Pacific Crest Trail - What I’d Do Differently

If you're thinking of doing the PCT 2023 then here's a few lessons that I learned on the Pacific Crest Trail during my 2022 thru-hike.
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Shot on: GoPro Hero 10 - iPhone13
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Edited with LumaFusion
Luthier at: ov-guitars.co.uk
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#pct2022 #pct2023 #pacificcresttrail

[@sdcpmsdues5526]

Hi Sparkle Lizard! It's your trail angel, Lisa, from Bend, Oregon. I enjoyed watching your videos from Central Oregon to the terminus and hope to watch all of them now that the days are getting shorter and colder. So happy that you finished your journey and I loved connecting with you while you were here. Looking forward to hearing about your future adventures! All the best to you!

[@LordQuiche]

Awww so nice to hear from you Lisa. What a time I had. I’m still so grateful for how you helped me on the trail, thank you 🙏 I also clearly remember that you always took time to go out on regular adventures and had a circle of like minded friends. I definitely need to expand my world…

[@robwidmer5396]

Truly enjoyed hiking vicariously with you. We’ll done!

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Rob. I’m glad I could bring you the trail 🖖

[@oldschool8798]

M'Lord, you were one of the best follows of the year! Thanks for taking us with you.

[@LordQuiche]

Thankyou! Who else did you follow? I’ll watch them over the next few months. Love a good hiking vid!

[@oldschool8798]

@@LordQuiche On the PCT I also followed Let's Trek Together, on the AT I watched Walking Tapeworm and playgroundearthtv (the charming Mushroom and Pink Hot Dog), and a guy doing a Calendar Year Triple Crown, Healthy Gamer. All fun in their own way. All the best to you Byron (I think?) in whatever comes next.

[@wmpopper]

Informative, interesting, well done. Congratulations for your PCT 2022 Trail Adventure and Video documentary.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks pal. Missing the trail very badly 💔

[@vikki839]

I hear Abergavenny to devon is a good hike... 😂 😂 😂 😂 Good to see you Ov. Do what your heart tells you, and your body of course. X

[@LordQuiche]

Funny ol Bippi 😂

[@stephenszalay]

Lovely vid. Whatever you did or didn’t do…..it bloody well worked. Congratulations.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks pal 🖖

[@haystacksonthetrail1235]

I really appreciate your video. Thank you.

[@LordQuiche]

No probs 🖖

[@Junkorgem]

Beautiful view

[@LordQuiche]

Lovely :)

[@partybushiking]

Great Video Owen! We are much sharper now than we were then :) -Tom

[@LordQuiche]

Yessir! I watched the first couple of vids back the other day, it’s quite funny.

[@WelshFargoAway]

Fantastic wrap up to your series. Your vids are the most comprehensive of any and all I have a watched on the beloved PCT. Diolch yn fawr. And given the long Winters we have here in Canada there's a good chance I'll watch them all over again right from the beginning. Thanks Owen!

[@LordQuiche]

Thankyou 🙏 I’ve just started from the beginning myself, it’s very weird 😳

[@jfitz6936]

Thanks for the update and reflections. I appreciate your authenticity and seeing one of your videos come up in my feed is always a welcome sight.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks J. There’ll be vids to come for sure. I won’t be trying to force them out though, I’ll try and keep things natural 🖖

[@jpharrold]

Just found your channel. Congrats on the PCT! The CDT is my dream thru-hike someday. Good luck to you in the future.

[@LordQuiche]

Thank you sir! I’m going to try make it happen…

[@barbaraadams-daugherty4584]

You have been an inspiration! Thanks for all the time it took to document your journey.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Barbara, glad I could bring you the trail 🖖

[@tiger2too18]

Thanks for the video, v insightful. Atom packs look like a good U.K. choice as the HMG is more tricky to get in the U.K. I am now going to binge watch your PCT videos to see how you got on. Read the last page in the book first! 🙏for a solid recovery. 👍

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Tiger. I hope you enjoy the series. They get more polished and professional as I move up the trail. Recovery is slow but is getting there thanks 🙏

[@annegallagher4005]

This was really informative, thank you for that Sparkle Lizard and I hope your body is healing up without long term consequences! My full respect to you!

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Anne. I’m feeling a lot better tbh. Thinking about getting back to training soon…. Hope you are good 🖖

[@frstesiste7670]

Thanks for the video. Interesting post trail comments and good to see you're doing well! Personally, I think having a somewhat larger pack make a lot of sense. Reading the PCT forum on FB it seems a lot of people want a pack that barely fits all their equipment and some food. Having a 5 or 10 liter more volume just adds an ounce or two to the pack weight but allow more flexibility in selecting resupply points. Carrying food for an extra day allowed me to skip some of the harder (time consuming) stops saving time (and money). I learned about drift boxes from people I met on the AT and it was by far the most useful thing I didn't know in advance. Even more useful on the PCT where it's more difficult to get to specialty stores in many sections of the trail. What I learned getting home: - The pains and aches gradually go away - The weight lost come back really easily - Most friends are super interested in hearing about this life changing experience for at least 5 minutes.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Forste. I was definitely caught out by the volume of food I needed to carry 😳

[@nml4546]

I would love to see you do the CDT and would certainly follow your videos. Good luck, I'll keep an eye out to see what you're up to.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks N. Let’s see what happens…

[@blueboats7530]

Thanks for taking the time to articulate some thoughtful realizations of what to do differently, this is good information

[@LordQuiche]

I definitely learned a lot on this hike. Many mistakes were made 😂

[@b2hike]

Thanks for the tips on what you learned from your adventure. It is also great to see Sparkle Lizard back in his native habitat and recovering. Hike on!

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Bruce! I’ll bring some more thoughts on the highs and lows of the trail I think…

[@chrisschmandt895]

I always enjoyed the way you managed to walk and narrate / think out loud at the same time while on trail. So I enjoyed that when you made this one, you were out and walking about in the same way. Seems to suit you well. As for long distance hiking with a 40 litre pack.. amazing. I day hike with a 44 :) But it's nice to not have to stress on how to cram it full in every corner.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Chris. I feel it gives a better impression of the trail plus it’s also fun to stop and turn the camera around at any points of interest…

[@carolmiller4397]

Still enjoying your videos. Looking at your weather, it looks a lot like Washington 😁

[@LordQuiche]

There’s definitely similarities Carol!

[@TheAdventureGeek]

Welcome back Owen. Sunny Wales! 😂 The reason I didn’t want to do the AT is because I hate walking in the rain. I love these tips. I’m have custom Atom Pack and now thinking of upgrading to the Mo… I’ve not got a credit card, and assumed a visa debit card would be fine, so that’s now on my list! So is saving a bit more! Food… that’s a minefield and I’ve have absolutely no idea what im gonna do on that. Bounce boxes. I thought you could only bounce it forward if you didn’t open it? I’ve no idea where I heard that? So glad you got a job straight away and I look forward to watching your future videos Owen. Sparkle lizzard will be back soon im sure 😜 Take care. See you on the next one.

[@LordQuiche]

Well it depends on your personal load out tbh. Many people made it through with a 40litre pack. The majority were carrying 50 to 60 litres though. Also bear in mind the weight limit on on the EP’s is 13kg I think? Me and Jeremy probably exceeded that a few times on the long legs that also had long water carries… Switch your debit card to this: wise.com/invite/i/larap336 that’s Lara’s link to the Wise card to dodge charges. Take your debit with you anyway just in case card machines are being weird. Defo take a credit card but only use it if you have to! Use all of your cards immediately at Dan Diego just to get through all the security checks that pop up when they realise you’re in the US. Take some time to walk around the supermarkets studying the shelves, just start getting used to the brands and packaging as everything is a little bit different.

[@adventuregeekwalkingclub593]

@@LordQuiche Thank you. Wise account is now set up. Happy Days. Thanks for the tips.x

[@jackiel.1241]

Even without music that was a very nice vid Sparkle Lizard! Beautiful scenery, lovely framing of the views, thank you. You do live in a beautiful area. CDT!! That is a nice wild trail, have your seen Dixie's videos? Can't wait to learn more about your country in your upcoming adventures.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Jackie. Yes I do watch Dixie, one of the best channels I think?

[@megeshom729]

Sparkle, you shared meaningful reflections of your hike. Thank you. Between having a poor appetite the first few weeks and simply being unable to eat the calories I use up, I also tend to lose a lot of weight on a long hike. Those mayo, olive oil, and coconut oil packets are a lifesaver! Like you, I’ve also learned the value of a protein recovery shake in the evening and supplements. Also, It’s helpful to know how much costs have gone up for resupplies, eating, and staying in towns on the way. I’ve been impressed by the quantity and quality of your videos. You put a lot of time, effort, and heart into them for sure. When on the trail, I take pictures and videos, but managing to do what you did? I never seemed to have enough time to hang out in the morning or evening with the daily routine of setting up camp, sleeping, packing it all up, eating, walking, etc.. My hats off to you! You live in a beautiful place and I’m happy for you that you’ve found work and will be continuing your craft of being a luthier. Take care..

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Meg. I got quite efficient at filming through the day, that was never a problem. Making time to edit was though. There were a few times I just decided to take a day off and edit 3 or 4 vids and schedule them. So the long spells I had in Tahoe and Cascade Locks were actually great for editing and getting caught up....

[@ivofriedburg294]

Thanks for sharing your reflection on your experience, that is very helpful and basically the culmination of any adventure - to reflect on what changed and what one would do differently. Good to hear that you’re settled in and recuperating. Looking forward to your gear video. If you’re looking for a beautiful trail in Europe, the Trilho do Pescadores (Fisherman’s Trail / Rota Vincentina in Portugal is marvellously beautiful and quite cheap, especially if you do it during off-season, which is only sensible because during the summer months it would be way to hot.

[@LordQuiche]

I will definitely check that one out. Thanks Ivo 🖖

[@dazbass007]

great reflection Sparkle Lizard 😉 i think for such a epic journey you did just fine not knowing really what is instore you just can't plan for that. there is an old saying all the best laid plans. so lets see you do the CDT 😂 might even be tempted to join you 😉 atb rainman

[@LordQuiche]

Dazbass bringing rain to the desert 😂

[@dazbass007]

@@LordQuiche 🤣🤣

[@alantraceyoutdoors3572]

Love your vids. With regard to your backpack, I did the AZT this spring and took my Atom Packs Mo 50 with me and it worked great, there are a couple of 100+ mile carries on that trail and it coped superbly. Take care, mate.

[@LordQuiche]

Thanks Alan. Jeremy took the Ep50 through the Sierra which included a bear can and winter gear, he made it work!

[@rhousto1]

Glad you love making videos because we love watching them. Interesting that you reflected on your trip and recognized the things you would do differently. Overall, the success you had on your trip was a joy for all of us to watch. I had some doubts when you became sick and lost so much weight but you perserved and that's when I knew you would make it.

[@LordQuiche]

Thank you 🙏 That was probably my lowest point. Getting a bed, food and mentally resetting was crucial at that point. Even though it was a drain on time and resources and also meant leaving friends 💔

[@sweatybrowhiking]

Thank you for the follow-up! Very interesting! Just bought you a couple coffees, because I didn't realize the monetary issues you faced - should have done so at the time. I'm planning on through-hiking next year. I may not be taking the proverbial "you" with me - but then again, maybe I will try... Cheers mate!

[@LordQuiche]

Aww dang thanks! I’ll be in town later and I’ll raise my cappuccino to you! You don’t need any extra equipment tbh, just use your phone… Have a great hike. Reach out if you need any help or have questions 🖖

[@curtiswada2919]

Keep the videos coming! It’s nice to see you recuperating from your PCT - Lord of the Rings journey, Frodo! Thankfully you didn’t go to the Undying Lands of the Elves at the end of your journey. Thank you for your honest assessment of how you managed your time and resources and offering enlightening tips for future PCT’ers. You did persist through many challenges along the trail that could have and did cause other hikers to leave the trail, especially that illness that slowed you down near Tahoe. I enjoyed seeing the countryside of your homeland - beautiful! What would your neighbors think if I strapped on a backpack and hiked and camped out in your neighborhood? Looks like a great place to hike!

[@LordQuiche]

Yes there's a lot of hiking and mountain biking around here. The Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons draw a lot of outdoor types :)

[@seanboxall5869]

Thanks for these thoughts Owen, it was really interesting to hear your reflections on the adventure you have just completed. Having been alongside you on your hike from my armchair over the last few months I can almost feel the strangeness of being back in Wales with you. It’s going to be interesting to see what you do next. There are some terrific long distance paths around the UK including the Cumbrian Way (through the Lake District) and the Isle Of Wight coastal path both of which I have done, though to call them ‘long distance’ after what you have just done seems a little wrong to me now. Have you heard of ‘The England Coast Path’ ? It’s a project to create 1 unbroken path around the whole English coast and it’s well underway though it will be a few years until it’s completed. When done it will measure 2795 miles and will be one of the longest continuous coastal paths in the world - now there’s one for your future ?!! If you combined it with the Wales Coast Path (870 miles) then what an adventure that would be ! Just a thought. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England_Coast_Path ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=England+Coast+Path

[@LordQuiche]

Sean! Stop putting such ideas in my head! 😂

[@seanboxall5869]

Sorry 😏

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Really enjoyed this thank you. Would be interesting to hear what your hike, the trail and experience was compared to what you thought it would be like before you left? Also least fav sections up to your favorite & why? Cheers

[@LordQuiche]

It shall be done!

[@alejandrocorderorios7877]

I understand exactly what you mean Sparkle lizard. 25 miles is very doable but at the same time it was those last 5 miles that kinda wear you down. You don't really have time or energy to anything besides eat, sleep, and hike. For me that part was mentally exhausting. I am glad you are resting now!

[@LordQuiche]

Hello Young Hobbes! Shame we didn’t hike together more. I should’ve stopped when you were half a day behind me…

[@alejandrocorderorios7877]

It's okay, I am glad I got to know you for the time I did. I have a feeling we will see each other again

[@chili1593]

Appreciate your work..and your martini dry wit

[@LordQuiche]

Thank you Chili!

[@chili1593]

@@LordQuiche and you live in a beautiful area!

[@allthegearnoideahiking3619]

Really informative and interesting. Doing it in April this year🎉 out of interest what mobile provider and plan did you go with and on reflection what changes would you make in relation to this?

[@LordQuiche]

I’m on EE in the UK and they had a really good roaming service attached to my contract. After initial stability issues it worked very well by finding the best signal and using that. I was surprised by how much signal there was on the trail tbh 🖖

[@stephenszalay]

What’s it like north to south ? Do many people do that? Does it help with avoiding fires in late summer?

[@LordQuiche]

😂 It’s downhill obvs!

[@OsianWildGoode]

Strange being home, WHAT?

[@LordQuiche]

🤣

[@AndyOutdoors]

The exchange rate won't help us UK based hikers in the future either (at least for next year at a guess...)

[@LordQuiche]

yeh, bad times for the Brits in the diners right now!

[@michaelb1761]

What about hiking in the alps? Being much closer, wouldn't that be cheaper? Protein shakes with full fat dehydrated milk and olive oil in anything that it can go in are my way of maximizing calories and protein. I have never drank oil, though I did eat half a jar of peanut butter for dinner one night because it was the only thing left in my bear cannister. I think you just have to accept weight loss and just try to minimize muscle loss by getting 150+ g of protein per day.

[@LordQuiche]

I really love the US landscapes Michael. Always have. And I’ve read too much Kerouac and Gary Snyder. It’s all very vivid in my imagination. The PCT is the best of that artistic outpouring I think 🤔 I have hiked a bit in Europe, there’s so many amazing worldwide destinations…

[@lenoredisman3192]

Why not the AT it is the oldest foot path

[@LordQuiche]

Hi Lenore. I’ve hiked two sections of the AT which I really enjoyed. Not enough that I would choose it over the PCT or the CDT though. The PCT is the perfect mixture of landscapes, you get so much variation. Sometimes in just one day!

[@oak664]

Do the cdt in sections

[@LordQuiche]

That’s a good idea, it’s just flights to and from the UK every year 🤔

[@michaelb1761]

Only way I could figure out to send you a message. I think you would enjoy this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4mup4ebidVki7c and these "Mediocre Amatuers" in general. If you don't trust the link, just search KZbin for the Mediocre Amatuers, and depending on when you do it, a recent video will be of interest to you. They post some great adventure videos.

[@LordQuiche]

I’ll check them out, thanks 🤩

[@nerakdane]

Its a lot of money when other stuff is still going on at home and you have no income. You are so far away from home which is definitely an extra cost for everything.