One day from Snoqualmie, so you not what to expect - lots of talk about food. It is however, an unusual pre town day as Snoqualmie is set to be the last town stop before the end of the trail. Naturally there are mixed feelings about this. The journey is coming to a close and with it are the excitements of home and rest, but this has been their lives for the last 6 months, a unique and extraordinary life, one not so easily put to one side. These emotions are heard throughout the episode as Ethan,...
May 08, 2022•38 min
Leaving Mt Rainier behind, Molly and Ethan plod their way through yet another burnt woodland but this time, from the fertile soils sprout small clusters of strawberries - not quite the selection at Sainsbury's but a delightful treat for the eyes if anything. This landscape of recovering shrub dominates the day which remains hot despite the grey cloud cover looming overhead. There is a random encounter involving a minor "PCT celebrity" - OTC - and a gamble between a spring water supply and rumour...
Mar 18, 2022•29 min
The team pass through a tourist hotspot as it draws close to the Labor Day national holiday. The usually quiet and thru-hiker occupied territory of the PCT is shared with countless national and international day hikers enjoying the trails around Mt Rainier. That said, much of the day is spent in mists, including yet another delightful pause for trail magic but, shortly after, the sun breaks through with a vengeance turning the previously damp day into a scorcher. The group swim in lakes, convers...
Feb 20, 2022•32 min
One of those days; not a bad day but, just one of those ya know? Following the explosion of beauty the day before at Knifes Edge, we dive into forests on a day of drizzle. It is beautiful and wild, but quiet. Lethargy sinks it's claws in. The day was taken easy, with lunch beside alpine lakes, talks of possible wolf sightings, crashing at the end with a very exciting food review.
Jan 29, 2022•27 min
In the Goat Rocks Wilderness, the PCT splits. You can take the original route or an alternative. Frankly, you'd be a fool not to take the alternative. Knife's Edge remains the most beautiful section of all 2,650 miles of the trail for us. This episode hopefully showcases that with a lot of ambient audio, "Wow"s and the occasional f-bomb of delight. There isn't much else to say really. Listen and enjoy.
Jan 15, 2022•25 min
Having skirted around Mt Adams, the dynamic duo press on with their eyes set firmly on the Goat Rocks Wilderness - said to be one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire trail. The team discuss their favourite town stops so far, find themselves in awe by the beauty of Cispus pass, attempt once again to communicate with Pikas and generally enjoys the days hike in gorgeous weather and surroundings. They finish the day camping in what is possibly the most amazing camp spot thus far with near ...
Dec 20, 2021•31 min•Ep. 129
As they leave the area of Trout Lake, saying goodbye once more to old friends, Molly and Ethan begin to skirt the more recognisable mountains of the Washington Cascades. Mt Adams and the rest lie in wait.
Dec 03, 2021•19 min•Ep. 128
A promise of a little trail magic turns into an overdose. On a day already fitted with a scheduled town stop, the team are spoilt as they come across 3 stations of trail magic along the way. French toast, pork chops, chocolates and mimosas fuel the march to Trout Lake which itself delivers blueberry pies, burgers and long lost trail families. A long conversation is shared with Prometheus and Not A Minor by campfire outside of town, featuring discussions about managing a relationship on trail, be...
Nov 30, 2021•46 min•Ep. 127
The gang continue their walk up the multi mile slope upon which they camped. Its a morning slog, but whilst resting on its peak a SOBO hiker delivers news of magic on the trail. This is where lunch and much of this episode is spent. Amongst casual conversation excitement and anticipation of Trout Lake, due the following day, continues to build but more news from SOBO hikers of even more magic makes the next day as exciting as Christmas.
Nov 20, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Ah, Washington; the forests, the ferns and of course the non-stop up hill struggle. It's a sweaty welcome to the new state but the milestone of yesterday pushes Molly and Ethan up the hills and rolls them down the other side. Ethan is attacked by a wasp, the team reflect on hitch hikes of the past and the prospect of restaurant food at Trout lake lingers on the tip of our tongues.
Nov 12, 2021•31 min
Another milestone crossed in this episode as Molly and Ethan cross the final US state border into Washington via the Bridge of the Gods, but first they must tick off the last few miles of Oregon in variable weather, and complete the U of the Columbia River valley. Oregon sends them packing with one last night of rain, but the promise of town and food in the form of Cascade Locks keeps their spirits from being dampened and spurs them on across the famed bridge into the state that marks the beginn...
Oct 09, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 124
A long and emotional episode. Molly and Ethan, eager to meet his parents at Timberline lodge, press on through the humid forests of north Oregon, along the edges of Timothy Lake, to the slopes of Mt Hood. Along the way, Ethan goes through waves of anticipation as the day he's been longing for comes to reality but, when it finally arrives, nothing could be sweeter. The end is near, but a taste of home is needed to push them through.
Sep 21, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 123
Spanning days 141 and 142, this episode sees Molly and Ethan hike from Big Lake Youth Camp to beyond Ollalie Lake. Along the way, they surpass the 2000 mile mark and reflect on the miles as well as the pride they feel for having come so far. Having skirted around Mt Jefferson, they finally get views of Mt Hood in the distance; their future destination and the spot of a well needed two days zero. Along the lakeside of Ollalie they are treated to magic in the form of homemade Mexican food delivere...
Dec 09, 2019•32 min•Season 1Ep. 122
A day of obsidian, waterfalls, lava fields and mountains awaits your ears in this episode. The team leave behind the Three Sisters and their volcanic wake on their way to Big Lake Youth Camp where a thrifty resupply proves useful for the coming days ahead.
Nov 21, 2019•33 min•Season 1Ep. 121
An early and cold morning kept the mosquitoes at bay as our duo left the shores of Stormy Lake. After a day of monotonous woodland, Ethan was hoping for open views and possibly glimpses of the Three Sisters as they etched their way through the wilderness dedicated to those volcanic mountains. Great progress was made by lunch and, come evening, Molly and Ethan found themselves staring up at the red volcanic slopes of what was surely one of the great Sisters. As the evening light cast itself upon ...
Nov 12, 2019•23 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Ethan and Molly wake up to the tail end of the storm that thundered down on them the previous evening. Trudging through the mud and wet bush, they head towards Shelter Cove - a small lakeside campsite with a shop, restaurant and possible accommodation in the face of worsening conditions. Indeed the weather did not let up and Shelter Cove proved to be an ideal stop. The next morning brought clearer skies and dried kit. Our dynamic duo monopolised on these favourable conditions achieving a 29-mile...
Nov 04, 2019•32 min•Season 1Ep. 119
The day before wasn't the most entertaining day for the guys. To entertain themselves they played a little game known as "Snog, Marry or Kill". The subject of said game? Just three of histories well-known Gods. Well, they learnt their lesson on route towards Shelter Cove when the God left for dead took his vengeance. Join the gang as they find themselves in the grip of a storm which culminates in thunderous claps of lightning and "hailstones the size of walnuts" as they traverse a high ridgeline...
Oct 17, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Despite warning signs, Molly and Ethan survive a night without disturbance from Mountain Lions. Legs and limbs still intact, they start the days hike around the rim of Crater Lake, admiring its beauty in the morning light. The day ahead is full of long dry stretches so the dynamic duo make the most of water caches left by trail angels along the way. The trail meanders back to the green tunnel, though large stretches pass through diseased and dying woodlands, providing little distraction from the...
Oct 13, 2019•24 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Molly and Ethan wake to a mosquito soup in the air and, as a consequence, charge through the morning miles on their way to Crater Lake. Crater Lake has been high on their "sights to see" list and they are buzzing to have finally reached it. The trail cuts through burn areas whose skeletal trees are populated by woodpeckers and the air is alive with the hum of crickets. They reconvene with several friends at Mazama Village; Will, Audrey, Mike, Miles, Matt, Trouble and Cheeks, and enjoy a well-des...
Oct 08, 2019•28 min•Season 1Ep. 116
A cheerful Ethan greets us this morning, but Molly is struggling with a blister on her foot that has required some intervention. Feeling better after 'leeching' it they head out into the green tunnel of the forest, plagued by swarms of mosquitos in the still, humid air. Water is a bit of an issue today, with 11 miles between each of the sources they plan to stop at. The day is overcast, so heat is less of a problem but the air is heavy. Eventually they emerge from the tunnel out onto a ridge whe...
Sep 15, 2019•36 min
Although there was thunder rolling around overnight there wasn't much rain to disturb their sleep, instead it was animal noises that spooked 'Spook' during the night. The morning sees them keen to get back to a normal on-trail routine away from the distractions of town. Deers greet them on the path, and it is cool and quiet in the forest as they approach Plumb Landing Camp where there is a tap and a flushing loo! It is a lovely setting with Hyatt Lake glinting through the trees. Moving on to Sou...
Sep 14, 2019•48 min
A more regular start to the trail after their stressful departure from Ashland yesterday, they head out under a hot sky towards Pilot Rock. Molly soon discovers that you can't breathe, eat, and walk simultaneously. Their calculations indicate that their current 25 mpd pace is sufficient as they head through Oregon proper, but having had the state line as a target for so long they need to re-establish their motivational goals for the next section. Oregon has a few ranches and tourist spots near t...
Sep 13, 2019•31 min
It's Day 130, and after a well earned Zero in the super nice town of Ashland the guys are keen to get back on the trail. Beers at the Standing Stone Brewery, Thai food, socks, shorts, resupply logistics, shopping; it all takes ages, especially when the Wi-Fi in America is generally so rubbish everywhere, why is that??? Frustrating for Molly particularly, who gets easily frazzled and overwhelmed with the busy environment of the city. Luckily they have a local trail angel, Mike, who is at the read...
Sep 13, 2019•32 min
It's a town day, and after a month without a break the guys are looking forward to taking a couple of nights in a motel and having a Zero day tomorrow. There's still 19 miles to go to get to Ashland, and it's another hot one. Realising they've not washed their clothes for 400 miles they are keen to find a laundromat when they get there! They calculate that they have about 48-49 days left to complete the next two states, which is mad when it has taken them 127 days to get through California. They...
Sep 08, 2019•33 min
It's a slightly disorganised morning as they pack up camp; the realisation that they are about to enter a new state makes Ethan rush to get on the trail and his de-camping routine suffers. Their spirits aren't dampened though, and they make good miles on a swift trail along ridgelines and through flowered meadows to the border. Stopping for water, they link up with other hikers making the crossing today, and they are all keen to be finished with California. They've been in the same state now for...
Sep 04, 2019•46 min
After the many ups and downs of yesterday, the focus of today is one big down followed by a massive up; the Devil's Climb... It's a hot day as they start the 14 miles downhill to Seaid Valley, but the thought of milkshakes at the cafe there and the proximity of Oregon tomorrow keeps the guys moving. Bushwacking past Grider Creek they reach the valley floor and the PCT joins a dirt road to town. They are rewarded this morning with copious blackberries growing alongside the trail, which has them d...
Sep 02, 2019•1 hr 6 min
A beautiful sunrise to start the day, and the path is tougher than expected as they move towards Seaid Valley. The first hill of the day is steep, and they will be going up and down along ridgelines all day, eventually beginning the 21 miles of trail that winds down to the valley floor. Passing through a gap between two mountain shoulders Ethan is plagued by bees and wasps and other buzzing annoyances as he collects water in the shade, but there are plenty of beautiful flowered meadows and long ...
Aug 31, 2019•30 min
Waking to birdsong in the town park at Etna, the guys are pleased to have stopped in such a nice town. Breakfast at Bob's Ranch House, a few more supplies bought, and then an excellent lunch at Denny Bar Company has them feeling full and happy as they walk through Etna to the road out of town. The fires that have been noticeable in the air are far to the north and not affecting the trail as yet. They get distracted by a whistle as they make their to the hitching point; Tom & Crane beckon the...
Aug 28, 2019•46 min
Another bright morning on the trail, although the battle with mosquitos is one they're destined to lose. As they climb the first of the days hills there is a haze on the horizon and an acrid smell that can mean only one thing - forest fires. Each year the western states of the USA suffer from sometimes catastrophic fires, and most years at least part of the PCT is closed, forcing detours and long road walks to avoid affected sections of the trail; will this year be any different? They plan to hi...
Aug 27, 2019•34 min
Another good nights sleep on the trail, though the morning is plagued with mosquitos. Somewhat overcast, Ethan is hoping that the cloud cover will keep the temperature down, but it soon burns off and it is another hot day in Northern California. Setting out along the rolling ridge lines they are pleased that the views today are better, with some dramatic vistas out to the horizon and sightings of Mt Shasta from time to time. Molly is particularly taken by the vibrancy of the flowers they are now...
Aug 27, 2019•52 min
