Help a Fellow Hiker get to New Zealand

Back in September, I told you about a contest Air New Zealand was running to select a few Great Walkers to spend nine weeks tackling all of the island nation’s Great Walks. Late last week I found out that former SoCal hiker, trail documentarian, and all-around amazing guy Kolby Kirk was selected as a finalist!

For those that don’t know him, I met Kolby a few years ago on a backpacking trip to Mount San Gorgonio and instantly liked him. From what I gather, that’s a very common occurrence for him. After losing his job, Kolby packed up his things and tackled the Pacific Crest Trail, came back to California to trek the High Sierra Route, and helped with title illustrations for the upcoming (and excellent) John Muir Trail documentary Mile … Mile and a Half.

I think Kolby’s unbelievably suited for this trip – his photography is excellent, his illustrated trail journals are true works of art, and once in a while he’ll put out a video that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.