Episode 16: Sierra Nevada (PCT 2017) 

One of the few RU-vidrs that I will watch a 20 minute long video :D it seemed like 5 :) keep them coming.

Great episode! Please unhook all the straps on your backpack when you cross rivers, even when you do it on a log. You might loose your ballance and fall and then your backpack is going to be hard to get rid of. I am a former member of a mountain rescue team in Iceland and we have plenty of streams to cross up in the wilderness around here.

'totally a brownie tree' this is why I love her

Clicked on this so fast!! So excited to watch your videos!

I think the music in this just made the whole video a million times better. It made me wanna go out and hike and this is the kind of videos that I LOVE!

Yay! Haven't even watched....just sitting here refreshing till 6pm ET! Addicted to these videos!!!

these docs just keep getting better and better in terms of music, intercuts, etc.

So I'm only 6 1/2 minutes in and I'm floored! You and your editor both are two incredible people. The world and outdoors are lucky to have you. I thought when I first saw the video pop up in my email this morning how lucky we are and how much we are loved by Team Homemade Wanderlust to have a 20-minute video. Thank you! Every time I saw a scene with the mosquitoes it took me back to my AT Thru Hike in '12 going thru the low parts of Massachusetts and I immediately started itching all over! Keep up the great work - both of you - and kill it in the Sierras. Damn the naysayers and keep plowing thru. Dixie, yer harder than woodpecker lips and you got this for sure. I'm proud of you, lady! My older brother (who passed in '06) lived in Opelika back in the day and I feel connected to him thru your adventures. I spread his ashes on Katahdin when I finished my hike in '12 and found peace and closure at the end of it all. The PCT is on my list. I'll be that 57-year-old geezer on the trail going SOBO in '35!

OH YES! It is time for my favorite show! I'll never look at Pine's the same way again!

New video intro? I like it! Also - I encountered an insane amount of mosquitoes in Kings Canyon National Park (so many that I didn't want to stop moving!). So good luck! Also, your "most beautiful day on trail" clip was also the spot where I thought the same thing :)

Northern California native here! That brownie tree is a ponderosa pine! Fun fact, if you break a piece of that bark off and smell it, it will be slightly reminiscent of vanilla!

I came here after watching your CDT videos which I hope to hike soon. As a former PCT thru-hiker and as someone who hikes in the Sierra Neveda every year, I can say one thing with confidence. Permithrin threated clothing is your friend. Treat everything from your hat to your shoes and cover up with long sleeves and pants. It really works. If they land on stuff treated, they will take off quickly without trying to bite through it. This is much cooler than hiking in all your rain gear relying on how thick the material is to protect you. Also, with a wide brim hat, they tend to land on top instead of underneath where you face/neck are. A bug net is very useful during breaks so you don't breathe them in. On the PCT, I hiked through the Sierra this way and only needed to use DEET in northern Yosemite (always has the absolute worst bugs), otherwise hardly got any bites.

I've said it before, easily better than anything on TV. I think a lot of kids would love watching this. Thanks, Dix!

Some of us have gotten so preoccupied with our daily routines that the things we soooo enjoyed when we were younger slipped away.....getting outside. Dixie not only creates great videos, she reminds us to get back out there, even if we start out alone. We wont be alone for long!

I have been binge watching you for the past week and you are by far my favorite hiker on YT! Gotta stick together us southern gals! Feels like home when I hear you talk (:

I loved this! Beautiful editing, and I loved the change of scenery as much as you did!

Safety tip: When crossing streams, unbuckle your hip belt so if you fall in , the rushing water doesn't pull you under with the pack. It's easier & faster to come out of your shoulder straps without having to unbuckle your hip belt as well! Stay safe!

Awesome scenery! I've been anxiously waiting (and worrying) about you getting through this section. Please be careful! Also be on the look out for a female hiker named Sunup. She just climbed Whitney a few days ago so she must only be a day or two ahead of you. Very nice person who's been vlogging her journey as well. She's not doing as many miles as you are per day so you're bound to catch up to her. Using some of your shots as my wallpaper, they are that beautiful.

Another great video! Can't imagine this in person. Made me think about how John Muir must of felt when he first walked into the sierras!

Dixie, your footage is breathtaking. I can only imagine how spectacular the scenery is in person. Thank you for allowing us to be with you on your adventure. :)

Those were some awesome views! Thank you for letting us watch through your videos. (Great job editing too.)

Dixie, thank you for bringing us along on your adventure. I hope I speak for a lot of your viewers and subscribers in saying that it's been worth every mosquito bite, every blister, to capture these memories and to share them with all of us. Go for it! Cross that line! You're an inspiration. Mount Whitney and Forester Pass may be intimidating, but you're respectful of the risks and up for the challenge. You've got a lot of fans looking forward to your next episode!

I have watched all you triple crown series and now this series. I must say this one really tugged at my heart since i am from the sierra Nevada area and have been all over that place many times in my younger days. I"m no longer able to do the the outdoors I love so very much. Your videos have brought me much joy in seeing the Wonder of it all again.! Thank you so very much for the lift in my spirit. Peace be your journey always*

As a 2015 PCTer...Thru hiker turned section hiker(until I can get a spring/summer again) I am really enjoying watching your video's. The water between Kennedy meadows and Lone Pine-I am so jealous of!!! In 2015, 7 liters is what I was still carrying!!Best wishes and stay safe!!!

I love to watch your videos to go to sleep, then wake up and watch them for real, and sometimes go back and play them again to sleep❤️ you're such a great and soothing person to watch

The nature show were wonderful. Wish I was there. 🏕🏔⛰🗻

As a whole, this is quite definitively THE PCT Trail experience video collection. Congratulations Dixie. incredible...

This is why you should do a dry run camping out two or three days before you leave so that you know what you need and have time to go get it. AND when you pack up in the morning you know you have everything you need and you know for sure you have it and where you put it BEFORE you hit the trail. Always have one extra water just in case.

This was a great episode!!!

I love your comment about the ponderosa tree looking like a big brownie. Never thought it but yes it does. Especially when you are a hungry thru hiker. Be safe and love the way you see the world you are in.

More exceptional blending of music with video. Will be watching this episode again just to take in the beauty and artistry. Thank you for both your talents.

Some seriously good video footage.

Dixie. The is the best video of your PCT hike so far. Thank you and thank you for sharing your hike. A Patreon Supporter.

That collage around the 6min mark was beautiful. Thank you for that.

This is my favorite episode yet! Stay safe!

So enjoying these videos every week. Thanks for sharing your journey, Dixie; and kudos to your talented video editor.

I just got so much wanderlust from watching this , be safe have fun and enjoy

Dixie, Thanks for this episode...they just keep getting better, great work both of you!.. We're all behind you lady, crossing fingers and sending positive energy your way. Nice ''cliff-hanger''ending Aaron...Take care and be well guys, thanks for the smiles....CHEERS !!

Breathtaking scenery. I am inspired by your courage and sense of adventure. Will be glad to know when the difficult stream crossings are behind you. Thanks again for sharing your trek with us.

Amazing scenery. You do an awesome job of capturing it. Thanks for taking us along Dixie! Have fun!!!

I have been watching you since Amicalola Falls.I am glad you found people to hike with. I am grateful you are taking me along on your adventures! Love you Dixie stay safe!

I have never been more obsessed with a persons videos until I started watching your journey! Keep up the good work! 😊

I am ALWAYS looking forward to your new episodes. At the moment my life is going crazy between job/saving money for my PCT attempt next year and I´ve been batteling a cold for a while. So this weeks episode really has made my day so much better. Thank you for going through the trouble and keeping all of us posted!!!

Hello, From Texas! I've watched & occasionally rewatch your videos. I would love to hike especially the northern regions of the PCT for sure!!!🥳 I've always dreamt of/fantasizied about the forests of the northwest or actually any cool forests! The hike would be a huge gift from me to myself!😁 My goal isn't to through hike 2000 miles, just hike/camp some sections. Me being from a southern SUPER HOT state "Texas" 🥵 w/temps of 100°+ I'm leary of hiking a desert 😳. I can do/see & suffer that daily here in TX. 😉 Summer in Texas lasts 6 months & is toture if your outside without a swimming pool! I want to camp, go on short hikes, amble along, wonder, wunder, be awed by nature, the creatures & to deeply savor time spent in the wilds in the cooler/cold temps of the NW old growth forests. I crave this fantasy even more now, after all the covid-19 weirdness of 2020. I'm determined to stay positive, regardless! I've experienced & witnessed that "true magic happens to those who commit daily to a positive & greatful mindset". Life will still have it's challenges & occation sad events etc... but the universe does respond in kind to an individual's outlook on life. I really do enjoy watching your hiking videos. So until I am hiking the PCT myself your videos will have to do! Your are especially great in helping to encourage & inspire other nature-lovers &/or outdoorsy people😎, especially women👠👟, to not be afraid🥴, get out on a trail & enjoy the heck out of your life🥳! I really appreciate your positive attitude (it's contagious) & BTW I also find you gear reviews super helpful!!! Thank you so much for all the time, care & effort you put into your channel! 🤠 Good luck on your future trips & may you have many, many more! 👍🤗💖

*You might think of undoing your backpack straps when crossing rivers.

Thank you so much for sharing! The amount of snow and water at the end of July is simply amazing. Stay safe.

Great scenery, I'd be undoing the sternum & hip belt on any river crossings that are sketchy in case you go for a swim & need to roll out of your pack, you can then hold on to it for flotation until you get to the shallows.

Welcome to the Sierras Dixie! You haven't seen nothin' yet! The Sierras are beautiful! I've been following you and waiting for you. Good luck climbing Whitney. Stay safe and we'll be watching for the next episode!

The much anticipated Sierras video!! Your appreciation for nature truly shows.

I like that you include the hikers and people you meet on the trail, plus the towns that you visit. You are doing a great job. I subscribed watching your AT adventure.

I'm making fudgy brownies tonight... Your videos are so darn cool. Hope you meet up with Chocolate Balls and Sunup somewhere along the trail. Can't wait til next Wednesday... Stay safe...

I live next to the Sierra Nevadas and did about 30 miles of the PCT when I was in middle school (14 years ago...yikes!). The mosquitos are no joke. I remember having bites in every place possible when I came home from the backpacking trip.

geez I stop watching your videos for a few months and all of a sudden you have insanely awesome production value amazing!

I did the JMT in 2016 northbound from cottonwood pass. It's fun to follow along and remember each section of the trail. I look forward to seeing the next few videos.

Hi Dixie, thanks for this video, I like all the scenic views and the nice soundtrack, too! Safe and happy hiking in the Sierras! 🐞👍🌻

Hello Dixie, greetings from Northern California. Somehow I missed this great adventure video. I know that 2017 was a heavy rain and snow year for most of California. I always look forward to your beautifully filmed adventurous videos. All the best to you Dear for your good health and safety. 🤗

You're doing an incredible job of capturing the [stunning] beauty of the Eastern Sierras, and this is your absolute best video to date. Also looking forward to seeing you catch a few trout with that Tenkara rod.

HAVE FUN! BE SAFE! WISH YOU A SAFE JOURNEY TO THE TOP & BACK DOWN! GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS!

You know you've been out in the wilderness a long time when tree bark starts to look like brownies I remember the view from Lone Pine, I stayed there after my trip to Death Valley a while back.

Awesome video as always

Her video editor always did a great job but after all the desert footage that montage at 5:06 is beautiful and quite moving.

I love your channel! It's the only RU-vid channel I have send me alerts when new videos show up. Thanks for all the hard work.

Sierra bird tip. One of the most common birds in the Sierra is the mountain chickadee. You can recognize it by its distinctive three note whistle that sounds like "cheese-burger". The "cheeseburger bird" as it is commonly known in Tahoe is abundant in the Sierra as well as the Cascades.

you just keep getting better and better in your production.

I'm so happy you've made it to the Sierras! I grew up in Tahoe and this video brought back so many memories. Enjoy the snow! Can't wait for the next episode!

Wow! Such beautiful footage in this video!

omg I've been waiting for this for forever!! 😍😍😍

I am currently purchasing my gear for a section hike of the AT and I want to thank you for your videos. You have taught me very much about what gear to buy and have saved me some money as well. Thank you again and keep it up. Hiking doesn't seem so intimidating now.

This is one part of the country I've never been to and would really like to visit

Beautiful! Best so far - good luck on Whitney!

This was so beautifully filmed and the music was perfect. I have looked forward each week to an update and I am so impressed every time! I hope you are having fun!

Looks like you hit the Sierra late enough. The videos from early June were crazy. Looks like you might be able to actually enjoy the hike through the most beautiful place on earth, at least that I have ever been to.

Dixie! I'm so excited that you're in the Sierras! We're planning on hitting the northern terminus by the end of August and then heading back down to NoBo the Sierras through September, so please please please be safe so that we can maybe run into you again 💁🏼 Keep on trekkin! -Crispi

Dixie, please be careful at the creek crossings. We just heard of a second death on the pct in a week. Conditions are tough, and I know you don't know any of us but please be safe! We really care about your safety.

At Olancha the flybys from our Air Force are something to see. They fly by wire down to Owens valley.

Keeps getting better and better, be safe!!

Just a little PSA. Up here in northern California, we've been warned about mosquitos that are out during the middle of the day. Apparently, they carry West Nile at a higher rate than those that come out around dusk and dawn.

I took about 20 screenshots of the beautiful views throughout this vlog lol. Nature is so breathtakingly amazing! great video Dixie!! Thanks as always for sharing with us!! xoxo

It never seems to be long enough. Such quality and great content. Wishing I was there it is so beautiful.

Great video Dixie! Thanks for taking the time.

I get so damn excited when a new video from you pops up! I've got almost half my gear ready for my PCT thru hike for 2018! I'm so stoked for it.

Howdy Alabama! from the Scoutmasters of troop 145 in Stockton Ca. We enjoyed talking with you on the trail. You impressed us so much were following your progress!! We dub you "honorary Boy Scout!" and I bet you got your own cool knife now! Good on you! Eric n Al.

Outstanding Dixie! Your videos keep getting better and Better. be safe!

Thanks again Dixie for sharing your videos with us.......You now have me inspired to do the AT when I retire.

Your channel has been my night tv for days now. Your editor does a superb job of making each of these feel like a contained episode. I hope you pay him well (in Snickers perhaps). (I've specifically watched these in order from the start so that I can watch your progress as well as watch the through hikes). To anyone reading my post, buy Dixie's (Jessica's) book on Amazon. Only $6 ish.

Another Awesome Trail With Dixie, looking so comfortable on the trail,Mt. Whitney will be a piece of cake (or maybe brownie) .Lives lost?,Be aware of trail bandits,, there are those who don;t care what you are trying to accomplish for their own gain. Just be alert and careful. Team up in areas of concern. Water crossings appear intense,,please be extra careful..Don't let the little things (bugs) dampen your spirit ,next town crossing pick up some "deet",you"ll be glad you did. Great video ..until next time...Stay safe and God Bless...

That pole extends! Ok. I saw your gear video and was wondering "Gee, that's a pretty short fishing pole."

Great, now I have to make brownies!

great videos! I love the polish and presentation! And of course the content rocks!

You'll have a great time fishing the high mtn lakes in Oregon! At dusk some of them literally percolate with Brook Trout.

I made an earlier comment suggesting that microspikes wouldn't be necessary. After reading a post from local expert Ned Tibbits I am reconsidering bringing spikes. Yes, there's a substantial weight penalty, but damn, this is an unusual snow year and the last thing I want to do is slide down a pass face first in the rocks. I'm too pretty to let that happen. So Dixie, good call on taking the microspikes and the ice axe. I stand corrected.

That was an exceptional video! Dixie and her team really did a great job with this one and I know the farther north she gets the scenery will get even better. BTW warning when you get to Washington, we have had people fall thru the snow on snow bridges, so be extra careful.

bravo to your editor! the panning shots mixed with the portraits were beautiful. excellent videos guys!!!

I look forward to your videos every single week. I was so excited to see you start the Sierra's. The shots and the editing are both amazing. hope you're doing well Dixie!!

Awesome! Be careful and keep them coming!

Wow great video of the most beautiful mountains. God I love this country people really need to get out and see it more. Keep it going can't wait for next one.

Dixie and anyone else curious, the penalty for not carrying a bear can is a $150 fine. Also Lassen NP was added this year to the list of areas that require bear cans because of a problem bear around Twin Lakes that was getting food bags that were hung. (Mile 1343--1363). Another tip: when you get to Ashland if you end up going into Medford for any reason make sure to resupply food at Winco. Excellent prices, a great bulk food section and Snickers for 58 ¢:)

Be safe no matter...it's a rough year this year. They finally opened Tioga Pass Rd. but it was later than usual. Lots of snow and RAGING Rivers. You might want to wait or bypass until later,since you need to make Canada by the middle of October...or not :)

Thanks Dixie...now I am craving brownies. Just FYI....if you eat raw garlic it will come through your pores and deter most mosquitoes from biting you.

we are setting records for rain here in eastern Ontario Canada for rain. It has therefore been impossible to go camping because what usually calms them down is a short drought but there have not been more than three days without rain. The mosquitoes are crazy bad, there is a path I take as part of my daily exercise regimen on my bicycle that runs through a forest and you cannot stop or you get eaten alive. I am now waiting for late September and October to go camping. Sigh