Kolby Kirk: Journaling for MILE… MILE & A HALF
22 Jan
Kolby Kirk (aka, The Hike Guy) was kind enough to contribute a guest blog for us, talking about his connection with The Muir Project and his contribution to the film, MILE… MILE & A HALF.
I only briefly met The Muir Project on the trail in the summer of 2011. Little did I know that it would lead to a powerful collaboration and a honored spot on their team. I was hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to as far north as my feet and the weather would allow. In the Sierra, the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail share the same ground for a while. Our encounter was brief, like two strangers passing on a street. I was on my 88th day of my journey, sitting on the side of the trail with two very attractive JMTers. “Did you hear about the team that’s carrying all of this camera gear?’ said the raven-haired beauty with striking blue eyes. “They’re coming down the trail now.” I was in awe. It’s one thing to hike the John Muir Trail, but to do it with so much extra gear? Amazing.
I waved as they passed. I hoped they would join us for a bit and rest their legs so I could ask them more about their project, but they were on a mission. They hiked with a purpose. They hiked like thru hikers. Soon after, while my campfire flickered and popped, I wondered what it must’ve been like to travel with a troupe of artistic and talented people that made up The Muir Project.
About a month later, while resupplying in town, I found their website, watched “Almost There” in awe, and posted a comment. Ric Serena responded and, before long, we were in e-mail communications which eventually lead to joining the team.
For MILE… MILE & A HALF, I created the title cards using the journals and images that the team recorded on their journey. My goal was to incorporate my style of trail journaling – small writing, detailed sketches and watercolor painting – into the documentary. As the film was sculpted, I received a copy to use in creating my work. It was clear that many aspects of the journey undertaken by The Muir Project mirrored my own. In fact, I think all hikers will relate to the trepidation, thrills, toils, and triumphs they beautifully captured. I feel honored to have been able to work on such an amazing and awesome piece. I know that once you see it, you’ll be motivated to get outside and explore.