A lot of people were fans of my first Pacific Crest Trail video, Three Second Thru-Hike, and I honestly didn't think it would be such a hit.
I am happy with the way it turned out, but I got a lot of feedback about the length of the video (which ends up being over seven minutes), and the music (which I really just chose because it happened to be the same length as the video).
So what have I done?
I've recut the video into a three-minute version with original music by Builders. I realize that a lot of people would just prefer to hear my footsteps (really? that's not boring?), and if there's overwhelming support for a version with no music then let it be known and I'll make it happen.
Personally, I prefer this to the original (or to me just boringly walking, since I usually had headphones in on the trail anyway), but I will let you be the judge (you know, because bias, etc.).
Leave a comment and let me know!
For more Halfway Anywhere videos subscribe on YouTube.
I’ve only been on a couple miles of the PCT, but I’m a big fan of your blog.
That said, I liked the first video better. I’m not crazy about the music in either video (I’m a classical kind of music fan, myself), but it was upbeat and it had a rhythm which I imagine matched your stride… at least, it helped me feel like *I* was hiking down the trail. It was energetic and inspiring. (The music in this video, not so much.) I also liked having the occasional headers, so I knew what I was looking at (even if it was off trail or on a detour). I did NOT find it to be too long… if anything, I was hungry for more. (If I weren’t old with health issues and responsibilities, that video would definitely have propelled me onto at least a section hike, even though I have never backpacked before! Great job.)
Thanks for being a fan, Gardener!
If there’s one thing I’ve discovered with the two videos it’s that you definitely can’t please everyone all the time (unless you’re a baby otter – everyone loves baby otters).
At 0:32 of your new video it states, “This is what they see.” My question is, What about all the sections of the trail that were cut out of the original seven minute video? Are future thru hikers not going to see those areas? Your seven minute video was the first video I ever watched on YouTube about the PCT. One word…Inspiring. It changed some goals in my life and planted ideas in my mind on how I want to experience what our Country has to offer.
Hey! Awesome to hear that the first video had an impact. This video contains footage from all the same places as the original seven minute video with a few more added. In truth, even with the first video there is plenty missing from the trail. Perhaps on my next thru-hike I will more meticulously capture the trail in its entirety.