos. I'm really glad to hear you and Howdy finished the trail. My own journey ended up being a similar route as yours, except I got caught behind the McKinney fire, skipped to Timberline to do Washington, but then also didn't make it to the northern terminus because of the fires there. I then skipped back south to do Oregon SOBO and finished in Etna. I plan to go back next summer and finish the remaining fire closure miles I didn't hike. All the best - it was truly a pleasure to meet you both. Maybe we'll bump into each other again on a different path?! Del "Taco"
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Del Taco!! This made me SMILE. Thank you for those kind, kind words. Weren’t the fires just a piece of work:/ props for so much persistence. it so great meeting you and truly hope our paths cross again!
@michaelsalzer43622 ай бұрын
Great video. I thru hiked the PCT in 21 and was there with all of our fellow hiker trash in 22. your video is the kind i love. captures the beauty of it all...and the numerous hard times.
@mikeshaffer2072 жыл бұрын
I see a few others beat me to it, but wanted to say how much I loved your "but it was time to remember my why: to listen to my 8 year old and 80 year old self cheering me on" quote ... really nails that 'hike your own hike, for your own reasons' mentality I absolutely adore! awesome video, well done!
@redesignedlife7776 ай бұрын
seein the 2 pics of their poses from when they were kids til now was awesome. those are friends til the end. amazing journey. just wished the movie was longer. like 1 hour. lol
@mikewickham Жыл бұрын
Wow! I've seen a lot of PCT videos, but that one may be my favorite. Story, scenery, music, emotional narration... it was powerful and perfect. Nice job!
@earlybirdlife4 ай бұрын
I wish you would've uploaded more, the story pace and the editing and the narration were absolutely stunning
@TheHikingChick1 Жыл бұрын
"To listen to my 8 year old and 80 year old self cheer me on" ... Brilliant! 👏👏👏
@MrRKWRIGHT2 жыл бұрын
Good Sunday morning Ladies. Thanks again for another great video from a couple of strong, self sufficient and talented offgrid woman living, camping, hiking and swimming in the Great Outdoors. That being said, have wonderful week.
@PeterBrown-e3r Жыл бұрын
Denim, Absolute top notch video,---actually better than that---it's the best ever!!! In fact, out of all my youtube viewing for years, you are the first one I ever subscribed to--and without any hesitation. Your photography, highlighted with clear, concise, deeply moving commentary is a poetic and emotional masterpiece. It moved both my wife and myself to tears. Obviously, we both immediately watched it a second time. Happy trails! May you, your friends, and all your adventures be blessed. Please share them on youtube. Thank you.
@wesleykremer39162 жыл бұрын
That was awesome! Congrats on your perseverance, grit, and embracing the suck to enjoy a lifetime of memories. I loved your 8 year-old and 80 year-old selves were cheering for you. This is so true!! Great job ladies!
@BarryTaylor199310 ай бұрын
Ah Julie! What a video. Thanks so mcuh for sharing. Extremely inspiring and moving. In 2019 I hiked until South Lake Tahoe and I prematurely made the call to leave. Since late 2020, it has lived rent-free in my head and now 2024 is the year to return and pick up from where I left off. Thank you.
@novacolonel52872 жыл бұрын
I'm dreaming of doing the PCT since I first heard about it in 2013. Getting half a year off is quite challenging, and there's always something keeping me. And some day it might be too late, when the damage we do with our lifestyles has become to much. But I'll do it before. One day.... You can be proud of yourselves, it is hard to fathom what you accomplished. Thank you for these truly astonishing impressions!
@billsmith3250 Жыл бұрын
There's the hike and there's the movie. So glad you did both. In my youth I did about 500 miles of that trail starting at Whitney Portal. I know something of what you speak. Somehow, in this short film, you filled in most of the rest. My big trail adventures are way behind me now, replaced by adventures less planned ... more random. Occasionally, I randomly stumble upon a uplifting gem like your film. All I can say is thank you with all of my heart. You did yourselves proud.
@hikingwithbarb90062 жыл бұрын
This was a great video! Brought tears to my eyes a few times as I imagined being on the trail and experiencing the highs and the lows and what kind of determination and strength it takes to tackle such an adventure! A friend of mine and me will be hiking the PCT Spring 2023 and I really hope that we can stick together and finish the trail together like the both of you. I'm sure it won't be easy but having your person beside you going after the same goal will help and we can hopefully motivate each other and lift each other up when there is a bad day, hard day or even a scary day. Watching the two of you makes me really realize how special it's going to be hiking this trail with my girlfriend. You are AMAZING! Thanks for sharing 💜
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Yay for female friendship and thru hiking and everything in between!! This makes me so so happy. It was the ultimate gift to hike with Emily, she is absolutely the reason I kept pushing on the hard days:) Wishing you and your friend the best this year!
@FrankHendriksma2 жыл бұрын
What a briljant adventure with fun and real perseverence, super video editing and superb storytelling. I really loved it .. the best pct video for 2022 for me.
@macguyver8698Ай бұрын
This girl taught herself to be just herself. Her wounds were done on self determation is all. Nobody needs to have such wounds.
@macguyver8698Ай бұрын
Yeper just climent crap😂 called nature and cant stop a 24,000yr cycle also. Enjoy so beautiful..
@johnd7462 жыл бұрын
Congratulations! What a tremendous accomplishment, especially since you went back, and did the miles you missed when evacuated because of the fire. Not everyone would do that, but you did and finished what you started out to do. The adventure of a lifetime.
@Austin-wr2zhАй бұрын
Great job! I'm planning my through hike trip. The trails look beautiful. You found some greater water features too!
@rbphilip2 жыл бұрын
Google knows me well. So many PCT videos this year. And you're all amazing. I've been camping and backpacking all my life, but never such a distance. I'm amazed and thrilled for you. Don't stop! There are so many trails out there. And so many campsites. Driving around fires and then going back to walk those stretches is getting to be pretty normal these days.
@CopperCityPatriot2 жыл бұрын
Outstanding motivating video. And...nice legs. We hiked reverse from the Washington/BC border to Crater Lake. Did so in the dead of Winter, on a dare. And snowshoes were the preferred footwear. The deep snow, meant slower movements and shorter days hiking. About six hours per day. Best part was no bugs! Worse was being buried by a snowstorm and the tent collapsing & somewhat severe frostbite around the ankles. Wood burned fast in the cold air, and the snow was a blessing for the heel blisters. Accomplished the trip using fifty-dollar boots and clothing from a military surplus store.
@lorindaducklow7157 Жыл бұрын
I love how incredibly vulnerable you get in sharing what you felt and experienced during this massive personal challenge! To me you are a true champion! Loved everything about this beautiful video. I cried as I felt the experience with you. You seem to have a deep awareness of what you experienced. Congratulations! Well done!
@LetsTrekTogether2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for transporting us back to trail Denim! It was an honor being able to hike with you and Howdy through NorCal! What a beautiful film!!
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
You two are the bestt! The honor was mine:)
@wwomannc4834 Жыл бұрын
Such a beautiful documentary and some of the best words I’ve ever heard used describing your experience. When you said, “the 8 yr old me and the 80 yr old me” really hit home on life and making those hard decisions. Cherish your life, your family, your friendship and yes your adventures.
@jimkanzelmeyer7722 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for using your talent to put together a VERY BEAUTIFUL hiking documentary! The final result is spectacular, combining your beautiful soul, a real sense of the effort required, and the rewards of being where NO ONE CAN BE unless they do what you did. Your video definitely achieved your goals - I feel what you presented. Great job Denim - God's blessings and protection.
@hannahwilliams2143 Жыл бұрын
This was beautiful, I’m hiking the PCT in a couple years and this video and your words made me feel every emotion, you two are truly an inspiration.
@bobbiegullickson19762 жыл бұрын
Your video really touched my soul. The explanations of your emotions, portraits of the highs and lows were truely inspirational. This video will be a treasure to look back on for the rest of your life.
@johnchaney99322 жыл бұрын
Merry Christmas and thank you very much for sharing your adventure maybe in a couple of years when they finish the great Redwood Trail here in Northern California you and your friend could come hike this trail from the San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay
@cowdogflicks Жыл бұрын
What a great trip. Well documented. Great story telling. One on the best I have watch I love your comment how your 8 and 80 self pushes you forward. Make some more videos you are good
@ms7fam4332 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your journey and unique perspective on the hike. We enjoyed it!!!
@wineberryred Жыл бұрын
Best of all, Thru-Hiking is Adventure! We all need more adventure. Thanks for the awesome video, great job.
@livjs122 жыл бұрын
I love love love the way you started this video! I'm going to start every entry in my journal that way from now on :)
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Thank you friend! It was such a helpful practice for me. I know one day you’ll look back and be proud of all you have overcome:)
@estelacastelliflorinopilz35112 жыл бұрын
Wow, this video is moving! Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your emotions and sharing a raw story of this trail. I'm watching this on the last day of 2022. I had already written down the goal to go camping again, and this was truly inspirational to choose to be brave, choose to have grit, to make that happen! The part about climate change gave me goosebumps and tears to my eyes. In these moments, I always try to remember "It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it"
@juliezweng Жыл бұрын
Thank you my friend!This comment just about sums up why I decided to share this video in the first place. So thankful to be in a space where we can build each other up, opt outside, and feel brave. Have the best time camping this year
@AusCelticsFan2 жыл бұрын
I just finished a PCT doco last night and now found this on my feed. Oh boy this is a great one. I could truly feel all the emotions you went through. The ups and the downs, the blistered feet, the Sierra’s!! I’m inspired to do this one day, but living down here 🇦🇺 makes it ever harder. One day perhaps!! Thanks for the INCREDIBLE video champion!! ⛺️🥾🙌🏼
@miracakesanim2 жыл бұрын
You did an amazing job on this video. We had the most flipfloppy mess of a hike after McKinney, and I love how you’ve documented it. It’s great for all the 2022 crew to look back on fondly. Thank you :)
@davidlegh-hayton9818 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful video journal of your awesome trip. I would love to do this before my time is done. Congrats on achieving an amazing experience.
@rhousto12 жыл бұрын
What a wonderful experience for the two of you and all.the other hikers. As someone who began backpacking at age eleven 65 years ago, I can only imagine all the lessons you learned about yourself. Backpacking teaches so much about ourselves and life. I introduced others, including students, to the wonders of hiking with a pack. This experience will guide you through your life. Congratulations!
@randysmith6493 Жыл бұрын
You did this in a greatest way, young and with your best friend. You are going miss those times so bad when your in your senior years, but thankful to have had them. Great journey, some amazing beauty . I sure hope the whole trail don’t burn down. Nice compilation and summations of thoughts and times.
@OutsideComfortZone10 ай бұрын
So good. I had goosebumps when you all got on the bus to tag those last miles in Oregon. Such a great film--congrats on your adventure!
@sandrap3047 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Love that your 8 year old self and your 80 year old self was cheering you on!
@jonathandutra4831 Жыл бұрын
Incredible, want to hike this trail. I admire your tenacity. Great job. On my bucket list for sure 100%
@kerrymetcalf96762 жыл бұрын
Awesome video Denim! I wish it was longer! lol. Loved watching your journey and was so glad to see you go back and finish the skipped portion. You two are a couple of rock stars!
@storm5130 Жыл бұрын
Bawling my eyes out! This is so special, and an absolute dream for me. Absolutely stunning video, thanks for sharing ☺️
@HikewithMangyan Жыл бұрын
Choked up a few times with your PCT video. Excellent video and narration. One day after I finished section hiking the AT...PCT could be next.
@featherfoothiker2 жыл бұрын
I cried watching your film. Crossing the finish line at the fire closure was a beautiful ending. Thanks for sharing your journey.
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching
@robynroamsoutdoors2 жыл бұрын
That was a wonderful video. Very well done. Definitely makes me want to go hike any of the long trails right now.
@rgwhittaker Жыл бұрын
this is an awesome addition to the many PCT thru hike videos. well done!
@kellee6551 Жыл бұрын
Well done Ladies....I'm 72 and still smokin the Hopium to have my dream hike one day. Missed the Appalachian in '95 due to the passing of my Dad and then Life took over. Great video ...never stop the dreaming or the journey :)
@DuhRev2 жыл бұрын
thank you for this.. perfect end to 2022 and setting the stage for 2023... Like others here I can say tears were shed.. good tears.. Now I just have to explain to my beloved wife what is up... She don't camp! ;-). peace
@Mikehikes61 Жыл бұрын
Well done, probably the best 18:32 of trail I have seen yet, awesome.
@brianwatt7 күн бұрын
Loved your video, reminded me of my 2014 PCT thru-hike. Tartan, TC
@grandwest11 Жыл бұрын
One of the more authentic and genuine hiking videos. Well done ladies, well done.
@makeuphappy1 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey from one Trailer lover to another it was a pleasure to watch pieces of your journey & to hear your stories! Made me smile and tear up 😊🙏🙌 Blessings from Oregon
@soaroutdoors2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on your accomplishment. One of the better hiking videos I’ve seen! Great story and awesome editing. Currently planning my AT23 hike and already want to hike the PCT. Thank you. “Listen to your 8 and 80 year old self” LOVE THIS
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Means the world, thank you Eric!! Heck yeah, wishing you the best on the AT. I have my eyes on that one :)
@jonhighsmith8032 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your experience, that was incredible! To be able to share that with your best friend from childhood just adds to the cool points. Hope you and Howdy have many more Unforgettable adventures together in your lifetime.
@jdn1976 Жыл бұрын
Poetry in filmmaking. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
@testing24dfas3 ай бұрын
Hard to put the feelings in words after watching this video. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.
@tomsalter37562 жыл бұрын
What a great video! Thanks, gals, for a wonderful travel-scape. So many familiar sights. Loved how you didn't quit; and how you went back and got all the parts of Oregon that you had to skip earlier. Congratulations!
@tiger2too18 Жыл бұрын
Congratulations. It’s a test of friendship if you can walk the PCT and encourage each other as required. Candid and honest. Thanks for your film. I hope to hike the pCT when my children have left home. Phil
@cookiesandcupcakes312 жыл бұрын
Such a great video!! Your honesty and heart are so clear to see and your grit! Can’t wait to see more of your work.
@danielkim2997 Жыл бұрын
well done, great edit and narration. so glad you went back to finish!
@stephenegli43872 жыл бұрын
Nice video. Glad you were able to go back to OR and hike the gap. I shot thru just ahead of the CA/OR closures and finished at the end of August. Hike on!
@winstonfj41742 жыл бұрын
awesome job!!! our 8 year old and 80 year old selves may forever be proud! I hope you two are well, and that the post trail isn't hitting too hard -Rainbow
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
RAINBOW! Was such a highlight to see you back in Oregon one last time. Hope you are well too! Post trail sucks, does it? :/
@Miaa536 Жыл бұрын
Girl..that’s the best video about the PCT I’ve ever watched! It made me cry .. ❤️🙏🏻 and inspired me even more to do the longest trail here in Bulgaria which is just 650km but still ..
@yonnie19642 жыл бұрын
thanks so much for sharing your experience in a raw and beautiful way. I shouldn't tear up at the end but of course I did. I know my 8 year old voice and you've planted the seed of what my 80 year old self will say. Thanks again.
@richarddirksen4501 Жыл бұрын
Beautiful video. Thank you so much for taking us with you and sharing this beautiful adventure 🙏❤
@blueklister Жыл бұрын
Incredibly well done film. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
@whereisdavetoday9979 Жыл бұрын
Oh you are so amazing! Your insightfulness is so mature. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us:)
@frankarena8382 ай бұрын
Wow, what an inspirational video. Congratulations to you both on achieving such an epic achievement. Truly amazing, God bless you both!!
@CJ-nf5jd2 жыл бұрын
That was awesome. Congratulations, I'm envious, that's something I had wanted to do many years ago. Thanks for bringing us along. Welcome to Canada.
@armwriting2 жыл бұрын
WOW! this is so beautiful and moving! what an amazing journey and accomplishment and lessons learned.. way to dig deep and keep walking every day. thanks for sharing ! like seriously, I'm tearing up after watching this... the scenery is stunning and you told this story perfectly. this resonated so much with me even as a day hiker ... WELL DONE!
@butcherknife59knife462 жыл бұрын
Great video Gals you did good . I never get tired of watching people and there passion. Good luck in your next endeavor. Around Bend Oregon on 2 wheels
@mikepeterson20232 жыл бұрын
Wow what a beautiful video! We briefly met in NorCal and shared the halfway point (which I'm glad you pointed out because I almost missed it completely). So glad you two were able to make it to the Northern Terminus and then back to Oregon! Happy trails, Freedom 🇺🇲
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Hi Freedom, so fun to hear from you! Thanks for the watch, I so hope you enjoyed the rest of your hike:)
@airzillarocks2 жыл бұрын
Stellar adventure, well done all around - You two should be very proud of seeing it through all the challenges to experience the grand and wonderous moments - What an amazing journey together as friends, trail buddies, and most of all, warriors - Thanks for the ride and mega smile - Best wishes in the life ahead - Rock on... \m/
@richardinjapan4578 Жыл бұрын
This is an amazing film. Thank you. And congratulations on an outstanding accomplishment.
@indananobhikkhu1942 жыл бұрын
Beautifully made PCT video, honestly one of the best ones out there! Very well done, and congrats for finishing the trail :)
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so SO much
@mmiller11 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely outstanding video. Great photography, excellent writing.
@TheStormey2 жыл бұрын
I just want to say I am so so proud of you girls! I have a mess and barely get out of bed these days and it just makes me so so happy to see y'all out their experiencing the world and making the most of it! Don't stop and just know you have the power and the spirit to do whatever you want to do!
@juliezweng2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to comment such encouraging words
@captureit_3 ай бұрын
Hi, where exactly is the part with the view of the volcano at 12:48? Thanks for this great video, it is very watchable and gratulations for finishing it 🎉
@lilyweinberg86352 жыл бұрын
I'm starting to plan for the PCT in 2024! I can't stop watching videos like yours...thanks for sharing!!
@johnnybell685 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely love it!!!! Thank you so much for sharing, congratulations to the both of you ladies!!
@ashylarry321 Жыл бұрын
Soo much respect for going back in the same season to get the missed trail, massive props!
@thomas_sexton882 жыл бұрын
Well done Denim and Howdy congratulations and proud of you 2
@SensatiousHiatus2 жыл бұрын
Bravo! Great film! It left me with a huge smile on my face. Thanks for sharing and I hope you create another!
@toocooltobecruel Жыл бұрын
Gosh, this made me tear up 🥹 Missing this life so much. What a beautiful video. Thanks for bringing back memories 💙
@TMNT3388 Жыл бұрын
Very well done and Congrats on finishing the trail!
@PCTALONGWALKNORTH2 жыл бұрын
really loved this. 2024 with my daughter and I'm going to forward this to her to watch. really well put together and the viewpoints were stunning on the sierra, Oregon and wash. congratulations!!!
@vaughanjensenfilms2 жыл бұрын
nice work going back and getting those Oregon miles! Had my heart broken in nor-cal sobo 2020. Went back in 2021 to complete the trail, i know just how you felt. Also nice job squishing this down to 18 minutes! that's been a big challange for me. take care! -Ground Score
@joshm886 Жыл бұрын
This beautiful video really moved me. Thanks for sharing!
@eitanmer210 күн бұрын
What abeautiful journey! have you started mid April?
@quintonpeters89802 жыл бұрын
Hey it’s Sweatsuit. We met at Chipmunk’s Ebbits Pass trail magic. Thank you for sharing your epic journey. Congrats.
@redrumdrake Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing this with us here. It's been great watching this.
@davidgilling62162 жыл бұрын
Hi. I have watched a few PCT films. This is one of the best. Thankyou for your honesty, showing the pain and joy you experienced. Very inspiring.
@retiredusmc90902 жыл бұрын
Beautifully narrated! Congratulations on your perseverance and tenacity along a metamorphic PCT journey. A life-long connection to natures introspection abilities is a gift that will be internally within you. Confidence in yourself, and simply placing one foot in front of the other regardless of life's challenges, is a character trait that will always propel you forward towards your goals. Congrats!!
@emilyrose45032 жыл бұрын
My brave awe-inspiring cousin, I am so so proud of you❤❤ you have many more great adventures to come