The cemetery where Grandma Gatewood is buried (Ohio Valley Memory Gardens) would like to erect a statue for Grandma Gatewood to share her story. If you'd like to help keep her memory alive you can contribute here: www.gofundme.com/f/grandma-gatewood-tribute-statue
I am inspired by Grandma! We are attempting a flip flop thru hike next year. If I ever build a community large enough (tips appreciated haha) to monitize this channel, I will donate all to this fund. Thanks for doing this Dixie!
@@jimbritttn I appreciate your concern, but I would have never posted this here if they were random strangers. They run the cemetery and are in contact with Grandma Gatewood's grandchildren about this project. I've corresponded with them myself. To answer your question, 100% of the money will go to the statue, minus what GoFundMe takes out.
Sheesze, Jess, I’m an ol’ retired Army guy. I could have demonstrated how to balance your bag to carry, how to use your P-38 (can opener), how to start a fire with 1-2 matches. I wore Keds for a long time before Converse became “the new thing”. Cotton and wool was what we wore before DuPont came up with nylon. I’m so pleased with what you’ve done to honor Grandma Gatewood. Way to go girl!!! I have 3 daughters and two granddaughters. I’m always on the lookout for a hero for my girls. I hope you don’t mind me using you as a hero. You’re top notch!!! Texas
I get caught up in having the right gear and I worry whether I've brought everything I need. This was a great reminder that I don't need all that stuff. I can go out with what I have and enjoy myself. Thank you Dixie!
That was one of the BEST homage videos for Grandma Gatewood. Thank you Dixie for making this video, and for showing everyone, that no matter who you are, no matter what your age, no matter what your gear, you can do anything you set your mind too. Thank you again for this video.
When you stood at her grave I realized, you know, i bet no one else has done this. Hiking with her gear like that as authentic as possible. It was really special to watch :)
I confess that I was screaming "NO, NO, NO!" at my computer screen when you were opening cans with a P38. I hope, by now, someone has shown you the correct way to use it. When I was in the military (what seems like a hundred years ago) C-Rations came with a P38 can opener since most of the food was in cans. I still only use a P38 to open cans because of its ease of use and the fact I can carry it on my key chain. I did section hikes of the Appalachian trail and along the C & O canal in the 1950s. My brother and I carried canned spam and sardines (both of which had keys to open the cans.) My favorite trail food was canned potatoes which we fried with the spam. We washed out empty cans and smash them flat and then "cooked" them in the fire to remove all food odors. Also, starting a fire with a single match was considered the mark of an experienced hiker. Our shelter and ground cloth were pieces of black plastic. There were inflatable air mattresses but they usually failed early in the hike, so you get use to sleeping on the ground. We did use sleeping bags and packs. By the 1960s, Kelty packs (with external pack frames) were all you saw on the trail and everyone carried freeze dried food.
I cannot imagine carrying canned foods on a hike. But I do have a P38 that I keep in my wallet. It's come in handy when the full-size can opener at the house broke. I had no idea what she was doing with hers, though, because I never even thought to use it that way. Good on you.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It's bringing me alot of comfort right now. We're coming up on a year since my Poppy (Grandma's oldest grandchild) passed away. One of our last visits he took us up to Hocking Hills to Grandma's trail. My aunt and I stood by the entrance cause I couldn't make it far into the trail with a stroller. My aunt proudly told anyone coming onto the trail about how my son was the newest descendant of Grandma Gatewood.
We need more individuals like you and Grandma Gatewood in this world. I’m just so impressed, thank you for sharing a piece of her story, gift-wrapped in this beautiful video. 💟☮️
Dixie, as an Ohio native your video is an amazing showcase of some of the beauty of Hocking Hills. I absolutely loved learning about Granny Gatewood. Thank you for bringing this to us.
I fell in love with Grandma Gatewood when I read her book several years ago, couldn't put it down. I can imagine that the AT, as difficult as it can be, was a retreat for her compared to the abusive hands of her husband. What an inspiring woman she was. Thank you Dixie for all that you are and all that you share with the world!
So 1) my brother and I just did the Virginia Triple Crown loop this weekend and of course we both enjoy your channel and talked about it while passing the time. I was talking about how the videography and editing is high end documentary quality, but I couldn’t remember who edited your channel, so thanks for the reminder. Great job Dixie and Aaron! 2) I have some pretty nice gear and in pretty good shape and the whole time we were on the trail I was thinking, “how the heck did Grandma Gatewood do it with a bag slung over her shoulder and Converse sneakers.” We didn’t even use our main packs to do Dragon’s Tooth, we just carried a few things in day packs. What impressive women!
Right in my backyard! Grandma Gatewood Trail is a very scenic 6 miles, but developed and improved into a fairly easy footpath. Awesome seeing you go all old school, I’ve often wondered what things were like for Granny Gatewood in those days. A few years ago, while backpacking with two of my sons on the Logan Trail in Tar Hollow (not far from where you are in this video), we had a large tree fall not even 100 feet from where we set up camp for the night. Scared the heck out of my boys (maybe 11 &12 at the time.
Awww Dixie!! This is so neat that you did that trail!! I'm from Ohio, I've walked the Oldman's Cave area, Ash Cave etc since I was a youngster. I had no idea Grandma Gatewood had a trail named after her there! You learn something new every day. I'm reading the book about her trek just now. I'm about half way through. What a woman. Especially the abuse that befell her prior!! What a woman! And thanks Dixie for researching and recreating some events. How awesome of you! Loved it. 😍 OMG you crack me up~ what an entertaining cute video! Wow! that little mouse was just like the mouse that visited Emma! Awesome! And wow!! To see that tree come rolling down across the trail in front of you!
Wow, Dixie, you've outdone yourself. My wife and I had listened to the Grandma Gatewood book on a trip we made to the Great Smoky Mountains. An inspiring story and we've talked about heading to OH to do the hike on the trail named for her. I followed some of your communications as you prepared for this adventure. Now, to see the project complete is just awesome. A real documentary kind feel to the way this was presented and shot. AND, then putting the flowers into the vase at her headstone!!! It drew tears. The production value of this vid incredible. Up there w WHYY and WBUR! You have done Grandma Gatewood justice. Thank you for putting this together.
Dixie you are amazing. To honor her in the way you did is something for others to consider. I have followed you for a few years now I have no reason not to start. I am 62 and really motivated.
I was home with my wife, Lori and we watched this together. The end when you visit her grave made me cry. You put so much time and respect to your videos. Thank you for that. Dan
Grandma Gatewood has been an inspiration to me from 30 years ago. She is a true inspiration to, “ not letting age stop you” Now that I’m in my 60’s I truly understand what it took to be 67 and sleeping on the ground night after night. Well, she was amazing. Thank you Dixie for doing this hike and striving to walk authentically in Grandma Gatewood’s “steps” . Just a great idea and a wonderful video. Now you just have to do it again when your 67 (: Her book is an excellent read for anyone wanting to better get to know her story.
Rocks will hold heat for a long time, may not be the most comfortable but will keep you from freezing to death. If you find about 6 or so the size of your head and keep 3 in the fire and 3 next to you, then keep switching them out when they get cold. Grandma Gatewood was an incredible lady and tough as nails, I read that book last year and though I have wanted to hike the a.t. for a long time, that book got me planning and slowly getting together gear and saving money to actually do it next year.
Awesome video Dixie!! I just loved your approach and us viewers can really feel your excitement too,. Interestingly the use of natural materials should not be underestimated. A few years ago I went on an expedition to the far north inside the Arctic circle in Sweden. I wore all natural materials - merino base layer, wool trousers, wool socks, merino jumper, wool wrist warmers and hat and gloves and cotton top layer. I did use some synthetic materials but essentially the idea was breathability. I stayed fairly warm down beyond -30 Celsius. One tip I learnt for staying warm at night was to fill my Nalgene bottle with boiling water and put between my legs close to major arteries. I’m sure Grandma could have done this too with her water bottle. Keep em coming, I love watching your content, you are an inspiration!,
First,. Been following all your trips and posts . This one is so different and fascinating. First thing I thought of when I saw those shoes was your toenail issues from before ...I lost a bunch of toenails hiking 2 years ago... Probably good that the shoes were big. Just love your personality , that Southern charm and your grit . Lord 🙏 bless...thanks for another great post . I'll be hiking the Henry David Thoreau trail up here in NH on a few weeks. Follows his trek from a few hundred years ago...
Best hiking video ever. So glad you took your idea to completion and had so much fun doing it and thanks for the beautiful Ohio scenery. Grandma Gatewood would be so proud of all you have done.
This is one of your best Dixie. I loved seeing the equipment Grandma Gatewood may have used! Your photography just gets better and better. Great story telling.
As a history buff you brought a tear to my eye and became my most favorite hiker. This was a wonderful endeavor and I enjoyed it very much thank you for doing this.
To add to the many others who've already commented, Thank You for honoring the memory of Grandma Gatewood. That shot of you opening the can of Vienna Sausages was perfect!
What a remarkable story and hike! A beautiful tribute to Grandma Gatewood. Thank you so much. It brought tears to my eyes and made me realize how much I have to be thankful for.
Thank you Dixie ... this one was very enlighting as to the gear of the day back then. I said it before, Grandma Gatewood was one tough cookie and certainly earned my respect. Thank you again, this was very enjoyable especially heating up the rocks and opening a can ... thank goodness you did not cut yourself.
What a great adventure paying tribute to Granny,Dixie. You are awesome in your commentary and sharing your love for the outdoors with all of us who will never do what you have done. Been following you from the beginning of AT. thank you. Be safe.
Dixie. That was as tender as it was inspiring. I'm impressed by your thoughtfulness to Grandma Gatewood and her authentic experience. You brought it all together. And your final thought was spot on in a world that continually needs that reminder and character. Thank you. Incredible.
I have read the book you referenced to listening in a pod cast. All through the story until the horrifying details of her domestic violence history I kept wondering what would be the clue to her grit and determination. I work in that field and knew it can really make someone steely tough or destroyed. You did a wonderful work in your research to authenticate your trek. Powerful vid. Hoping young people will read the book Grandma Gatewood's Walk. Inspirational and a real page turner. It will provide perspective on the problems we face today and how to be a survivor.
I don't usually leave comments on videos, but this really was inspiring. I had never heard of Grandma Gatewood before. Now I am off to purchase the book about her to read. Thank you for making this video.
When you heat the rocks you have to cover it with leaves then dirt to insulate and regulate heat. It lasts a surprising long amount of time and works even better when you hear up the rock face you sleep under.
i wouldnt recommend heating up a low rock overhang because it likely has water in it which can boil off and crack if heated which has killed people when the boulder comes crashing down on them. i know heating up a rock wall does ofc radiate and keep heat for a while, but heating up an overhang is super sketchy imo.
I don't backpack yet, I don't live int the US and I didn't know anything about Grandma Gatewood before watching this video, but damn, that ending. I'm crying and I'm not even 100% sure why. You do VERY good story telling Dixie! And an edit; you're actually the reason I feel like I can start backpacking, and I have plans for next summer.
Brilliant and creative Dixie! Such a thoughtful way to keep her legacy alive. It’s been a long time since I watched a 30+ minute RU-vid video but I was riveted. Well done 👍
This is fascinating! I have wondered how she did it so long ago. Thank you for doing the research, "walking in her shoes" and letting us see it all too! Blessings!
Such a sweet way to remember Grandma Gatewood, Dixie. I read her book many years ago and was deeply inspired. I bet she was with you on your little hike. So heart-warming Dixie. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in to this project and video. You are a treasure, right along with Grandma Gatewood.
Truely enjoyed your journey Dixie. What an amazing woman and to truely walk in her shoes, it must have been a humbling experience and great end to your trip with a pilgrimage at her resting place.
Leaving the keys for the END car in the car at the trailhead is such a common error, it made me chuckle. I guess you don’t do this sort of “section” hiking much. We did it while kayaking once. Now I ALWAYS double check. Lol. Glad it worked out. Usually there is some good person willing to help a stranger out. I, too, was fascinated by Grandma Gatewood and her story. Two other fascinating female hikers - though mostly stuck to roads crossing the US - were Granny D and her inspiration The Peace Pilgrim. Very much enjoyed your GG journey and thoughts on her. Thank you!
I remember a hook to catch the top rim on... I was pretty impressed and worried that she cut the side of the can . Did the vienna sausage containers always have the pull tabs? Edit: 1962 had some strange pull, but 1965 has the pull tab that we see today.
I remember an old key with a hole in the end that you wound around the can and peeled off a thin strip that then allowed the lid to pop off...man, I'm feeling old here.
@@aaalllen They invented those pull tabs in 1965 ? I didn't realize it was that early. I remember sardine cans, corned beef, and even coffee cans having the keys to open them. Didn't need a can opener.
Dixie, I have always enjoyed your videos. But this has been my favorite. I read Grandma Gatewoods Walk a while back and really appreciate the homage to her. Bravo
Absolutely fabulous …..we really enjoyed this and have both read the book. Loved this bit of history told in your interpretation of everything as close as possible to what she wore, ate, carried, etc.
Loved this video for several reasons, Dixie. First, I grew up in Ohio and tromped around these areas when I was a teenager.I could almost feel the temperatures and smell the air. Second, Your honesty about the challenges you experienced are instructive, both in seeing how you dealt with them and also is being a model for honesty. Third, honoring the life of a woman who became a trailblazer, so to speak. I was especially touched by the flowers you brought to her grave. Thanks for sharing. This has to go on my Facebook page.
Your videos are genuine and informative. It humbles me to see young folks like you respecting the achievements of our past hiking elite. I am always captivated hearing stories of the first who did this or that. The first to summit Mt. Washington or Katahdin. They along with Grandma Gatewood hiking the A/T are stories that are not heard often enough. Thanks Dixie.
you could have piled up a bunch of leaves inside of the shower curtain then wrap it completely around it like a sleeping bag then sleep on top of it. ive done this with 2 55 gallon trash bags so its long enough for my whole body and the leaves are like 2ft thick which is a good amount of cushion and insulation from the cold ground. regarding your fire starting, if everything is wet its best to peel off the bark of the sticks and set it aside and then shave off the dry inner wood and light those shavings, then throw the wet bark on after the fire is established. also if possible its best to find some tinder like cedar or poplar bark which can be ripped up into very fine fibers that light easily then you throw sticks on top of it. i use fire cubes and stuff like that to light fires regularly, but i also have learned how to do char cloth with flint and steel and even bow drill friction fires, so thats how i learned what the best bark is for the tinder bundle. i just find it super fun to learn the old tried and true methods to be able to start a fire if for some reason i have lost my lighters and ferro rod. anyways, that was an awesome video with alot of effort put into it.
This was such an enjoyable video. You put so much research and effort into giving us a better perspective of a woman we all look up to. Thank you for being you and giving us this gift!
This is pure gold! I love that you did this, learned about how she hiked, got the same type of gear, everything about this is just amazing!! I backpack with a vintage cook pot that my mother gave me from the 60's and I will never give it up...somethings are just meant to stand the test of time, but I certainly am thankful for many of the advances in gear.
Oh, that's awesome! I live near Hocking Hills, swim in the spillway some summers and sled there too, it's close enough that I've taken my kids a few times.
If you you have seen me post before, you know I am old school. Started backpacking in the 70's as a boy scout. Cotton was the way to go back then. Better than anything else available. For socks I usually went with white cotton next to my feet and wool over that. Very rarely got blisters with that combination. I will grudgingly concede that new wicking fabrics are better than cotton now. But I often still were cotton while camping and still find it very comfortable . Just like the commercials say.
