Grandma Gatewood "I am the Appalachian Trail"

This contest video was edited for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy "I am the Appalachian Trail" video contest. The ATC contest features many videos that share a personal view point about the hikers experience. We decided that we should enter Emma Gatewood, whose story has helped shape a generation of hikers trail experiences. We used some footage from our upcoming documentary "Trail Magic" to give Emma's journal's a voice. Please vote for our video at / 615913374 . For more information on our documentary and our current Ohio History match grant challenge please go to www.grandmagatewood.com and to the Eden Valley project page www.edenvalleye...

[@janh5199]

I am blessed to have had the opportunity to “hike” with her at Girl Scout camp. Amazing lady.

[@PutinBayChamberofCommerce]

We are so envious. Tell us more about your experience!

[@janh5199]

I am originally from Gallipolis OH. We had Girl Scout day camp at a nearby farm. I want to say it was Pete McCormick’s farm but that was 60+ years ago. She would come and hike with us through the woods and talk with us about hiking. It seemed as if it was a long hike but probably not even a mile. 😁 I remember her pointing out a couple of trees and poison ivy and talking about no matter what challenges you faced you had to keep going. She encouraged all of us to get out and go hiking. Years later the town honored her with a parade. They had a convertible for her to ride in but I remember her saying she wanted to walk. 😂 I don’t remember if she ended up riding or not.

[@PutinBayChamberofCommerce]

@@janh5199 Thanks Jan. What year was that girl scout camp?

[@janh5199]

It would have to have been late 1950s. I was born in 51 and I am pretty sure I was a Brownie Scout at the time because I was not very active after “flying up” to Girl Scouts.

[@PutinBayChamberofCommerce]

@@janh5199 Thats very cool. She was quite the celebrity at that point after completing her first AT hike(S).

[@bradorndorff7408]

I watch hiker vlogs of people's through hikes each day. It is a tough journey. But back in her day the trail was poorly maintained, little so called trail magic. No shuttles to and from town. No hiker hostel's. People hike now with thousands of dollars modern equipment. Those early pioneers are legends and heroes.

[@Filmaffects]

That was our inspiration too. She was 67 with a lifetime of experiences to survive without much support. She was hearty, smart and determined.

[@larryeddings3185]

What an amazing woman!

[@raefrancoeur]

Can't wait to see this documentary.

[@Filmaffects]

Thanks Rae, we're working hard on getting this done!

[@RonKris]

What an incredible woman. Wow.

[@ed2525]

WOW

[@PInk77W1]

Damn. Puts me to shame