Odyssey on the Pacific Crest Trail

[@whiskeybeardoutdoors6568]

Aw man. Youre a hero for making it back to your Dad. Then going back out to finish makes you a legend. Mad respect sir. 🙏

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you Whiskey Beard! ...to generous! Honestly, once I knew my dad was in trouble, I totally wrote off the PCT. But when his health stabilized, he and everyone else in my family was asking when I was going back to finish. Who was I to say no? Getting back into the wild helped me come to terms with the fact that he might still die (which of course happened a month later, as you know from the vid).

[@whiskeybeardoutdoors6568]

@thebikeweiss Damn. I feel for you my good man. Godspeed.

[@jimschlabachpeacefuloutdoo7327]

Dude, born in ‘60, you inspire me. Well done.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks, Jim! Glad it inspired you. With my late start, I was mostly among hikers much younger than me. However, when I flipped to do Washington southbound, I encountered a lot of hikers who were more in my mid-50's age range (I think maybe they tended to start earlier and therefore finished earlier???). Maybe someday you'll find yourself out there!!!

[@manfredseidler1531]

Your skills, stamina and determination was awe inspiring. What an accomplishment... you took on mother nature, overcame and gained her respect. Well done.

[@thebikeweiss]

...and mother nature gained my respect too; what an awesome woman she is! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments!

[@janetg14]

One of the best documented thru hikes on KZbin I’ve seen yet. Loved the videography and music. You did a great job! Thanks for taking us with you. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very inspirational. Condolences on passing of your dad.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you, Janet G! I truly appreciate your comments and condolences.

[@timmybirdsall7829]

My goodness the way you brought the PCT to life is awesome.

[@thebikeweiss]

I'm so glad you liked it, Timmy, and appreciate the comment!

[@tamielkins1745]

I live here in the Pacific North West and will never get tired of the beauty that surrounds me. The film was absolutely breathtaking. Thanks for sharing.

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it, Tami! And what a beautiful place you call home. While I would never want to call any one part of the PCT "my favorite," Washington left a mark on my soul that will never fade.

[@boogiewoogit5597]

I know whatcha mean. Grew up in Wyo & Utah, def beautiful, but since moving to Wa it’s also left a mark on my soul. The weeks straight of drizzle takes getting used to, but small price to pay for such green and mild winter. I’ve seen em all, the states, the world too, and Wa St is just incredible. Utah before insane overdevelopment was very special too, but greed is destroying that state, barely recognize it anymore. Health and happiness to you & yers, thx again for the great vid.

[@Atticus1957]

Best PCT retell EVER. Thank you!

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it... thank you for commenting!

[@Wanderlonger]

Brings back so many great memories - good job!

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it... thanks for your comment!

[@jasonjudd4]

Fantastic documentary. Thank you for sharing.

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for commenting!

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Very good 👍🏻 and emotional Enjoyed it

[@thebikeweiss]

Many thanks for your comments. So glad you enjoyed it!

[@tammyjarvis3699]

Super enjoyed watching this video of your trek! Have watched many of these through through hikes inside discovered them at the beginning of Covid and yours looked truly epic. What an Odyssey emotionally to go through to with your dad in hospice and you having to get off the trail like that but what a blessing to have a dad that just was thinking of you and it just enjoying what you were able to do it that time. I found these videos of these through hikes just when my own feet are falling apart on me after working on them for 8 to 10 hours a day for 30 years so it is a dream that will never come to fruition but it is so awesome that I get to see the PCT through the eyes of so many of you out there!

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed my video and those of other thru hikers, and can live vicariously through them. Even with tired feet, there may be some form of adventure out there for you! Thanks for your comments, Tammy!

[@richardbonfiglio1765]

Thirty years as a mountain guide and been to many of your spots. Excellent video. You made me feel the essence of the trail without having to walk it again. Thanks.

[@stevebednarchik9390]

Thoroughly enjoyed.

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it... thanks for commenting!

[@user-by2bq2yp3i]

What an absolutely outstanding movie. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us. I hope to be able to do the same in a few years' time.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you for your thoughtful remarks! I'm always happy to hear when people enjoy the film and are inspired by it. Best wishes for getting to the start of your thru hike and for a successful journey!

[@LifeTripped]

Beautiful You seemed to be hitting prime spots at the right time for those epic light shots.

[@thebikeweiss]

Yes... my favorite times of day to be on the move are early morning, as dark transitions to light and evening, as light transitions to dark. It seems that in the heart of the day, the light washes everything out. Thanks for your comment!

[@ariana42]

Great film, I recently had a family loss, my sister succumbed to cancer 12/26/23. Your film helped me get through the rest of my workday today and inspired me to get out and hit a trail soon and enjoy some outdoor therapy, happy trails! Thank you fellow trailblazer

[@thebikeweiss]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your sister. I hope you can find peace and comfort out on the trails. I'm touched and honored that my video helped you a bit. Thank you for your kind remarks.

[@ariana42]

Thank you as well@@thebikeweiss

[@HP_VDP]

Thank you for all of your efforts .. great to watch .. Motivation

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you found motivation in this! Thanks so much for your comments!

[@neevesutton1]

absolutely loved your video ..well done .can not wait to get back on the trail

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, Stephen... thanks for your comments and happy trails!

[@chrisfillipi6536]

My son is on it now. He is just over 200 miles in. I ❤ your introduction. My other son is Climbing Denali in two weeks.

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed the Intro, Chris... best wishes to your sons on their adventures!

[@tanyabindernagel7257]

Great video!!! Beautiful way to tell your story! Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, Tanya! Thanks so much for your comments.

[@richards8916]

Beautiful work! Thanks ❤️

[@thebikeweiss]

Your comment is much appreciated, Richard S... Glad you enjoyed it!

[@steveknutzen2830]

Great pics. Thanks for all the animals, most hikers must walk on by. And thanks for the journey.

[@thebikeweiss]

There's so much to see out there and am glad to share it (at least in video). Thanks for your comments, Steve!

[@robertligas250]

Thanks for sharing your journey . Sorry for your loss I lost my mom this year. Thank you for your positive attitude on the trail very up lifting. Hoping for PCT 2027

[@robertligas250]

😊

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you kindly for your comments. My condolences to you for the loss of your mom... I hope her circle of life was a beautiful one. And, best wishes to you for your 2027 PCT plan! Probably more so after completing the trail, the PCT has taught me to appreciate the simple life.

[@jonmsimpson]

What a wonderful documentary of the PCT. It's refreshing to see it from the pov of an older hiker. In my mid 40's myself now and your vid reminded me there is still time to do things I dream of. Happy trails!

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you found some inspiration in this, Jon! One think I learned from a lot of younger hikers on the trail is to follow your bliss, right now. Of course life/future planning is important too, but as I learned on the trail many times, many well thought out plans do go as anticipated anyway.

[@jonmsimpson]

@@thebikeweiss Ya thats something I've been coming to realize (again) after having a bad bout of covid and knee injuries, you only get so much time, so don't waste it doing things that don't make you happy and encourage personal growth.

[@dianesoini]

This was beautiful.

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it... thank you for your comment!

[@lowermichiganadventures]

Great video my new hiking community friend

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you liked it Lower Michigan! Yay Michigan! I've enjoyed the Upper Peninsula a few times but need to explore your territory (lower Michigan) more.

[@bigiron102]

Beautiful and inspiring journey.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you!

[@karenabel6218]

What an incredible journey. Thanks so much for sharing your life experience with us here on KZbin. Awesome music choices... From the scenery, to the photography, and then the people you met along the trail and elsewhere Wow...

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you so much for these thoughtful comments, Karen! So glad you enjoyed it and got some sense of my PCT experience. At times, it seems surreal to me and I even wonder if it really happened; but all it takes is a another backpacking trip - even if its short and close to home - to remind me that the PCT did happen and that its so wonderful to be out in the wild.

[@xhawk69x14]

I really like the music you added to your trek!! Beautiful photography too! =)

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you very much! My hope is that the music helps relay the broad array feelings I had during the trek. I'm glad you were able to feel it!

[@HolisticHikes]

Love your presentation. Narration, film work, and music. Cheers from the PNW!! 💚💚💪

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comments! ...so glad you enjoyed it! ...I loved the PNW section; difficult terrain and harsh weather but oh so beautiful!!!

[@HolisticHikes]

@@thebikeweiss 💚💚

[@edwardridgill4977]

Excellent video adventure. Great photography and good music selection !

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it and thanks much for the comments, Edward!

[@ahouston1989]

I am so excited you did this because it gives me hope I can make it thank you for sharing your journey

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad it helped you find inspiration... best wishes on your adventure!

[@traviswalker6831]

Sorry for your loss my friend. I lost my dad when I was only 15 to cancer. I’m glad you were able to be with him at the end, and give him something to live vicariously through. Congratulations on finishing the hike!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you so much for your condolences! As you are aware from your loss, it's oh so hard to lose a parent; but somehow we eventually get our feet pointed forward again and continue walking forward in this beautiful world.

[@Mikeisoutside]

What a great video! All of these thru hikes are making me want to try it.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks Mike! Give it a go, and if you haven't already tried backpacking, go for a short trip... its so fun and freeing no matter what the length of the trip!

[@GeraldErnat]

Ted, you are an absolute badass!!! Super proud of you!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you, Gerald! It was the ultimate sports nutrition challenge (not to mention the psychological, physical, and other challenges). Thanks so much for your comments!

[@slttarasmith3822]

Beautiful video, very inspiring ❤️

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it... thank you for your comments!

[@judyappel9274]

Every aspect of this trip was Fantastic!! Thank you soooo much for taking us along to see the wonder of other parts of the world...Cousin Judy

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comments, Judy! I'm glad you enjoyed the adventure!

[@soup2go935]

Thank you so much for this. Beautiful. The scenery, the music, and you and all the others along your travels.

[@thebikeweiss]

You are welcome, Soup2Go! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you kindly for your comments!

[@ellisonwilkins2265]

OH, almost forgot to mention that I Really enjoyed your choice of music. Great soundtrack!

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed the soundtrack!

[@nickbild3538]

Amazing. Thank you for the gift of taking us along.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks for your comments, Nick, and so glad you enjoyed the adventure!

[@antheablackmore5838]

What a bitter sweet end , I’m so sorry for your loss. A wonderful video, my son started the PCT a couple of weeks ago, from Tehachapi ( couldn’t get a permit for the start sadly) it’s wonderful for me to see people like you who are generous and brave enough to share their journey so I have some idea of the epic times ahead of him….thank you x

[@thebikeweiss]

I'm so glad the video helped you get some sense of the journey your son is embarking on, Anthea! The hike will surely give him many wonderful experiences and also trials and tribulations. In the end, it's all of the experiences that make it a true adventure! ...and thank you for your condolences.

[@marykaymacshane1001]

Much after the fact…..this is by far the COOLEST video I’ve seen documenting a PCT journey. Great job!!!

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it!... and thank you so much for this generous comment!

[@kylekelly8187]

I really enjoyed this. So well done! "My Silver Lining" was my go to song on my '15 thru hike. More Cowbell

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comments, Kyle, and glad you enjoyed it! "My Silver Lining" was also an anthem for me... glad we share the sentiment!

[@daveebert7747]

This is truly one of the best videos I have watched, backpacking or otherwise. The scenery you captured was awe inspiring. Thanks for sharing everything with us it made it real and relatable. Life is all about putting one foot in front of the other, ups and downs, ebbs and flows. Bless you

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you, Dave, for such thoughtful and kind remarks. I'm so glad you found the video engaging. Life is what made the story - I tried my best to tell that story. I'm glad it shined through for you to feel.

[@YoungEagle444]

The best PCT thru-hike documentary. A true trail gorilla and the letter from Song Bird was very touching. I’m very sorry to hear about your father. Sending healing ❤️‍🩹 frequencies to his family and friends🕊. Sending gratitude. Love. Light. 🙏🏽

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you, Bastet, for your comments and for your condolences. The Song Bird letter so clearly illustrated what life on the trail is all about. I hope he/she/they come across this documentary to know that generations of hikers are still appreciating the letter!

[@waltergolding7762]

Very impressive! The video and the hike. Glad you did credits. I liked that you read the letter from Song bird.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you for such nice comments! Really glad you liked the Song Bird letter. It obviously resonated with me too. And, I'm glad you appreciated the credits; I'm never sure if anyone looks at them!

[@bruceboyce1984]

Thanks Happy Hour! That was awesome and very well made! It’s a wonderful thing to find yourself in nature with the elements, back to the Earth, where it all begins.

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it, Bruce! It was "back to earth" indeed!

[@jessetellez134]

Thank you for sharing your experiences, I know that feeling of getting off the trail to see a loved one to say goodbye. The video captured everything and my girlfriend and I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you:)

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comments, Jesse!

[@investigator2016]

Excellent video. Thanks man.

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for your comments!

[@LuigiFontanaMDPhD]

I suggest you take your time and watch this beautiful video of my dear friend and colleague Ted Weiss. Fantastic spiritual adventure along the amazing Pacific Crest Trail from Messico to Canada (3763 km in 4 months) ….. breathtaking sceneries and emotional journey! Well done Ted!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you for your generous remarks, Luigi! ...and for encouraging others to view this documentary of my spiritual, emotional, and physical adventure through the wilds of western North America!

[@michaeledwards7967]

A beautiful film. Thank you. Michael from Ireland.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you Michael! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasonjackson7293]

Love your energy, excitement and attitude!!! Thank you for the inspiration. Hike On!!!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much, Jason! So glad you enjoyed it. For sure, hike on!!!

[@janicewhitaker3437]

I've only watched the first 20 minutes, love your sense of humor, videography, and story telling. Can't wait to watch more! PCT is my goal when I retire. Class of 2025!

[@thebikeweiss]

I'm glad you are enjoying it and best wishes for a successful PCT hike in 2025!

[@moltenbinker2790]

I felt like I just read a really good book. the character development, the hardships the tragedy at the end what an excellent video to encapsulate life in general and getting out there and adventuring.

[@thebikeweiss]

The trip felt a microcosm for life as a whole, with all of the ups and downs and everything in between... so glad this came through to you in the video. Thanks so much for such thoughtful comments!

[@davefajer2127]

An absolutely spectacular documentary of your Hike! Thanks!

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, Dave, and thank you for the comments and feedback!

[@taylorherald9225]

great job that was amazing

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comment, Taylor! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertlamont4749]

Brilliant story telling. Thank you for sharing! I’m ready to take the first step.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks for your comments, Robert, and best wishes for a wonderful adventure!!!

[@nigeljones8202]

Thank you so much for this video, really enjoyed. Congratulations on your superb achievement. Condolences on losing your Dad.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you kindly for your condolences and other comments, Nigel! So glad that you enjoyed the video!

[@amicz1934]

Thanks for a great documentary video about your incredible PCT journey. Epic views, amazing nature, the people, for sure a lot of unforgetable memmories. Congratulation for completing the trail! Greetings from Prague.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy you enjoyed the video ...from Prague!

[@edschneider1780]

10 minutes in and I'm glad I found this. Thanks for sharing. I too have lost, and wish I could do such a journey. Someday maybe

[@thebikeweiss]

My condolences for your loss, Ed, and I hope the best for you in finding a way to find peace with your loss. Thanks for your comments!

[@NewTasty]

Amazing adventure.

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it... and yes, for sure it was an adventure beyond my wildest dreams! Thanks for your comment!

[@redbustourguide]

Really loved your adventure the music your voice your heart and your joy really made my day. Very inspiring. Sorry for your loss. The best soundtrack ever btw.Hugs

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comments and condolences, Kirk! So glad you enjoyed it and that it brought you some happiness!

[@kathryndebardi4332]

Very sorry for your loss!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you... much appreciated!

[@julianjaramillob]

Very nice, I hope to do something similar with my wife. I think we’ll enjoy it tons! Thanks for sharing.

[@thebikeweiss]

Much appreciated, Julian! ...and best wishes for a wonderful journey for you and your wife, wherever and whenever it might be!

[@marcr56]

Excellent job on video & music mix. My hike starts April 6!

[@thebikeweiss]

Bud Wiser!!!... best wishes for your soon-to-begin adventure! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for your comments!

[@heatherkorb297]

Amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your trail experiences.

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it, Heather! Thank you for your comments!

[@deeknop1332]

Excellent video-beautifully documented! I loved your happy dance at 2000 miles

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, Dee! Those big-numbered mile markers (e.g. 2000) make people do strange things beyond their control!

[@echo_hk]

Good music, lots of interesting details, also very encouraging. Thank you for making and sharing the video ! Best wishes !

[@thebikeweiss]

So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your comments, Echo HK!

[@harveyottinger5572]

Thank you, a wonderfully done life adventure. I really enjoyed your adventure and honored to share and see the hard work, emotion, and success of your journey. Very powerful.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you Harvey! This is about the only way I've found to accurately show what the experience was like, visually, emotionally, and in every other respect.

[@jimo2665]

Incredible video, I was lucky enough to hike the PCT in a year with no fire closures and very little rain. Your video brought back fond memories. Sorry you lost your dad. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jim O, and thanks for your comments! I'm sure your PCT hike had its own challenges but that's what makes it an adventure. I much appreciate the condolences.

[@joetoocool]

Thank you. I watched this during a dark moment and it totally uplifted me. - Joe (friend of Robert Lennie)

[@thebikeweiss]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Joe. Many thanks for your comments!

[@georgiegreyt2368]

This was the best PCT thru hike video I have watched- and I’ve watched a few! Such beautiful videography, absolutely stunning. Sorry for the loss of your father, but what a beautiful tribute you have given him. All the best, from here in the UK.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you so much, Georgie, for you thoughtful remarks, and for your condolances. So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@windeaglemartin1800]

I lost my mom suddenly while on AT and I couldn’t continue even though so close. I had to come back next year. Cry hiking really slows you down.

[@thebikeweiss]

I'm sorry about the loss of your mom... such a mind bending emotional experience, especially when mixed with a thru-hike. I hope you can relish in the fond memories of her.

[@annebarch7751]

Beautiful views beautiful video. Thank you

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you for you comments, Anne! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@maureenobryan6141]

WOW! Incredible taking this journey with you. Amazing videography and story of your adventure. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this - even a year after you completed it! You are very gifted. I've enjoyed section hiking parts of the PCT and hope to complete it before I'm too old (64 now). May you treasure the memories of your Dad and the journey you took, and I trust it has made you a better person in all aspects of your life!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you so much, Maureen, for your thoughtful remarks! ...and best wishes to you in your quest to cover the whole trail section by section!

[@mas2334]

Happy Hour!!!! You legend!!! I've watched your video a few times already. It brings back so many awesome memories! Such a cool and inspiring edit. Big Mahalo for putting this all together and for being the beautiful person that you are. You not only brightened my journey with lots of laughs and wise knowledge. But you showed me that genuine people still exist. And your love and dedication to your wife Sandy and your family are truly refreshing to see nowadays. You are an epic couple! Thank you for having me as a trail friend and accepting me for the weirdo that I am and for sharing part of your journey with me. So many unforgettable moments! Cheers to many more epic adventures still to come in our lives! Happy Trails!! ~Mighty :)

[@thebikeweiss]

Mighty!!! ...so good hearing from you! Thank you so much for such thoughtful comments. You were such a wonderful hiking companion, even when you'd jump out from behind trees to scare me! Thank you for your camaraderie, humor, singing on long tedious stretches of trail, and for running ahead to get to the Fish Lake Resort for a six-pack before they closed! Such fun memories and I'm so glad you can relive part of your own thru-hike in this video. I hope to hike with you again someday! ~Happy Hour

[@richardericstone8171]

After seeing several wonderful 90-minute documentaries about thru-hiking the PCT, I was thrilled to absorb your journey. As a fellow gray beard at 55, I was seeing only 'trail families' of 20-to-30 year olds. I appreciated experiencing the journey through your eye/steps/heart, and the selfies with the handful of other 'gray beards' you met on the trail was thrilling. I grew up in Ashland, but have lived in the Midwest for 20 years. As a teenager, I hiked the Trinity Alps many times. My family's weeks of smoke/fire concerns in the Rogue Valley are sickening. The data at the end of your film, and the long-form replies below, has pushed the concept of taking this journey myself from "10-years ago" to "maybe in the coming years." What brand of shoes did you wear? When you returned to the trail, why did you choose to go South through Washington? (I loved the amount of (and mood of the) music, the narration, and the labels overlaid of peaks/passes/lakes.) Thank you, Ted, for sharing your artistry and soul with this film!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you so much, Richard, for such thoughtful comments! For sure there are a lot of 20- and 30-year olds on the trail but I never felt like someone different from them. We were all just a bunch of hikers. Interestingly, when I flip-flopped to do Washington southbound, I saw a lot of the early "finishers" heading north and many more of them were "grey beards" than I had encountered elsewhere on the trail. Perhaps there's a tendency for "older" hikers to start and finish earlier?!?! Regarding fires, etc.... it's saddening to see first hand, and one mile at a time how many miles along the PCT have burned in the past 10 years, especially in the 700-mile desert section. It motivates me to be more conscientious of my impact on the world. Regarding your other questions... Shoes... Altra Lone Peak (with elastic aftermarket laces). 5 pairs for the whole hike, which was pushing the limits on them a bit. I love these shoes mainly because I have a very wide forefoot. I've heard that some people need a larger shoe as they progress through the hike but I never did. I had one problem that I thought was a joint problem near base of my little toe on both feet... it turned out to be a "corn" from calluses that got too thick; they quickly resolved by using over-the-counter corn remover pads from the local drug store. SOBO Washington... I did this with the hope that I might have a little more favorable weather after having to leave the trail for 10 days for my dad's medical issues. Plus I was already dealing with the challenges of getting to and from the trail anyway. My start was already "very late" by most standards and the risk of adverse weather was looming. In the end, I'm not sure it helped from a weather perspective.

[@MaxStrazny]

Man, what a masterpiece!! Passing through the redwoods must have been a motivation to keep going! I visited those a couple summers ago visiting my sister in Eureka, California! All of that fog brings me back haha

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks Max! ...and yes, the redwoods were awesome, as was the fog/rain, which made things difficult (yet still beautiful)!

[@ellisonwilkins2265]

As a hiking enthusiast myself (at age 75 I just do short hikes - mostly under 10 miles) I really enjoyed watching your video. It's raining again today in Washington 5/28, but I'm inspired by your odyssey to get off the couch and head out to the trails anyway. Great job on making the film...I really liked your dance at mile 2,000! I would have been doing the same thing for sure. Thanks for the awesome inspiration.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you so much for your comments, Ellison! Washington sure did dish out the hardest weather conditions on the trail during my experience, but it came with the most astounding beauty! And any hike at any age is a wonderful thing!

[@shawndyer8140]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing.

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, Shawn! Thanks for the comment!

[@bill3761]

Wow! What an amazing documentary of your journey on the PCT. I live in the Bay Area and hike the PCT often. I felt like I was on the trail with you! Thanks for the wonderful experience! Bill

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comment, Bill! Living in the Bay Area, you certainly have access to beautiful territory to hike. Wonderful that you take advantage of it... Happy trails!

[@NicoleHikesalot]

excellent video!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you very much, Nicole! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bellydancerlady]

ok Ted, i guess I should have finished this exquisite film before I asked all those questions..most of the info I needed was in your credits! I watch a lot of these and yours was more picturesque than most of them. As hard as it is, you made it look so easy...lol ! Heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on your loss..You made a miraculous journey...118 days... and Im so very glad you recorded your beautiful adventure and shared it with us all. Im sure your father was very proud of you.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, Belly Dancer Lady! And, I truly appreciate your condolences. I never imagined that life was going to take me in the directions it did during that time. Regarding your other questions, I'm glad you found the stats and other details at the end of the video helpful. A few additional bits of info... Time of year: My May 24 start date was very late by most standards and made the desert heat and lack of water a major issue. However, it also provided me with a very solitary experience, as most hikers had started weeks earlier and traveled in large groups (trail families). The solitude was very trying at times and I longed for company, but it was also wonderful in that I was able to be mentally present most of the time and appreciative of the experience, rather than lost in conversation with other hikers. Base weight: Approximately 15 - 20 lbs depending on whether I count electronics (battery bank, GoPro, InReach device) and trekking poles. At times I had 18-20 lb water carries and typically took on ~18 lbs of food in resupply for a week. So total pack weight fluctuated from ~25 lbs to 40 lbs (the heaviest being with a combined water load and fresh food supply). Cameras: GoPro Hero 7 Black and a Google Pixel 4a smartphone (smaller than lots of phones and great camera for a reasonably priced phone). I often used the GoPro mounted to a trekking pole to quickly plant the camera for walk-by shots and as a selfie stick. Editing software: Adobe Premier Pro (I've tried so many other editing platforms but gave up on them due to glitches, lock-ups, etc. and am now paying the hefty price for Premiere Pro but it works sooo well). You said I "made it look easy"... At times it was but at others, it was so so difficult. And I would for sure rate the psychological difficulty as much greater than the physical difficulty. I initiated the "7 days rule" for myself on three occasions. That is, I wanted to quit but decided I'd walk another 7 days to figure out if I really wanted to quit. Obviously, ever time I started the 7-day clock, I was "out of the psychological hole" within 7 days and carried on. Keep this rule in mind if you ever do the PCT! Physically, I started the hike at a body weight of 189 lbs and the only chance I had to weigh myself was back home after the trip when I was 173 lbs. I always tried to get as much food as possible and never intended to lose weight. I'm fairly certain that I was another 10 lbs down (i.e. 163 lbs) coming out of the high Sierras, as I was running on fumes for most of the 300 miles. Also, fat mass went down, fat-free body mass went up, bone mineral density went down. Cholesterol and triglycerides went up (dietary fat was a major source of calories... mostly plant based fat in the form of olive oil and dehydrated coconut milk). Blood pressure was unchanged. Best wishes if/when you get your chance on the trail!!! Ted

[@matthewoconnor1621]

Brilliant documentary Ted👏 congratulations . My condolences for your loss. Best wishes for the next adventure 🙌

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for the condolences and congrats and thank you for the comments!

[@dominiccox330]

Thanks for sharing awesome video capturing the highs and lows you stay so positive. Hope to complete this at sometime in my life.

[@thebikeweiss]

It's an adventure worth pursuing, for sure. Best wishes for making it to the PCT someday ...and thank you for your comments!

[@mrdrivebytrucker]

Thanks for taking us on your journey. I live fairly close to the PCT and Echo Lake near Tahoe and take shorts hikes as often as I can. I’ll also give you guys rides into Tahoe whenever possible. Thank you again. p.s. Great song choices p.s.s. So sorry about your dad. I’m glad you got to be with him. Happy Fathers Day

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comments and condolences. ...and for helping out us PCT thru-hikers by giving us a hitch from time to time. In a complex work-around to deal with the Tamarak fire, I hitched from Carson City to Echo Lake... totally amazing couple went an hour each way out of their way to give me a ride. I always felt bad asking for such favors but was also always amazed at the generosity of folks like you. Thanks so much for what you do!!!

[@TheXanthoman]

Great vid , great journey , thanks for the ride

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for your comments!

[@jasoncook2043]

Fantastic effort my favourite video ever buddy keep it up👍

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much, Jason! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@whitemexican3923]

WA and OR are like that. Enjoy. It has its own beauty.

[@thebikeweiss]

Washington was so harsh and yet so beautiful - I loved it! In Oregon, I so much enjoyed the volcano vibe... something many of us in the Midwest don't even acknowledge is out there.

[@dalesanborn9297]

WOW tremendous videoography thank you

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much, Dale... your comment is much appreciated!

[@bigd27z]

What an incredible adventure you had, Beautiful video, well done sir! Bake class of 2019

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks Bake! Glad you enjoyed it and hope it brought back some memories of your adventure!

[@thebrianrice]

nice video, good music !

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comments, Brian! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@epklauer2008]

Great visuals ! Really enjoyed

[@thebikeweiss]

Many thanks for the feedback... so glad you enjoyed it!

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Great Video thanks for sharing. Sorry about the loss of your Dad. I know that is tuff. I just lost my mom in December. I am planning on hiking the John Muir Trail on July 2nd and then going back in April to do the PCT Nobo. I did section J last summer and I was amazed at how beautiful it was. I will be turning in my notice to the company I work for tomorrow, and your Video has encouraged me to live my life to the fullest and give the PCT my best shot. It's time to do this. Thanks 👍

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

One more thing, what kind of camera did you use. The quality was good.

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks for your condolences, Mike, and mine to you too for the loss of you mom. Great to hear that you are resigning from work to follow your bliss and hike the JMT and PCT! After explaining to a fellow thru-hiker last year that I was trying to come to terms with quitting my job, she said... "Oh my gosh, you should always quit your job!" (I was on a temporary leave from my job). Easier said than done but I'm tentatively planning on resigning in Jan to find a new chapter in life. Best wishes for successful hikes on the JMT and PCT!!!

[@thebikeweiss]

GoPro Hero 7 Black (most video, few stills) and Google Pixel 4a smartphone camera for most stills and a few video shots. Initially tried to keep everything charged with a solar panel but charging performance was poor (maybe the haze in the desert??) so I switched to a quick charging Anker 20,000 mAh batter bank, which worked great.

[@jeremiah1528]

Wow. Amazing video. Best PCT Documentary I've seen. Sorry about your Dad big guy ❤..... God bless you guys in Jesus precious name ❤....

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much, Jeremiah! I'm honored that you enjoyed it so much. ...and many thanks for your condolences.

[@bettysweet9644]

Sorry for your loss,

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks Betty. Much appreciated. He was a wonderful father.

[@mattheishman170]

You hit the weather window for the Sierras perfectly. Zero snow pack.

[@thebikeweiss]

Yes! ...although it would have been fun to have a little bit of snow to trek through but I certainly wouldn't have wanted to posthole for miles on end. The downside was the record heat in the desert and the water sources that had turned to dust. In the end, we don't get to choose our adventure and just have to take what mother nature dishes up for us!

[@mattheishman170]

@@thebikeweiss Postholing sucks.. When I did the Pct last time. I came close to bailing out cause of the storms in the Sierras. Three feet of fresh snow.

[@JohnHuebbe]

Great video Ted!!!

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks John! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@skagited9617]

Ted!! An awesome account of your 'journey', both physically and emotionally! During high school, I had a dream of doing the PCT, but Vietnam came along, things changed, I went thru a 'revalidation' of the Bible, and the PCTand many other 'trails' became 'post-Armageddon' projects. Although I didn't get out last year, I try to do some 'Trail Magic' between Snoqualmie Pass and Harts Pass. So I usually share a bit more than 'goodies'. I have no problem with people being frustrated by 'religion', because most of it totally misrepresents the message in the Bible; or they are motivated by greed or power. Many are just 'man's inventions'. Even Christ plainly warned his 'followers', that upon his return, he would not recognize them as such. But a small group, he would recognize. Post-Armageddon, I see a time when people will have the opportunity to 'hike EVERY trail on Earth', because 'death will be no more', we won't get sick, there will be NO crime. I recommend reading Matt Ch 7, and Isaiah 65, and pondering. Mankind has an AWESOME future ahead, if we seek it out... and YES, your Dad will be back, as a young and healthy man, to enjoy the REAL life... My best regards....

[@thebikeweiss]

Thanks so much for your comments, thoughts, and condolences, Skagit Ed! And thank you for providing trail magic to the "wayfaring strangers" on the PCT. Would love to have met you! I also appreciate your thoughts on spirituality. While on trail, its easy to see that in "normal" modern-day life, we often get caught up in the fuss over nothing but man-made constructs. Stepping out of that rat-race and onto the trail certainly helped me connect with something bigger! Best regards ~Happy Hour/Ted/Thebikeweiss

[@wayneallen1561]

love the video and the music is perfect. please post your play list

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, Wayne! The music playlist is included in the credits at the end of the video. Also posting here for your convenience... Music: Desert Section “California” - Eddi Reader “Gula Gula” - Mari Boine “11:11” - Rodrigo y Gabriela “Push a Song” and “California” - Diamond (fellow hiker) “The Truest Faith” - Korallreven Music: High Sierras “Sun in your Eyes” - Above & Beyond “My Silver Lining” - First Aid Kit “New Sky” - Rufus du Sol “Shouldn’t Have Met You” - Harry Keyworth Music: Northern California “Synergy” - Tash Sultana “Sweet Oblivion” - Jimbo Mathus & Andrew Bird “Dirtbag” - Brad Sucks Music: Oregon “Havana” - Jesse Cook “Tri-State” - Above & Beyond “Ray” - Avoure “Soldier’s Eyes” - Jack Savoretti Music: Washington “Jump Into” - Slaptop (feat. Maxine Marcus) “Rise” - State Azure “Inner Light” - Elderbrook & Bob Moses “Two Rocks and a Cup of Water” - Massive Attack “I Might be Wrong” - Radiohead “Paspatou” - Parra for Cuva

[@bootyhikes7146]

Hey, Booty here! Was feeling reminiscent and wanted to see if I found any hikers I met with videos from 21. Just getting started on yours! Hope you are doing well, I miss you and our adventures! P.S. I had no idea we could go under the rock slide...

[@thebikeweiss]

Booty!... so good to hear from you! Brings back fond memories of the day that you and I stumbled upon trail magic in the form of dinner from Tres's mom and dad (from Sweeden) and their "magic bus" rental RV. I miss those days too! I hope you enjoy my video. I see you VLOG'd along your PCT journey... looking forward to checking it out! ~Happy Hour

[@bootyhikes7146]

@@thebikeweiss Just finished it, well done sir! You are quite the wordsmith and editor. Love the music. Made me tear up. Yes, Tres's parents were so sweet, and that Magic Bus was a lovely treat!

[@thebikeweiss]

Glad you enjoyed it, Booty, and thanks so much for your comments! Happy trails!