Hey! I just wanted to thank you for sharing your information! I’ve watched your journey on the AT as well as other people’s videos. Right now I’m 51 fighting stage 4 cancer and winning and prepping to hike the AT in 2019 and with the help and advice with channels like your I will accomplish that thank you!
I honestly believe you will likely be picked up by Nat Geo or someone, given your presence and approach to the videos. That said, in meantime I really do appreciate your honesty in all things related to the trail, and although I do not see you as a gear-gal, I have placed more trust in your comments than many of the gear-guys who are running channels similar to your own. I know there must be great pressure on you to accept gear, do unboxings, gear giveaways, and all the crap that taints other channels, keep being true to yourself and your 71K will be 71M. You go girl, not gogirl, oh you know what I mean :) Happy New Years and thanks again, Scars.
A great balance of confidence without ego, and experience without absolutes. I loved to see my students and junior officers challenge themselves and build their self-confidence. Dixie brings me back to that, as I am sure she does for others, and she is becoming a welcomed leader in this community. Great for her and us.
3:07 -3:20 says it all really. At 51 married and raising 3 children you think about things you always wanted to do but said maybe next year....good for you to just go for it
Great video. Thank you for the insight. As a husband and father of four, I'm looking forward to a thru hike in years to come as the little ones get bigger. Until then, I'm learning from channels like yours and getting out to hike/walk as many times a week as possible with our busy schedules. Thank you again
Love your photography and commentary. Not a hiker but lifetime fisherman and Florida native and resident for 76 years. I really appreciate your obvious love of the outdoors.
Thanks for this. Married parent adventurer here. The best thing about your channel is the honest relationship you've developed with your viewers, and this vid is a great example. I value your independence from sponsorship. So much of adventure-culture is product placement; refreshing to see a channel about the experience rather than the gear. Now, super important trail question: What is your favorite flavor of pop tarts?
I suspect it comes down to curiosity. Engineering and hiking are both complex fields that benefit from a little healthy obsession to grow your competence and optimise complex systems. :)
Didn't know this, not done a through hike yet but planning on visiting the states this summer for a nice long cycle tour mixed with a lot of bikepacking and hiking and I studied physics. Would love to through hike some day, hopefully next year :D
Me too though my journeys are on weekends, holidays, and during vacation. Hopefully the thru-hike of the AT will take place the spring following my fall retirement.
@Jean-Louis Bourgeois So true, especially for females. I've met over 2 dozen females who graduated with an engineering degree (i took their word for it) and know only 1 female who is actually working as an engineer. All the other females didn't want to work in the field - only wanted that piece of paper. STEM forever! LOL
It's clear you're a special kind of person. No doubt your driven like a car, and very intelligent. Your project oriented mindset is obvious and impressive. Your like "I was working all these odd jobs, and wasn't sure what I was gonna do.. so I wrote a book; then with the internet I....". I still think you look like a city slicker, but judging by your videos you've really got out there in the "country" and put yourself through it. I'd say you have alot you can teach. I'd pay attention to you. I like the way you treat the dogs too.
I don’t plan to thru-hike a trail anytime soon. I have 3 years, 10 months, 10 days until I can retire, but who’s counting. 😉 I do plan to hike and camp off my motorcycle as many weekends as I can until I am free to take longer trips or I can no longer ride. Hopefully, the latter is many, many years away. I love your point of view and your content. I can apply your information to just about any life situation that I choose to get myself into. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I always tell my thirty-something daughters that time is their gift to me, not stuff, even if that time is on a zoom call.
You'd never been on an overnight hike before and you started the Appalachian trail??? Woah! Even though I'm Australian and on the other side of our globe, I absolutely love watching your content. I started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago as I was camping one night when I suddenly had a craving for more adventure. I camp quite a lot but it doesn't feel like it's enough anymore and I needed more. I thought about hiking and remembered my younger days how much I enjoyed it. I then RU-vidd 'hiking' and your nearly 4 hr beginner's guide was what I watched from start to finish. Last weekend I did my first hike (12 kilometres) and surprised myself at how much I enjoyed it. I got blisters on the bottom of my feet, shin and calf cramps, sore hips, shoulders and back. It's now Friday night, fully recovered, new gear such as Injinji liners and I'm going on a 15-20 kilometre hike tomorrow. You inspired me mate... subscriber for life
Godbless you all 💘...you are an incredible woman...your an incredible person...you give many poor people&many lustty wealthy folks young&old desire to just live life while we are still alive...ive been hiking&🏕 camping most of my life...ive been told i never learned how to relax...ive hapily done alil over 8 years of civillian goverment work...im so proud to help our goverment in any way to protect us in 🇺🇸 America...now im safly disabled&while im still hurt&alive...i saw you nice folks on these american hikes...i didnt ever know such things existed...like i realy need to get out more...sorry to ramble on...anywho im up to walking up to 13 miles so far&im not completly exausted...thus im believing i may be able to perhaps have some fun enjoying these neeto 2660 mile hikes...aint got a dime saved up for none of them...but ill see what happens...i want to do these walks only to send any cash directly to the Saint Jude for kids with cancer...and somehow to get monies to women for to help fight breast cander...yea im for real... i just do not know a clue how to go about that...owel...from CITYBOY1035@GMAIL.COM 💘...
Thank you! I love your channel. Oddly enough this applies to me struggling through nursing school broke. Planning a thru-hike on the PNT when I graduate and wondering not only how I can survive now but save enough to do so then....but to gain anything you have to give some things up. Luckily they are only things and what truly matters is living the life that a- brings you the most happiness and b-gives back to others. That is true joy. You are where you are because you set a goal and went after it and then shared your life with many. When you spread joy- people respond. Your Wednesday clips of the PCT were on my clinical days and some were emotionally draining beyond words. I watched your videos and could forget about the day and see the trail. A wonderful way to debrief for me. Thanks for all you do! Can't wait for your CDT vids! #girlpower
Mandy, I’m just now starting my last semester of nursing school in Florida, working as a tech on a covid unit, barely making enough to survive. I watch these videos and fantasize about the year after graduation, when I can ease my way into backpacking my section hiking the AT. Someday, when I’m a travel nurse, I want to start doing thru hikes. I hope you got to do your thru hike after graduation! #girlpower
Several hidden gems here..... Hike YOUR hike expands to live YOUR life Spend less than you earn--it buys freedom You can get the girl outta office--but she ain't comin' back
I watch a number of people living mostly or full time in rigs of one type or another and am now following you and a few other hikers who so generously share your knowledge. You are absolutely in the top tier of people I follow regardless what they are doing. Your videos are absolutely excellent. I'm so glad I stumbled on your vlog. Thank you. Shelley from San Diego
Good morning Dixie, I'm from the future. It is September 19, 2019. I have to say you will grow this channel so much bigger with many more extremely useful blog videos that will inspire many many more to plan a through hike like myself. Kidding aside, I have been obsessed with your videos. I have watched many others, but keep coming back hear. I love your honesty and that you aren't selling us on any product as an individual for money. Sadly I am almost completed all of your videos, remember when I say your first one and was excited that there were so many more out there. lol. I have a feeling though that RU-vid will see more of Homemade Wanderlust as the future unfolds. Thanks again
Wow, good video. So what you are saying is hard work, sacrifice, determination, and working your plan is responsible for your success. Good life lesson, it wasn't handed to you on a platter. Looking forward to our 2020 PCT hike,when my wife and I will be 67.
You are such an inspiration. I'm going to start my ebook on backpacking Asian food. My mom owns a small Asian grocery store, and I've spend years learning to cook Asian food on my toaks titanium stove. You can make pho, pad thai, Tom ka gai, fried rice, etc. on the trail! Asian grocery stores have a whole isle of instant noodles, a whole isle of instant coffee and tea. Also, a whole isle of dried vegetables, and dried fish. I'm such a geek for backpacking food.
Oh wow! I always got that feeling that you described of “if I can do this you can too” from your videos. Now hearing your engineering background, being an engineer myself. I’m really thinking about quitting my job and doing something like you. After a lot of planning of course. You’re truly an inspiration to people like myself. You and Darwin have been eye opening for me.
Thanks for this video, I led a life full of adventure until I was about 40 and then I settled down to have a family and now I live vicariously through your videos. I hope your channel continues to grow and you become a roll model for many younger folks, we need more people like you in the world. I've used your video as an example for my 15 year old daughter on how to be a strong independent woman. She may never be a backpacker but hopefully she will be as determined and self reliant as you are.
Hi Dixie, thank you again for another wonderful video. I totally get your hesitation to get into a "career" type of job. That's what I did and have been there ever since. With bills and kids etc., there is just no way I can stop working. I'm 60 now and in 33 years at this job I've never taken more than 2 weeks off in one stretch. That's not to say we didn't have tons of fun travelling, kayaking and lots of car camping with lots of day hikes and a few overnight backpack trips, but at this point, it looks like a PCT hike will be in retirement. I think you're a strong beautiful woman living an awesome life. I wish nothing but the best for you in the coming year.
Doug Turner Thank you Doug! Sounds like you’ve had a great time with family and that’s a beautiful priority to have. I hope someday to have family/children but it just hasn’t been in the cards for me. The PCT will be there when you retire-just keep the dream alive :)
This is really great all around life tips! Live simple. Its a great feeling to simplify! Its how my family and i live and are able to show our kids so many great places and trails! Great video!
3000 subs, I could only wish but I'm just getting started. I have lots of trail time planned for this year, but I can't get to the AT until I retire in 8 years. Too close to walk away from the job now. The bonus is I get to do lots of research and hikes before setting off on that crazy wild ride. I will be making my attempt at 54-55 yrs old. If you hear someone hollering.... I've fallin and I can't get up.... that would be my old butt. Keep putting out the great content, it's helped a lot with my research.
Your How-To Guide for Hiking the Appalachian Trail was an excellent read and would be Most Useful for anyone contemplating an AT through hike, or even a section hike. I look forward to your books on the PCT and CDT. You are an amazing young lady and I enjoy following your adventures. Keep them coming.
I am addicted to your humor and honesty. At 40 I resigned myself to section hiking the PCT..so I recognize a lot of those spots. Great job explaining the financial. And thanks for being a bad ass girl! Love going on those journeys with you through your videos.
Thank you Dixie for sharing your videos. I’m 52 and a novice. I have been dreaming about doing this kind of hiking, but a very afraid of the unknown. I appreciate your videos, and now I have definitely more realistic expectations and preparation. The Dalai Lama says true compassion is caring for others, especially for strangers. Also, one aspect of love is to share knowledge. All the best to you Dixie!
Its so easy to get busy with everything going on around us that we at times forget whats important....your videos have been a great reminder to slow down and appreciate that the trail is always there waiting for us.
You are great. Keep living your passion. I have lived in a frugal way all my life and that as allowed me to be a ski bum for 37 years. I am now getting ready to leave for a bike trip at 58 years old...around the world.
I love your full honesty here! I consider myself a bit of a newbie to the hiking scene. I enjoy it better than a walk down the street. I would loooove to do a thru hike! But I would probably have to work full time to save the money needed. You have gained another subscriber because I thoroughly believe you deserve to get paid to do what you do. Keep it up xo
There are several channels that do a lot of the things you do, but it takes only 10 seconds listening to you to know how genuine, sincere, kind and generous you are and your spirit is absolutely contagious. You really are a bright star among your peers. Everyone who visits your channel really wishes they were your friend in real life.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dixie for explaining the sacrifice, discipline and responsibility you went through to create the hiking experience that changed you life. Please please continue to promote what you gave up in your daily life sacrificing the immaterial items in your life to gain the goals you have attained. Go Girl.
In 1992 I hiked the AT from North to South...was my first long distance hike. (I had the support of my employer..Shoney's) I wish Wanderlust's vids were around then..wouls have saved me learning a lesson on a cold dark night
Very impressive and inspiring. I have just discovered your channel and am now subscribed hoping that it will motivate me to get into backpacking 35 years on from my last adventure. Now that I am nearly retired, I am thinking of the next challenge. Your content has a lot of useful information for a novice and is encouraging me to try to do the AT. My first trip is doing the Haute Pyrenees trip - just a section of it. Not staying in huts but camping it. If I succeed then I'll definitely go for the next adventure. Ranulph Fiennes, one of Britain's top explorer, has never made much money from his expeditions. All money raising activities is gone for charity. I just read that he struggles with his personal finances and will avoid spending money on hotels when he is in London, preferring to sleep in the back of his estate car. You are doing an amazing informative job. Keep it up. Thanks for the useful information.
Thank you for sharing your experiences! Your methods for saving mirror some of the ways people in my social circle manage to do their "round the world" motorcycle trips! So when I see them again at a Horizons Unlimited meeting I will point some of them toward your channel. It may come as a surprise, but that entire community draws heavily from hiker experience to help them optimize their packs and keep everything as light and functional as possible. So again, thank you for sharing and helping enrich my life and others' as well.
Dixie asked for questions, not comments, but I just wanted to weigh in on one critical thing she did right which she didn’t mention here, but mentioned in an earlier vlog. She got her education first. She has marketable professional skills. She is an engineer. Engineers often segway into marketing, and she obviously has marketing chops now. Very impressive, Dixie.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation on this topic. It’s nice that you are honest but some people ask questions that are too intrusive. You seem nice and genuine. I feel like you have a vibe of good energy around you
I followed you since you were just about done with the AT and this last fall I went on a 14 state road trip and stopped in Smokey Mountain National Park. The second I pulled into the Newfound Gap parking lot, I was like wait a second. This is the spot that motivated Homemade Wanderlust! I didn't realize that I was even in the same area till that moment. It was cool to see that place knowing it initially motivated you to do so much.
Very refreshing to see a younger person (or anyone these days) who understands the value of hard work and what is important in life. In addition to making great videos you are a remarkable young lady Dixie. Your parents should be very proud, they did an excellent job raising you.
You are the best example I know to quit something you thought you didn't like much to try something you might like more. Your personality and your guts is what everyone admires. I have a blonde daughter your age who moved to Seattle to be a free spirit 8 years ago, and now she is back in Charlotte for her engineering degree at 32 because what is makes sense in life has come to the forefront. She matured.
Thank you so much for sharing your stories it's so inspiring to see a normal person accomplish so much and being free. Good vibes, and much love from Asheville NC!!
I have watched a lot of your videos but never subscribed, I think beacuse youtube just kept recommending your videos to me. But you got a new subscriber today. I really like seeing different hikers share how they do long distance trails, everyone has a different way and you can easily learn a method that just might your for you.
You are such an inspiration to me! I’m finishing my degree and I want to have the freedom you talk about to go out into the wild. There aren’t many female backpackers on RU-vid. Thanks for creating your channel!
Dixie, I really love your work. Even though my wife and I don't do overnight hiking or even concentrate on hiking in general, we always manage to learn something useful. Our passion is barebones roadtrips, exploring remote areas, and learning the history of the area we visit. Believe or not, your videos manage to relate! Looking forward to your CDT trip!
Thank you for your videos. I section hiked much of the PCT in California and Oregon but had to stop because of health problems. I watch your videos and remember back to my experience. Your honesty is refreshing. I am so happy I didn't wate for the stars to align and took advantage of the opportunity when I could.
All that hard work is showing in your subscriber count. You have an awesome channel filled with info people can use and apply. It's awesome watching the channel grow! Congrats!
Thank you!!!!! This is the EXACT video that I needed to see today. I just marathoned your entire PCT hike in the past 3 days and I am feeling sooo inspired to sell my house next year and go on an adventure XOXO!!!
I really appreciate you sharing ypur knowledge! I came across your videos while searching personal experiences on hiking the AT trial bc I too want to eventually hike the trail. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experiences! Much respect!❤
I'm proud of you,you didn't limit yourself in any way,and your very motivated,,keep on telling the people the TRUTH,and continue with FACTS,people are sick of being lied to and you are an honest person with a great soul,thank you for sharing this with us...
Good people like yourself make me really want to join a thru-hike. Just wanted to say that I really enjoy watching your channel and thank you for all the great hiking tips! 😊
Have ran across your channel a few times over the past year since I got into backpacking.... The more I watch the more I like your style, approach, honesty and practical, realistic tips. This channel is unique and definitley has a non commercial, "homemade" feel. Please continue to be yourself and keep creating great, informative backpacking vids. Your lifestyle is an inspiration! Good luck on your awesome journey. See you on the trail. About to go subscribe.
If it wasn’t for RU-vid, you and others like you, I wouldn’t be planning an attempt at a triple crown. It’s an inspirational community. Thanks for all you do. And on a side note, hold on to your Toyota. I have a 93 Toyota Pickup and it still runs like new.
Awesom journey and story! Thank you. You also validate my idea that we need the support of family and friends to make life a little easier and help us succeed.
Hello from New Zealand! You are so my kind of young lady, and I am really enjoying your videos. I love living a very simple life here too, and building rich experiences in my life. I am now in my sixties, and a Ninja Nana, haha. I have never owned a car, I walk, cycle, bus, taxi and train. It's fun! I am currently training for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal. So looking forward to that. Here in NZ we have lots of amazing walks as well, in some stunning areas. The best part is that there are no snakes, bears or cougars! Keep up the great vlogs, you are fantastic! xx :-) EDIT: As of November 2020, I have set my goals to do Te Araroa NZ as a thru hike in the summer season of 22-23, to celebrate retirement. Training and preparing now, so I'll be good to go by then. 😊 Stay strong and true to yourself Dixie, you are amazing ‼️ 💞
I've already got the gear. I've reduced my expenses to a minimum, I live frugally, I work two jobs, and STILL could really not afford 6 months away from work, lol. It's awesome that you can.
Dixie you never cease to inspire me. Thank you so much for putting out these videos and being real. This year I'm paring down my life to what fits in the cab of my truck, minus bike and kayak. Living below your means feels so good. Life is about experiences not the lastest and greatest.
Happy New Year Dixie. We all look fwd to following you in 2018 and your journey on the CDT. Best wishes and thanks for your inspiration to get out there and cross the line! :)
You have inspired me to try short thru hikes. I’m prepping my body and gear to do Benton Mackaye trail eventually. I’m 57, have arthritis issues, but with your help, I’m going for it.
Brilliant. You have worked hard for any success you have achieved either on the trail or off. These videos bring such a wealth of information and entertainment that supporting you via Patreon is a no brainer. It is a much better ROI (Return On Investment) than Kindle Unlmited or Netflix. And, yes, as you say, 'where there is a will, there's a way'. Thank you so much for creating this content. I've done some video work and know how much takes to produce these episodes. Well done. (It was a bit chilly while filming this, wasn't it? Hope it warms up for you all down there. )
Karen W Thank you, Karen! :) That means a lot to me. Yessss, it was so cold. I kept having to run inside to warm my hands. I felt like my face was frozen and I couldn’t talk. Happy New Year 😄
I really love this. I'm not planning for a thru hike but I do have a plan that's important to me that I need to save for and this can all be applied to that because not only do I need to make and save a lot of money there's things I'm going to need to get. This was very inspiring and motivating. Thank you.
My husband and I have enjoyed and learned from your videos and blogs. You have been one of our inspirations! This video, I am sure, has helped people see what it takes to do what you do. We all have a path, but hard work behind the WILL to do it has made you and others successful. As you said....where there’s a will, there’s a way. Thanks for sharing.
I love this video and all your others too! This one has weighed on me the most. I know I have the physical ability and drive, but financially living was another thing. This video helped a lot, thank you
Good for you. I hiked almost my whole life, but until Gucci girl and I found you channel we really didn't long hike. The information that you have given has been invaluable. Dehydrating our food for hiking has been a big plus for us because of you. Thank you for the time that you put into your videos.
I have been watching quite a few AT videos lately and really enjoy your content. It is clear that you really have a passion for the outdoors and a knack for telling a story. Good luck on your future trails. :)
This was one of your best tip videos Dixie. Very inspiring for all of us. Your attitude is contagious. Thank you for putting out this content and keeping us informed of your adventures.
I'm glad you have found your place and your voice. Hike on and thanks for your continued wisdom and helping us average people feel we can DO what we may dream...
It's all about the lifestyle you choose! I recently discovered your channel and I will most likely be watching a lot of videos over the weekend. I'm 53 years old and have a monthly retirement to work with. I've downsized a lot over the past year (to include a divorce). I spent three and a half months in Belize. Now I'm in the long term planning for the AT in 2019. This Spring I'll be doing the Camino Francis. I don't even own a television anymore.
Wonderful video as usual. Down to earth and basic common sense advice. We love living vicariously through your adventures and are glad to have your wisdom to guide us.
Hard work, resourcefulness, intelligence, persistence, and integrity make you someone I truly enjoy listening to and put my faith in! Thanks for delivering this transparent message about how you funded your trips, I think you are living an amazing and inspiring life!
I have been dreaming for a long time to do the AT and then the PCT... we all have reasons why we wait. I’m planning on a 600 hike this year. I love your videos!
outstanding as always new you had a bright future from the start a NATURAL smart,hardworking and very overlooked part COMMON SENSE applied to everything can't wait to the next adventure dixie HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
just watched a few of these vlogs, quite inspiring. i'm due to be the "support driver" for a charity hike along hadrian's wall in june. i'm starting to feel that i should be on the hike it's self. you are reminding me that i spend far to much time sat on my ass.
Dixie, you are an inspiration in everything you do! I’d soooo love to spend a week with you on the trail. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for all of your teaching!!
This video really made me like you personally. Humble girl, loyal, and focused on your priorities. How cool. And rare. Thank you for this video. I am trying to figure out to finance this life as a working musician, and, to know that you are not some little rich girl, who just went down and bought everything up front and dont work, well, that gives us hope. Thank you Dixie. Great work
Just found your channel yesterday and I'm so impressed! Arguably, one of the best hiking channels. I can only do section hikes and got the bug again recently, which is what led me to you. Great advice and content from everything I've seen so far! Happy trails
