Pacific Crest Trail Documentary (PART 2) "Walking the West"

[DennyRec]

First of all Congratulation for making the hike. Nothing compared to use, this spring is the Rockies, Bryce & Zion Canyon and last the Grand Canyon in AZ. I have been invited to the AT the following year. I just started backpacking this year. The people I have met on the trail have been wonderful. You have inspired me to enjoy this new sport even more. Thank you for the video.

[TheJazzeater]

and the obvious introduction of automobiles and mass transit

[TheJazzeater]

our 21st century sedentary life style is what has made it seem as if our feet are not able to bear the weight and stress of walking over 2000 miles, more you walk the better your feet

[11mrjarjar]

to avoid blisters you have to wear well fitting, thick socks, and keep your foot dry at all times ! but 2600 miles , well thats just too much for the feet no matter how you take care of it! you bound to have some pain!

[teachm3539]

this is so, inspiring. tell me how, one thinks he knows, when all he knows is what he thinks or has been told. thinking repeatedly over minutia doesn't make it deeper, but doing and experiencing, exploring, challenging then finally arriving, is we know what we feel is real. Thanks for this documentary and congratulations.

[rising88sun]

dale didnt complete the journey only 70 miles away from the borderline??? are u serious?? was he dissapointed or angry by acting like this later?

[Subvert1024]

Why is everyone wearing short shorts in the snow? no wonder that one guy got hypothermia

[Tazech]

@mylesmurphy Thanks for getting back to me, I would imagine Re-hiking the PCT would be like visiting an old friend. I’m only 22, but if there's only one excuse holding you back from hiking the trail, being a father seems to be a good excuse, I mean as far as excuses go.  But as someone once told me, “If you don’t make the trip this year, then you will be one year older next year.” I’ve read the 1st step is the hardest step, committing yourself 5 ½ months and 2600 miles of walking. Is that true?

[Tazech]

@mylesmurphy Thanks for getting back to me, I would imagine Re-hiking the PCT would be like visiting an old friend. I’m only 22, but if there's only one excuse holding you back from hiking the trail, being a father seems to be a good excuse, I mean as far as excuses go. But as someone once told me, “If you don’t make the trip this year, then you will be one year older next year.” I’ve read the 1st step is the hardest step, committing yourself 5 ½ months and 2600 miles of walking. Is that true?

[Tazech]

I have probably watched this video at least 20 times now, with great ambition to experience this thru-hike, and leaving me with a number of questions. The one question I have to ask is did this journey leave you wanting to explore other thru hikes, and what kept you going on the tuff days?

[JesusGodHolySpirit3]

I don't like pain lol "Why am i doing this?"

[QuestingVeterans]

Thank you for making the documentary. I shudder to think of what my feet will look like even with me riding horseback most of the way. I head out in less than a month so thanks for the information!

[Failedtroothers]

DO you think MRE's would be a good thing for like lunch, cause they cook by themselves and you can rest more?

[camhirtle]

I forgot to ask, what is your favorite spot along the trail, and why?

[camhirtle]

@mylesmurphy I suppose it depends on the season, as each year the snow pack is different in the spring. I suppose ice axes are necessary, but this is refreshing to hear as I am hoping to avoid crampons at all costs. I will also check out that guide book, thanks again!

[johnmonk66]

The old guy should never have finished, with the goal complete, he died. Very sad, wonder if he ever did the Appalachian?

I bet you stopped buying cheap shoes, lol, but shoes today are a lot better.

[mylesmurphy]

we packed food for every stop.. it took a long time to do this.

it was a lot of work but..we saved a lot of money and had great hi calorie food.

If i did it again i would do same. But i probably would not have the time.

There are stores at almost every stop . also there are hiker boxes where hikers discard what they have too much of or are sick of eating.

you can also barter and swap food.

So it is possible to wing it "food wise".

[JesusGodHolySpirit3]

@mylesmurphy Oh okay i was wondering if there were IN N OUT stops so I can eat hambergures instead of having a huge pack on my back :(...

[camhirtle]

From what I understand as well, a hybrid style of packing food is most commonly used. I am looking to do this hike in spring of 2013, and I am thinking about sending food packages every 300 miles. Since you seem to support the idea that shipping every post office is not necessary, I am looking for a few tips. Also how many trail maps for each state and what are the best ones?

[camhirtle]

Question: From what I understand, on an average year most people enter the Sierras around mid-June. I have heard crampons and gaiters are necessary. Where did you ship this equipment to yourself to start the Sierras, and where did you find them no longer necessary (packweight) and send them home, roughly.

[mylesmurphy]

been a while but from what i remember we mailed our ice axes to kennedy meadows.

the last stop before Sierras. we did not need or bring crampons. Yes Gaiter are great.

Some people wore them the whole way to keep pebbles going in shoes and protecting shins if walking thru brush.

[mylesmurphy]

test

[Zaharkl]

im 16 years old right now and i hope and pray to God that one day hopefully when im 20-30 years old i complete it on a thru hike.. i also want to do the appalation, the continental diveide... i hope i can complete them

[iamtheryan]

I'm curious what you did afterwards. Did you go back to a similar rut or did the experience cause you to change certain behaviors forever? Have you done any backpacking since?

[liquidturion]

Absolutely incredible! What did you eat mostly? You had to obvoiusly stop from time to time in towns to get food. What food do you prefer that lasts the longest?

[earlymusicus]

I am planning on hiking the PCT in the very near future, so I really appreciated this wonderful video documentary of your trip, Myles and Dale. I learned some valuable things, and the scenery was breathtaking. No city, no matter how beautiful, can compete with the scenery of the PCT. Thank you for sharing this.

[BayAreaHiker]

Thank you so much for taking all the time to document this life long dream of mine. You ALL did a wonderful job.

Cheers.

[YoureSmokingCrack]

62 miles...such a pity to come so close, it always seems the end of the journey is always the hardest.

[bobbysands81]

Myles - from one Dub to another I'd like to say what a superb film you've made, thanks for sharing your story and thanks for sharing your film.

Are you still in contact with Dale? Does he regret not finishing? Did he ever go back and do the walk again?

Once again, great film.

[redeadnixon]

The ginger guy with the giant bear and glasses has definately taken acid.

[gracefulangels]

I am an Aussie. I have done a bit of hiking in the areas you went to. My soul cries out to be there again. I miss it so much. That freshness, the air, the mountains, the water......how do you explain that to a city person? I don't try any more. I wish I didn't have to take thyroid medication, otherwise I would do the long hike too!

[dasadopeboy]

R.I.P shoe... : (

[medtra]

Ok here it is I think.

[MrGambler9999]

Very nice movie man.. Im glad i came across them!

[MrSharkattacksd]

when I retire im going to attempt this journy.

[LiamAMcCarthy]

One day, I think I want to do this...

[bluesideup007]

Congratulations! Truly an inspiration. Thanks.

[mbiraside]

Great film guys. At 58 i'm just starting hiking and can't imagine a PCT. Dale didn't fail to complete the journey. The journey for him was complete before the end of the trail. Its not the destination geographically, its the internal journey. Congratulations to all who travel the inner self and do it in the fresh air.

[leoshi07]

would you do it again?

[emailjeremiah]

Great Documentary, thanks!

[SD1275]

wow!

[quietchaos619]

Thanks so much!! I'm planning for my trip in 2011 and that was just soo inspiring!

[Kikbxer213]

Huckleberries!!! Looks like Whatum Lake area. Beautiful scenery over there.

[sr1215cl]

A true inspiration to all of us, what an amazing film. Thanks so much for putting these videos up here on youtube.

[beingannangel]

inspiring.. so much inspiring!

спасибо! thank you!

[ponhand]

My heart is bursting ith joy now:)

[KIDGLOCK2]

That was worth my time , great , well put together .

Do you still live in the SoCal Murf ??

What was you total cost of the hike dollar wise , do you have a break down IE: gear, food , transport , postage :) ...................anything like that

[trucker274]

Awesome. Is there anything you wish you had known before you started the trail?

[mylesmurphy]

yes resupplying to every post office along way not neccesary..

lots of stores in town to get the food u crave.

best food we brought were home made Muesli.

Weight gain powder,Whole milk powder, homemade banana leathers with honey ,brown sugar, and walnut added.

A light tent with no fly would have been great in sierras to sleep thru the mosquitos.

I hate corn pasta.

Tennis shoes work great at start..Upgrade to hiking type shoes after a few weeks worked (for me)

[daposevvg]

Thank you for making this inspiring documentary and sharing it with us. Peace!

[ArchShop]

Yes, thanks for posting! AT, GA to ME 1999 and Mexico north 412 mi on PCT in 2001. Man, that was a long time ago! Watching this documentary is dangerous for me. If it wasn't for debt I'd be thru hiking the PCT in 2010. Thank you God for giving us this beautiful earth and the physical ability to experience your wilderness. "Mitty" AT '99.

[BigDaveBurke]

Thanks for posting! Great Video. Have you guys done any other long distant hikes since?

[tyrone9009]

I see the old man died the next year, glad he made it before he did. I beat he died happy!!!

[mylesmurphy]

yes ...there is a great lesson here..

Jim Everett was 65 and had cancer..

he not only finished the whole trail but out walked the 30 year old hikers in the last two weeks...

he was amazing

[notedmeese]

@mylesmurphy Jim Everett was also the most impressive ice cream eater I've ever seen. Any thru-hiker develops a ravenous appetite sooner or later along the way--and I've seen my share of phenomenal gourmands on long trails--but holy cow could that guy put away the ice cream. At Mazama Village I saw him consume a pint of Cherry Garcia for an appetizer, then calmly put away a regulation thru-hiker supper (i.e., super-caloric), then methodically devour a quart of Cookies and Cream for dessert.

[luckymonkeygarage]

Love this film!

[daydreammen]

I´m looking exactly this AMERICA and peoples ...

[charlesma1982]

Incredibly awe inspiring. Most of us can't fathom G-D's gift of nature and the gift of endurance to man (women).

Good on ya fellas!

[LusoCMD]

I will be doing my own PCT type journey soon this video is an inspiration thx

[BrerRabbitBDA]

Batch is the MAN!

[duyt101]

lotsa foot footage cuz feet are what you think about lotsa when it hurts.

actually, i think humans were designed to walk thousands of miles. back when we were all hunter gatherers (which is most of our natural history) we walked from food source to food source. hiking is a very natural thing to do.

[brilobite]

The wilderness is all that holds significance any longer. Welcome to the death of pop culture and consumerism.

[DigitalCard]

Wow....amazing film. Thanks for sharing. It's too bad one couldn't finish.

Must be a really tough dicission.

[k6lsn]

I think you made an incredible film and explained very well, the effects of being away from the fast-paced world most live in. There is a quote by John muir that I really think rings true. "KEEP CLOSE TO NATURE'S HEART...AND BREAK CLEAR AWAY, ONCE IN AWHILE, AND CLIMB A MOUNTAIN OR SPEND A WEEK IN THE WOODS. WASH YOUR SPIRIT CLEAN". JOHN MUIR

[Elderp]

Great video.

[yoosername187]

60 mi left? that's to far along to give up.

[SolitaryWarrior]

People MUST understand! That's completely IRRELEVENT.

[trex250]

Great video and thanks for sharing!

[scottklarr]

Amazing! It is terrible that he dropped out with only 60 miles left; that must have been a very hard decision to make.

[ikeboy1976]

i start the PCT may 1st, 2009!

can't wait!

[surfbum188]

enjoy it mate!

[bq90880]

the snake in part one made me REALLY lol.

I am an experienced backpacker and plan on hiking the PCT in 2 years. This documentary was an inspiration to me. very well played.

oh, and the wearing of new hiking boots -which is a no no, make sure your boots/shoes are well broken in first- made me laugh and shudder at the same time. been there and done that, I felt his pain.

[Whitters921]

Beautiful and inspirational. I am definately going to do this within the next few years. Thank you for posting this!

[Carlsarv]

Amazing, thanks for sharing this.

[johnnwhite]

incredible! a testement to mans triumph over adversity. thanks for sharing your journey .

[mcgehee1980]

i can't believe you let him quit on you.  you've got to talk them out of it. 60 MILES away that sucks.

[aarondkeogh]

wow thanks for this man, have you got any tips for me

[coolbeancaity]

Thanks for carrying that camera all that way so everyone can see! I am leaving for the PCT in April and am so excited! I cant wait to see all that you did and more! Peace to you!

-RAMBO!

[naomirocks77]

What an AMAZING documentary. I have about 4 buddies that are going this year. You've just given me so much to look forward to for them! Thanks!

[arakitai]

Wow. I really hate walking. This was a 50 minute reminder of that fact. But really, this is an amazing story and wonderful inspiration.

[aquafication]

I'll be doing that someday. Thank you so much for sharing!

[MikeM1301]

Thanks for sharing your journey.

[donkey69donkey69]

nice 1

[ELACAMPADOR]

yo soy mexicano y este reportaje es para mi algo sin palabras yo tambien al igual que ustedes practico hiking y para mi es mi mejor sueno realizar algo como esto.

i'm mexican and I share the dream to hike PCT just I'm waiting for one oportunity to do.

thanks for share this dream with us.

[ShamSmurf]

Did Dale ever finish the PCT?

[SpringHeeledJack330]

How does Dale feel about quitting so close to the end?

[krows54]

I was waiting for you to hit Washington and I was crossing my fingers that it wouldn't be raining (of course it was tho.) I've hiked and camped in those mountains all my life. The sound of rain hitting a tarp is outdoors here...and its wonderful :)

[kelseyr820]

WOW.

Someday I will do this!

[leinsters]

From a fellow ex-pat, an amazing journey and inspiring video. It's good to see other Irish living 'life' away from the pale.

[whittihw]

I dream of walking the PCT after my high school graduation next year. Thank you for making such a wonderful video! It was truly amazing to watch all the raw emotions of this epic journey!!

[eclectic1972]

Really awesome - the best on youtube about the PCT. Have done the AT (2001) and am planning to do the PCT next (and - someday - the CDT).

Brilliant.

[HunterMann]

Thanks for a great documentary about your journey. I'm inspired to try an off-road crossing of America by bicycle.

[jdekk136]

Amazing documentary, very inspiring.

[CShamrock]

Very cool!! Ive always wanted to hike the PCT. great job :)

[strokenskwert]

Fantastic job! Truly epic.

[cryptonite16]

its amazing how 60 mles seems so short after the PCT

[daverocker1]

Well done boys......well done.

[tauzer]

That was incredible and inspirational. We are going out for 2 months in April 2010. We will do plan on doing the entire thinsg one day. Hats off to you and your trail buddies.

[budgood07]

awsome!

[mattbob1]

Thank you for sharing.

[JustinTexan]

Good to see more folks who know what "IT'S" all about. Nice. JD

[1foreverbound]

Great video! I'm hoping to do some long distance hiking one day so this video is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[Orctrist]

That is so awesome. God willing, I plan to hike the PCT as well as the AT before i pass on into the next world. Im 32 right now so Im hoping that by age 35 Im able to begin one of those trails. You guys have been an inspiration too me and showed me just how much too appreciate the little things in life. Thanks for sharing.

[bongonoggin]

I loved the video. Though, I would have loved to see what you're hauling in those packs. Seems like when you only have so much what you have becomes important. Tent, stove, bag, etc.

[SpringHeeledJack330]

you have inspired me to get out and backpack more. i might not ever do the pct but i will get out more.

this video took me away from my everyday life for an hour. thanks

[organicspua]

thanks this is great, planning on doing this in a year or 2, city life sucks saving my money and kissing this all goodbye

[chrisrayner81]

fantastic video guys. now im truly inspired to hike the great alpine trail here in australia. great video!

[killerwocz]

Awesome stuff. The hiker was right when he said after a while walking/hiking you just zone out. Is this an actual movie ?

[DaHeaVYFo]

Simply amazing.

I hope to accomplish something like that one day. Maybe just like the man who inspired you, you'll be my inspiration.

[colbygfp]

Something I want to accomplish in my life. I live in Utah and I try going hiking as much as I can, I love being by myself in the wilderness. So cool.

[drbooshkit]

fantastic quest! What did you next?

[priceooo]

The part about "having time to think" of the PCT was very interesting. Just being in your own skin all day unable to change the channel of the TV. You get a chance to relive your past and plan your future.

[priceooo]

as a PCT alumni, I must say... it was a pretty good video.