Balls and Sunshine's 2011 Hike on the PCT

Well, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) did it again... another video about hiking. I just posted recently about Lint's ultralight set up, and now, OPB has a great video about Balls and Sunshine's adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail. For those not familiar with Balls and Sunshine, they are a father-daughter hiking duo (or should I say MACHINE!) from Salem, Oregon. They completed the PCT last year, and as it turns out, Sunshine is the second youngest to complete a PCT thru-hike, just behind Scrambler, who hiked in 2004. Check out the video below to learn more about Balls and Sunshine's epic hike.

Watch Season 23, Episode 13 on PBS. See more from Oregon Field Guide.

Stories like this deeply move me. The trail has a way of bringing people (and families) closer together in a way that cannot be experienced in a culture filled with distractions. Adversity, challenge, wanderlust, and simplified living strip us down to our core, revealing our vulnerabilities, and tempering our relationships. I often think back to my hike on the CDT with my friends Luna, So Far, George, Tooth Fairy, Patch, Panda, and Chance, and how much I appreciated getting to know them through that trip. I wish I could do it again!
Congrats again Balls and Sunshine on your thru-hike in 2011, and best of luck as you set out to hike the Appalachian Trail!

Ultralight Hiker: Lint

My friend Lint, was just featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting's "Field Guide," where he proudly (and humorously) demonstrates the joys of ultralight backpacking.  For those of you who do not know Lint, the guy is an ultralight hiking stud, who is one of the most genuine, humble  guys I know.  He has hiked the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails twice, and he is hiking the Continental Divide Trail for a second time this coming summer, yep, he will be a Double-Triple Crowner come next September.  Enjoy the video below! Skip ahead to the 8:50 mark.

Watch Season 23, Episode 12 on PBS. See more from Oregon Field Guide.