The Hiker
In July of 2021, teacher and long-distance hiker Matt “Schmutz” Lyons will leave the classroom temporarily and embark on a journey of enormous consequence. After completing an arduous thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2019, he is setting out to conquer its western sibling, the infamous Pacific Crest Trail. The 2,650 miles of trail will bring him through some of the harshest and most unforgiving terrain in North America while also providing him with unobstructed views of the stunning natural beauty afforded by Washington, Oregon, and California.
The Film
The Team
Matt’s journey will be documented by independent filmmakers Dylan Lyons and Liam O’Donnell. While they will not join him for the entirety of his journey, they will use their combined expertise and experience in visual storytelling to craft a unique and captivating narrative using the footage Matt will capture on trail. Additionally the film will explore the process of preparing for a hike of this magnitude. It will follow Matt in the months leading up to the hike and following its completion. Long distance hiking is an exercise in mental and physical endurance. Beyond the obvious physical challenges, this film will explore the mental and emotional hardships associated with the trail which are often overlooked.