A Documentary by Shane "Jester" O'Donnell
The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, covering over 2,600 miles as it winds through California, Oregon, and Washington. The PCT (as it is known) passes through desert, the Sierra Nevada, and the volcanic peaks of the Cascades. It was designated one of the first of the scenic trails in the National Trails System authorized by Congress in 1968, and was dedicated in 1993.
Every year there are hikers who attempt to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail in one hiking season. "Thru-hikers" adopt trail names (usually given to them by other hikers), which is why the hikers in "Wizards of the PCT" have names like Ratatouille, Marty McFly, Smooth Criminal, S.O.L., and Coyote. The film follows these and other members of "Team Bad Wizard" as they make their way north to Canada.
Shane "Jester" O'Donnell likes the word "pants." A lot. He also likes cheese, movies, and, apparently, writing about himself in the third person. Combining all of these interests, he hiked the PCT -- where he wore pants, ate cheese, and shot a movie. And the last interest had to wait 'til now -- but man, was it worth the wait.
The musical artists featured in Wizards of the PCT give the film a feel unlike that of any other trail documentary. While there won't be a music soundtrack released for Wizards of the PCT, all of these artists are amazing and worth more than just a casual listen. Check out their pages/websites below!
Songs:Breaking Bottles
In The Hall, Flower,
Nightstand Gold, State
I'm In, Those Were
The Days
Songs: Salvation, Be Your Man, Reckoning, Is Everything Enough?
Website
Facebook
Song: All The Bells
MySpace
Song: Bile Them Cabbage
Down
Songs: Diorama, Seventeen,
Charlie Hustle (Instrumental,
featuring Julie Stimmler)
Songs: Apathetic Nature,
Driftwood, For Now, Know
You Don't Mean No, Nothing
At All
Songs: 4-Second Roll, Crasher, Classic Horror 2,
Der Kleber Sting, Folk Round, Netherworld Shanty
"Like the Lord of the Rings, but with dirtier feet."
"In the early part of the film, Teatree says of the PCT, 'I gave up having friends at home so I could have friends here.' I concur. Thru-hikers are the most interesting, diverse group of people you will ever encounter, and Jester captures it all in "Wizards of the PCT." When you see each other at your best and at your worst, true friendships develop. And when you're under the spell of the Bad Wizard, well, you'll break out into song and dance quicker than the kids from Glee. Jester shows that a PCT hike is not only full of breathtaking scenery, it's also a lot of fun!"
-- JACKIE "YOGI" MCDONNELL
"I don't remember who it was who recommended viewing 'WIZARDS OF THE PCT' but I certainly want to thank them. Shane "Jester" O'Donnell has done an exemplary job in depicting what the PCT is really about. His videography is excellent, his "captions or subtitles" humorous and yet he is able to capture the spirit of what the hike is about -- the people.
I say without equivocation, that this DVD is far superior to the National Geographic Documentary in imparting the "feeling" of the trail. While NATGEO did a good job as a documentary, it lacked the day to day efforts, the highs and the lows that hikers experience. Check it out. I promise you'll not regret it."
-- RON "BURNING DAYLIGHT" DYE (PCT 2009)
"Wizards of the PCT . . . one of the best PCT videos out on the market. Have watched it 3 times and all the hikers who have visited Dinsmore's Hiker Haven have loved it. Thanks to Jester (Shane) for the time and miles that it took to put this together."
-- ANDREA DINSMORE, PCT Mom (Dinsmores Hiker Haven)
"This is the best all time video of the PCT saying what it is really like to thru-hike the Trail." -- "WARNER SPRINGS" MONTY TAM
"If you don't want to hike the PCT yourself after watching the movie I can't help you. . ." -- LIGHTHIKER'S WORLD
"Jester is to trail documentaries what Michael Jordan is . . . to trail documentaries." -- SCOTT "SQUATCH" HERRIOTT
"Filth, blister popping, eyebrow plucking, more dancing than in any other trail movie ever filmed , walking thru snow, walking thru fire, Saufleys, Andersons, more filth, weird night vision shots where Jester's eyes glow green, great music, a huge burrito, very brief glimpses of The Bad Wizard, California, Oregon, Washington, very very little "how to" info, an hour and a half of inspiration, lots of fun and no sad, and even more filth.
Good stuff, well worth the $20.
Check it out." -- RYAN "REDNECK RYE" HAMLER
"I have been watching PCT videos since 2004 and I think "Wizards" is definitely the best. I can't get my wife to watch any of the other videos, but she watched this one! Well done!" -- PAUL "CAPT. BIVY" FREIMAN
"This film just keeps me coming back for more. It's the feel good film of long distance hiking hands down. " -- CHRIS HEALD
"It's like an episode of Survivorman, hijacked by the guys from Jackass."
"Wizards of the PCT" is available
for purchase! The cost is $20.00 USD, which includes domestic shipping.* Payment is through Paypal, but you don't have to have a Paypal account to purchase. If you have any questions I am reachable at the above email.
*for international orders, contact me at the above email regarding shipping cost. Keep in mind that the DVD is in North American format.
Future screening times and locations will be listed here. There are currently no public screenings set, but check back!
The organization that protects and preserves the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
Austin & Niki Williams' disturbingly comprehensive site, containing just about every bit of information and link concerning hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Pretty much everything you need to know to hike the PCT. Some people think "adventure" comes from not knowing where you are, what you're doing, or what comes next. The rest of us buy Yogi's book. Indispensible.
Since its release, "Wizards of the PCT" has screened at The Long Trail Festival, PCT Days, ADZPCTKO, Trail Days, The ALDHA Gathering, The Billville Feed & The Winter Warmer, The Ruck, and SORUCK.
It has also screened in the Philadelphia area at The Commodore Barry Club and The MacSwiney Club, and was an Official Selection at the 2011 Seattle True Independent Film Festival.
More PCT documentaries! Includes " Walked ," which features hikers seen in "Wizards of the PCT."
You're probably going to need to eat anyway, so why not eat well? Ridiculously good recipes by Teresa "Dicenta" Black that work for the trail, the option to buy her book, plus, if you poke around, a photo of Dicentra wearing an enormous hardhat.
Note: The DVD includes ONLY the 98 minute film, the trailer, and two extras: "Bees in My Pants" and "TBWPCTPOV" (available only on the DVD). Most of these extras and outtake reels are ONLY online.
Buy Now
Own the Feature Length
Film on DVD!
