PCT // My Mom Visits, Donner Pass, and Too Many Mosquitoes // Episode 23

[@jmpmusva]

must be rewarding when somebody asks where you started. "Mexico !" Looked like genuine respect given...and why not?

[@mitchellmclaughlin6360]

Cheers! In 2018 I had the incredible good fortune of running the Western States 100, which I did in 28 hours and 25 minutes. Didn’t actually know it crosses the PCT.

[@mari.johnson]

Oh wow! That’s so impressive! Congrats!!

[@janahudak9981]

Ah just backpacked in granite chief this weekend, 30 mi loop partly on the PCT/ 5 lakes area and wanted to come back and watch your vlog of that section haha. Shouts out to the American River headwaters and to mules ears fields forever.

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

The Donner pass area was so pretty. Like you I really felt moved by the tragedy of this group of travelers. The music you chose to honor them was beautiful and heartfelt, nearly made me cry. Your mom is so sweet, still though I'll say you look more like your dad. I liked your creative choice to use the triscuit for a spoon....it was funny but it worked so that was good. Great video. Thanks for sharing.👍

[@robinmills5827]

I love the views from the ridge especially in golden hour. You had some glorious camp sites too. That seeing a tiny trickle that becomes a large river that you know was an exciting experience.

[@BigDukeX]

A 40oz 8 percent alcohol beer.... man, my campsite after that one would’ve been somewhere in the parking lot. You guys rock 👊😎...

[@mari.johnson]

Haha we really didn’t go too far after that 😂

[@fredviola2657]

Hello you two!! So great to be following! I live in Grass Valley just 40 minutes west of the Donner trail head for the PCT. I am preparing a 2023 through hike northbound. I will be practicing using the Hwy 80 to Sierra city while summiting castle peak. Thank you for your awesome Vlogging! So great seeing your trail experiences! I just met the Limit Situation trail angel founders you filmed in your video. I attended a fundraiser that helps that organization make all that wonderful food for the hikers! What an amazing heart they have. Thanks again for allowing us to be with you too during this great trip of a lifetime! Blessings on your journey! ~Trail Head Fred

[@mari.johnson]

So great that you live so close to the PCT! Good luck with all your preparations! 😊

[@WebfootWanderings]

The American River was where gold was discovered in California in 1848 also. Not where you were, but downstream.

[@mari.johnson]

Ooh good fact!

[@lindahopson5003]

You and Nick continue to inspire!

[@johneason6540]

I was section hiking this area in early July, around Dicks pass just a couple weeks before you. Wish I would have met you guys. This area is my backyard, I only live 70 miles away. I hiked out of Sierra city first week of October and had new fresh snow of the year on the rim trail area. I was going into lakes basin area. Thanks guys love following. Btw, ramen and peanut butter, yuk

[@bobkuhn861]

What beautiful scenery, love it!!💖😊🐶🐶

[@Jimbo-pm1dp]

Great vlog Mari...nice views...cool music....neat seeing your family @ Sierra City....hope that pack worked out well...thanks for sharing your journey...you two stay safe !! OHH I could almost feel the pride in you when you told them you had hiked from Mexico....thats huge !!!

[@A-Oreal]

Wow! How many amongst people in general can say that they hiked the trails you guys' did ha? Amazing...and the reunion with Mom and Brod. 👍

[@lauralee9041]

Wow!! I have some binge watching to do to catch up. This is mad, glad it is you not me. Sorry, I was honestly thinking I haven't seen a video of yours for a while and saw this. You have been one of my favourites.

[@mari.johnson]

Welcome back, Laura! Yes, it certainly was a crazy adventure! Happy watching 😊

[@michaelp1109]

Another amazing video. Thanks for sharing the adventure.

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks for coming along on the adventure!

[@professorsogol5824]

3:50 . . . fun fact . . . More of these please! I think they add depth to your trek. More fun facts: The butterfly at 11:27 is probably a Hydaspe Fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe). If so, the caterpillars feed on violets. I bet you saw more of these as you continued north as this site www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=14&subview=table&taxon_id=68266 lists lots of sightings in June, July & August in Northern Sierra and Trinity Alps area.

[@SychJess]

Oh man! Carrying an ice axe through this section in July! I’m hiking the PCT going through there now.. I feel very fortunate to not need one this year!

[@bruceb2913]

Really enjoying your trek. Been in AT country but is so beautiful there. Looking forward to more of the PCT

[@stephanieburns4560]

Very nice video. Your mom is so beautiful, now we know where your beauty comes from (even though your dad is good looking, too).

[@inkjob12]

Ill give you a funny antidote about the Dinner (Donner) Party. A couple of the survivors, after they were rescued, ended up living in Sacramento....where they opened up a restaurant ! Wonder what was on that menu? Loving your trip. Im in the San Fran Bay area so I know a lot of these trails....Happy trail to you on all your adventures..

[@mari.johnson]

Eek! Happy trails to you too!

[@ben1NZL]

Always great to catch up with family but hard to say goodbye - that was a nice catch up Mari. I guess it's better the equipment breaks down and nothing physical which could make for miserable hiking. Those views are magnificent and must be a delight to camp amidst such awesome scenery.

[@mari.johnson]

Yes so true about equipment breaking! Really was unbelievable to have all of those views every night!

[@sdcanada91]

I am finally first!!! Love you Mari, have been watching since wayyyyy before the PCT :)

[@mari.johnson]

Hi Stephanie! Aw thanks for sticking around! ❤️

[@livedwardds]

I’m from England and learned all about the Donner Party at school! It would be so interesting to visit!

[@cjc4150]

Love your videos and the music you select. It would be fantastic if you could list the names of the songs you use. Please? Thank you!

[@mari.johnson]

I’ll make a playlist soon!

[@moyashisoba]

I just love to watch this adventure.

[@deaniew2210]

Marie I really enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I was on the PCT for a little bit last year but the snow drove me back home to Australia. I’m curious about your sweater that you wear, the turquoise/mint green number that looks really comfy. I can’t seem to find it in your gear list and I’ll be really interested to know what it is. Cheers!

[@mari.johnson]

Sorry you had to go back because of the snow! It’s Patagonia capilene air 😊

[@deaniew2210]

Mari Johnson cool I thought it was like a comfort nanna knit ! but no! ... technical Patagonia cap baselayer with NZ merino = Awesome. I have their cap leggings. I better start saving for this one now. Thanks Mari! All the best to you guys with all your endeavours x

[@nadinenarita132]

It was such a thrill to meet up with you in Sierra City! And you were right on time! But so sad to see you leave :-( ❤️

[@mari.johnson]

Thank you so much for coming all that way! It really was such a treat! And so rejuvenating 😊❤️❤️❤️

[@2cyco911]

2 thumbs up Mari and Nik great to see the progress Craig from Auckland 😊

[@mari.johnson]

Cheers Craig!

[@wallypeffercorn]

The butterfly on the headphones was awesome! Still Loving this series!

[@lafrips2253]

I’m always amazed when I see that Nick has 3 bags to carry 🙀 Are you gonna make a review telling us what gear worked and what you didn’t like?

[@thatsrich944]

Oh no, your spoon! I only have two dishes/utensils. My titanium spork and a plastic cup (for cereal, etc.) I don't know what I would do without either of them, lol. Cheers!

[@mari.johnson]

Use a triscuit! 😂

[@thatsrich944]

@@mari.johnson Haha, a little different out on the trail. I love Triscuits.

[@antoniabaker7770]

I swear Nick said he was eating "itchy bum". Lol in the last vlog.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Ah yes, Donner Ski Ranch. Know that place well.

[@extremelydave]

Let's see... hike, hike, hike no alcohol. Go to town. Drink 42oz'er of 8% beer. Better keep all 3 eyes on the trail so we don't fall off the cliff!!! Next day, regret 42oz'er. Cotton mouth. Woozy. Wait until next town day to do it again!!!

[@ApeMan]

Loving the journey! You’re in my backyard now and Desolation Wilderness is looking good!

[@mari.johnson]

What a beautiful backyard you have!

[@ApeMan]

J G yes we are right about normal with our snowpack but none in the forecast for a couple weeks. There is 5-10 feet of snow up high. We need the snow but it’s nice when the trails and streams are manageable in low snow years.

[@ApeMan]

@J G It wasn't zero but close. I remember about 5 or 6 years ago doing a 10 mile hike in February in Desolation Wilderness. It was 15 degrees and all there lakes were frozen with no snow on that and people were posting all these cool ice skating videos from places like 1000 Island Lake. There was no snow but plenty of ice and I do remember falling multiple times and having my water freeze solid. We are just slightly below average so far this year but there is nothing in the forecast for a couple weeks so people are getting a little worried. Hikers won't mind an early start to the hiking season though!

[@tv-fz9ok]

So....there was 40oz beer for real!! I just got pint in September after the busy hikers season. I think I have to try PCT thru-hike again NOBO only!!! haha!

[@mari.johnson]

Haha oh no! I guess you will have to!

[@jeymcbride8623]

Paw Paw ointment for mosquito bites,next time you come across them,I suppose!🇳🇿👍🇺🇸

[@thuthiehiker]

Beautiful views. Do you leave your Inreach in all day and night? How long does the battery last?

[@mari.johnson]

I left it on while I was walking all day but turned it off as soon as I got to camp at night. The battery lasted 2-3 days I think? That was with tracking every 10 mins

[@davek4442]

Hi, I been enjoying your hiking movies and want to ask are you going to put more segments up on KZbin? I see the last one was segment 23. Thanks

[@FraeuleinLuischen]

I love hiking when I’m a bit tipsy hahah

[@joycecory]

Another great vid. Thank you!

[@pillowfighter86]

Did the guy in your group who lost his cell phone in the creek ever get a replacement phone on the trail? also, it seems he left your group and you're just 4 now....what day did he leave?

[@gabriellefraley416]

I noticed you stopped using your umbrella at a certain point. Was there not as much of a need for it, or did you ditch it to save weight?

[@shayarn9097]

GREAT VIDEOS

[@DavidOfLouisiana71037]

What kind of bug spray/lotion/oil did you use?

[@BrileyTravels]

love this series!! i’ve been watching all of them. i’m so addicted i’ve been watching about 5 a day at least! any advice to a beginner? also what is the orange thing strapped to your pack & what’s it use for? looks like a garmin.

[@mari.johnson]

Ah yay!! Yep, it’s a Garmin and it’s in case of an emergency. During the day, I always had it tracking too so my family knew where I was and wouldn’t worry. Some of my other videos about gear and q&a might be helpful in answering your other questions 😊

[@BrileyTravels]

awesome! thank you so much i can’t wait to watch your other videos but i’m so addicted to this series that i can’t watch any of your other videos till i’m done with these! i work at a garmin dealer so i will definitely look into the garmin you’re talking about for sure.

[@Katethewild]

I appreciate your videos! I'm wanting to know how the HMG pack treated you comfort wise compared to the ULA for the rest of your hike... I'm between those two brands for my PCT hike this year :) I've used ULA packs before but very interested in the HMG!

[@mari.johnson]

I filmed a video talking all about my packs and it should be out sometime in the best few weeks!

[@Katethewild]

Mari Johnson Awesome! Looking forward to it, thanks! :)

[@AllenSchubert]

Oh! So this is the episode where the iPad Died! :( ... I'm glad you continued to record! Also...how is the old iPad now? Anyway, I'm enjoying your videos! -- OH!! Immediately after your video ended with talking about the lost spoon...in my "Watch Later" list another video began with a hiker showing her spoon!! HAH!!

[@mari.johnson]

Hiker spoons are hot commodities! 😂 the iPad is from 2016 I think

[@randompizza14]

I noticed that you did not mention what you were eating for dinner at Donner Pass. Just saying. :)

[@mari.johnson]

😂

[@M_Hess]

Wait.... do PCT hikers get a free 40? Definitely will be stopping during my thru this year! haha

[@mari.johnson]

Yeah!

[@jasonhancock6667]

Love your videos, just wondering where you got the thing on top of your water bottle?

[@mari.johnson]

I made a video about it! How To // Brightside Thru-Hiker Straw kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXexhaxjZc9kfbM

[@jasonhancock6667]

@@mari.johnson thank you!

[@bertman4]

Hopefully you got a new utensil.

[@kevinfeckner3444]

So cool,how long does it take you to do 20 miles.

[@rgfit1]

Very cool..

[@recumbenttriker6218]

And the Donner Party had no BBQ sauce.

[@footy2rock]

I always thought Australia was the land of mosquitos

[@thatsrich944]

Oh no, your spoon! I only have two dishes/utensils. My titanium spork and a plastic cup (for cereal, etc.) I don't know what I would do without either of them, lol. Cheers!