About Me
Hey there!
My name is Jessica Mills, but in the hiking world people call me “Dixie.” Although I was born in Florida, I ‘grew up’ in Opelika, AL. I spent the majority of my summers with my grandparents who were backyard gardeners that grew up on farms. At a young age, I developed a love for the outdoors. Watching TV is never a desire of mine, unless it i
s football season–War Eagle! I graduated from Auburn University in 2012 with a degree in Biosystems Engineering and a minor in Agronomy and Soils.
For a year and a half I was a resident of Colorado and it was an amazing experience! I resigned from my job there and began my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in March 2015. Although that journey ended in October 2015 when I summited Mt. Katahdin, it was only the beginning to a new chapter of my life. I am currently thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and have my sights set on the Continental Divide Trail next year in 2018.
I am an advocate of being outdoors as I feel we can learn a lot about ourselves and life in general while out in nature. Whether it’s taking an evening stroll, catching lightning bugs or gardening, I think everyone can benefit from smelling the roses now and then!
If you have any questions about hiking/backpacking, check out my informational videos on YouTube!
Happy Trails 🙂
Jessica “Dixie” Mills
HomemadeWanderlust@gmail.com
558 Comments
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I am thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this summer and will be regularly posting updates during my journey. To follow along, be sure to sign up below!
Hey! I have enjoyed watching some of your adventures on you tube… Keep it up! Wish I could just drop everything and go sometimes 🙂
Go gators!
Thank you, Greg! Haha, you can. Just plan it and do it!
Hi Jessica
Your videos are fantastic. Really inspiring stuff and you’re such a friendly enthusiastic and smart girl. Wish I could try the AT and PCT myself someday – but will be great fun to follow along with you on the journey. Rob
Dear Jessica I love your videos and Im 10 years old and I love to hike as well you’re my favorite. I am going on the Appalachian trail .
Love your vids
,kamryn
Hey Kamryn! I’m so glad to hear we have something in common 🙂 Hiking is the best! I can’t wait to hear about your trip on the AT one day. Keep that dream alive 🙂
Hello Dixie. it was great talking with you and Marde on your road hike this afternoon. I was the guy in the white pickup truck. What a surprise to meet you after following all your videos and adventures. please keep them coming. Safe travels to you both!!
Dixie, for Amazon purchases thru Dixie az, you mention receiving compensation for “qualifying purchases”. Does it have to be for products you’ve reviewed or can I channel all my Amazon purchases through your site to benefit/support you?
Hey there! You can do all of your purchases 🙂 Thank you so much!
Hi Jessica, I I think you’re great wish more girls we’re like you. So I can hike with them on hikes you’re the best.
Jessica, what’s next in your travels?
Hey there. I’ve been binge watching your YouTube channel lately. Really like it. I’ve done some backpacking over the years and a ton of multi day ultra marathon events. Anyway, was wondering if you still recommend the showa gloves for rain and if so where do you purchase them? I can only find the N1 in bulk quantities and I’m not keen on spending over $100 for nitrate gloves. Thanks
I’m almost done with your PCT vidios I love it keep it up!Looking forward to CDT!
Have all ready seen your vidios cool! Inspiration to me well! I’m going to start hiking um my home town la luz trail look it up its cool up and down from there to start alb nm! Your so cool!You make me smile!
You go girl! Love your videos and the way you are… You’re awesome. Stay safe.
Dixie, my boyfriend Ben is about to do the Appalachian trail in two days. He is incredibly prepared and is a big fan of yours. As the trail is approaching he is getting quite nervous, and I was wondering if you had any advice for him. Thanks in advance, Katie
Hi. Yep m brand new At this and I’m following you on YouTube… And you mentioned clicking below so you can get credit for it whenever I order something from Amazon or other outfitters… Can you please explain to me how it is and how it works I’m trying to order some things and I want you to get the credit for leading me to that product. thank you
great input to start!
You are a very inspiring woman me and my wife just started hiking and back pack hammock camping and we love it
Did you ever run into a hiker that went by, mostly harmless?
So when is the television show? Those guys on ROCK the PARKS are a pair of sissies compared to you not to mention an entire society needs a course on what it takes to succeed in life.
Have you ever seen people with disabilities thru hike I have a steel rod and nails holding my leg I can walk but not sure if I can do this
Hi Dixie I love watching your videos!! I send them to all my friends that might be wanting a change and didn’t know it. What’s your snapchat. I’ve been using it lately and can’t find you. Your awesome keep on keeping on 🙂
Hi Jessica, would you consider hiking the 24000 km , 15000 mile Great Trail in Canada. It would take you to the Pacific, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans? You would see some of the most amazing floral and fauna and scenery, that will blow your mind! I have seen many of the places, in bits of pieces, of course, but to do the entire hike would be epic! And, you are just the girl to do it! Every Canadian would have your back the whole way…ps it is the longest hike in the world. It is worth its own crown!
Atlantic*
Atlantic
Your utubes are amazing. Informative and honest. I have been completely absorbed in them. You are considered, daring, determined and free spirited. Hopefully there is another challenge ahead we can get to enjoy. Well done!!
I didn’t see a way to email/contact you on your website, so I hope you will see this comment: just an FYI that your affiliate link to Amazon is not working.
Jessica, have you considered a Boundry Waters canoe trip.
I just finished your PCT series. I enjoyed them very much. I did a couple of day hikes on the PCT this year handing out snacks to thru hikers. I’m old enough to be your grandfather, but I set a goal this year to hike 500 miles. We hiked mostly in the North Cascades. I have 8 miles to go.
I will definitely be out on other sections of the PCT next year and am looking forward to your CDT adventures.
Oh my goodness that is WONDERFUL to hear! You’re a prime example of why people’s age is simply an excuse. Glad you’re enjoying the trail and congrats on your accomplishment 🙂
Jessica (Dixie), I wanted to just stop by and say Hi! I am 58 with cerebral palsy and managed (sadly until my health changed) to hike up to the base of half dome with a spotter twice (my muscles literally are spastic enough to cause me to FALL downhill rather than walk. I used to hike almost weekly and did the marathon walks for the March of Dimes back in the day.
Gosh, watching your through hikes have been like a great tonic for both my husband (also CP) and self. Just wanted to share that with you. And your footwear review was very well received by Altra (I called them directly to find the right footwear having plantar fasciitis), they laughed and wanted me to say “Hi Dixie!” Anyway, great folks. Your videos help! PS how’s the weather been for you????? I have often been a bit concerned about AT hikers right now with the hurricanes, etc. (do I miss hiking? yup!)
So it’s a vicarious hiking experience for us, and it has seriously kept us sane being mostly housebound, thank you!
Hi Mary! Fellow hiker with a list of health issues here. First of all I support you and your husband getting out there as you can and enjoying nature as your body may allow you too. I find being able to live vicariously through people like Dixie helps me alot too when I’m laid up for extended periods of time. Second as far as I know the AT is fine! Thankfully the Appalachian Mountains are generally far enough inland to not be much effected by hurricanes other than blow downs which happen with thunderstorms anyway. The odd snow/ice cycle lately as well as record rainfall this past year has effected the area worse I would say but not really hard on the hikers except needing to take extra precaution for the conditions.
2018 would not have been a great year to hike the AT but it’s still there and so are the hikers!
I’d compare it to the year Dixie hiked the PCT, a challenge with that record snowfall and wildfires, but still doable.
Here’s to hoping the weather cycles will start to even out and the next couple years will be easier.
Your questions asked video really took me back. In 1991 a recent thru hiker sold t shirts with the answers to the top 10 questions printed on them. Just hilarious. Hikerhobbit, GA >ME 1991 , GA>ME 1994.
Love your videos! I’ve been using you for research. Whats your favorite tent list?
Jessica, my son, 23, my daughter, 21, and I, 51, have really enjoyed watching your YouTube videos. I raised my kids to love the outdoors and when I discovered your channel I immediately sent links to them. All three of us have watched your journeys along the Appalachian trail, The Pacific Crest trail, and the Continental divide trail. We live for the outdoors and have found your videos inspirational,
Entertaining, and informative. thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us.
Been watching you for a few years now. Dig the reviews and all things hiking that you do.
Dixie,
I watched your new video on trail runner hiking shoes and you complained that they did not stay tied. It appears that you need a lesson in how to tie shoes the military way. First, knot the end of the laces. Then do a normal tie for shoe laces, just as you were taught as a child. Afterwards, pull the loops until the knots at the end of the laces rest against the bow tie for the laces. Finally, tuck the loops and the laces will not come untied, even if they are pulled or become snagged. If you have any questions, you can call 850-461-3665. My wife and I live on the Panhandle section of the Florida Trail near Eglin Air Force Base and Nouse Plantation, just off Hwy 331. We would love to bless you with trail magic. Keep up the good work. Happy trails. Email me if you need to see a picture of the military knot for shoe laces.
Dixie you need a new tent. That night in Washington state would have been more pleasant with one that didn’t leak. Enjoy your video’s!
Please , if it is not too prying, keep us up on relationships . Kind of accustomed to Kyle.Then watched Pinhote episode and Marty was a surprise.Welcome Marty,lucky guy.Please be careful with this lady, girl ,Amazon that she is.GREAT you tube adventures.Cheering you on.Can you do the Arizona and grand canyon for us or did I miss it?Thanks. John.Oh yes,is your book in print and how much for an autographed copy?
miss it
Congratulations on your Florida Trail completion you’re truly a Florida Hiking Cracker ! Inspiration and mentor for many of us…. natives to get out and learn the secrets of our wild Florida. 🕷🌴🐗🐊🐍
Jessica are you planning to do any up walks like the Pennines way or the coast to coast, or even the Walsh coast trail. Just wondering.
*UK
Jessica,
I have been following your post on the AT for the past couple of months. Great to see you on your way to achieve such a lofty challenge. I appreciate your independence and drive to accomplish such a feat. I had a triple bypass 2 years ago and I will be 60 next month. I believe the age your dad would have been. And as a side note I have a daughter your age also. I have always followed the “correct path”. Following college I went into the USMC and then went into business and have always worked six days a week trying to support my family’s lifestyle and working hard as business demands. If I had set out to do the AT after college I don’t know if I could have ever settled into a confining lifestyle of personal responsibility that I have had for the past 40 years. Now I found myself wanting to do something really awesome such as you are right now. I have been secretly desiring to through hike the AT. And now A Walk in the Woods comes out this weekend and I feel its a sign for me to figure this out before its too late. So I have enjoyed living vicariously through your blogs and wish you the best of luck on the trail and where ever your life leads your from here.
Just curious, in the past 5 years, if you’ve done any significant hikes?
I’m going to be 65 this summer, and can’t wait to retire!! Last summer I started hiking the Long Trail in VT on weekends, and I hope finish this year. I hadn’t ever planned on hiking the AT, but am reconsidering as I’ve been inspired by others, including Dixie.
.
I’m probably the slowest hiker out there but at least I’m doing It! Like you, I’ve always done everything I was supposed to do in the prescribed manner (except college which I started at 29 & finished at 35).
Would love to hear where you’re at now.
Secret Agent,
I am the slowest hiker out there. Would love to do some short hikes (5-10 days) on the AT. I am female, retired and 67!
Hey Titmouse, I would be interested in talking more about that. The one area that I’m short of a hiking companion would be the mid-Atlantic area – like MD,PA, NJ, and some of New England like CT & MA.
I am secretly contemplating the AT, maybe start with the long trail. I am currently completely out of shape for this but a year maybe a little more and I hope to be in better physical standings. I would like to talk with you about your journey. My father, who has passed now, did the AT in 1983. I remember him doing it and talking about it but at the time I was too young to understand what the purpose was. I love the outdoors and know so much from spending time with my father in the woods. My heart longs for this experience but I am concerned about my wherewithal to complete it.
I think that would be an amazing tribute to your father! Maybe you can find something within from this video:
https://youtu.be/E1PQGViXIE8
Hi Jessica
Just wandering, how many times have you walked the Appalachian trail? I turned 70 this year and I’m thinking about walking it. I don’t have great balance! How much of an issue is that?
Enjoyed the videos….. do you think you’ll ever do it again if Life allows? – you rocked on that trail 🙂
Mindy, thank you! If I hike a long distance trail again I would pick a new one. The AT is awesome, but there are so many others!
Thanks for sharing your adventure ,you have inspired me to section hike the AT wish I could do a thru hike but that’s not possible.
It’s been great watching you on the trail. You Go Girl????
Kevin
Kevin, I think section hiking the trail will be just as, if not more, rewarding! It allows you to spend more time in a specific section and really enjoy it. I’m so glad to hear you are doing it–yay for you! If you have any questions, let me know.
I have not seen an update for a while. I hope you doing find and still going strong.
Fred
I updated just today, but I’m way behind! Hoping to get another one out before hiking out of Rangeley in the morning.
But, I am still going strong! Thank you for checking in on me 🙂
Hi Dixie,
I watched your informational utube videos while doing gear research and preparing for my 2020 AT thru hike. They gave me the confidence to be my “country girl” self out on the trail. Watching your channel has been great for the trail depression from Covid ending my 1st attempt. They also make me watch from that, what can i learn now after having been out there, to lighten my pack, better my gear, or just don’t do what Dixie did! Thank you for choosing to share yourself, your adventures, and your stories. I look forward to your adventures!
Sorry for any grammar errors, I’m country and could care less about proof reading! lol You look like a Jessica and sound like a Dixie!
Ohhhh and GO HEELS!
Glad to see you made the decision to take a zero day and wait until the weather broke, that was a lot of rain! Once you get through the Bigelows you’ll be able to get some 20+ days in. Here’s to your “Lucky Moose” keeping you safe and seeing you through to your journey’s end both physically and mentally. Be well!
Cheers,
Paul
Hey Paul! Yeah, there is still a ton of water on the trail so I can’t imagine how bad it was that day. Apparently 3 were air lifted from the 100 mile wilderness because they were stranded. Eek! It was great meeting yall! Thanks again for lifting my spirits. My lucky Moose can’t wait to get to Katahdin…and neither can I! Glad you found my blog. Keep in touch!
Hi! I really love watching your videos. I’m a city gal(NYC) but I’ve always loved the outdoors. I really appreciate your videos as they show me what really to expect while hiking intense trails. It’s also really nice to follow everyone in the videos. Safe travels 🙂
Hey Jessica. I’ve been watching your videos from almost the beginning. You are a true inspiration and have lit a fire up under some 4th points of contact. I just watched update 38 and you seem down. We are all rooting for you. Keep your head up and keep on trucking. It will be great to watch you summit. Be safe.
Jessica, you should be an outdoor host for a television show. Please publish your AT adventure as a book or write a screenplay for a movie. Your video posts are many times better than A Walk in the Woodsl Thank you for sharing this part of your life with the rest of us. It will always be appreciated!
Way to go girl !! Chin up & head down. Let the tears flo. It’s all good. You’re 1 tough cookie 🙂 !!
Hi Jessica,
I would like to congratulate you on completing your AT thru hike and tell you how much I’ve enjoyed following your videos. You have helped inspire me to continue my section hikes all the way to Katahdin.
Bob
Congrats on your summit!! Much different from mine( I summited 8/15) You are now and forever one tough girl. SALTY DOG
Very entertaining Will join your thru hikers club one day (Lord willing ) congrats !
hello Jessica, I really enjoyed your youtube channel,thanks .Theres lots of good hiking trails in Canada you should try, enjoy life…….. Mark
Brilliant videos, my wife and I binged watch them during the winter storm this weekend from chili south Florida. Loved your unpretentious advice and genuine emotion, congrats to Whitney on the production. My adult children joined me for sections of the John Muir and High Sierra trails this past summer and hope you can at least get a section in during 2016. Looking forward to your PCT videos, set up a fund my hike site so your fans can support your next thru hike… Love Buddha Bill and Mountain Laurel.
Hey there! Great to hear from y’all and thank you for your kind words. I am going to set up a patreon page to link to my blog and vlog. Hopefully I can raise enough to hit the PCT by 2017. I would love to also do the John Muir. I bet that was great to do and enjoy with your children.
Jessica
Just a note to let you know how much I have enjoyed watching your AT adventure. I discovered your YouTube channel as a result of looking for gear to assist in planning for some section hiking of the Florida Trail in 2016. I guess I was drawn to your videos for a couple of reasons, 1 . You sound exactly like my daughter-in-law who is from Cumming Ga. And 2. I once attended Auburn for 2 weeks (long story) lol.
I do have a question. My wife and I have about a 10 day window in May and may tackle a Section of the AT, we are in Florida within easy driving distance of the southern half. If you only had 10 days what would you choose to hike ?
Regards
Mike
.
Hey there! That’s sounds awesome. I would love to do some of the Florida Trail. Let me know how it goes. As far as your question about the AT…McAfee Knob is very pretty and you could do a 2 day stretch from Catawba, VA to Daleville, VA. Checkout update #13. Maybe also do the Grayson Highlands and Mt. Rogers (the high point of VA). For that check out update #10. Maybe you could mix the two given you have 10 days. If you want to go more southern…you could do the entire smoky mountains! Those are all 3 beautiful sections of the AT. Let me know what y’all decide.
Just watched all of your vlogs…SO inspiring!!! Want to take my daughter and section hike. It really got us excited to get out there. I noticed that you started with a hammock and tarp, which is my plan. I’ve used it on short hikes and have been comfortable but want to make sure I’m prepared for a longer hike. What made you switch to a tent? I would love to hear your opinion since you experienced both. Thanks again for sharing your adventure with us.☺️
Thank you, Robin! I swapped to the tent because it was lighter and I like to be able to cook while laying down in my sleeping bag. I can even do so while raining under my vestibule. I like being able to change clothes in my tent. It’s all about personal preference! I know lots of people who hammock camped the whole AT. Glad to hear you and your daughter are hitting the trail soon! Happy Trails 🙂
Jessica, have you ever had any issues with mice (or bears :-)) chewing up your gear because your tent and everything smells like delicious cooking?
What did you use for a food bag? What method was used most often for bear bagging?
Hi Jessica – I absolutely loved the YouTube videos, the journey looks amazing! I am actually just moved down to the Charlotte NC for work(and selfishly to be closer to the mountains) and was wondering if you knew of any hiking groups down there that i could link up with. I am also planning on Thru-hiking the AT March 2017. My biggest concern (aside from the unknown!) is after the hike. What is life like after the AT? In other words is it hard coming back to the work lifestyle again?
Hey Jessica! Love your videos! My husband and I would give anything to do what you are doing…but, how do you get the funds to do that? It’s obviously not free or we would already have done it. You can’t just not have a home to come back to. So how do you afford not having a job?
Hey Amber! Good question and I aim to do a video on this before long. I essentially have several income trickles and I live below my means. I have income from my ebook, Amazon Affiliate Links, YouTube and Patreon. It’s taken quite a while to build up but slowly but surely my hikes are funding themselves. I do still work part-time between trails. I live a very simple, non-fancy life. I cook at home a lot, don’t spend a ton of money on material things, I don’t have healthcare, and I drive the same old cruddy truck I have since high school. Again, I will go into more of this on an upcoming video!
Thanks so much for the feedback! You are very open and honest which is very refreshing:-) I look forward to all of you videos and really appreciate them more than you know. Have an amazing New Year!
Hey Amber! Thank you so much for watching! I’m sorry I’m just responding. I actually recently made a video on this topic:
https://youtu.be/lKjaGQHKi5k
Jessica,
I live in Alabama. Have you ever hiked the Pinhoti? What are your favorite trails in Alabama?
I have not, but I want to! Have you?
I have hiked a few near lake Martin that I love. One is the Deadening Alpine Ridge Trail.
Hello Jessica, I’ve been watching you you tube video about the AT. I’ve always have wanted to do it so now i’m going to, hopefully March 2107. I live in Naples FL and am going to get prepared on the Florida Trail. Did you do any preparing before your adventure? also how many day food supply should I have at all times? Thank You Tom (trail Name will be TBone)
Hey there! I did not do any prepping other than day hikes. But, I would recommend it just because it will help you feel more confident in your abilities when you get out there. It’s always a good idea to test your gear! The amount of food will depend on how far away each town is. I never carried more than 7 days of food. Usually closer to 3-5. I would recommend AWOL’s Guide Book for mileages. Thank you for following along and let me know if you have any more questions!
Thank you for your reply. 🙂
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for posting the videos of your hike. You did a very good job, and provide great detail. You are very interesting to listen to, and if you write a book (you mentioned an e-book) I’d love to read it.
Your gear video is very informative, and I plan to review it with my daughter, Joy, who has been bitten by the AT Hiking bug. We did a few hikes around Grafton Notch, Maine last year (we live in South Paris, Maine), and she fell in love with hiking. I now have a new hiking partner. :o)
I looked for the link to your gear list, but did n’t see it anywhere. I’ll check back soon, because I might have missed it.
Thanks again for sharing your information.
Regards,
Gary F.
PS (If I’m allowed to choose my own trail name, it will likely be ‘Stover’ – my deceased son’s (Russell) nickname – as in Russell ‘Stover’ candies).
Hey there, Stover! You can absolutely choose your own name. And what a wonderful way to honor your son. Thank you for reminding me that I never posted my list! I will get on that immediately. I think it’s wonderful that y’all have been out on the AT. Once it gets in your blood, it’s there for life. I’m still working on the e-book, but will hopefully be done soon! Thank you for visiting the blog and vlog. If you have any questions, let me know!
Have you ever thought about doing the NCT? We are just getting i to hiking and live in Michigan and are going to do part of it next summer. The UP part of it is beautiful!
Hi Jessica,
I really enjoyed following along on your AT trip. I’m curious to know how you made out with respect to deer ticks and Lyme disease. I’m a day hiker in NJ and am considering doing some section hiking, but a friend got Lyme disease and still suffers greatly from it, so I’m a bit freaked out. Here in the northeast it is really common. It would seem almost unavoidable when thru hiking the AT. Also, bears in NJ are usually really common. How did you make out with the bears? Thanks.
Hey John! Thank you 🙂
I only had 2 ticks on or near me that I saw. One was crawling up my leg (not attached) and the other was on my pack. I had no issues. However, I know people who did. I don’t prefer to treat my body or gear with poison, but it is an option. Just personal preference.
As far as bears go, I definitely ran across an aggressive one. I saw 7 total and only had issues with one. Most people did not have a negative experience. Read up on bear safety and how to react when you see one. It really depends on the situation, though. Just NEVER approach or run from a bear. Let it know when you see it and you are in its presence. Try to appear big…not like you are scared. But, don’t be overly aggressive, either.
Hope that helps!
Hello Jessica,
My name is Jeremy Britto, I am an affiliate account representative at AvantLink. I recently came across your application in our pending files and wanted to reach out to see if you were still interested in joining the AvantLink affiliate network.
If so, please reply to this message indicating your application ID [336818] and with copy reading “I’m excited to work with AvantLink!”
Thank you for your interest in our network!
Jeremy, yes! I am still interested. I couldn’t get it to work before for some reason. Anyway, here is what you requested:
ID-336818
“I’m Excited to work with AvantLink!:
Thanks for contacting me.
Just got introduced to your AT vlog. Very informative!!! Loved the gear reviews. I’ve always wanted to hike the AT. Just something about it that I want to conquer. Only have one hike thru trail here in Texas. It’s flat and wanders through a national forest. Hiking the AT would be a completely different animal from the physical standpoint, logistics and the amount of time one would need to complete it. Being an Aggie, I don’t want to be hiking the AT during football season ????????. Again, thanks for such an informative vlog on the AT! I am definitely using your vlog when I plan my AT hike.
You are my inspiration to follow my dream and love. I grew up in Tennessee and spent many of hours in the Great Smoky Mountains hiking the trails. Many of those trails crossed the AT and I always wondered about the experiences people were having on that trail, but never had the chance to hike any of it before my family moved to Ohio. I get to Tennessee as often as I can with my husband and still have that urge to hike the AT. Finally after running across your youtube videos and getting hooked on your adventure, reading many books about the AT. I have told my husband that within 5 years I’m hiking the AT as a thru hiker. He only wants to do sections, but that’s fine, he can and I’ll see him on his next section.
Thank You for sharing your experiences on the AT.
Hi Jessica, I recently lost 50 pounds thru diet and exercise and have been doing small 2 and 3 day hikes here in Kentucky. Because of my job I can’t do a full thru hike of the trail but I could do up to 3 weeks at a time every year. Do you think its worth it, breaking it up like that?
I just finished watching your entire AT hike on my time up here in Sylva, NC. What a pleasure. Can you please share what you used to do all the wonderful filming and how you recharged?
Hey Dixie.
Native costarrican here. I have been watching your YouTube Chanel everyday. I used to backpack the jungles of Costa Rica in my youth.
Now relocated in Pueblo Colorado.
Life has taken a detour and Now I have severe glaucoma. Thinking of picking up where I left backpacking off since my youth.
I have checked your videos but there is limited information about backpacking with disabilities.
Just food for thought.
Hey Dixie, I wanted to let you know that you’ve re-ignited a desire that my wife and I used to share. We spent many days tent camping in her home state of Colorado, (as well as my less adventurous home of KS) and had hiked with packs, a number of Colorado’s 14ers, but bad never done any overnight backpacking. We had aspirations, however, of thru hiking the AT. Unfortunately, in 2012 at the young age of 33, she was killed by an intoxicated driver. We had purchased a couple of cheap backpacking packs…but still had not used them to their fullest. They’ve been in storage since her passing. I stumbled across your vids. You remind me of her in many ways. Seeing you conquer a lifelong dream inspired me to revisit some of those that she and I shared. I’ve dusted the cobwebs off of those cheap packs, and am planning on doing some short trips in Colorado next year with some family members. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless, and keep it up!
What camera do you use for your videos? Thanks
Dixie,
After watching at least 40 of the 43 vlogs of your AT thru-hike, I wanted to let you know I found them entertaining, informative and inspirational. I live in Oklahoma, a long way from any point on the AT, but for 4 long years, I lived about 15 miles north of the lowest elevation on the Trail (Bear Mountain Bridge). I graduated from West Point in 1992; I got a kick out of the update where you visited the Academy. Was the building with the flags and memorials Cullum Hall? How did you get on the field at Michie Stadium?? You must know people. Or maybe someone in the Athletic Dept is a Youtube fan?? Or is Rebel Yell secretly an Army grad??
Thanks for helping people think bigger than themselves and their circumstances. You’ve got me pondering how I can get away from my job for 6 months. ????
Hope to hear back from you.
Rick White
I have enjoyed watching your videos during my preparation of hopefully doing the AT myself
Hi
Loving you your you tube stuff really useful. I’m UK based and seriously considering taking out some time and doing the AT or may the PCT. Found your stuff good. I’m moving from boots to trail shoes so be interesting to see how that works. Just a suggestion. If you haven’t replaced your poles yet, take a look at pacer poles, designed by a physio, really good poles.
Hi Dixie,
Growing up in NJ and camping and hiking in NY, NJ,PA and Maine I learned of the AT at an early age. Through hiking the AT has always been a dream of mine. Of course life can get in the way and it has but I never gave up on it and when I came accross your story I followed it and lived it vicariously through you as you set out and conquered your challenge. I am still going to through hike and I wanted to thank you for re-kindling the spark. I look forward to you hiking the PCT! God Bless
Hey Jessica:
I’ve got a idea for a new video.
How about one on vlogging. Cameras people use. Programs and the processes that a person would have to go through from start to finish. Like taking the pictures downloading to a computer editing, then uploading to the you tube. Just an idea, I’m interested in how this was done.
Videos were great….
I’m interested in helping hikers on the trail out. Do you have any ideas?
Hey Jess-
My wife and I enjoyed following your journey. Ever thought about doing the Pacific Crest Trail here in the Westcoast?
Hello H. W. Dixie,
Just returned to watch a couple portions of your recent vids after watching a couple of yours after your A.T. completion. I’m happy to see your transformation taking place, which I commented on back then. You see Jessica, it’s not really “wanderlust”, it’s an awesome awakening! It’s a “coming back alive” journey you’re experiencing and I see your enthusiasm growing, along with your confidence. You look and sound so much better than your A.T. start video at Springer Mt.
One comment though, instead of searching something to fall back on, one should seek a good goal, and there truly is just only one…..
Dixie, Really liked the ‘Do You Need a Gun on the Appalachian Trail?’ video. Alot of common sense and the obvious need of personal responsibility brought to the fore. A person’s personal protection and safety IS their own responsibility. You touched upon the laws in each state and for further research. Plus, using the good judgement the Lord gave us (my paraphrasing).
I hope and pray one day my back will be well enough to hike the AT-your videos and explanation really bring out the beauty. Thank you so much for sharing!
Caught your videos on YouTube. You’ve given me the idea for what might be my last great adventure. Assuming I’m still physically able when I retire, I may give this a try. Thank you and good luck on your next trip.
Jessica, I just wanted to let you know that I was very inspired by your video Cross the Line. I shared it on my Facebook and directly with my family members. For several decades I have wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail. I just turned 59 years old last month. I finally decided I’m going to do it this spring. My 13 year old son is going with me. All of my family is solidly behind us and giving us tons of encouragement. I know this will probably be the most difficult thing we’ve ever done in our lives . Both for those of us who are on the trail and those who are staying behind at home . We have a very tight-knit family I know it will be difficult not seeing them for such a long period of time . The longest I’ve ever been away from my family is 2 weeks . I’m sure five or six months will feel like an eternity but we’re going to do it . Thank you for your inspiration .
Allen, thank you so much for sharing this story with me! I’m so glad to hear you have a good support system behind you. Way to go for deciding to go for it–cross the line!! 🙂 If you have any questions during your preparation let me know. Your world is about to change!
Thank you so much for your quick response. Wanted to let you know I downloaded your ebook today.
Jessica, please pay attention to the building snowpack in the Sierras. Over the past few years, there has been a ‘snow-free’ corridor for much of the PCT, and world-class, experiences hikers have still encountered life threatening conditions. I fear that your confidence and determination will over ride common sense. Please, don’t let commitments to sponsors and friends put your life in jeopardy. We all need you to be there for us in the future.
youtube fan
patrick
Hey Patrick! I don’t have any commitments to friends or sponsors, so no pressure there. I appreciate your advice. Thanks!
I just wanted to thank you. I got out of the military earlier this year and started drinking a lot and had kind of given up. Hiking the AT and moving out west have always been two of my biggest dreams and you made it look so easy I figured hell, maybe I can do it. Now I’m saving for a 2018 thru hike and have contacted Montana state university and started the application process to use my GI bill to go to school out west. Life’s still not perfect but I have so much to look forward to now. Sorry if this sounds crazy but I just had to tell you the difference you made in my life.
Thank you for sharing this with me! I’m so glad you are turning things around for yourself. You are the only one who controls your life–might as well make it what you want it to be 🙂 Happy trails to you and good luck with school!!
Thank you for sharing your story, I’m the Scoutmaster for a Troop in SE TN and champion backpacking as much as I can. After having a knee replacement the dream of a thru hike on the AT is fading but, I have a few more section hikes left in me! We kick around the idea of a 50 miler for the Troop every year and hope it happens in 2018. If you are ever in the Chattanooga area on a Monday night around 7pm, you are always welcome to stop by to encourage the boys about the virtues of the wilderness and back packing! I am going to post your links to our site. Maybe a couple of them will get the itch.
Awww, thank you so much! If y’all decide to do that trek and you have any questions please let me know 🙂 That would be such a wonderful memory for all of you!
#trailmiracle I have no idea what your journey was pre-AT and I have no idea if this is an actual trail term, but from recently following your posts it seems with your first steps on Springer Mtn in 2015 you had a Trail Miracle. Thanks for sharing your story, Hike On!
This may be a question for both you & your video editor. Will you be taking a micro drone along with you on the PCT?
I doubt it, although that would be awesome!
Hi Dixie
I’m a 65 yo AT hiker… Started a flip flop last summer and made it about 2/3 thru before colder weather made me decide to stop for the season . Looking forward to finishing up this season if possible. Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed preparing for my hike by watching your videos and still like following them !
Invite you to look at my blog at mikectown.com
God luck with PCT
White Cloud
Mike! Thank you for sharing. i’m glad to hear you will get back out there and finish up this year! CONGRATS! Let me know how it goes 🙂 When do you set out again?
Dixie–2 items:
-I left a comment on one of your wonderful videos about a good friend/Trail Angel who lives with her husband near Campo, CA. Her name is Grace, and I forwarded one of your videos for her to view. She wrote back that they are “always welcoming Thru Hikers here at border base”. Shoot me an email if you want her contact info. I recall a posting where you stated that you didn’t want to just get off the plane and start hiking. Grace and Scott would provide a good transition.
-I visited your donation site, but I would like to make a “One Time” donation. I didn’t see that option–is it available?
Thanks, Evan AKA Edog AKA Mr. Clean
Wow, Evan, thank you VERY much! This might be something I seriously consider. It’s amazing how kind folks are in the hiking community 🙂 I appreciate your offer to help support my journey–there is a one time option through paypal. As far as I know, all you will have to have is my email which is: homemadewanderlust@gmail.com Also, I believe there is still and option through youtube on the front page of my channel. You’ll see a blue ‘support’ button on the right if you scroll down just a little.
Thanks again for everything!
Dixie 🙂
RE: One Time Donation…..Done! I used the “Support” button on your YouTube homepage, which accepts a Visa or Debit. Thanks for pointing that method out!
Awesome, thank YOU! The PCT honestly wouldn’t have been possible this year without folks like you. I really appreciate it 🙂
Hey Dixie, in between answering questions watering your micro greens putting oil in your truck and feeding your 4 legged children, might I suggest a quick read titled It’s only the Himalyays by S Bedford. I think you’d enjoy it. John
Thanks, John! I might have to check that out.
Hey have been watching your vlogs with my wife and almost have her convinced to hike with me in 1.5 yrs. but in the mean time I think we will hike the Buckeye Trail in Ohio it’s only 1440 miles but looks like fun. There are so many other great trails in the Midwest and central states that people can hike ….. maybe have them look into these which might be closer and less expensive to start with. I was a Section hiker back in the 70’s and thought I would get to finish but kids grandkids and other life issues came up. but now I hope to finish the whole trail …. ….
Tony
Dixie, your videos are awesome. You are an inspiration to many people. I am a 56 year old Papa that lives just west of Atlanta. My 10 year old Grandson and I are prepping for a Springer to NC hike by the end of the summer. Big target is a thru hike some day.
Your amazing dedication to your beloved Dog demonitrates your character. Wow. We too had a Dog that we ended up with at Auburn and he crossed the Rainbow Bridge in their beautiful facility. Sad days.
Good luck on the PCT. We will be following.
I want to say thank you for all you do on social media in talking about your experiences and passing along so much wonderful information. You have become a large part of my inspiration to work hard to do a thru-hike of the AT. As someone else who is from Alabama, I have to say you make us proud to have you. Keep up the good work and good luck and have fun on the PCT.
Dixie, I am wishing you the very best on your trip. I have wondered if you are at all concerned about the snow pack in the Sierra’s this year. I understand that it is quite large. In any case, I am really looking forward to your videos. Have fun.
Hi Dixie.
I just discovered your YouTube videos last week. I’m hooked. Can’t get enough.
You need an agent so you can really develop your product. The Travel channel would be ideal (I live in Hollywood so we all think this way, lol).
Hi! I’m an avid camper/hiker and I love your videos.
I will be watching your progress, and when you get near the Kinney Lakes in NorCal, east of Stockton, I’ll be tempted to go to the PCT in hopes of meeting you and giving you a load of food or whatever.
But whether that happens or not, GREAT seeing your stuff, best of luck on your new venture. What I see will probably have something to do with whether I decide to do it myself.
Hey there! I just wanted to tell you how excited I am about your PCT thru-hike this year. You don’t know me, but we actually have a mutual friend. I binge watched your AT adventure a couple months ago while my husband was in the ICU. It gave me a great distraction from my life at that time and gave me hope for my future. We just found out that my husband won’t be making it through this alive, but planning my own through hike for next summer has been one of the only things that keeps me wanting to wake up in the mornings. Thanks so much for your smiles,optimism, and adventures. Wishing you all the best in the months to come!
test
Hey Dixie, I’ve really enjoyed your videos, however, I found the first minute of PCT episode 5 just a little disturbing – all those rattlesnakes and even a coral snake – YIKES!! So I’m curious, what’s your attitude towards snakes, how many rattlers have you seen, and what precautions, if any, do you take when you are hiking through rocky terrain and brush? When the trail starts to look like snake habitat, are you a nervous wreck? Good luck, we’re all cheering for you!!
Thanks, Mark V.
Mark, I don’t LOVE rattle snakes, but I’m not afraid of them. Although, I’d rather not get bit, haha. If I’m on a narrow path I’ll tap my trekking poles around rocks and such, but otherwise I just go for it. Seen 9 rattlers so far. I’m sure there’s more to come! Just keep your eyes peeled and you should be fine 🙂
Dixie you probably walked by 25 without knowing lol. Be safe.
I’m pretty sure that was a Mountain Kingsnake, not a Coral Snake. Remember the rhyme
“Red on yellow; kill a fellow.
Red on black, friend of Jack”
In other words, if the red band is flanked by yellow on either side-leave it alone!
Yep, I just happened to see the beginning of Episode 16 again. It’s a Mountain Kingsnake. IMO, one of the most beautiful snakes in the world. I’ve never seen one in the wild, and I’ve turned over a lot of stone and logs in my life! That was a lucky sighting. But, as they say,
“Luck favors the hiker who is out on the trail all day!”
They’re not like Southern rattlers, like those little pygmy ones in north Florida. Those little buggers are AGGRESSIVE, they go AFTER you. The big Western ones, you leave them alone, they leave you alone. You hafta come real close to provoke them.
Hiked the pct a number of years ago. Really enjoying reliving the trail watching your videos. Am anxiously awaiting your next one in the Sierras think it will really blow your mind with the beauty along the John Muir section. Enjoy and be safe.
Dixie: followed your AT thru-hike with great interest and really enjoyed the videos. Picked up some great tips from them. Now enjoying the PCT ones. Envy that you will be soon hitting The Sierra. Lots of snow this year so Forester Pass should be interesting but you will be blown away by the views. Just remember ice axe + uphill hand. Keep those videos coming (would be interested in seeing what your thoughts are on electronics (including camera). Take care and have a great hike.
DearDixie, my kids and I just love watching your PCT videos. We hope to follow in your footsteps someday.
Aww, that’s awesome! You should check out @ellieontheAT on instagram. They are hiking the AT with their baby. It’s a cool story to follow!
Dixie,
I live near the PCT in the state of Washington, I have been following you though your AT journey and now as you walk the PCT.
You will be seeing some of the most beautiful sites.
Thanks
I can’t wait! I’ve never been to Washington so I’m pretty excited. Eek!
Dixie, just a heads up – wear long pants for the first mile of Washington! My hubby and I day hiked it this last week and about a quarter mile in you’re going to hit a raspberry thicket that goes on for about another three quarters of a mile. After a number of sticker scratches, I zipped on my pant legs LOL. Happy hiking girl! You’ve inspired me to go farther and push myself ❤️
Oooo, raspberries! I can’t wait!!
And blackberries! We went back out to Table Mtn and ate so many blackberries on the way. I’ll bet by the time you’re coming through the Oregon Grapes will be in season too ????????. So much yummy goodness on trail! ????
I suggest you might add two things to your load. 1st would be lavalin deodorant. a one year supply weighs one ounce. one application lasts 5 to 9 days. The other would be a collapsible bucket. they weigh between 4 to 8 ounce for a 2 to 2.5 gallon bucket. That bucket would be useful for a field bath, which is face and neck, armpits, crotch and bum and feet. You feel much better and stay healthier. after you bath you have water left to do laundry, clothes won’t be clean but you get some of the funk and sweat out of them which make you feel better also. I’ve learned from experience and did this on 3 liters of water day. The other benefit of the bucket is you move away from stream or water source and can gain a modicum of privacy
I don’t care if I stink to be honest, haha. It’s worth saving the 5 ounces to me. I just use baby wipes or water and a bandana if I’m feeling gross. To each his own, though! 🙂
Hey Dixie, wanted to stop by and wish you well on your PCT hike.
Really enjoyed watching your AT videos and of course i have been following along on your new ones now.
Peace!
Hi Dixie, First, thank you very much for the entertaining video logs of your PCT journey. Care to update your feelings on the HMG pack? I spent most of last season trying out new gear and new ways of packing. This March, I replaced the last of my big 3 – the pack. I debated a long time over which model to get and in the end, I went with the 40L over the 55L (although I did go with the White version as it is just a little lighter).
Most of the gear I have is similar to what you seem to be carrying (although my clothing is a bit larger) Was wondering – How much of that added space up top are you typically using? In most of the videos, you seem to have it rolled down quite a bit. I’m happy with my 40L choice and was wondering if you feel the 55L might be a bit too large given the significant reduction in size/weight of your gear? If not, when has that extra capacity come in handy? Planning to walk the 100 mile wilderness later this summer and while things seem good, I keep wondering if I should have gone with the extra capacity. Any insight at all would be helpful. Thanks.
Oh, and did you ever consider the Leatherman Style PS multitool? Very tiny and light, but contains a bunch of useful features. It’s really the only thing I feel is a “must have” that you don’t seem to cover.
Hey there! I had a 50L pack on the AT, so I just went with something close to that. I’ve had a good amount of food and water packed on the PCT in which I appreciated the extra storage. I think I probably could’ve gotten by with the smaller pack, but I was worried I might not. The larger HMG pack was still lighter than my osprey, so I went for it. So far, I’m loving the pack in general!
As far as your multitool question goes, I’ve never needed anything other than a knife so far, so nope! Everyone has their preferences, though.
Have fun on your 100-mile wilderness trek and keep me posted on the verdict of your pack!
Hey Dixie, just wanted to thank you for your very interesting video blogs from the PCT (I am hooked and can’t wait for the next). I have also seen many of your AT stuff. You mentioned Into the mystic by Van Morrison in one of your video blogs. He is one of my fav and Into the Mystic is such a great song. I am from Iceland and was the first person to hike/climb on all the 100 highest peaks in Iceland. That was all together about 1000 miles in the wilderness over weekends during 10 months from January 1. to October. I was working fulltime and used all my spare time to complete my mission. Now 10 years later I have set my goal on the Triple Crown and can’t stop thinking about it. If you ever happen to come to Iceland look me up I would love to show you the hiking possibilities over here. I am also doing guiding work here because I love hiking. I feel like I have been preparing my whole live for long distance hiking and now I am ready both physically and mentally (well that remains to be seen 🙂 )
Btw. My mail hatindar translates from Icelandic to high peaks in English and my nick name among hikers in Iceland is: The chief of the high peaks (short: High peaks)
Best of luck
Olli
Hey,
I recently have been watching all your videos and love them! It’s so inspiring to see what goes into a thru-hike through your lense. I’m going to be graduating from civil enginneering in a year and am daunted by the idea of getting stuck in the working rut, despite loving the career path I’ve chosen. It so great to see other female engineers pursuing their dream and putting their professional jobs on hold. Thanks for sharing your story, you’ve really inspired and educated me!
I’m glad you’re already thinking that way! If you can find a way to support yourself and be happy, the engineering option will always be there. I feel like we live life all backwards, but who knows! I’m going to enjoy what I can while I can. Congrats on your upcoming graduation–that year will fly! Plan yourself a breather trip if you can to think a little before jumping into that 9-5 😉
Best of luck with your enterprises. Will be retiring soon. Grown up on the AT. You passed my mother’s house. Cove mountain was my backyard. Hope to be a 4400’er, a flip yo flop. Mid to end to end to mid.
Hope you are in North central Oragon on 21 August for the total eclipse. Not sure your current location or your speed. First in 38 year. My younger self saw one.
Enjoy your walk
Thank you! Have fun on your thru-hike! I’m aiming to see the eclipse, but it will just depend on terrain.
Well, I think you are just awesome and a real inspiration. I come from Ireland but a friend of mine in New York directed me to your channel on YT – thanks so much for all the videos and insights 😉
Wow! That’s so cool. Thank you very much 🙂 I’ve been wanting to visit Ireland for years! Someday I will.
What an inspiring young lady you are. We love hiking albeit we mostly just day hike but I have really enjoyed your YouTube videos. Keep up the good work and happy trails!!
Aww, well thank you so very much! Hiking is hiking. Any walk with nature is good 🙂
Dixie,
where will you be on the trail during the eclipse? Will be have glasses to see it?
Hi Dixie,
I am really enjoying your PCT episodes. I was reading a book about the PCT and wanted to see what it looked like, I live in Scotland and the landscape is very different. Your channel came up when I searched PCT on Youtube, I have been hooked ever since! Love your approach to blogging , hiking and how you describe life on the trail. I enjoy the outdoors and your enthusiasm has re -motivated me to get out and explore more of Scotland. Thanks 🙂
Wow! That’s so awesome to hear you’re getting back out there and enjoying nature. Thank you so much for the kind words. What book are you reading (if you don’t mind me asking)?
The PCT book is called The Last Englishman by Keith Foskett. He has written a number of books about his adventures thru-hiking, at the moment I am reading his book about the AT ‘Balancing on Blue. I really enjoy them, you should take a look. Happy hiking!
Suggestion…..when you can’t sink your tent stakes into the ground and you put rocks on the stake loops, put the stake(or a stick) through the stake loop and put the rock on the stake laying on the ground….it will be harder to pull loose from the rock.
Look forward to Wednesdays now to see your adventures and the beautiful scenery!
Section AT hiker have completed the 1257 miles from Katahdin to Skyland in Shenandoah.
Hahaha. Did you check out today’s video? I described exactly that. Great minds think alike 😉
Hey Dixie
I know you appreciate your music and thought you may like one of my favorites. Loggins and Messina “Be Free”. It is a piece that brings tears to my eyes from my past memories and also lifts my spirits by reminding me how wonderful it feels to be free. Hike your own hike and make your own memories.
Be safe
Pete
Hey Pete! I’ll check it out. I do love music so much and I appreciate the suggestion. Always looking for new, inspiring tunes!
Hello Dixie – I just discovered you while doing some research for my shot at an AT thru-hike. Love your videos and your attitude towards hiking and the outdoors in general.
Thanks and happy hiking.
Thank you! Congrats on your future thru-hike. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It’s more challenging and rewarding than anything else I’ve ever done!
My wife and I love your videos. Awesome to see an Auburn grad doing great things. Hope to see you at one of the Biosystems Alumni tailgates in the future! War Eagle
WAR EAGLE!! I’d love to attend one again someday. I was the chapter president of ASABE my last year there. Lots of fond memories 🙂
Hello, Dixie. I’ve watched a lot of PCT videos the past two years, and yours are among the best! I’m currently reading your Kindle book about the AT, and I hope that you will write another one for your PCT experience.
Kudos and Best Wishes!
Hi Jessica,
I just want to say your last vlog, “You’ll Never Make It” really resonated with me. I’m a male in my 30’s with a professional career, however over the past year or so I have really contemplated following through with an entrepreneurial product idea I have had based on my experience in my career field. I have thought long and hard about filing for a patent but after discussing it with friends and family, the idea lost steam because of the, “well what if it flops and you lose all that money to patent”, or “what if this, and what if that”. I was really thinking strongly today that maybe I just need to follow my gut and take a chance, because I know I won’t accomplish anything unless I make an effort, and I swear about an hour later I watched your video and you were relating the conversation with the sobo man who told you to skip ahead, and you said something along the lines of “If I had listened to people my whole life I wouldn’t have done anything” and it literally was the most perfect timing in my life to hear that. It gave me goosebumps and made my eyes water. I will be following my heart and see what happens. Thank you.
YAY! So glad to hear this. Go for it with all of your heart that way you will never have to wonder “what if.” Good luck! 🙂
I have watched ALL of your videos both AT and now PCT. My question is your camera work where you leave the camera and walk away or show several hikers walking past it HOW? Last in some if not most of you PCT videos you have GREAT aerial shots like from a drone, and HOW?
PS YOU CAN MAKE IT.
Thank you! If you check my gear lists, I am carrying a small tripod and a drone 🙂
DIXIE, my 8 year old daughter Ava and I throughly enjoy watching your videos before bed time “we haven’t missed one and it’s a real treat when new ones are posted” we both learn a lot from you and your adventures, we also discuss different topics and places you encounter. Thanks so much for sharing your hikes. JR&AVA FROM NC!
Awww, that’s so cool! Glad y’all are enjoying together 🙂
Your videos reminds me of my nature connect class. Ava 8years old.
Dixie, a weather Heads Up. Our Seattle-area weather-casters are saying the snow level in the Cascades will be only 5,000 feet from tomorrow (17 Sept) onward. Please be careful out there – we want you to make it in one piece!
Thanks for the heads up! Steadily trucking north!
Hi, Dixie. I love your videos and am finding them very helpful as I plan a PCT hike. One or two of your close hiking friends have the Osprey Exos backpack. Have they had any problems with it? Would they use it again?
What type of backpack does Perk have? It looks like the Zpacks Arc Haul. Has he had any problems with it? Would he select it again?
I loved my Osprey Aura for the AT but am looking at lighter options for the PCT.
Please tell your editor that he does a terrific job, as do you.
Thank you!
Thank you very much! I have heard only good things about the Osprey Exos. I love my Zpacks Arc Haul so far. Perk isn’t as in love with his. He will probably try something new for the CDT, but I’m gonna stick with mine. I think Perk tends to carry more food and water than he needs so the weight isn’t carried as comfortably as it is in packs he’s used in the past. I will say both Osprey and Zpacks have great customer service so you can’t go wrong there.
Thank you, Dixie. For some reason I thought you had the Arc Blast. It’s good to hear you have the Arc Haul because it is one that I am considering. I’ll be interested in watching your end-of-trail gear review. Congratulations on finishing and thanks again.
Mary Ellen “Shuttle”
Hi Dixie! I’m a 2017 PCT Trail Angel (got the name “Rodeo” while providing magic at Shelter Cove – for driving too fast when I was delivering hot food to the hiker area!) My husband was section hiking the PCT (he was called Pause because he was always stopping to look at nature.) I would hike out with him and hike in to meet him at the next stop throughout most of Oregon and a part of Washington – driving around so many fires. Heartbreaking. We were on the trail for 3 weeks in August (eclipsed at Ollalie.) We have been bereft since coming back to “real life” and were DELIGHTED with and ENAMORED of your videos and we raced through them! But we can’t find anything after video 29. Did it stop? We are CRESTfallen to not have any more to watch, especially of you hiking Oregon. Please let us know where to find them! And if you see our pals Wild Turkey, Pirate or Pretzel, send them our love. Take care and more power to you! Rodeo (and Pause from afar)
Hey there! Sounds like y’all had a wonderful summer and I know you made a lot of hikers happy 🙂 The videos come out once a week on Wednesday and sometimes there is a bonus video. Thank you for watching! Haven’t seen your friends, but they were likely ahead of me. Happy Trails!!
Thank you for sharing your life with me through video. I particularly enjoy your love of God’s creation especially shown by the many critters you capture along your path. The beauty you bring to all of us is a powerful testimony of God, the Creator of all things. I hope the recent wildfires here in Oregon will not put a damper on your trip. Be safe.
Hey Dixie,
I have watched every single one of your Appalachian videos and just bought your amazon book. I am going to hike Harper’s Ferry to Damascus starting April 1st by myself, yikes! I have learned so much from you and I Love your passion! I hope I can do It, I am probably twice your age! 🙂 Valerie
That’s AWESOME! You’ve got this. Please keep me posted on how the trip goes, and thank you for watching 🙂
Hi Dixie
For me, your PCT vlogs have unquestionably been the pick of the crop from the trail this year. I love your balance of skilled cinematography, intelligence, sincerity and honest emotion. I have managed to use them to convince my wife and two kids to travel from the UK to the US next summer to do the Tahoe Rim Trail. I have my eyes set on the PCT, but that will have to wait a few years. Still, it will be great to spend a few days treading the ‘hallowed ground’, when doing the TRT. A big thank you from me for the insight into your journey.
Thank you for taking the time to Vlog about both the AT and PCT. You are truly an inspiration to the many folks that follow you. I don’t know the exact date on you finishing the PCT, but I imagine the end is drawing near rather quickly. Watching your videos has really perked my interest in hiking one of these marvelous trails. I am leaning towards the AT to celebrate my 50th bday. I hope it gets here soon. Please be safe in your travels and let us know when you plan to do the CDT. Talk to you soon!
Would you happen to be the son of the great Coach Spurrier? I know that he has a son named Steve.
Not sure how I missed it before, just realized you are an Auburn girl! My oldest daughter just graduated, my second is a sophomore, wife c/o ’96. War Eagle!
CheapTrekking.com
WAR EAGLE, back at ya!
Hello Dixie, my husband and I really enjoy your video each Wednesday. We feel like we know you….you are such an encouragement to so many people, including us….so positive….keep your attitude always. Ps where are you as of Oct3. Take care.
Awww, thank you! I really appreciate your kind words. On October 3rd I was about 20 miles south of Harts Pass.
I have been watching your youtube channel since early Feb 2017. You are super real! I was traveling around the world in the last two years and I am planning to go down to the bottom of Grand Canyon and touch the Colorado River in late October… Have you ever touched the Colorado River through Grand Canyon?
That’s amazing! Nope, never have done that but it’s on my bucket list now. Haha. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂
Dixie,
1997 Thru-hiker here – have enjoyed reading blog and watching videos. Brings back some great memories of life on the trail. While almost 20 years have passed since my hike the views, people, experiences all seem very much the same (except the cell service :)) Keep it up and I imagine the Continental Divide will be calling your name next.
I just got home from my work day to find out you made it! Dixie/Jessica, you are an inspiration, and your videos of your adventures through hiking keep me not only entertained but inspired. I’m truly blessed to have come across your travels which not only show extreme bravery, but kindness and love for life and others, for nature and its creatures and a truly beautiful outlook. You are refreshing in this world and we who have not yet embarked on a journey such as yours are truly in awe of your accomplishments. Your family must be so proud of you! Congratulations on your 2nd journey and I can’t wait to see the next part of your triple crown adventure!
Dixie:
Congratulations to you, Kyle, and PPerk on finishing the PCT together….So cool. You folks should feel a great sense of pride for such an accomplishment. The pictures you folks have shared are stunning…pure Postcards!
I hope after you rest and heal those toes, you have a Live Q & A sometime… I would love to ask a few questions…if not I can email.
Take care….decompress and reflect a bit before re-entry into the the other side of life.
Hey Dixie, I’ve have watched of your AT and PCT vlogs thus far. Have enjoyed all. The views are magnificent, and your discussions various topics has helped. Thank you.
My dream is to do the AT, hopefully in 2019. What got me inspired were you and Mayor along with several books.
I have most of my gear now, but am working on getting the funds to do it.
There is so much information out there to get funding, which one to choose from?
Your thoughts/info would be greatly appreciated.
Hello, lover your videos :O)
Wish you had a countdown ( miles to go )
Jessica! You are amazing. I followed your you tube videos through the PCT and it was such a wonderful adventure. Tears were flowing when you completed your hike. Great Job! Can’t wait to see the CDT journey.
Be You!
Jamie – Alaska
Thought you might appreciate this article: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/10/23/hiker-appalchian-trail-carries-lost-rooster-for-miles-safety/Y6Zu8j7sZMYfgdlkQu8WRL/story.html
Hi Dixie! I’ve been watching your whole thing, from you peeking through the fence at Mexico to the final scene in Canada. Thanks for taking us along! You’ve inspired me, I’m 63 years old, but I’m gonna put in an application for the long-distance permit next month. Regarding poles and your choices — are big name high $ brands like your Black Diamonds a big deal, or are cheaper ones like Cascade ok too? Flip lock or screw lock? Is the difference in weight between carbon fiber & aluminum really worth it? Was there ever a time you couldn’t get it down as short or up as long as was needed for something? What about in snow, sharp tips or use the baskets? The cork vs. plastic handles dispute — why did you come down on the side you did? Again, thank you so much for inspiring me and thanks for what you do promoting nature and the outdoors. Best regards, Mark
OH and I wanted to ask about a general gear thing — an old pal who’s thinking of doing it too who had a novel approach to propose. He doesn’t want to do the ultralight thing. He wants to use heavier and more durable military-type and expedition-type gear, and just go slow, take his time. How does that strike you, for a bigger, heavier hiker? Probably stronger then you or me, I think he’s like 6’5″ I know you’ve said different strategies work for different folks. DOes this strike you as sensible for SOME folks and SOME long treks (even if not you, or the ones you’ve done?)
So I posted to your last PCT gear pick YouTube video, but I just wanted to give you this tip about long sleeved tops that don’t have thumb holes in the cuffs. You can sew an elastic loop inside the cuffs to put your thumbs in and it works great. Good luck on the CDT!
Thanks for the tip! That’s a great idea
And Today it’s Nov.1st, applications opened online for the long distance permit. I just submitted mine for a section hike starting in May from the Mexican border to just into Oregon! THANK YOU FOR INSPIRING ME.
Hey Dixie,
I came across your channel surfing YouTube for good section hikes in NC last April. I have since watched all your AT videos and kept up with you hiking the PCT. I have learned more watching your videos than I would have ever imagined. Keep up the videos and your inspiring spirit. I ended up not being able to hike the AT due to an injury, but plan to next summer. Have you ever considered doing videos of your best sections of the AT & PCT for section hikers?
Hey Dixie,
I came across your channel surfing YouTube for good section hikes in NC last April. I have since watched all your AT videos and kept up with you hiking the PCT. I have learned more watching your videos than I would have ever imagined. Keep up the videos and your assume spirit. I ended up not being able to hike any on the AT due to an injury, but plan to next summer. Have you ever considered doing videos of your best sections of the AT & PCT for section hikers?
Hey Scott! Thank you. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the videos! I’ve got a couple section spotlights on the channel. One for Vermont and one for Virginia. You should check them out 🙂
I hope you have fun next summer and please hug a white blaze for me–Happy Trails!
https://homemadewanderlust.com/appalachian-trail-spotlight-vermont-bennington-manchester-center/
https://homemadewanderlust.com/section-spotlight-mcafee-knob-tinker-cliffs/
Jessica – I’m wondering if you’d ever consider speaking at a college? I realize you may not be close to New York state but if you’d consider the idea, I’d love to invite you to speak at the college I work at. I work with our outdoor program and I think your adventures would appeal to not only our students but also local community people as well. If this is something that might interest you, let me know at your convenience. We can discuss your fee and other requirements after you’ve had a chance to think it over. That’s all for now. Take care and until our paths may cross….be well.
Snapper Petta
Director, Outdoor Programs
SUNY Oneonta
Curious as to what it means when the site says my comment is “awaiting moderation”? I really am interested in having you speak at the college I work at. I think you’d be an inspirational speaker to many of our students; especially our women. I realize this might not occur quickly (or soon) but would truly like to pursue the idea with you.
That’s all for now. Take care and until next time…be well.
snapper
Hey there! Sorry for the delay. It means that the comments have to be approved before they are posted. Helps me keep spam down.. I am interested in upping my speaking game. If you’d like to discuss that more the best way to reach me about that is send an email to HomemadeWanderlust@gmail.com
I guess I’ll give this a try again – enjoyed watching your videos and reading your blog. Brought back many memories of my 1997 AT thru-hike. Twenty years later it made me feel that it was not that long ago.
Hooty GA2ME97
Awww, thank you Frank! Time flies, but the memories grow stronger 🙂 I’ll always love the AT.
Hi Dixie! My wife and I have really enjoyed your videos and you are the reason that we have started to plan an AT thru hike in the spring of 2019. In the meantime, if we heard correctly, you will be doing the CDT next year? We think that is awesome! And we would like to show you some Wyoming generosity if you would be willing. If that interests you, please email us and we can discuss it further. I hope you accept our offer and will be looking forward to future videos!
Hey Steve! Yep, my crew and I will be out there next year. It’s hard to make plans this far in advance because you never know what’s gonna happen, but as it gets closer we will see! Either way, I truly appreciate your kindness and the offer. Thank you for watching and I’m so glad y’all have enjoyed it 🙂
Hi Dixie!
I just watched you hike the PCT.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I am motivated to go backpacking now. I never really have been in the past. I’m turning 54 in a few days. I love car camping and day hiking.
You have a great and wonderful outlook on life. You are wise beyond your years. You must have a great Mother!
Have a safe and fun winter! Keep up your great attitude, whatever you do. Cheers! Ursula
Thank you, Ursula! That is sweet of you to say. I got the pick of the litter when it comes to Moms! I’m glad the trail is calling you–I hope you get out and see some pretty sights soon 🙂 Thank you for watching and I appreciate your encouragement–happy trails!
Congratulations on your thru hike of the PCT. I lobe your dedication to every mile of it, especially in the area closed by fires. Top stuff.
Your hiking videos and Q & A were always good fun and so well shot. So many times I had to grab my daughter and say “you gotta watch Dixies video of “wherever you were at that moment”.
Thanks so much and I can’t wait to see your CDT adventures.
Thank you, Tim! I appreciate y’all watching and cheering me on 🙂
Hi Dixie
I am an 62 y/o RN from KS who has fallen in love with hiking. For the past 8 weeks I have been recovering from surgery on my foot from Morton’s neuroma. During that time I have watched, I think most all of your videos. Many of them more than once. I have enjoyed them all immensely and learned so much!!! My backpacking experiences so far have been limited but AWESOME! My husband and I have done RMNP, the Tonohutu Loop last fall and then Grand Canyon R2R2R last April. The Canyon was beautiful with the spring flowers!! Someday I hope to do the AT and PCT or at least parts of them. I probably will have to wait a few years to retirement, but that will give me time to plan, right? I plan to keep following your adventures and learning more. I also plan to do what I can to support you.
A side note. I have a Gregory pack that had a broken chest clip and some damage from an ambitious ground squirrel in the canyon who chewed threw one of my straps when I turned my back for 5 minutes, ugh! I sent my pack to the Gregory repair center in South Carolina at Peter and Sons. They have repaired the pack and sent a spare hip clip, all at no charge!!! What awesome customer service!!!
Thanks again Dixie and Happy Trails!!!
Deb Deb
I’m so glad to hear that you are recovering and staying in good spirits! I’m jealous about the Rim to Rim–very cool 🙂 That’s definitely on my list.
Glad Gregory was good to you and yes, might as well take this time to plan! Glad you’re enjoying the videos and thank you SO much for watching.
Dixie, Your videos are awesome and followed you on AT & PCT. Question? In your last video PCT vrs AT You had mentioned the main mental challenge was when you were in the Sierra’s. Why so? Reason is I am planning a 100 Mile section hike through them end of May or beginning of June. Also, not sure which would be the best section of the Sierra’s logistically where I can enter and exit. I have done many AT section hikes. Also, as a 65 year old guy just looking for some advice. Thanks and cant wait for your CDT Thru Hike videos.
Hey Tom! The Sierra Nevada was extremely stressful because of the heavy snowfall the winter before. It was record-breaking which made the snow melt excessive and the rivers were raging. Not sure what the conditions will be this May or June. I recommend getting the Guthooks App for the Sierra Nevada. It will show you road intersections, mile markers, amenities in town, etc. Are you a part of the Homemade Wanderlust Backpacking Forum on Facebook? It would be good to get more feedback in there. Also, the PCT 2018 group.
Thanks for all the videos and advice! Despite being in my 50s and not packing in a couple decades, I ran with it and hiked the JMT last month. This was my second attempt. Last time was very early in the season 39years ago after another heavy snowfall year. The fords were horrendous, sun-cupped snow just about everywhere and my brother and I did not have micro spikes, GPS trekking poles (didn’t exist), or ice axes. We used paper topo map and compass and young eyes. Out parents actually allowed us to go, though they didn’t really know about the trail conditions. My older bother was 17 and I was 13. Parenting standards were different then.
This time I went solo and almost the only NoBo hiker and made it!!
I met many PCT hikers who had flipped, coming back south to finishing the Sierras. They could tell by looking who was doing the PCT vs. JMT – JMT hikers didn’t have their packs pared down. After using your advice, they couldn’t always tell I was doing the JMT because my pack was atypically small, despite carrying 12days food and hiking from Cottonwood pass to Mammoth without resupply (MTR and VVR were closed in early October and I skipped both).
October hiking has significant weather risk. I was prepared for ankle-deep snow and temps in the teens, yet weather was kind to me the entire time I was out.
Thanks for doing what you do and making it accessible to novice hikers.
Eric! That is so awesome to hear–woohoo! Congrats on your trek and I’m glad some of my content helped. Thank you for getting out there and going for it 🙂 I appreciate you sharing as your story may encourage someone else to step outside their comfort zone.
Dix, thanks for sharing your trips and tips. I enjoy them so much, and am using your tips, that I feel obligated to reciprocate:
Bugs: DEET alternative to consider, Lemon Eucalyptus. Products made by REPEL, Coleman, et al. Available at Wally World. Pros – effective, smells great, natural botanical oil. Cons – lasts 6 hrs vs. 10 hrs with DEET. Google “Citriodiol”
Hygiene: An alternative to baby powder for cleaning hair is corn starch. Pro – no talcum powder, no bear attracting scent. Con – I know of none.
Oral Hygiene: Consider adding a mouthwash to your regime. Can be used at a much lower rate than manufacture’s suggested usage rate. I use about an oz every five days, more or less. Only need to use enough to wet the inside of your mouth. Pro – excellent for oral hygiene. I use a product containing alcohol so it has multiple uses, such a topical antiseptic and possibly deodorant because it kills odor causing bacteria. Personally, I haven’t used it as an deodorant. Con – some don’t like the taste (poor babies), adds pack weight (I enjoy the benefits so much that I consider this item essential)
Awesome, thanks for your input 🙂
Hi Dixie, Can you share your tips for dealing with Planters Fasciatis on the PCT?
Sure, I have a video on that! Here you go 🙂
Hey Paula! Sorry, just seeing this comment. I have a video on this from after the AT. Same idea!
https://youtu.be/q_J2feRxZ58
Hey Dixie!
I’d like to see you do a video on your videography equipment, techniques and planning each segment. Also, how you manage / upload all the video while on the trail.
I’m a 56 yo semi-retired FF/Paramedic who grew up near the AT outside Roanoke and I have been so inspired by your PCT series that I’m doing the early planning to section hike the PCT hopefully beginning in ’19. We now live outside Richmond, and my kids and I love watching your series- thank you and keep up the good work! Can’t wait to see the CDT series!
Hey Andy! Thank you SO much 🙂 Good luck on your upcoming section hikes–it will be here before you know it! I appreciate the video idea. It is on the to do list!
A music suggestion especially if you run across some wild horses on the cdt. Aaron Coplands hoedown. Every time I hear it I think of the wild west, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart and now Dixie. Happy Trails
Pete
Awww, I’ll check it out! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Hi there Jessica.
Have you ever thought about coming over to do some walks in Scotland? My brother and I are doing the Scottish national trail. Our next section is the Cape Wrath Trail.We met a guy on the west Highland way from the USA who was 80+ and he said it’s the best walking he has ever done. Love your walks. Cheers, Duncan.
It’s definitely a place I’d like to explore someday. Thanks for the info! I hope y’all enjoy your trip.
Dixie,
I’ve been watching your videos for the last couple of months. I found (and watched) your PCT videos first, so now I’m onto your AT videos. It’s been interesting watching how inexperienced you were when you started the AT, and how much more confident and poised you seem on the PCT. The production value of the early videos lend a certain authenticity to your experiences. It’s like you have grown as both a backpacker, a vidographer and a young woman.
One question. Did you ever meet/hike with a guy who’s hiker name is “Shepherd” on the PCT? He’s my (much younger) cousin. I didn’t even know he was on the trail until he was almost finished. I believe he may have hiked with Perk for a while.
Anyway, good luck on your future!
Thank you, James! I appreciate your kind words. I don’t think I knew Shepherd, but Perk and I were separated for a while. Lots of great people out on the trail—small world. Thanks again and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I’m an Alabamian transplanted in Texas. My brother tells me there was quite a bit on snow in ‘bama today.
Never done miles anything close to what you have accomplished, but I do manage to get out in the desert for some awesome hikes.
I just finished binge watching your AT and PCT adventures. Very impressive!
Can’t wait for the CDT videos to start rolling in.
Have a GREAT Christmas!
Scott
Thank you, Scott! Hope y’all had a wonderful Christmas!
Thanks for all the posts.Use your videos to walk each morning on the treadmill and pretend I’m hiking with you and your friends haha. Great motivation and great positive old school spirit. I’ve now hiked the AT and PCT twice on the treadmill and need you to go ahead and conquer your next trail. Thanks again and my wife tells me to turn the volume down lol.
Hahaha. That’s so cool! I’ll get to the CDT as soon as possible. Thank you so much for watching! ????
Thank you for documenting your journeys. I have watched many hiking videos on YouTube, and yours are the best. You inspire me to keep following my dreams. While work and family won’t allow me to take time to through hike a long trail like the AT or PCT at this time, I am going to do what I can, right where I am. I’ll begin segment hiking the Arizona Trail this year. Please keep sharing your travels.
Kristy
Thank you, Kristy! So glad you are getting out there 🙂 I’ve heard the AZT is amazing!
I’ve put in over 400 hours working on the CDT and most of them were with CDTA. Theresa Martinez has continued the work of CDTA with a new organization. They have published a guide here: http://bit.ly/2jwZ75U
I’m forwarding it in case you might find it of some use. Happy trails.
Cheers, Bob
Thank you, Bob! I’ll check it out 🙂
Thanks for your time and efforts!
Hey Bob! Thanks for putting that link out there! It never hurts to have good info to go on! Like Jess said, thanks for your efforts. People like you don’t get near the recognition you should. Hopefully your work is rewarding enough to keep you going…. government as of late does not look like it is going to be very gracious to the hiking world : (
Hi. I love your videos. I lived in Auburn for a while and worked for the university. I moved to Ashville NC for a few years after discovering how much I loved the mountains by hiking on Mount Cheaha several times.
Im 61 and my son whos 29 are now considering an attempt to thru hike the AT.
Frankly, it scares the hell out of me, but I feel truly motivated and excited to attempt it. My son is very excited as well. Your videos are quite motivational and watching them has been a major reason why weve decided to do it. You really have a wonderful easy way about you that has gone a long way in assuring me that this old man can actually make this adventure happen. Thank you so much for your help. Hopefully we will be able to tell you in 2018 that we made it! Thanks again. Keep up the good work..
Thank you, John! Wishing y’all the best on your journey—you should go for it! Please keep me posted.
John! That’s wonderful. I hope you go for it! Please keep me posted—best wishes 🙂
As a PCT veteran now (you that is, not me), I was curious if you thought it would be possible to do the trail getting all your resupply just by going into towns along the way for food. I realize there would have to be a few things sent out via mail (extra shoes, socks, things that need replacing), but I would like to do the trail without all the hassle of sending off food for six months of hiking. So, do you think resupplying food could be done mostly on the fly, or is putting tons of planning into it required? Thanks Dixie, and want to say that I loved your videos this past summer. Good luck next year on the CDT. Bill
Thank you, Bill! It’s definitely possible to ONLY resupply while on trail. You do not HAVE to send packages. Given, you won’t have many options or variety in some of the towns, so if you want certain things sent to those, you’ll hear people talking about them ahead of time. I suggest guthooks app to look ahead while you’re on trail and see what stores are available in town and the notes other hikes have left about resupply. Also, there are usually hiker boxes, too, where people ditch their leftovers. Don’t stress about resupply before you get out there. Definitely not necessary.
Dixie, I have one other question. Any plans for an E book on the PCT like your AT one?
Yep! Hoping to do so before I start the CDT—we will see if I have time!
Hi! I am thoroughly enjoying your videos!. My friend and I are going to start section hiking the PCT this March. We are also hiking the Colorado Trail this summer. It would be so awesome if we ran into you when the CT and CDT intersect!
My question: I can’t seem to find anymore PCT blogs past update 5 (maybe you really did win all that money in the slot machine ???? lol). Are the blogs still a work on progress?
That’s awesome!! Haha, yeah they are a work in progress. I wish I had won the money though! I will finish them before too long. Just didn’t have much time while on trail and dealing with the videos too 🙂
Hey Dixie
Really enjoy your videos on YouTube. You are a great inspiration to everyone! I have a trail for you to consider after you do the CDT. It’s the GWT (Great Western Trail). It is also a thru hike from Mexico to Canada. It passes thru the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The vast majority of the trail is high open desert. You will pass through some of the great National Parks in Utah. If you ever decide on doing the GWT, just know that you will have Trail Angels in Orem, Utah. The GWT is a great and enjoyable and fairly new hike (compared to the AT, PCT, and CDT). Keep doing what you are doing, and forget the negative comments. They are from the “Also Rans” (those are the people that will always say I also “hike” or whatever it is, and never challenge themselves to go the distance. Hope to see you on the trail someday.
Thank you, Mike! 🙂
Hello Jessica: My wife brought home a newspaper I had never seen before with an article about you and your hiking adventures. I checked out a couple of the videos ( the one dancing across snow cups in Kings Canyon brought back memories). It brought a smile to my face.
For 34 years, she and I were teachers in the Chicagoland Area. I have also been running a wilderness photography business for almost 40 years now. After a small lifetime traveling over the US on adventures, we have grown tired of being cold. After scouring the south for a new place to call home, we have ended up in this strange new world called Opelika. Now you see why I am smiling.
We have only been down here for a year, but are overwhelmed with the open hearted kindness of the people and the exciting opportunities of a Deep South we have never explored. And yes, we are beginning to bleed War Eagle orange.
I hope my website, inwildlight.com and my newly released book, Wisdom from the Wilderness, might find your eyes. Kindred spirits indeed.
James!! That’s so wonderful to hear. I’m glad that my fellow Opelikans are being sweet to y’all. There aren’t many in this area that know the beauty of other areas, so I’m glad to know someone else here gets it! Haha. I will go look at your website now. Thank you so much for reaching out and please keep in touch. Let me know if y’all need anything or have questions about the area 🙂
Hi Jessica:
I have waited on responding until I completed the development of my fall/winter work in the Sweet Home Portfolio. Which I just did. Please when you have a moment check it out. I am hoping your eyes share the feelings that I am beginning to have about Alabama. There is a a subtle, gentle, and most sublime beauty to this place.
http://www.inwildlight.com/sweet.asp
I hope someday our paths will inevitably cross. Your energy and enthusiasm are heroic. I will throw some support your way in due time.
WOWWW! Those are amazing and I only saw the thumbnails. Going to dig deeper now. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Hey Dixie,
Love your videos (watched them all), very imformative and just plain awesome. I’m suscribed to yours and Darwin on the Trails Youtube channels even though I don’t hike. I love the outdoors, I love camping, bike riding and took up kayaking a year ago. I past year I took up Bikepacking (basically hiking with a bike) and I’m really wanting to get into this. I did get to go once this year (had a couple of set backs that prevented me from doing more), did a two day 60 mile venture and loved every minute of it. Your videoes ( and Darwins too…Lol) were the inspiration to get me going. Took what I learned from the videoes, researched and purchased gear and did it. Now I’m getting into dehydrating (meals and snacks) for doing more bikepacking in 2018. The hiking videoes have been a big help and plan to keep on watching and learning as much as possible. Keep up the awesome work you do and thank you for everything you do!!! 🙂
Wooohoo! So happy to hear that. Way to go and get out there 🙂 Keep it up—happy trails!
You’ve rekindled something I haven’t done in 40 or so years. Going to try the JMT this summer. A few overnighters before to ensure I know my gear.
I see you brought fishing gear. Where did you fish? Thanks Have really enjoyed the youTube videos. One note … the gear is much lighter now !
Awesome! You’ll be blown away by the beauty. I went fishing in several ponds. Only caught some on a side trail called Bullfrog Lake on the Bullfrog Lake Junction to Kearsarge Pass. I didn’t fish as much as I would’ve liked but I was pushing hard to get through there and make up time. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Dixie,
Your videos and stories are incredibly inspirational. Thank you for taking the time to do them. I watched your PCT adventure first, then started your AT trip, how far you’ve come!!!
I want to invite you to be a guest on The Limitless Podcast, hosted by me. It’s all about helping people push past self-imposed limits and live life to the fullest. I interview amazing people (like you) who are doing “limitless” things.
The podcast gets downloaded over 50,000 times a month via iTunes and my site, PodcastLimitless.com. It would be a great opportunity to inspire new people and have more people hear about your YouTube channel and more.
Let me know if you are interested. You would be such an awesome guest!
I caught a comment on your “wish I had on the PCT” that you were thinking of doing the CDT next. I live and hike in the Durango Colorado area and would be happy to help you in any way.
Thank you, Alan! That is so kind of you to offer. I will keep that in mind 🙂
Aloha Jessica! Today I got my best answer of how much you might spend on the AT. And it came from you! Mahalo nui loa! If you ever plan to hike (or kayak in the summer) to Kalalau in the Napali Coast, Kauai, hit me up and I’ll be stoked to go with you, and maybe even round up some more friends. It’s my favorite hike here, difficult and a bit scary at times (tall cliffs), but totally worth it. It’s “only” 11.5 miles to get there, and the coolest part is that you get to spend a few days on an isolated beach with only an few people (with an added 2-mile hike to a small waterfall and pond, and an amazing food garden). The only thing is that you have to get permits six months in advance. Aloha, Léo. ps: My next Kalalau hike is in four weeks! Three nights there and back.
Very cool, Leo! If I ever get out that way I’ll let you know. Happy trails 🙂
Hello Dixie! Found your channel while following Darwin and Sintax77 (both guys). Enjoy your “downhome” approach to what you do mixed with common sense and intelligence. Read your About page and congrats on the Education and following your heart towards the triple crown and beyond.
Born and presently living in Colorado, but have lived in NW Florida AKA “The Redneck Riviera”, so not too far from where you grew up.
Plan on hiking sections of the CDT and the Colorado Trail in ’18 and am curious, to your knowledge, what sections of these trails are the most interesting/scenic? If you don’t know, no problem. Perhaps our paths will cross during your through hike?
Best Always!
Hey Mike! Thanks for reaching out. Im honestly not sure yet—I’ll know at the end of the year. Haha. I have heard the Wind River Range of the CDT is FANTASTIC. Hope that helps some. Enjoy your trips! 😀
Hello Dixie,
I am Ram Sekhar from India but lived in Texas for about 8 years now. Been following your you tube channel for a while now. You are awesome my friend and really gave me the interest on hiking and backpacking. Job, Student loan and Family been keeping me from doing that for a while now but i do wanna do some day hikes and overnights or even a 3 or 4 day trips. Any advises for a beginner?
Thank you! So glad to hear you’re looking to get out and about. Are you looking for hikes in Texas? I’d suggest checking out the All Trails App. It’s pretty good for locating trails closest to you. If you’re looking at a section on the AT or PCT, just let me know. Hope that helps some—also, if you join the Facebook group Homemade Wanderlust Backpacking Forum there may be people in there near you who can recommend places 🙂
I cant go or a thru hike right now but i would like to go for a section hikes on the AT. starting from the south and am trying to find out how can i access the trail from the nearest airport or bus stop.
https://youtu.be/SGRm2zLYwZ8
That should help!
Dixie,
I only discovered you in the last week but find your stuff informative and entertaining. I love your Southern charm! I spent 26 years in the military so I have done quite a bit of hiking. Of course very little was for pleasure! I’m going to Europe in the Spring to walk the Way of Saint James. I’m planning to do the AT in 2019 and who knows what after that. I retired from my post-military job this past February as I felt like I was slowly dying. Between sitting in the office and traffic I knew I had to get out. Thank you for what you do and by all means please keep it up (as long as you want to that is)! It would be awesome to see you on the trail somewhere. Cheers from Texas!
Thank you so much, Rick! Congrats on escaping the rat race 🙂 I hope you enjoy your upcoming adventures. Keep me posted! Happy Trails!
Dixie,
Been watching your videos since you were doing gear reviews after the AT. Then I was looking for gear and found your reviews to be honest and accurate. Thanks for your hard work!!!
I was just given a Moment New Wide Lens and iPhone case for Christmas. Takes awesome pics and videos, but I’m at a lose on where to store it when I hike? Can’t but it in the pack brain, cause then I’d have to take the pack off, dig through the brain and might miss the shot. Not only that…I don’t want put it in a place outside the pack or packet for fear I’d damage it.
Where did you keep your Moment Len’s, how did you access and use them. Did you take a pack off, or within arm’s reach? What about posting a filming blooper reel?
Hey Kevin! Thank you so much. Great question! I kept mine in the hip belt pockets that way I didn’t have to take my pack off.
Aaron actually did post a blooper reel on YouTube. Haha. Hope you enjoy it 🙂
https://youtu.be/1fuO-lQ4nVQ
Of course…hip belt pockets, completely spaced those. Good idea.
Spaced the bloopers reel too. Those are always good. Thanks!
Hi Dixie,
I’ve been enjoying your videos and gear reviews. Learning a lot and planning to section hike the AT. You mentioned using a trash compactor bag inside your back pack. Can you further describe the trash compactor bag. I’ve seen so many online I’m not sure which would be the best.
Thanks
Hey George! I got it from Walmart (a box of them—maybe 10-12 in a box?). I don’t remember if it was 2 mil or 3 mil. I think maybe the particular brand had a gorilla on the box? I can’t remember but it’s a thick, black plastic bag.
After enjoying the content and quality of your PCT Vlog, I honestly think your CDT adventure should be a series on one of the cable network channels. The time seams ripe to me. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already ink’d a deal 🙂
Haha, I haven’t, but thank you so much for the compliment!
Hi Jessica,
I’m about to embark on a journey through South America at the end of next week. 2 of the major stops will be hikes at Patagonia (Torres Del Paine) and Macchu Picchu. I appreciate all your videos and being a fellow southerner from Chattanooga TN its nice to see an adventurer from the south. Also your gear advice has been very helpful so keep it up. Have you ever thought about doing any international hikes/trips?
Thanks,
Andy
Hey Andy! Thank you 🙂 I have thought about some international trips and aim to start once I complete the CDT. Wishing you the best of luck on your trip. Have fun and let me know how it goes!
Dixie,
I am looking for an all in one app for my phone. trail maps that I can use with or without cell service, thermometer, barometer, altimeter and anythings else I may have missed that you are aware of.
Thoughts
I don’t know of one app that does all of the above. I’ve used Guthooks for the trail map and navigation, but I’m not sure about the other functions. Sorry!
I had an opportunity to hike on the Appalachian Trail in Harper’s Ferry over Thanksgiving and your you tube videos has gotten me interested in hiking again. I haven’t hiked since the 1980’s. My plan to section hike the Appalachian Trail each state starting with CT.
That’s great! No time like the present 🙂 I love Harpers Ferry. Cool town!
I have to start by thanking you. You helped me in getting started. I had a little fear on hiking alone. My wife would not partake in my adventure. She is likes her comforts.
I started looking for friends and it turned into calling friends like the movie, A Walk In The Woods. A friend last week on face book informed me he wants to join me on section hiking the AT. We plan to start section hiking with in May, New York the Hudson.
Once again thanks.
Yayyyy! So happy to hear it
Jessica, I’ve been section hiking the AT (I live in va ) the last few years and your videos, Darwin and “between the blazes” helped me a lot with gear food etc.. but I’m wondering why no one ever talks about minute rice for food ? It weighs nothing and 1 cup is a full meal.. any thoughts?
Not sure. I did some instant rice on the PCT with gravy powder and it was okay, but a little plain. It’s likely cheaper, but not having to think about a recipe when you get to camp after a long day is nice. I suppose the other instant meals just seem more seasoned and thoughtless? Not sure!
Hi Dixie, I wonder if we can discuss a project related to your CDT hike? 650 823-1460
Hey there! Feel free to shoot an email to: HomemadeWanderlust@gmail.com
I saw your pct trek on you tube and there would be a few things that I would advise. wet socks is always an issue. so is atheletes foot and emersion foot. Recommend washing and putting socks in sleeping bag with you. warm body will dry socks. It is quite evident that leaving them out to dry on mountain trail can result in frozen socks. Same goes for shoes try putting them in bottom near your feet or somehow put them under the sleeping bag. damp will dry faster on your feet than wet. Also, when telling people to just ” go out there and hike, you should say that you should get with your doctor before attempting any physical activity, some trails can be kind of rough on the body especially when hauling equipment around. I live near an army base and you can pick up all kinds of tricks from the troops. Some sleep with their cloths next to them so the they won’t have put on cold cloths. That’s it. Good luck on your next adventure. You might want to research your shoes a little better, your feet were looking a little rough. I’d like to try something like that, unfortunately, unless I quit my job, its slim to none. Best of luck, Bob Jaime
I thoroughly enjoyed your AT and PCT videos and learned something new from each of them. I’m a lifelong backpacker who started back in the early 70’s. You are an inspirational person and that’s a wonderful gift. My Engineering advice: If it matters to you get your Engineering (PE) license now. You don’t need to ever use it. If you wait its very difficult to pass the exam. If you’ve decided that you don’t want to use your engineering degree then that’s another matter – plenty of people do that. Rensselaer Polytech ’81, Georgia Tech ’89 – RAMBLIN WRECK!
Thank you! I’d need a couple more years of work under a licensed engineer to get my PE, otherwise I’d get it now ????
Dixie–You have been such an inspiration to so many of us…and you’ve given encouragement to everyone to step out and do more. I want to share with you and others how your magnificent quests have inspired me. It is–to see more and more of the steps that I take in my everyday life as “grand”. While walking along a familiar path, or even strolling thru town, I am reminded to SEE my surroundings AS IF they were as extraordinary as a Sierra or Appalachian summit view. This brings a sense of deep gratitude and a feeling of peace [and paradoxically exhilaration] just as when I am actually “out there”. Thank you for taking us along on your journeys; for the encouragement; your candor and most of all, your “spunk”!! Looking forward to your CDT videos!!
Wow! What an amazing perspective you have. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am going to try to adopt this into my everyday life as well. I appreciate all of your kind words ????
Hey Jessica/ Dixie, Thank you so much for your inspiration. I have been thinking about the PCT for years. I am 60 (old man). I have watched all of your videos, just became a Patreon to help support your next venture. More importantly maybe, I have decided to retire early, hike a bit here in Oregon for a year or two, and set my sights on the PCT in 2020. I have assembled most of my gear following your reviews and picking what works best for me. So again, thank you.
Mike! Thank you so very much for your support. It means the world to me!
Haha, 60 is not old! Not even close ???? I’m so excited that you are aiming to whoop the PCT in 2020–what a great plan! I’m happy that some of my info has been useful in helping you pick gear. If you have any questions and you send them through the messaging in Patreon, I’ll be sure to get back with you quickly!
Thanks again so much!
Dixie
Jessica
I’ve enjoyed your hiking videos. In one you mentioned that hikers are kind and don’t care what your politics are. After watching many of your videos I’m now curious. What are your politics. Favorite presidents, stand on guns, Israel, economics. Care to share?
Thanks, Brandon! I appreciate you watching and glad you’ve enjoyed the videos. Honestly, I don’t care to bring politics into the world of backpacking. My mindset is essentially if you’re not hurting me or anyone else then I’ll mind my own business and prefer for others to do the same. I think folks should be so busy living their own lives that they don’t have time to peek over their neighbors fence. Anyway, thank you for reaching out!
Happy Trails, Dixie
Thanks for responding. I figured that would be the response. Religion and politics….still difficult in many settings. Keep up the good work with your videos and enjoying the wilderness.
Jessica, if I had a hat on now I’d take it off to you…WOW!!! A couple questions for you please; I saw in one of your AT videos that you used a stuff sack for your sleeping bag, do you still use them or do you stuff it into the bottom of your pack without? Second, I always sleep with my food bag, do you always hang yours? I did also see in one of your videos that your ZPacks food bag was assaulted by mice. When I hiked the Colorado Trail (you’ll be on part of this summer)last summer I had changed over to mostly ZPacks gear; some other hikers gave me the trail name “Top Gear” because of that…GREAT STUFF. THANK-YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ADVICE!
Hey Richard! Thank you so much 🙂 I used a stuff sack while on the AT (but it wasn’t waterproof) and then on the PCT I decided to just stuff it loosely in the bottom of my pack in a trash compactor bag. Seems to fill in the holes better and allows me to maximize space.
I have slept with my food bag before but it’s usually an accident (I fall asleep). On the AT I hung it 99% of the time. On the PCT, in the desert, there aren’t good trees for that so I’d attach it to a bush or something else. In the Sierra I had a bear can (required) and in Oregon and Northern California I continued the “low branch/bush hanging method” if a proper hang wasn’t available. The mouse chewed through my pack when I fell asleep before hanging it. The mice in Washington are vicious!
I’m glad you like Zpacks gear, too. What I’ve used of their stuff has worked out nicely! Haha, good trail name!
I’m glad the info has been helpful—thank you for watching! Happy Trails 🙂
Dixie,
I love watching your videos, they are extremely informative as my friend and I are planning some sections hikes this year and next (hopefully many years after as well). Between the two of us I am the more “logistical prepper” type individual and have had a question nagging me for a while.
What do you do about packing up a wet tent? We have a tent with rain fly but when its wet or raining, how to you recommend packing it up to hike out without having a super wet tent when you get to your next camp site?
I wish I had a good answer for you, but the truth is unless you can let it air out at a sunny spot during lunch, it’s probably going to be wet. I keep my tent in my pack, but if it seems the rain will stop, I might attach it in it’s stuff sack to the outside in hopes that it will dry out a bit while I’m hiking and then also maybe air dry it during break.
I hope that helps some! You can always use a bandana to dry the floor before you get in, too. Glad to hear the videos have served y’all well! I hope y’all enjoy your upcoming adventures!
Thank you for all the great videos. My husband and I are into hiking and have been getting more into the multi-day trips. My husband was always into hunting but never imagined he would have so much fun walking without a rifle in his hand, until he met me. We are mostly doing weekend things due to jobs but you certainly inspire us to get out and do more. Our goal is to section hike the OT Ouachita Trail since it is close by. We have been hiking all the trails in parks and then getting a medallion to go on a wooden hiking pole.
Do you ever do shorter trails like this or the Ozark Highlands Trail?
Hey Linda!
Glad y’all have enjoyed the videos—thank you for watching 🙂 That’s awesome you and your husband enjoy backpacking together and I think section hiking a local trail together sounds fun. My only two backpacking trips have been the AT and PCT, but once I finish the CDT, I’ll likely do some shorter trips. I do like day hiking, but that is somewhat limited here in Alabama. Anyway, hope y’all have fun on the OT! Let me know how it goes.
-Dixie
If you ever decide to come to Arkansas and go to the highest point which is Mt. Magazine let us know. They have some nice trails there and we’d love to get a chance to meet you.
Dixie: I have followed your travels on the AT and the PCT and have really enjoyed your videos. Notwithstanding the fact that I’ve camped and backpacked for over 50 years, I picked up a lot of useful info from your videos. Couple of suggestions/requestions, can we get a video on photography equipment including editing software and one on mail drop logistics and getting to the AT Springer trail head. If you have already covered thanks much.
Hey Sam!
So glad to hear the channel content has been helpful, and I’m pleased to hear it from someone with so much experience!
I did do a video on getting to and from the AT:
https://youtu.be/SGRm2zLYwZ8
Here is the one on mail drops:
https://youtu.be/Vxrmo5z6HuA
As far as photography equipment goes, I haven’t done a direct video, but I use my iPhone and some moment lenses. You can find those in my gear lists on this website 🙂
Hope that helps!
Dixie
Thanks Dixie. Looking forward to the videos from your CDT hike (assuming the goal is 2019)
It’s 2018! Woohoo
When did you finish pct
October 7th
Dixie, Are you assembling a gear list for CDT? When you do, I’m sure you’re likely to publish it on this blog or elsewhere. I’ve followed you through the PCT VLOG and would like to support you on the costs of outfitting for the CDT hike. Best, Rob Carnes
I have a wishlist on Amazon, but I think I’m pretty much set at the moment. Thank you so much for you support, though!!
Hey Dixie!! I’m a brand new to the hiking adventure. I do live in the northern Seattle area and an blessed with lots of hiking possibilities. I LOVED watching your pct quest. It took me three days 3500ft watch it all! I’m from jonesboro arkansas and just have a southern person with a southern draw was awesome! Thank you for your efforts in sharing your adventures. I so enjoyed them
Thank you so much!
Considered posting this on one of your YouTube videos, but its general in nature and not related to any one specific video. It may have already been asked in one of the videos or even here, but your formatting for previous questions here is a bit messed up and I can’t read most of them ( may be just at my end, I don’t know ).
Question one: Perk is obviously a big part of your trail life, having now been on two thru hikes with you. Does his quirky persona or personality ( for want of a better term , not being derogatory ) extend to his gear selections, or is he “all business” when it all comes to that issue…
Secondly, how did your growth and development into a YouTube “personality” with your on-going YouTube postings affect your daily trail interactions with the various members of your inner group of “family” members and other hikers you encountered. After all, you started as a regular more-or-less anonymous person posting your personal journey of self-discovery on-line as I am sure thousands of people do, and you ended up with tens of thousands of on-line followers, with the numbers continuing to grow. Did they ( your trail family or other hikers you encountered ) have days where they just didn’t want to have any “screen time”, knowing that whatever you all were going through at that moment, good and/or bad,stood a good chance of being seen by tens of thousands of viewers. Or was it even something as simple as “argh, we have to stop and wait for Dixie to get her shot of ‘whatever-this-is’ so she can post it in her video later”. And did this change at all between the AT where you started out as a novice and the PCT where you started with a developed fan base…
Too many questions, I know…..
Hey Jim! Good questions 🙂
1) Haha, Perk is ALWAYS indecisive. He hates making decisions, so yes he is all around that way.
2) Perk always embraces my videoing. He says he likes being indirectly famous haha. I don’t think any of us are famous, I mean it’s just a world of walkers, right? Anyway, I suppose there are times I can get a vibe that someone doesn’t necessarily want to be seen and I can understand that and respect it. In those instances I might just share what’s going on with me in those tough moments. When I meet people most of the time they don’t know I have a channel. If they don’t, then I just ask them if they mind being in videos when I realize I’ll be around them for several days or weeks. If they say no, I respect it. Most don’t seem to mind though. I think they realize what is shared might help others get out on trail!
I hope that answers your questions!
Thanks for the answers. One more question…..is Perk or anyone from your past trail families going to triple crown together with you on your next through hike? I hadn’t seen you mention anywhere if you were definitely solo’ing or going with some trusted souls.
And as a side note, I didn’t know that only 196 people are officially recognized as triple crown. Interesting tidbit stat of the day I read on-line today. You’ll be in rarified company after you finish this next hike
Hi Dixie – Don’t know if you’ve seen this. Pretty interesting. Perhaps the best DIY pot stand I’ve seen. Later, Joe
Will you be at the CDT Trails days celebration in Silver City, New Mexico this Spring? I will hopefully be there for a section hike of the CDT. If I run into you I’ll buy you a beer because I love your videos!
I didn’t even know the CDT had trail days!
I might have to look into it and take you up on that, haha!
Dear Dixie
I have watched everything that you post and I can testify that you have inspired me to get out there and do something! I ain’t dead yet! I am older and I have plans for the AT but I am just getting started. I was wondering how you prepped for your 1st thru-hike? Books you read? Blogs that you utilized? I have found so much valuable advice in your posts , especially when I relisten and write down those tidbits of advice. I wonder if you could do it again… would carry lighter weight? I am really thinking since I am just a scrawny ole girl I might should pare down the load. Any advice would be great. Another gritty girl from the south!! Nat-chic
Yay! Glad to hear you’re getting out there 🙂 I just googled A LOT before my hike. I recommend joining the Homemade Wanderlust Backpacking Forum group on Facebook. Lots of people with tons of experience in there!
https://m.facebook.com/groups/1028390340599375?ref=bookmarks
Dear Dixie,
Thank you for the response. I will definitely keep researching everything I can get my hands on and continue to get in touch with others who love being outside like I do. I have just felt intimidated by the newer gear and I have a fear of buying inappropriate gear that will make me uncomfortable when I carry it. I had always camped where we stayed in a base camp and came back to it each day. Then we started going on horseback, riding trails and camping like that was a different kind of experience. Hiking trails around my home and the National Forest here in Arkansas is easy. They are not difficult trails and easy drives. Most of them are loop trails and only 10 miles long at the most. What I’ve got to do is get some “real” trails under my “life experience “ categories file.
Thank you again for responding!! Best of luck on your attempt of the CDT!! I can’t even wait for you to put a 3rd gem on your crown!!
Hi Dixie… Salamander here, you are such an intriguing woman. I am an Ohio section hiker at best. Spent a little time near the Alleghany reservoir last spring but you inspired me to catch parts of the AT this summer. I’m a disabled Vet so I’m a bit limited. Crazy about you and your “southerness”. I will follow you this summer. Best of luck, lots of fun, good health and trustworthy friends
Just finished watching the AT videos. Strange thing to feel so proud of someone you’ve never met. You did real good.
Just WOW, have only just came across you’re blogs/youtube.
absolutely amazing.
Had a somewhat serious question compared to most that you probably get. Given the “high profile” / visibility(relatively) of thru-hiking vloggers such as yourself who promote their use of the various trails around the country and encourage others to get out and use those public lands, do you get asked or do you take it upon yourself ( you or other well-known trail vloggers that you may have contact with ) to get involved in the various political issues that get raised about the role of public lands, changes/ additions to trails, etc.
There has been quite a bit of local trail development ( nothing like the AT or other major trails , just old railbed day hike stuff, mostly) in my area in recent decades. This article
http://www.ithacajournal.com/story/opinion/2018/01/30/turn-dark-side-trails/109939204/
just ran in our local paper about some trail development issues, and when I read the part of the article that mentions the park on the AT thinking about withdrawing from the AT because of issues with trail users, I have to admit that you were the first person I thought of…..
Maybe this is a topic that you consider too serious to tackle on your site, but I was curious if you had any thoughts on the issue. I did surf through some YouTube videos where trail proponents are concerned because of the increased visibility/ public awareness/ increased use of some of the major trails in recent years due to movies, etc…
Anyway, thanks in advance
It is unfortunate that people can’t respect the property of others. There are rude people on the trail as there are people like that in everyday life. I don’t tend to get political, but I do think folks should respect surrounding private property as they walk through on easements. Thanks for sharing the read!
I have not heard you say anything about using the shelters on the AT and do you carry cash and a credit card ? If so where do you carry them. And what is a drop box ? Thanks Paul
I used them occasionally! (Shelters) I carry my cash and credit card in a small zpacks wallet. Drop box is an app I use on my phone to upload videos 🙂 Hope that helps!
Hi Dixie!
My friend also Dixie, recommended me to check out your blog and videos since I am about to go on my first thru-hike. Videos and blogs really helped me think over my own gear and how to plan for my trip this summer! I’ll be hiking the Colorado Trail and might run into you! Happy trails and thank you for sharing your experiences!
Hi Dixie,
A few friends and I are aiming to do a 3-day hike on the AT in Georgia this spring break (early March). Do you have any recommendations on a certain route and anything we should be aware of? As of now, we were considering starting at Woody Gap and going to Blood Mountain. I would appreciate any advice!
Sorry I’m just seeing this, Kyle! Did y’all go? Hope you had a great time!
Dixie went to Y’all University. Such a beautiful woman.
Jessica. Planning to section hike Springer to Davenport may 15 to may 31. First hiking journey. “Old guy”. 52. You’ve completely inspired me. You’re cool. Genuinely. Would love to hire you as a guide. What say you?
I’m hiking the CDT this year! Thank you for thinking of me, though, and I hope you have a great time!
I found your videos by accident and I have seen almost all of them. I feel like i`m hiking along with all of you guys on the trail. I live in NJ and I will walk the AT a little next week to feel a kinship with all of those who came before me.Sort of like a pilgrimage!!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Just recently found your videos and binge watched all of your AT videow, and am currently about halfway through the PCT series.
I’m loving the PCT series, but as a western Nevada native it had bugged me when you say “Sierra’s”. It is only “Sierra”. You can only plural mountains. And like most every easterner, you are saying Nevada wrong. “Nev-AD-a,” not “Nev-AH-da”.
Keep up the great work. Can’t wait to see CDT.
We will have to agree to disagree on this. People say, “Rockies,” “Cascades,” and, yes, “Sierras.” Also, plenty of people around the country pronounce many words differently including, “Nevada.”
If communication is made and people know what one another mean, I think that’s a pretty good start. I hope you enjoy the videos enough to hang around anyway! I do appreciate your support 🙂
Oh, I’m not going anywhere. I love your video’s and will continue to watch as long as you post them.
I just wanted to share with you how we say it here. I wouldn’t argue with you on how to pronounce Opelika. I certainly wouln’t tell you it’s correct because that’s also how people say it somewhere else.
Geargrinder-
One of the most inspiring things about Dixie for me is how she has applied the “hike your own hike” motto to life in general. Language is constantly evolving through usage, and “rules” are temporary. When Dixie eats “ray-mon” in the Sierras, we do understand–and as she pointed out, communication is the important start.
BTW, as of now there is no apostrophe in a non possessive plural– such as “videos” or “Sierras”, but I’m open to the possibility that as millions of people ignore that rule, it will pass away.
I am looking at hiking a section of the AT with my 12 year old son this year. Any sigggestions for me?
Hey Amy! That’s AWESOME. I recommend reading some trail journals of people who have hiked with children.
Here is a family I hiked around:
http://www.trailjournals.com/theorrs
Hope that helps lead you in the right direction!
I help run a Venture Crew and we have been watching a few of your videos to help the young hikers get ready for their first trek (the hygiene video answered so many questions for them). Thank you for helping inspire and encourage the young men and women in the crew.
Yayyyy! So happy to hear that.
Jessica. My last post got moderated away…not sure why.
In any event, lust finished episode 13 on pct. excited to see sierras. You truly are amazing.
So I’m 52 and just discovered hinkimg in past year with second home purchase in Asheville. Austin Texas is home.
You’ve inspired me to do the AT. Will have to do sections due to time.
Will start Section 1 may 16 from springer to davenport. Hope to get it in with 15 days.
Any chance you’d share with me your itenerary for that 243 mile section? Onernight points. Resupply points. Etc.
Thanks in advance.
A fan.
Hey Todd! I have all my dates and places I camped but I’m out of town right now and they are packed away. I recommend getting the Guthooks app to see best recommendations for resupply. As far as mileage goes I did about 7-10 miles the first week. Kept slowly building up after that. Didn’t get my first 20+ until going into Hot Springs, NC. I hope that helps!
I’m glad to hear you’re getting out there and whooping it piece by piece. Enjoy every moment! Happy Trails 🙂
Dixie
Amazing. I was on Guthook when I got notification you responded! Watched you pct episode today where the 4 guys came along in the sierras at just the right time. You’re such an inspiration and your vlogs are well done. You don’t let things phase you. It’s infectious. Thanks. More questions to come. I need to send $ to support what ur doing.
Hey “Dixie”, I recently ran across you videos while researching some vacation ideas and I must say that it is truly inspiring to see someone enjoying life to its fullest as you do. My wife and I live just north of Birmingham and we go out day hiking a few of the local park trails, we have even done a short section of the AT. We have always dreamed of being able to just take off and do a thru hike and maybe someday we will. But until then we are enjoying binge watching your videos. Keep up the good work and keep enjoying life. Your gear recommendations are very helpful as well. Lots of good, well informed information. Thanks for the inspiration. WAR EAGLE
Thank you, Will! WAR EAGLE to y’all 🙂
So are you doing the CDT this year or not? Or are you just to busy/leaving now to update us? What happens to your micro greens business when you are gone?
Still doing it! Micros stop when I leave 🙂
I don’t know if I am the only person curious about this; Would you be able to post something on Perk’s gear list for the AT/PCT and CDT (including clothes/hat) either as a video, blog post, or even just a link?
I can probably do something like this! He will be here in town before long and will want to weigh all his stuff.
Wow, Jessica!
I just found your channel a few days ago, and I’m really impressed by your attitude, your capacity to explore and create content, and the progression in your hiking skills – it’s very inspiring!
I’m a Norwegian that used to hike a fair bit a few years back, but was caught up by family life, work and all of that. Your videos really inspire me to get back onto the trail, at least domestically, but hopefully abroad as well. Some day.
Hii
Someone may have already wrote you about this but I saw how bumed out you were when you deleted your Crator Lake videos in error. I know the importance of photos. I digitized family videos from 1955(I was 5) and passed them down to my kids.
Are you aware that when you delete videos, etc on an iPhone that they are moved to a deleted folder for about 40 days. You may need to have cloud backup turned on but that can be set to wifi only. Also if you install Google Photos on your phone it will automatically backup when you open the app. That too can be set to wifi only. Dropbox can also be setup to automaticly backup photos when open. Finally with IOS 11, you can buy a USB type stick that has a lightning connector so you can backup to that on the trail too. Spend a little extra and get a good USB stick. Some of the ones on Amazon aren’t reliable. Remeber your photos are worth the expense. Good luck on the CDT!!
Did you count how many rattlesnakes you encounteredon PCT?
Yep! 10
Isn’t wearing hiking shorts through rattlesnake country a bit dangerous? I worry about you . . .
Not any more dangerous than hiking pants. They can bite through those!
But what about the deer ticks…..? You walk through some high grass at times . .?
I haven’t had a tick attached in all my thru-hikes. It does happen, just carry tweezers.
Have you ever thought about building a Wanderlust brand of hiking/camping products? You could make it a huge success with your experiences and that amazing, genuine personality. You also have a huge fan base. If you have never considered it…you should.
Looking forward to following your journey on the CDT! GOOD LUCK!
Have you guys started the CDT yet? Look forwRd to the blog and YouTube vids!
Yep! We are out and about
Thoroughly enjoyed your videos. I first hiked the Wa PCT SOBO in 1979. Took my time, 70 days, with a 50-70 lb pack. Then Or in 1980. Now I hike several days a week in the cold wet spring and fall nw weather. All conditions are wonderful.
Glad to see your gear change with the weather in Wa. Remember after every storm there is sunshine eventually. Ice axe, traks, and rope skills come in handy occasionally too. Many is a time others have turned back, when it’s really no problem for the prepared.
Best of luck on the CNT! Do you have any sponsors?
Hi Dixie,
I am excited to see your adventures on the CDT! I have now been following your videos for about a year and watching your journey along the PCT was really inspiring and helped me during a time i was struggling to get out into the great outdoors. Thank you. Plus a brilliant way for me to see, learn and enjoy the views on the PCT – I am looking forwards to seeing the CDT.
I describe your channel to my friends as a visual library with an inspiring host. I would love to visit and explore more of the USA but life commitments and money mainly limit this so its brilliant that you can help me see the nature, wildlife and landscape. A mini ‘mind break’ to look forwards to and get me excited for my own trips into the outdoors here in Scotland and beyond.
Good luck on your CDT hike and keep up your work!
Lisa
Awww, thank you for the kind words Lisa! So glad you’ve found the content helpful. Cheers to a fellow nature lover 🙂
Hello Dixie
When you see everything out there do you entertain the thought of a creator ? What your doing is about as close to Eden as we can come .
I contemplate allll sorts of things!
Hi Dixie,
your videos are fun and informative, I’ve learned a lot from them !
Triple crown ! What an elite group to part of ! Rooting for your success on the CDT ! 🙂
I was born and raised in Wyoming and live in Florida now, you will have some truly awesome scenery as well as some chilly nights In Wyoming even in the summer.
In one of your videos I thought you mentioned you had a “long” sleeping
bag, are you a tall person ? Or is there a reason I don’t know about as not so tall (5’-5”) person to have the extra space ? Do you keep other items in it with you to keep them warm ?
Hey Dan! I’m 5’8”…I believe my Zpacks sleeping bag is long and slim. Most companies will list the suggested lengths for certain heights. You want it to come up to your ears or so (is what is recommended. Hope that helps! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the videos 🙂
My wife and I just finished watching your PCT thru-hike! We were amazed at all the different types of areas that you hiked through! We are in our early 50s and are gearing up to do our first backpack trip. We are planning to start small with the Northville-Placid Trail in the Adirondacks in upstate NY. The NPT is only 138 miles. Small compared to the AT or the PCT! Someday, when my daughter has graduated college and we retire, we want to do the AT! We have made that promise to each other. We live in CT about an hour from the AT here and have hiked parts of it in NY and CT. We are thinking about getting involved in the Trail Angel program. How does one get involved in that, anyway? Through the AMC? Or just show up at the right time of year to any road crossing of the AT and wait for thru-hikers to pass by?
As far as I know, there isn’t any organization that heads it. Most of the folks I met just showed up! If you hit a road crossing in prime hiker season you’ll intersect some hikers. You can always joint the “AT Class of 2018” or current year and find out where the bubble is 🙂 Congrats on your upcoming AT hike! It may be a ways out, but planning never happens to early. It’s so sweet that you’re interested in trail magic. That’s so kind of y’all 🙂
You could also hit the Finger Lakes Trail and/or the North Country Trail since you’re here in NYS anyways. I don’t think that the whole trail angel activity exists much outside of the sphere of the larger popular trails where it’s a known “thing”
It is so much fun hearing about your trips and gear/equipment talks. Have you ever done a video about what you eat and how you cook it? I will keep looking.
Jeff
If you ever come hike the NCT in Michigan I will be your trail angel.
Here is a poem for you, Dixie. It is from Walter Starr Jr., a man who wrote a guide to hiking the John Muir Trail… Of all the peace on earth there’s none Like evening in my campfire’s gleam, No shrine like God’s own starlit dome Nor wine like water from a stream. What song like sylvan solitude Stirred softly by the snow-kissed breeze, Or water-ouzel’s sweet notes tuned To swirling streams glad melodies? Lure of Sierra, wild and free, Jewels deep-set in shining skies, Defiant mountains beckon me lb glory and dream in their paradise. … Walter A. Starr, Jr.
Something to think about, on and off the trail. How do you like it?
Hi “Dixie” ,
Thanks for the sleeping bag tip… I think I’m gonna go for the western mountaineering Versalight 10 degree in a short length
Hope the CD trail is being kind to you all 🙂 , safe travels and don’t forget some lotion ….wyoming IS the driest state in the country.
Dixie: Are you going to be posting vlogs on this trip?
Yep!
Hi Dixie, i’m curious about what piece of equipment you use to hold your cphone when you are walking down the trail and recording. Also, what tripod do you use? Thanks and good luck on the CDT.
I use my hand! Haha. The tripod I use is in my gear lists. Just go to the gear tabs. I’m back to the one I used on the PCT 🙂
Been following your videos for about a year now. Love them! Never knew until now about Auburn / Opelika. I graduated from Auburn in Textile Engineering. From Alexander City(about 45 min north near Lake Martin). Keep the videos coming! WAR EAGLE!!
Hi Dixie,
I’m glad to see that you got started. It’s an exciting time for you! I hope you have a safe and enjoyable hike. Our offer to show you some “trail magic” in Wyoming still stands if you would like to take us up on it. I’m assuming that would be some time in July. But keep us posted. Enjoy the views and the wildlife and we will continue to watch your amazing adventure! Talk to you soon!
Dixie. Know you are majorly focused on cdt. If no time to answer no worries. Doing springer to Davenport in 3 weeks. Doing u tube to see if any traction. Ramble On. Majotlrly tiring in to HW and you. Got knife with logo from Patrick. Lots of cross ref. Question. How did you deal with food Resupply between Neel Gap and Nantahala River (100 miles). Did u hitch the 22 miles round in Hiawassee? If so, how easy?
Hope to talk with u at some point.
Ramble On in Austin, Tx.
Hey there! That’s awesome, thank you for your support 🙂 I did hitch into Hiawassee and got picked up the first vehicle I thumbed! People around there know what’s going on so it shouldn’t be too difficult. Good luck!
Saw the photo of cracked feet. To repair dry foot cracks try Amlactin. Twice a day if feet are cracked or cracking, and once a day to keep feet perfect. It’s the best product I’ve every used for this problem.
I just started watching your videos (only a few episodes in your AT hike). I enjoy watching your adventures and meeting your fam. Good luck on the CDT and I can’t wait to see more content! War Damn Eagle!
Hey Dixie.
Thank you for your great videos and the great info you share. I might have heard wrong but thought you said you might post your position using inreach in real time. Maybe it’s the cop in me but for your safety I would advise against it. Also I had a safety question about cowboy camping in the desert. Is there a way to do it to keep snakes and scorpions away from you or do you just have to nut up and do it? 🙂 thank you
Yeah, I doubt I’ll be sharing that info 😉 I don’t know a way to keep them away except to be meaner than they are! Haha.
Hi Dixie,
Where did y’all get the bracelets at the completion of the PCT? Were they ordered ahead of time and custom made for you?
Thanks, and good luck on the CDT.
I toted it the whole trip! It’s called a Wanderer Bracelet. If you google that they will pop up!
You can pick your coordinates and they have other designs too!
Hey Dixie,
Need to get you some bunny ears, you put the Energizer Bunny to shame!
I’ve been a lifetime backpacker and have really enjoyed following your travels. You are very inspirational and seem to be able to stay in the moment.
Good hiking on the CDT.
Hello Dixie,My husband and I are hikers.We’ve done some sections hikes on the CDT in New Mexico and live in Silver City New Mexico.If your passing by here and need anything,just give me a call.I would love to help anyway I can.I’ve seen more hikers this year then any other year hiking the CDT.I moved here 10 years ago and just getting back into hiking,I was born and raised in Mississippi.But if you need anything when passing Silver City,about 170 to 200 miles where you started off please give me a call just want to help if I can.575-654-8236.Good luck and be safe out there.
Thank you, Tiffany! You live in a rugged, but beautiful state ???? I appreciate your offer, but we are actually already through that area. I loved the little toad creek brewery (I think that was the name of it). Very cool city! It’s been my favorite so far.
Dixie, not that you need more stuff, but electrical zip ties can work for repairing and hanging gear and weigh almost nothing.
Apparently your trail name, Dixie, is becoming a verb. One of your videos shows you stuffing your tent into your backpack without using the stuff sack to save room. On a recent overnight I overheard the conversation of two hikers as they were packing to leave. One hiker suggested to the other to “Dixie” his tent to save room. You’re a hiking rock star.
Oh wow! Haha. That’s so cool. Thank you for sharing. Glad someone is finding something useful in my content.
If you want to walk fast, go alone. If you want to walk far, go together.
AFRICAN PROVERB
Hi Dixie!
My name is Little Bites and I’m currently at mile 265 of the Pacific Crest Trail! This journey is the best! Question for you….I’ve had very stiff tender heels for a while now and I believe it’s a bit of plantar fasciitis. With stretching and rolling knots in my feet out with a ball it definitely helps! I know you have plantar too and wondered if you have any good tips and advice. We love our YouTube channel! Thanks so much and I hope to hear from you soon!
Whoops! Meant to say we love Your YouTube channel! 🙂
Congrats on your journey! Sorry I’m just seeing this. I hope your situation healed up but if not, you might find this useful!
https://youtu.be/q_J2feRxZ58
Hey Jessica!
Hope the CDT is going smoothly for ya! My partner is interested in doing more outdoor things and has asked if we can start camping more often. I grew up with camping, scouting, hunting and fishing so I’d be thrilled to. Anywho, hit me up when you’re finished with the CDT. We’d like to invite ya to a BBQ (I grew up in Texas so I know a thing or two.) I moved to Alabama to live with him so we’re only about 4 hours from ya. Anywho, take care on the trail. Be safe! Oh and BTW, roll tide…
Hey Dixie,something to think about. In Glacier N.P. there has never been a bear attack with a group of FOUR OR MORE people, just saying. That thought in mind I’m ready to join up for youns own safety! ! Happy trails!!
P.S. Videos need to be longer-Survey says
Thank You Dixie …
You truly are an inspiration!
Through your YouTube Channel & Blog, you’re so much more – you’re that virtual friend we turn to on Wednesdays to see where your adventure has taken you. And for the ‘much more part’, watching your videos and reading your blog has stirred something deep inside, and I now have a promise to keep:
“With no regrets, I will do Katahdin. I will, I promise you”.
Hi Dixie,
My wife and I thought we would drop you a line to say hello and to let you know that our invitation is still open in southern Wyoming to show our hospitality if that would be an option for you. Please let us know. We would love to meet you! We are truly enjoying your videos and are glad to see that y’all are safe and well. Please give us a call @ 307 421 6791. We would love to treat you folks to a hot meal. Safe travels!!
Hello Dixie!
I just finished a 500 miles pilgrimage on June 8th! It took me 32 days (but that includes a break day). Since getting home I’ve already been thinking of what to do next. The AT is on my list but I think I should start from Maine and walk south to get away from the colder weather. I lost 30 pounds on my walk!
Heard you on Jack Spirko’s podcast and it is awesome what you are doing. Before you go to New Zealand you might research the NCT (North Country Trail) as it goes from Ohio to North Dakota. It is not all linked up yet, some dirt roads etc. It goes close to my cabin in the Ottawa National Forest and I have been wanting to section hike it there. The upper Michigan part of the trail is probably the most scenic. There are black bears, wolves and lions in that area.
Hey! Thank you, I love TSP. You should definitely get out there and start sectioning! I’ve heard good things about that trail, but I’ll have to look into it more.
Hi Dixie, Hope the fire season is light in the rest of Colorado,Wyoming and Montana and doesn’t mess up your routes.
: ) Videos are great as usual ! It’s Like being immersed in a national geographic episode on tv. Lol
You make Wednesday’s something to look forward to.
Happy Hiking
I have a question about budgeting for a thru hike, I am looking for on the trail expenses. so from the hotel to the trail head and then from the trail end to a hotel. I am thinking that about $9,000 for 6 months for one of the big three hikes. How does that jive with what you have experienced on the last two hikes, AT, PCT?
Dixie – Love your videos! FYI, I’m a 50-something woman hiking alone. Lots and lots of hiking/backpacking experience in the Whites, but I’ve never thru-hiked anything.
1) I have 3 weeks in March – would you recommend section hiking the southern end of the AT? or something else? I’m also thinking about the Pinhoti…
2) Hitchhiking safety? This concerns me as a woman traveling alone. I’m not worried about being alone on the trail, but the idea of hitching makes me anxious. Any thoughts/advice? Clearly you’ve hitched a lot with no problems!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to see what you do next 🙂
There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is not gold
And she’s hiking a stairway to heaven
And when she gets there she knows if the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for (from her patrons)
And she’s hiking a stairway to heaven
There’s a sign on the tree but she wants to be sure
‘Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings
In a tree by the brook there’s a songbird that sings
Sometimes all of our thoughts are own
And I think you can see that
And it makes me wonder, sure does
Oh hoh hoh, hohooh ohoohohooh, yes sir
There’s a feelin’ she gets when she looks to the North
And her spirit is crying for leaving
In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees
And the voices of those who stand looking for more
And it’s whispered that soon if we all sing this tune
Then the piper will lead us to Canada
And a new day will dawn for those who walk long
And the forests will echo with laughter
Does anybody remember laughter?
But I got some good news, listen…
If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow don’t be alarmed now
It’s just a thru hike for the May queen
Yes, there are two paths you can go by but in the long run
There’s still time to change the trail you’re on
I hope so
Oohh! Baby, baby darlin’
Thank ya, all
Thank ya, all
Thank ya, all
Thank ya…
Wait a minute…
Your head is hummin’ and it won’t go in case ya don’t know
The piper’s callin’ you to join her
Dear Lady, can you hear the wind blow and did you know
Your stairway lies on the whisperin’ wind
And as we wind on down the trail
Our shadows taller than our souls
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to good, yeah
And if you listen very hard
This tune will come to you at last
When all is one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll, not to roll
And she’s hiking a stairway to heaven
In your last Q&A,Aaron is starting to look like Christopher McCandless
There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is not gold
And she’s hiking a stairway to heaven
And when she gets there she knows if the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for (from her patrons)
And she’s hiking a stairway to heaven
There’s a sign on the tree but she wants to be sure
‘Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings
In a tree by the brook there’s a songbird that sings
Sometimes all of our thoughts are our own
And I think you can see that
And it makes me wonder, sure does
Oh hoh hoh, hohooh ohoohohooh, yes sir
There’s a feelin’ she gets when she looks to the North
And her spirit is crying for leaving
In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees
And the voices of those who stand looking for more
And it’s whispered that soon if we all sing this tune
Then the piper will lead us to Canada
And a new day will dawn for those who walk long
And the forests will echo with laughter
Does anybody remember laughter?
But I got some good news, listen…
If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow don’t be alarmed now
It’s just a thru hike for the May queen
Yes, there are two paths you can go by but in the long run
There’s still time to change the trail you’re on
I hope so
Oohh! Baby, baby darlin’
Thank ya, all
Thank ya, all
Thank ya, all
Thank ya…
Wait a minute…
Your head is hummin’ and it won’t go in case ya don’t know
The piper’s callin’ you to join her
Dear Lady, can you hear the wind blow and did you know
Your stairway lies on the whisperin’ wind
And as we wind on down the trail
Our shadows taller than our souls
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to snow, yeah
And if you listen very hard
This tune will come to you at last
When all is one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll, not to roll
And she’s hiking a stairway to heaven
Awesome!
Daniel you had my husband and I just laughing! You did a great job putting this together.
Hi Dixie, Loving the CDT videos so I will be catching up with your others. I’m a teacher here in Korea and thinking about returning home for another thru-hike…the PCT this time. I am definitely living vicariously. There have been a lot of advancements in gear since I thru-hiked the AT in 2000!
Of course, there is no better topic at night than food on the trail, so I am a bit beguiled by the fact I hear so very little about one of the best, cheapest, tastiest, dinner items out there…StoveTop Stuffing! 🙂 There really is nothing you can’t add to that (cheese, margarine, pepperoni, tuna (well maybe not tuna..), chicken, to make it a great meal. I can still taste that dinner at the first shelter on the backside of a very wet, very cold, Moosilauke (northbound).
All the best, thank you again, and be safe.
Freddy
I love what you are doing. That 62 mile 24 hour hike brought a tear of woman pride to my eye. Come an visit the Arkansas trails!! You are amazing.
Hi Jessica, I’ve enjoyed your videos! Is it true you are thinking of coming to NZ for the Te Araroa trail? I’m a proud kiwi who thinks you’d love it here, no snakes, no mountain lions or grizzlies,, just sandflies but they won’t kill you! It’s the best country in the world, especially the South Island. It’d be really exciting to see you over here????
You’re an awesome trail expert, we definitely are of the same hiking mind! Blowing me away watching your YouBoob videos, thinking – that’s exactly what I do!!! The school of experience, it’s those mistakes we make and live to laugh about once the time dulls the pain 🙂
Free your feet and your @ss will follow.
p.s. check out Jeff Mitchell’s books on the Pennsylvania Endless Mountains, I’m on the front cover of his Backpacking 37 great hikes. If you’re ever in my area, give me a shout!
Hi Dixie.
I love your videos. When I seen you had a problem with your toes I thought about my son. When he was younger washing dishes, he broke a glass trying to wash out some old milk. It cut him deep and got infected. It looked like raw hamburger. We took him to the Doctor and he had him soak his hand in Lemon Joy dish soap. I laughed at first but in a very short time it was healed. I could not believe how fast it healed.
Keep making videos ! There are a lot of folks out there that love you. You are a wonderful inspiration to get them off there butt and see nature. Me and my wife do a lot of R V trips. I live near LAX. My son lives near the PCT in Canyon Country. My wife and I drove over to Acton to check it out. I got to talk with some through hikers. I’m 63 and I want to start doing some short hikes.
Take care and be safe on all your adventures!!!
gday Dixie,have been following your hikes from here in mid north south Australia, we do quite a bit of day and section hiking ,especially when away camping,so watching your hiking is great encouragement to do some of our longer hiking trails ..many thanks ..Andrew..
Hey Dixie,
I’m a senior in college and I’ve been going through a rough time recently and watching your videos of hiking the AT, PCT, and CDT have really helped me a lot. When I graduate I plan on hiking the AT and watching you always have a positive attitude when it’s awful weather or tough terrain has helped me try to have a positive attitude in my daily life. So thanks for making the videos and always having a positive attitude through all of the challenges you have faced.
Hi I love all the videos. Such a great amount of information and fun also. I saw a charging devices and I do think small phone chargers were mentioned? Again direct sun, but I have works well. Not quite up to panel, but far lighter. Thanks
Hi Jessica,
Is Aaron available for hire? I plan on doing the PCT is a couple of years and would like to post videos.
Thanks
Dear Dixie,
I just joined your site in time to see you finish the CDT. TO finally come to the end — How bittersweet it must have been! But it doesn’t end does it? There will be another trail, and then another, won’t there?
You’re inspiring. I will now start planning and saving my first major hike for next summer.
Because we only have one life and we might as well make the best of it before the opportunity passes us by. And though it is late for me, it’s far from being too late, oh no, not by a long shot. So one day soon I’ll be following in your footsteps and the footsteps of so many others.
I heard that 30% of the people that hike the Appalachian Trial contract Lyme’s Disease…Did you have a problem with that? Or do you have suggestions to avoid exposure?
Figure wont hear a reply for a while, til you can decompress from the CTD. No rush on answering.
You’ve posted elsewhere that your future trail plans include hiking some international trails.
Maybe you haven’t done research enough yet to answer this, but some of the common ultralight hiker practices on US trails such as relying on bounce boxes, mailing stuff home or frequent resupply boxes from home…I assume that those practices are not as readily available on foreign thru-hikes, so I’m wondering how US hikers overseas( and yourself, eventually) adapt their US hiking patterns and practices to foreign realities.
Obviously mailing stuff home is an option, albeit at a much higher cost than flat rate boxes from anywhere in the USA.
Like I said, no rush. I’ve surfed around some of the hiker forums and I don’t see this sort of thing addressed, so I was curious.
Oh, and congrats to everyone in your group for your recent CDT finish.
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Hey Dixie, so glad you made it !!
Even made me cry. Lol
Congratulations!!
Thanks so much for sharing your hikes!. Congratulations on your Triple Crown!. I’ve read a dozen books on those trials, but your treks along the PCT and CDT brought the trails to life beyond imagination (particularly for someone who’s a little too far out of warranty to consider long trails). Any thoughts on the North Country Trail?
Keep living your true life!
Congrats on completing the triple crown. I greatly enjoyed your videos. I hope you do more in the future.
Best Wishes
Hi Dixie,
Any plans to do the Camino?
Yes! In the near-ish future
I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now, I am fascinated by these trails. I have never been on a thru hike, but have backpacked a few multi-day trips in the Adirondacks in New York. What are your plans now that your a Triple Crowned Thru-Hiker? I couldn’t imagine a regular life would even be possible after your kind of experience with the outdoors. You are a very inspirational person, and Thank You!
Dixie, you’re such an inspiration!. I’m trying to get my but off the couch now!.
Would you have any recommendations on a 1 person tent, I plan on doing the A.t.!
Congratulations on your Triple Crown in hiking.
I have been following your blog since last Thanksgiving. I had the opportunity last year to do a day hike on the AT at Harpers Ferry. I had plans in 2018 to section hiking the AT in Connecticut. Family health issues and obligations ended the hike before it began. I am looking forward to starting 2019 on the right foot and restart planning section hiking Connecticut with a friend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72p58Iy6u7M
How to Fix Plantar Fasciitis (NO MORE HEEL PAIN!)
Athlean-X
Hope this helps, Dixie.
Dixie, how many miles of actual desert do you think is on the PCT? I know it’s “700” miles for the desert section, but there’s a lot of mountains and forest too in that section. So how many miles of hot, sandy, desert…y desert do you think there are?
Thank you
Jessica/Dixie
I appreciate and enjoy your videos, perspectives and technical info. In a video you had a pair of waterproof socks can you share a link or info on them?
2018 Vanlifer
2019 PCT thru-hiker
Keep up the good work and keep smiling
Tom S
wishUwerehere.net
Hey! They are Neoprene socks. They aren’t waterproof but they did keep my feet much warmer. They were just thin neoprene socks. Here you go:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY6JN5J/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=homemawander-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01MY6JN5J&linkId=95a87b03e170c3a80fd873842102dd7a
And thank you for watching!
Congrats on the Triple Crown! I live near Sylacauga, not too far from you. What are some of your favorite trails in central AL? I’ve been on a few around Cheaha State Park but that’s about it.
Thank you 🙂 I haven’t hiked a ton in Alabama, but try using the all Trails app and see what you can locate!
Thanks
Hey Dixie Girl,
I recently discovered your world and have been following your CDT trek along with you. It is easy to see your intimate connection with nature. From the vibrant colors of your photographed flowers, displaying their finest colors as happy flowers are apt to do. There are some people such as yourself, who know more than they know they know. You are one of them. Consciousness is in every living thing from the smallest to the grandest. The loving attention that you give to the flowers, the love bug and the caterpillar to the largest animals you come across on the trails you walk. Don’t ever quit doing what you are doing with your feet and your camera magic. Keep on recording as you do so well for all of us. All of nature depends on you and others like you. Everything is connected, ,,,,,,,,,,,but you knew that.
My best regards,,,,,,,William
Then you so much, William! I really appreciate it. There is definitely something about nature that I think everyone can connect with if they just take the time to notice it 🙂
Hi Dixie. After watching your video about hiking the Camino de Santiago. I want to do it. Please tell me the best way to get started?
Found your website and Youtube and loving it! Plan on doing more ‘bushwalking’ soon.
Greetings from Melbourne, Australia!
Congrats on your triple crown!I’ve enjoyed every minute of your documentaries!! You are so inspiring that it’s made me want to get into shape and follow your footsteps one day or at very least start backpacking out here in the okanogan. Cheers ..you rock !
Thanks Dixie for all your amazing videos and effort you’ve done in showing everyone what a truly beautiful land you live in. Did the JMT 2018 as my first introduction and steps in the USA, and defo immediately wanted to return, so and watched all your stuff back to back one weekend. I’ve been dreaming of doing either the AT/PCT/CDT/TA for years, definitely think you have given me the push needed to start and just do it instead. Maybe unwise for some to jump in and do the CDT first, but have had plenty of experience worldwide in 3-4 week treks, admittedly completely different to the dynamics of a CDT type trip though. One thing i don’t understand though, and have searched everywhere, is for how long beforehand is it acceptable to post general delivery at the local post offices? and to a lesser degree, how long are they willing to hold after the stated ETA? This is especially true when if comes to ice-axe/crampons/extra down etc for certain stretches, not just food. Ideally i’d like to post ice-axes etc as soon as i arrive in the US as i have no US contacts, and post to where i need them. Hence they may be there for 6 weeks before i can collect. Interesting about the bounce boxes, it’s something we just don’t do here in the UK/outside US, a steep learning curve is required i know. Got a bit of planning paralysis currently as stressing also over too many food allergies (wheat/dairy/beef) so need to decide on resupply strategies soon (buy local/mailing boxes/zerodayresupply etc). With allergies, do you think buying local is still an option?
Really really super excited, April 25!!!!! start date.
Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
Warren
My cousins and I watch you all the time. We are major hikers. Before my leg injury, I’ve done section hikes on the AT and the CDT. I am trying to heal and get back out there for more section hikes. One day, I will complete an entire trail. (Also, Steamboats rocks! I am going back in February for a snowboarding trip).
Thanks for the inspiration and videos! I have reevaluated my inventory and started making my shopping list. 🙂
Thanks for everything!
Hey Dixie,
Congrats on your Triple Crown! #1 – THANK YOU for your videos! All of them! They keep my hiking spirit alive! #2 – Any chance you’d be willing to email me? I was 100% prepared to hike the CO portion of CDT in 2010. I live in CO (your fave zero town) so doing this chunk was an easy way to see my young son regularly & still get out there. BUT Jan 2010 came with advanced breast cancer. I’m disabled from 6 years of aggressive treatment but didn’t give up my goal. I will go this June. Now I’m making disability related adjustments, not just on how I hike but to my gear. I have a couple very specific questions I’d like to ask via email. If not, no worries, I get that you’re busy. Thanks for being you!
In 2018 I walked the Way of Saint James. 500 miles in 32 days! I’m proud of my accomplishment but it’s left me wanting to do more. I’ve toyed with the idea of doing the AT after watching your videos. Now I’ve started planning to begin in 2020 as a thru hiker! I’ll be in Europe for a few months this year so I’ll be doing lots of walking again. Keep up the good work. Your videos have excellent content. After my 26 years in the military I can finally hike for pleasure!
Jessica, I believe you have hinted at heading to NZ (“en zed”) for your next long distant hike. If so, I suggest you read the following and factor it into you planning
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/22/world/asia/new-zealand-british-tourists.html?action=click&module=Latest&pgtype=Homepage
Note in particular a 35NZ Dollar (US $23) foreign visitor fee and the doubling of the hut/camping fee for foreign visitors on the various tracks.
Hi,,,,,
I’m new here
where can I send a small envelope to you through the mail.
Hey Dixie, thanks for all of the great videos. just wanted to know if you have any plans of hiking in europe. thanks for all the tips and tricks aswell, it really inspired me too buy a tent and a backpack and other gear so I can enjoy the great mountains we have here in Norway. congrats on the triple -crown. sorry for the bad English. Best regards.
Øyvind a.k.a little toothless.
I don’t recall you mentioning this in a video, nor do I see many of the other well known hikers mention it in their content. Since the question occurred to me today and I wondered if you would answer. As the numbers of your internet followers have grown since the AT, I’m wondering how frequent its been for you to run into people on the trail who recognize you from your social media presence.
Last years AT class included IB TAT, who seemed to be mentioning how he was running into people who recognized him, and he was on his first thru-hike with only a few thousand subscribers. I would think that you’d be finding it to be a common occurrence as time went on and you developed more of a following
Jessica, here is something else worth visiting when you get to the end of the Camino at Santiago de Compostela. A 500 year old text on loan from the Bodleian Library at Oxford (not Oxford Mississippi).
https://www.cidadedacultura.gal/en/event/galicia-its-story-world-some-outstanding-pieces
Hi Dixie,
You are an inspiration and I really appreciate all you do for the hiking community.
A couple thoughts:
1. I have used your dehydration method for hamburger with great success and took some along on my PCT hike last year. Because I didn’t have bread crumbs, I pulverized some Costco Croutons and used those instead. Turns out, I really like the flavor.
2. If you are looking for VLOG ideas, how about an ‘old home’ week with your tramily members from past hikes?
Keep up and stay safe, Dean
Kiwi land is waiting for you to enjoy.
The South Island rocks.
Hey Jessica,
I live on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean and am 57 years old. I have watched all of your youtube videos from all three of your triple crown hikes, together with all of the follow up video’s. You’re an inspiration.
For more than 7 years now, my life’s dream has been to thru hike the PCT. I’m not 100% sure if i will ever fulfill it, due to work commitments and living on the other side of the world, but I never say never. However, the more I follow your video’s, the more determined my mind seems to become that one day I will get to realize me dream.
In your video’ if I hiked the AT again’, you say you’d rather start earlier, perhaps in mid March. If I do one day get to realize my dream, it will have to be later, after I have retired, probably when I am 63 to 65 years. I would want to really take my time on it, savor the moment of this once in my lifetime achievement and take everything I can from it. For this reason, I would be happy to complete it in 6 months instead of the normal 5. My question is thus : Is it also possible to start the PCT towards the end of March instead of the usual Mid April to May and are there serious downsides to starting end of March. Many thanks for your help.
Thanks for the Lock Laces recommendation. They are a wonderful answer to constantly retying my shoes!
My husband and I have been really enjoying all of your videos. We have been doing a lot of local hikes.
Hi Jessica,
I have watched most of your videos. I find them help me so much in the fine-tuning of my hiking preps. I wish I could hike more but I am time poor. 🙂
Hello Dixie,
I’ve watched all 35 episodes of your PCT trail, plus most if not all of your add on videos with help, tips and general info. I find them inspiring and truth to tell, you’re a bit of a heroine of mine. I’m a guy from Malta, 57 years old and have held my life’s dream of thru hiking the PCT for more than 15 years already. With work and family commitments, any chance I have, has to stay on hold until I retire, which God willing will be in 7 years time. I never say never, and if I’m still in good shape as I am now, and all faculties are still there, I don’t say I hope to achieve it, I say that I will finally live my dream. I think I will only get one chance in life, so it has to be the one I have always dreamt of and that’s the PCT. Good luck on all of your future trails, and I look forward to always following your videos.
David ‘L’Ingliz’ Henderson
Malta
Jessica – I’m 75 and just amazed at your travels. Vicarious thrills (and spills?) for me. As Roy and Dale would say, “Happy Trails!” Even better, as we say in the Navy, “Fair winds and following seas”
Question? I will be hiking the AT New Jersey section the 1st week of August. Would you recommend a sleeping bag? If not, then what?
Love your videos
Sal
I love your shows, especialy the AT and Camino. You are one of my favorite travel shows. Ide love to know when the approximate date of your next trip video release.
I tried my first backpacking trip on the 3 sisters loop in Oregon. Sunshine in the air doesn’t mean there isn’t 2 feet of snow on the ground. I still got great photos of the aproach trail and the south sister as well.
Jessica,
Enjoyed your Camino Frances video immensely. My wife (74) and I (74) took this journey in 2017. Your video brought back some very vivid memories and I don’t think the smile left my face through the whole thing.
According to a graph on the site AmericanPilgrims.org one can really see the increase in activity on the Caminos.
Compostelas issued in
1986: 2,491
1990: 4,918
2000: 55,004
2009: 145,877
2010: 272,412 (A Holy Year. 2021 is the next Holy Year)
2015: 262,458
2019: 347,578
“The Way” was released in October 2011
Almost too popular now.
And I have certainly enjoyed watching your trip on the Camino and your review of “The Way”
Totally agree Mel. This page is so encouraging I am feeling more and more keen to try the AT I retire in a year or two I guess if I was worried about safety they AT would probably be some of the safest places in the US populated by the most supportive people. If I’m wrong don’t tell me…it’s a delusion I would prefer😜
Hi Jessica,
I just watched and immensely enjoyed your Camino film. It brought back a lot of memories for me from my Camino Frances. I walked the Camino Portuguese with my teenage daughter and son. They loved it. It looks like Montana loved it too. Did the experience change her in any way?
Take care.
Awesome information Dixie. I have enjoyed your videos. Done some backpacking over the years but planning on an AT Section hike (60 miles) in few weeks. I am a student of life an you have been a great teacher.
Thought I would drop you a quick note as a one time contributor to let you know I am impressed with the spread of your brand. Keep up the good work. Still a banker @ 73 but heart issues limit my outdoor activities. Good luck
Hi Bill,
Still friendly with Lee Reynard?
You are a extraordinary person!
I hope you are able to maintain the freedom you have now for the rest of you life. It’s the only way to live. Thank you for sharing your life and passion with us.
Davide
This is way after the problem, but i have just watched an excerpt where you talk about pin-holes in your tent. Had you thought they might have been made by sparks from a fire? Too bad you won’t be able to visit us here in New Zealand this year. Catherine
I don’t think so, but I guess anything is possible! I’m bummed about NZ. Next year 🙂
Hi! My boyfriend and I found your YouTube and absolutely love watching your adventure of hiking the PCT! After seeing your FB Page & Website I would like to ask what gear you use to capture such stunning images. I’m really into photography.
I just want to say that you are one of my heroes in life. This is a real email, not BS. I’ve learned a lot from your adventurous spirit, your ability to inspire and lead others to new levels of achievement in life, and your ability to succeed no matter what. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are an inspiration to the rest of us. The world is a better place because of you, and people like you.
Hi Dixie-
What do you think of this tent?
I want to get back into backpacking after many years off the trail.
I enjoy your videos so much.
https://www.rei.com/product/147863/rei-co-op-quarter-dome-sl-2-tent
p.s. I’m also looking into homesteading so I appreciate both of your prepping and backpacking videos.
Hey. Because over time i’ve seen great things come and go over the computer-nothing is immune from failure- i was wondering if it would be possible to somehow acquire your videos as a hard copy. Dvd’s or downloads. You know, if the end of the world comes and youtube or google go kaput. (I know the end of the world is the end of the world but in case it’s only close to that and all i have left is your videos and a way to see them. You know.)
Thanks. I find it refreshing how candid and straightforward you are. And how much value you add to understanding wtf goes on on these trips.
Hi David, thank you for the very nice comments. Just wondering if you have the right Bobo since a lot of people think I am crazy! Do I know you?
Hi Dixie….my wife and I have been enjoying your content and find it quite informative. We live outside Albuquerque, NM and last weekend we hiked the CDT(only 5 miles of the CDT, but the CDT no less…;-)). (The Clear Creek trail in the San Pedro Wilderness…Jemez mountains.
My wife has a question for you (woman-to-woman). Where can she find women’s hiking pants that have REAL pockets and not the tiny stupid pockets that most women’s clothing have? 😉
Take care,
Jeff and Vickie Averhoff
Stanley, NM
Hi Dixie/Jessica! You have inspired me more than I can begin to share in this little comment. I’m 53 years old and am currently overcoming multiple feet issues. However, I swear your AT thru hike series inspired me to continue healing and attempt a thru hike with my hubby in a few years. I wanted to thank you so much for who you are and for putting yourself out there. I hope you know how you are directly impacting people’s lives!
I started a teeny tiny (repeat, teeny tiny) YouTube channel documenting my Journey to Georgia as I call it, and I just did an episode sharing my favorite thru hike YouTube channels, and I featured Homemade Wanderlust as my #1 all-time fave 🙂 Here’s a link in case you want to see it. I want others to be as inspired by you as I am.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1XxAvNm-N8&t=616s
Best of luck getting through the rest of this crazy year, and if you do the Florida Trail next year, we’re happy to help you out with any trail magic you need. Best wishes!
~Andrea Vaughan
What a great post Andrea, hopefully the US will be in a better position next year with COVID. I live in the State of Victoria in Australia and we have basically eradicated the virus at this point in this State after almost 3 months of lockdown. Good luck with your plans. I’m hoping to do the AT trail either this year or next 🙂 I am 54.
Hello Dixie! I’m planning to walk the Cominos de Santiago and I was wondering if you could suggest me some gear for my trip
Hi Dixie! Love your videos. I am wondering if you have considered doing the Florida thru hike. It looks interesting and I would like to try it but I am quite afraid to do it on my own because it seems like the wildlife is quite abundant– alligators, hogs, snakes, bears, ticks. The wet weather also looks challenging. Would love to hear your thoughts or see you do it!
R U OK? Any hurricane or flood damage ?
Hi Dixie,
Binge watched all your videos this year, fantastic, got me through five months of working from home.
Just wondering of you would consider doing a short video on how your prepare your pack for checked in baggage on an aircraft, so that the conveyor belts don’t rip off the clips and straps etc.
I was thinking of getting a light weight bag made that would fit my full pack.
I know you can get your pack wrapped in plastic but there is enough plastic in the world.
Hopefully the rest of 2020 is kind to you, and speedy recovery for your Dad.
Harold
Hey! Love the videos, found you on youtube, you might want to check out the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. Keep up the good work! Love, Love, Love it.
Hi Dixie!
I love your videos! I live near Portland, OR, and have done some day hikes on the PCT. Just wondering: are you going to do another thru-hike soon?
Keep up the good work!
How much did it cost to hike the AT?
Hi Jessica, I just watched your AT video and was totally riveted, what an amazing journey. I’m hoping to do the same next year depending on my old dog (I actually cried when you lost Sugar). I’m 54, live in Australia, but reasonably fit so I guess I’ll see what I’m made of! Great video, you’re incredible.
Dixie,
I have been enjoying your videos about your many trips backpacking. You have a great personality and as a Southerner myself I especially like your Southern accent.
As a hiker for many years it is nice to see that you enjoy this sport so much. On my front door I have a sign which reads, ” The mountains are calling and I must go.”
Well at age 81 there is less opportunity to do that. So I guess your trips help me to get “outside”. again. Thanks so much for what you share with us.
Wow. Dixie! Look at you. Big time internet hiking star. It’s me Wookie!. Congrats on finishing the pct in the year of fire and ice and congrats on the triple crown!
PS… Say hi to Perk
Love your videos. You’re so inspirational. I just turned 40 & I’m going to retire from law enforcement in a year & want to try hiking the AT. I’m saving, exercising & doing my research. It will be a great reboot on life & you have given me the encouragement to try something of this magnitude. I hope to run into someone like you on the trail to give me pointers. I wish life wasn’t so stressful & I could always do things like this. Anyways, I just wanted to tell you that you’re awesome & your videos rock. I’m so excited to get started. One of your favorite fans, thank you!!!
Noticed your challenge staking the Tarptent Stratospire Li. Here’s another approach: Use a short length of cord and two stakes. Thread cord through tent stakedown point and connect each end to a stake placed out-and-away from the tent in an outward-opening “V”. Stakes can be placed avoiding rocks (may need to adjust cord length) and each stake only “feels” half of the stake-out tension.
Dixie,
Your last video of the Pinchot Trail(terminus), was great! I have been following you since your AT adventure. You asked in this latest video, what was the ground ice formations you discovered. Here in New England, we call that “frost heave”, not only is it beautiful on the trail, but it causes problems with our roads. We also have “hoar frost” and “rime ice”, also just as beautiful.
I’m a Colo. native, I love the trails & history here (too bad you left).
I’ve been eyeing the Old Spanish Trail, (https://oldspanishtrail.org/maps). I’m curious if you have any experience hiking west, the OST starts in Albequerque & goes north through Colo. before turning west ending in LA 2700 miles total. I think part of the CDT runs pretty close to the OST.
Dixie,
I got into your YouTube videos at end of this crazy 2020 times. First was the CDT and I kept hearing a touch of southern hint as you spoke. Then you took a break to return home for a family function and you said Opalika.
I am a fellow War Eagle, raised near Fort Payne, AL. I met my wife at Auburn and followed her back to South Florida where we have been for 52 years.
I am a member of the Florida Trails Association. Have you hiked on the Florida Trail?. If not, we invite you to come get your feet wet.
I have enjoyed following you on your triple crown as well as your camping equipment video.
Hi Dixie,
I am enjoying your useful vids. I plan to do the JMT as my first through hike next summer, Covid permitting. I will be 71 and am wondering if you ever see any female solo old farts like me in your long hikes. I’d like to have a male old fart to go with me but so far one has not appeared. Any ideas? (I’ll go whether he appears or not, I imagine.)
Keep up your good work.
A Tough Old Bird in Santa Barbara
HI Dixie, After discovering and watching all and I mean all of your videos on YouTube I decided I’m going to thru hike the AT, was contemplating the PCT but after considerations I decided on the AT but who knows I might do the AT and then decide to do the others as well. I was going to do it this year but with Covid decided on next year so now I need to figure out what to do for another year. Although on the other hand now I have a year to save more money and accumulate better equipment.
Also I know you have now gone to Spain to hike the Camino de Santiago, and I think you said something about going to NZ but have you considered heading to south America to hike the Greater Patagonian Trail?
Along with all others, I complement you on your videos; they’re superb. I reckon I’ve backpacked over 900 miles of the A.T., beginning back in 1967 (Wood Gap – Slaughter Gap – Blood Mountain – Neels Gap). Back then, the WPA-built stone building was there, but it was unused (the Walasi-Yi came years later). I’ve also done a lot of hill walking in Andalusia and Scotland. Most of my time, since 1988, I’ve spent maintaining sections of the A.T. and building trail relocations with club trails crews.
Just dropped in to say “Hello” and Thanks!
Don
Hi. I want to start off with thank you for all the time and effort you put into your video’s. I just love watching them. I watched your video on your new favorate trekking pole. You made a comment at the end into any male users of the Leki micro vario trekking poles to give a comment. I have had a mens pair for a couple of years now and I love them. I was a bit apprehensive at first because of how light they are. I am 6ft 210lbs. They adjust to my height. I have used them on some pretty rugged terrian and I feel secure and confident in going up or down any grade of slope. Also keep in mind I am usually doing shorter trips and carrying no more then a 30 Liter pack.
Hey Dixie – there are many of us who regularly get out onto the Superior Hiking Trail in Northern MN who follow you on FB or your web page. There’s currently some discussion about you … all good! We’d love to have you come up sometime and do a through hike of our ~310 mile trail in the Arrowhead region of MN. The trail offers something for everyone and the views of Lake Superior are spectacular. Hope to see you soon. You betcha!
Forgot the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/suphike/?multi_permalinks=10159336445078120&comment_id=10159339067028120¬if_id=1612651925250106¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif
Hi there from Texas!
Congratulations on all your adventures on the Triple Crown and the great videos of the El Camino with your sister. What great memories you will both have!
Have you considered the John Meir Trail yet or even Iceland?
Seems wild and another adventure.
Let me know your thoughts and i do hope you make it to NZ although the rumblings of the plates are creating earthquakes in many of those regions – and look out for Iceland – it may be on the brink of some serious volcanic eruptions.
Have fun and stay safe out there!
what day did you finish the CDT? I’m trying to get a sense of the weather up north. Looked brutal for you. hoping to finish my triple crown this year as a solo 64 year old woman…Also, depth of river crossings up there. Which were the worst rivers to cross? Can I get by without an ice axe on northern half? (coud use pole for self arrest. if had to…)any other useful info on northern half is appreciated. Il did from crazy cook to encampment WY last summer so just northern half to go. (I did the AT twice and pct before you were born!)
Dixie, this Arthur Keckley. I’ve sent you messages in the past. I’m the police officer who works for the state of Georgia. And my mom’s maiden name is Mills. I really enjoy your YouTube channel. I see your hiking the Florida trail. When you get near White Springs, Florida near the Stephen Foster state park. Send me a text. I’d love to meet you and buy uou both dinner or lunch whichever it might be.
Hi Jessica, (Dixie ) I love your adventures so much. I’m 63 and need both knees replaced but still have in mind that someday I will be able to hike the PCT. I don’t have the money for the operations but still I’m buying gear and keeping my eye on doing this someday. For now I am living my dream through your adventures. Thank you so much for your sharing your experiences with all of us. Alvin
What’s the latest on Perk and Mayor?
Dixie,
My son and I have been watching your video blog for some time. Used to camp and backpack all the time but gave it up due to a 22 year stint in the Navy and competing family issues. Thank you for inspiring us to get back out there. Your equipment reviews were very helpful. I grew up in the era of external frames and a lot has changed. I do have one question.
Have been very impressed by the quality of your videos recently. As a fellow amateur photographer / videographer I know skill and lighting matters a lot but I am wondering what equipment you are shooting with now? The video on the FL trail is amazing. Keep it coming.
Jeff Blair
VA Beach, VA
Hi,
Thank You for all the sharing of your experiences and gained knowledge. The production of what you post and comprehensiveness of information is all terrific.
Besides the above “Thank You”, this post is to ask a question. We just purchased a Mariposa 60 for my wife and found that it didn’t fit (need to swap out for a Small). We had purchased it as a result of hearing your review of it so I circled back to your review to see what size you had relative to your height – which leads me to the question: how tall are you? (I know you bought a Medium and it seemed to fit you OK).
Thanks, Joe
I’m turning 50 in July and very seriously thinking about starting training to start some major hikes. I don’t know how I would do it except to give up my apartment and live on the trail…but how to earn money? Maybe work some cash jobs in between hikes? I’m not sure, you only live once…There’s gotta be a way to do it…My dad died when he was 51 so for sure you only live once…
Hi Jessica,
My husband pulled up your videos because we want to hike El Camino next year. I kept saying that you talk just like me, and then I read your bio and it clicked. I am an Auburn native, though a bit older than you. I actually did my student teaching at Opelika High School in ’93 with Mrs. Nix in Spanish. She was wonderful! I’m glad to see your Spanish background helped, even if you had to relearn a few things.
Thanks for these videos and all of your advice.
Howdy Dixie!
Your videos got me started on the AT journey and now some serious prep has started for mine in 2022. You’re an inspiration and I can’t wait to kick some of the same rocks.
Highest regards,
Tyman
Dixie- Thanks for all your posts. I’m watching all your videos to gain information before hiking the AT in 2023. You are very helpful. Lots of prep and training to do.
Here’s something i came across on Google for you and your readers. It concerns diet, health and thru-hiking. I wonder if it carries any weight in the medical community being a study of one.
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/could-thru-hiking-be-bad-for-your-health/
Jessica
If you do decide to paddle the Mississippi River next year, please contact me. I have kayaked from the start at Lake Itasca to Hannibal MS, about 1000 miles. I can offer advice, and some logistical support as I live in the metro area MN not far from the river.
i would love to watch you hike the arizona trail
Hi Dixie,
I was watching some of your PCT videos with Perk and he seems to have his bear canister with him from the start. Is that quite common? I’m in the early stages of planing my hike of the PCT and I rather prefer not having to deal with too much shipping / picking stuff up if I can avoid it, especially as I’m coming from Europe and have no shippiing address in the US.
Dixie,
Thanks for all the good advise over the years, I saw that you’ve been thinking about what trails are next and I saw these two articles over on the BBC. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20211024-the-little-known-hiking-trail-that-built-canada https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210418-the-swedish-law-of-wanderlust and I was compelled to share. Happy trails, NH_Moose
Saving Alaska for your last state to visit? A great adventure for you to consider, when the time comes, would be biking Adventure Cycling’s ‘North Star’ route: Missoula to Anchorage. Worth a look.
Hey Jessica, If you are still interested in paddling the Mississippi river, 2023 will be a high-water year. Higher water makes easier paddling, less obstacles, less portaging. I did the upper 1000 miles a few years ago so I know something about the subject.
Always my best
Bill