Trail And Errors

After an oddly comfortable night on the porch of the Paradise Valley Cafe, a hearty breakfast fuelled the team up the long and hot ascent towards Mt San Jacinto.  The miles came slow, but with everyone struggling morale was boosted knowing that they weren't alone.  Palm Springs glinted to the east, and the remnants of recent fires was evident along the trail.  A spectacular campsite with an incredible sunset made the effort worthwhile.  Check out trailanderrors on Instagram for a first hand account, and listen here to episode 14 of this amazing journey. Ed. :)

The guys dream of burgers as they make their way uphill towards the Paradise Valley Cafe.  Hot and dry, the trail meanders through some beautiful scenery; Ethan forgets his gloves but gains a trail name, and an impromptu slumber party is held on a roadside porch.  Episode 13 of Trail & Errors :)

Team EthaMol move through the misty landscape amongst giant boulders, suffering their first on-trail injury.  Ethan reflects on the nature of his journey, the difficulties both mental and physical.  The guys are joined in camp by new friends, they learn how Stark Naked got her name, and are enlightened as to the many varieties of sugared confectionery available in the USA; and does Molly receive the first hint of a forthcoming trail name? It's all here in Episode 12 of Trail & Errors :)  

This podcast sees the guys move past mile marker 100 and the famous Eagle Rock, and through the friendly community of Warner Springs.  Experience the change in scenery from relentless mountain switchbacks to high fertile pastures with abundant wildflowers, from the necessities of a town resupply to the peace of a woodland campsite next a bubbling brook.  Meet the characters and be part of the journey in Episode 11 of Trail & Errors.

The switchbacks up the San Felipe hills are never-ending; Molly & Ethan work their way up the ridge avoiding snakes and grabbing water when they can.  They are joined by Panda and Andre for lunch, and look forward to a bucket shower in Warner Springs tomorrow.  The afternoon brings relief in a change of scenery to high meadows and flowers, and Molly reveals her knowledge of american history via the medium of musicals (Hamilton).  

Travel with the team to the town of Julian and hear from some of the interesting characters they're meeting on the trail.  A hair-raising first hitchhike out to town for food and a resupply, and a slightly more refined journey back, before hitting the switchbacks up the San Felipe hills in the desert heat.  You'll hear about Pickup Trucks, Apple Pie, Cider, the Mayan Language; String Theory gets a mention; plus Molly gives someone a trail name, all in episode 9 of Trail & Errors.

A 16 mile trek along the ridgeline towards Scissors Crossing; hot and hilly with outstanding views, and their first Trail Magic!  They also answer a few listener questions, and discuss their favourite topic - food :)

Leaving Mt Laguna through beautiful pine forests, Molly & Ethan remember not to listen to unverified rumours (02.30), wonder at the amazing views (03.45), ponder trail name protocols (06.15), find a good lunch spot (08.30), reflect on the distances they will be walking (09.309), receive their first Trail Magic from former PCTer 'Spikes' (10.20) who offers some sage advice and wisdom about the trail (12.30) and micro-spikes (14.00).  They get their first glimpse of Mt Jacinto in the distance (15.00), reflect on the day's hike (18.45), before ending the day as usual discussing food (23.15)!  Enjoy :)

Enjoy the sounds of the trail as the guys head to Mt Laguna; they discuss some aspects of US culture (04.07), describe some of the characters they've met on the trail (06.30), encounter another snake (09.10), give a description of their lunch (09.57), explain how their water filtration systems work (11.00), have a chat with some of their current trail family (13.05), enter a beautiful pine forest (16.39), and end up in the Pine House Cafe for some well earned burgers (19.17).  

After a steep climb out of Hauser Creek Molly & Ethan visit the Malt Shop in Lake Morena (07.50); have a chat with Irish (09.05); get recognised on the trail (11.55); have a lovely encounter with Duke & Cheyenne (12.25); rethink their eating strategy (17.45); find a lovely camping spot (19.45); and give feedback thus far on their gear decisions (21.15).

Molly & Ethan move from San Diego to Campo and the Mexican border, where they begin their trek. The Americans struggle with 'Wrigglesworth' (01.00); Border Wall (02.10); First Steps (03.15); Noobs with poles (05.20); Argument about which state calls their residents Hoosiers (it's Indiana... 21.15); Hiker Food (21.50); Arrival Hauser Creek (32.25).

Last episode before Ethan and Molly start their walk... Subscribe and enjoy, and leave any comments or messages of support! :) The Editor Welcome to CA (02.19); Bedding/Sleeping (09.00); Tent (11.32); Footwear (13.50); Hydration (19.48); Kitchen (23.49); Electronics (26.34); Toiletries (31.04); Clothes (34.35); Miscellaneous/Rucksacks (41.18)

As D-Day draws closer, we breakdown the following Trail Lingo: Thru-Hiker (01:11); Section Hiker (02:15); Day Hiker (03:26); Ultra-Light (04:10); NOBO/SOBO (04:55); Flip Flop (05:55); Post Holing (06:50); Glissade (08:09); Cowboy Camp (08:48); Hiker's Midnight (09:35); Zero (10:34); Nero (11:15); A Bubble/ The Bubble (11:55); Hiker Hunger (13:25); Hiker Trash (14:54); Trail Angel (15:30); Trail Magic (16:55); PUD (17:55); HOYOH (18:48); LNT (20:00).

For the first full episode of the Trail and Errors podcast, we asked you to send us questions that you wanted us to answer before we head off on 27th March. We received a total of 40 questions, but answered them all in the ones detailed below. If you have any further Q's, email pct@trialanderrors.com, or contact us via FaceBook or Instagram - @trailanderrors. 05:00 - What do you anticipate being the most challenging aspect of the trail? 07:45 - Why does this appeal to you both? 10:09 - What will be the most annoying thing about each other on the trial? 13:48 - How many hours a day will you do? 14:55 - Do you plan on camping every night, or will you be booking into motels on occasion? 16:07 - What are your main bits of kit? 21:30 -  Do you have a target for the first few days? 23:15 - Is there a governmental authority or other organisation that runs or looks after the trail? If so, is there any documentation you need before you start? 26:58 -  Will you be taking a spare pair of boots and what blister