Seeking an escape from the monotonous city life and yearning for a thrilling adventure, two friends make a bold decision to embark on a challenging expedition along the Pacific Crest Trail. Spanning 2500 miles of treacherous terrain that stretches along the western border from Mexico to Canada, they are resolute in pushing the limits of their endurance, immersing themselves in the awe-inspiring natural beauty that often goes unnoticed, and meticulously documenting every step of their transformative journey. “As It Happens: Pacific Coast Trail” is an account of their arduous and at times grueling endeavor, a testament to their unwavering determination.
Andy Laub and Ian Mangiardi lead comfortable lives surrounded by their families and loved ones. However, they feel an irresistible pull to explore the profound teachings that nature has to offer. Throughout their expedition, they discover that nature can be a harsh instructor, exposing them to the menacing hiss of venomous rattlesnakes and the presence of countless other intimidating desert creatures. Moreover, they confront the ceaseless trials posed by severe weather conditions.
Commencing their odyssey from Mexico, they endure scorching heat and aridity, enduring blistering skin and resembling the very landscape they traverse. Battling hunger and dehydration, they forge ahead with unwavering determination. Yet, they soon realize that their most formidable challenge awaits them farther north, as the Sierras are engulfed in the most severe snowstorm ever recorded.
The viewers are intimately drawn into the action, experiencing both moments of peril and triumph. The evocative camerawork, complemented by a plethora of striking photographs and a collection of two dozen original songs composed by Laub himself, creates an immersive and poignant viewing experience.
What does a journey of this magnitude ultimately achieve? By the conclusion of “As It Happens: Pacific Coast Trail,” the significance becomes evident through the weathered faces of our intrepid protagonists and the heartfelt testimonies of the fellow travelers they encounter and befriend along the way. Each of them has experienced transcendent moments, profound grace, and a deepened appreciation for life while traversing the trail, aspiring to carry these emotions into their everyday existence.
