PCT 2023 | Episode 3 | Mount Laguna - Jullian | Solar panel thoughts, cowboy camping & sunrises

[@keypenhikeralan4233]

Thank you for sharing!,,

[@raygalli155]

Excellent videos!

[@ItsRubysMomsTurn]

The best part about your logs… is the sad feeling get when it’s over. Wish I was out there struggling and having fun with you all. 😎

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thankyou :)

[@neelmistry]

Brilliant video. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Can’t wait for next year’s permits. I’m 100% going to do this. Any fellow Brits, Irish, Welsh thinking about doing this next year?

[@nidgegannon]

Actually fascinated by the solar panel talk 😅

[@christopherlewis4950]

Thank you ash for great videos (walkingman)

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Hey walkingman! Thanks so much! Ash

[@heidij8208]

You are the second PCT hiker I follow, the first one being @JenniferMabus aka Starburst aka The Whimsical Woman, and the love for the trail just grows stronger and stronger from a far, or the step to "Hike my own hike" grows stronger and stronger! Thank you for the major inspiration boost and I look forward to follow the rest of your journey!

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks for watching :)

[@maureenobryan6141]

What if always presents the most amazing experiences! Glad you stepped out to realize your dream Ash! Happy you have found some good people to hike with. Such a great community out there! Trek on! I love hiking with you virtually!

[@rhousto1]

Your joyful exuberance is infectious. It's quite evident that you really appreciate the trail and the amazing views. Glad I hooked up with your site. Tough start but now you are rolling.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks 😊

[@sandra4710]

Beautiful filming and scenery! So enjoying your hike!

[@paullindberg6219]

Thanks for you the work you lay down to do this videos you do! Thanks for following your journey on PCT! Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thankyou for watching :)

[@trekforwardhiking]

I love your videos!! your excitement and joy of the trail really shows. Your gorgeous and your smile is amazing! Happy Trails...

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks 😊

[@shades1959]

Simply amazing. What a wonderful job you’re doing videoing your adventures on the PCT. One of the best trail families that I’ve seen. You’re clearly living the dream. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@yppykya]

I like that you seem to be really loving your hike. Great to see a big smile on your face and a sense of delight of your surroundings and your day! Love your accent.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks 😊

[@DartmoorPaul]

Totally agree with you Ash about the scenery, wow! It looks amazing even on video, can’t imagine what it must be like to be submerged in it 😮 Busier on trail than I thought too, nice to have someone clear the snakes for you in front 😂 Your solar panel sounds totally worth the weight too 👍

[@vanessawatson1768]

I love that you have told us about your solar panel as I wanted to ask if it’s worth it. Thanks for sharing. I love your moments you share

[@randysmith6493]

Your doing a great job on your videos, I know that takes a lot of time, even more so when you like to shot fun angles on everything. Enjoyed your overview of the solar panel carry. Enjoying your Energizer Energy on trail.

[@gaylewalker4239]

Love your enthusiasm. Seems like you have a fun group to hike with. Great that you love your solar power. You're doing amazing. Keep trekking. 😀

[@Allysgirl41]

I'm glad you thanked and show appreciation for the trail angels ..it be nice to get their names also 💗 Also enjoy hearing the names and Origin of those who speak in camera ..It's been fun watching your hike...As a person who has been following PCT hikers every year since 2017 your excitement and enthusiasm is contagious.. My hubby and I will be cheering you and your trail family along

[@austinbertelson4525]

Great job Love your enthusiasm

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks 😊

[@richardross7219]

Nice video. You seem to be having a great time. Prepare yourself and gear for the dangerous water crossings that are ahead. Never cross alone. Have fun and record as much as you can for future you. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Great job my friend.... really enjoyed this..... as I told you, once you get a little further in Idyllwild, Big Bear and Wrightwood you will see a totally different part of the desert....very large mountains, cooler temperatures and lots of trees... Can't wait for you to see it!

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

It’s changed so much the past couple of days, can’t wait to see big bear :)

[@MrRhiannon1]

Loving the videos and the interactions with your friends are great

[@denisedoering2265]

Loved this video and cried happy tears with you and all your new friends. Just learning about this trail because my husband and I were "trail angels" yesterday when we gave to hikers a lift to Banning from Morongo Basin. They too were as excited as you to be on this amazing journey. I will love following you and loved hearing about your solar pack. I wondered how you charged your equipment. I live in Southern California and we drive to Julian several times a year for their pie and ice cream. Enjoy your rest day.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thankyou for being trail angels ! We couldn’t do this trail without you :) and Thankyou for watching. Ash

[@WMartinWelch]

Very inspiring and fun.

[@oak664]

The slow-mow walking with a low sun is phenomenal footage.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

It’s my favourite shot so far! Thankyou :)

[@hikingwithscrooge]

Keep living the dream Ash. I’m proud of your determination for not quitting and overcoming the adversity before your start. Keep drinking water and keep cool. stay healthy and have fun on your journey. You are well on your way now…….

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thankyou :)

[@nancyhale5054]

I really enjoyed your video! I've wanted to hike the PCT for so long. I've spent most of my life living very close to it, but something always comes up. One of these days I'm just going to do it! It's so pretty this year! Thank you so much for sharing your experience 😊 stay safe!

[@stormskies3861]

Omg that lady in the yellow puffer jacket is such a darling what a sweet lady, lovely group of people ❤

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

She’s wonderful!

[@rainbowhiker]

I love my solar charger too. They get a bad reputation because most people have tried those little 5W ones that don't work. Keep using it. Mine is a double panel 15W.

[@CProgression]

Bought a panel during the height of pandemic. Used it once, in a park while having a picnic with my better half. It is made by Big Blue, (Model 8401) and it is 28W. It has three 2.4A outputs and has 4 panels. I weighed it at 1 lb 5.4 oz /21.4 oz (696g / 0 606 kg). I would like to get something smaller and have them go head to head.

[@AmberGoesOutside]

I just watched you Luggage Video from 2 weeks ago and was devastated. Im thankful your doing better. I love the videos. Good Luck & Happy Hiking! ⛰

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks 😊

[@kleenexhikes]

I really enjoy your videos! Wonderful job editing! I think you are the only one that I am following that has a group of people around them. The people and experiences are what make a long trail such a great thing. Almost got teary eyed thinking of my tramily from the AT from 2012. Keep it up!

[@CruzCruz-nw7fi]

I’m so interested in Zeus being on trail with everyone. 😮

[@debsmith7050]

Memories 💙

[@KayakBuff]

Looks amazing. Hopefully you get a trail name soon 😉

[@Champaignmike]

Your enthusiasm and upbeat personality reminds me of Mary Mansfield.

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Ahh thanks! I love Mary!

[@heyitsmelisa]

Hi. Long time watcher, first comment. I'm really glad you are enjoying the PCT. The solar panel is brilliant if it doesn't weigh a ton and isn't cumbersome. I'm really enjoying your videos and I'm glad it's all you'd hoped it would be. Keep up the great hiking, even when it's hard. I kind of can't believe you went from covid to trail, actually. How are you feeling?

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks for following along :) I felt rough after covid but have been easing into the trail spending the first week doing 12-15miles per day and feel pretty good now :) ash

[@three-cats-photography]

I followed a thru-hiker last year who finished in September and posted her finale video in early May. Don't feel obligated to keep us super current!

[@johnkrall6573]

Hi Ash, I've been enjoying your videos and perspectives about "The Trail". I've made three attempts at hiking the PCT (98, 02, 06: approx. 3,500 trail miles). I'll give you a little unsolicited advise on rattlesnakes. Please, please, please use the "kangaroo rat defense" when dealing with a stubborn snake that will not leave the trail. Please do not throw rocks. The tiny kangaroo rat has only one defense against a snake when cornered. With their powerful legs, it kicks sand/dirt in the eyes of the snake. This can cause the snake to back off which allows the kangaroo rat a chance to escape. So instead of throwing rocks that can injure a rattlesnake, just kick a little sand/dirt at the snake and it will leave the trail. It's probably best to give the snake a chance to leave the trail before kicking sand, but if it won't slither off you have a non-lethal option. I have used this method myself on the PCT and it worked every time! Watch out for the sticks that look like snakes... they'll make your heart skip a beat and are always terrifying! The kangaroo rat defense will not work on the sticks! : ) Happy trails!

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Thanks for the tips!

[@gtronn74]

❤

[@larsharaldselvteitlnning2901]

sunshine could be ur trail name maybe🤷‍♂ happy, lots of energy and a reference to the solar☀ I ordered a panel to at least try it out🙂

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Hehe aww thanks! I also have a tatoo that says walking on sunshine!

[@larsharaldselvteitlnning2901]

@@ashobrienoutdoors Not surprised🙂 Hope you all are ok, get a littlebit concerned.when it´s a couple of days between the updates, but that just trail life and the most important thing is to enjoy the journey on the trail👍

[@michaelb1761]

Sad seeing Zeus. Did his owner consider what it would be like to walk through the heat of so cal wearing a thick fur coat meant for surviving sub-zero temps? Probably not unless he wanted to torture his dog to death.

[@hp8612]

his owner bought hiking boots for the dog, which is more than most dogs i've seen on the trail have. dogs just want to be with their owner, they don't care where.....

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Zues LOVED being on trail and he is an extremely experienced hiking dog and Rob is an experienced hiker. the mornings and evenings in the desert were cold.

[@nerakdane]

That breed have a double coat which also protects them from the heat. I know he looks like he would be hot but its amazing how breeds aclimatise to conditions.

[@woodchip2782]

How about “Solar Bank” for a trail name?😂

[@ashobrienoutdoors]

Haha love it 😊

[@MrTreefrog2004]

Ash, your vids are so well-edited - very professional looking and sounding. Thx for all the effort u put into producing them!