Episode 22: Permanent Wedgie

In this surprise extra episode, Dixie nears the end of the Sierra Nevada, but the snow is sticking around longer than she'd hoped. Also, she sleeps in a haunted motel and gets a wedgie.
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[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Since this Wednesday will be the LAST VIDEO IN THE SIERRA NEVADA, sometime next weekend we're going to put out a compilation video of all the amazing views! ***UPDATE*** Due to some technical difficulties we are pushing back the compilation video until Monday. We are sorry for the delay. Hope you enjoy and thank you so much for watching!

[@kimbasciano_]

Homemade Wanderlust can't wait to see it' hope you're doing well Dixie xoxo

[@tonystewart123]

Homemade Wanderlust I need your advice on something. I really have not hiked the entire appalachian trail yet and I know this is harder. Could you tell me how I can be able to tell where the trail is. It looks confusing and I am quite afraid of getting lost. That's the only thing keeping me back. Please respond!

[@poppawolf26]

Try the Guthook app on your phone. Uses satellite navigation for phones with GPS abilities. My phone has GPS and I can navigate anywhere with various apps. Hope this helps.

[@tonystewart123]

thanks

[@poppawolf26]

Welcome. I'm fairly sure Dixie is using this app, hopefully she will confirm it for you.

[@Octoberstorm333]

Thought I'd share this humble story here: at my first hike ever, I went through a viney muddy trail on Oahu island that required two stream crossings and endless stairs. On the hike I ran into a partially blind person hiking the same trail and to this day I'm inspired and think there are no excuses for anything!

[@MT-tu8qd]

Emi エミ Nice story..

[@eternityriver9524]

This is the worst and best year for California hikers/campers. The rivers are higher and the snow longer, and the sights are the most beautiful. We had hella rainfall last winter so it's been a crazy great year for Cali.

[@ThePinkDaises]

Love the treat of two videos per week lately. Your attitude is inspiring for sure. Stay safe.

[@TDSudduth]

Great episode again! My thanks to the director, producer, location manager, script writer, camera operator, gaffer, grip, sound mixer, art director, costume manager, makeup artist, stunt coordinator, post-production ... wait, wait, wait! Sorry, it's only Dixie and editor Aaron. So your channel, Dixie, is an example of the revolution in story telling, and a great story it is! Gotta say again that admission to the show via Patreon is historically cheap, pennies per week at the minimum level. I'm hoping the crowd sourcing keeps this show on the road -- as in everybody contributes a little bit!

[@laurawebb30]

I love these videos so much!!!! I don't think you understand how excited I get when I see a new one!!!!

[@MountainFisher]

I used Vietnam era jungle juice and it worked on those moss-kee-toos great and I'm in my late 60s and it didn't hurt me. I was in Tuolumne Meadows once and if you didn't have protection the mosquitoes would literally almost cover every square inch so thick you could hardly see your skin. The pink snow is an algae that grows in the snow and smells like watermelon and will give you the hershey squirts if you eat it.

[@Mtnsunshine]

Wow...again. Amazing journey and amazing visual story-telling. Thanks for making us feel like we are right there with you....minus the mosquitoes! Hope that snow does melt away pretty soon. Can't believe there is still that much there this late in the summer! Take care! Hope you get to enjoy the partial eclipse tomorrow!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Spectacular scenery! Seems to have been alot of off trail experiences, are there groups that Mark them, simular to AT or FNST? Anyway, KEEP your head up, you're living the dream of thousands of us watching your videos! Thanks for having the gumption to deal with it, and the fortitude to keep going. And remember, it is your hike!

[@Mtnsunshine]

Bob McElroy Well said, Bob. :-)

[@robertniles1781]

Love you and your attitude. Can't wait for the next video and any upcoming adventures.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you, Robert!

[@frankwyndham9478]

Love the positive attitude even when you are in challenging times

[@TwmSaer]

That massive slab of suspended rock at 5:39 doesn't look like it cares about the laws of physics.

[@Alpenglow_hikes]

Hi Dixie, It is a real joy watching your videos! I am impressed with the way you adapt and overcome the significant challenges you are facing this year on the PCT. Your resilience, determination and courage are an excellent example for others to follow. I wish you continued success on your journey! Alpenglow

[@sindyseal5411]

Don't worry Girl, Dutch, who's a week or two ahead of you in Oregon is enjoying SNOW FREE hiking!! You'll be there soon. You're an inspiration! Keep your chin up!!

[@abbydouglas4657]

snow free hiking in Oregon but wildfires and large trail closures galore in the OR cascades :(

[@saltpan8005]

I've been following your adventure Dixie and you have put your videos and stills together wonderfully. I'm reliving my through hike in 1985 all over again. Makes me think hmmmm 55 isn't too old to do it again.

[@leannescott816]

Thanks for the sleeping pad advice!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Anytime!

[@michaeldehart648]

That will be a great extra episode with the views. You're becoming quite the photographer. You're crossing into Oregon very soon...Canada is almost in sight! Keep it up!!!

[@StarFlower99654]

I feel the same about chemical bug sprays. I make my own using coconut oil with cyprus and lavender oils in it. So it is multi use as it is also good for aches and pains.

[@tossedsaladandscrambledegg8576]

Thanks for all you do in sharing your trials and experiences. Your videos are a great motivation!

[@nateward9192]

I was off work with a blood pressure issue and did a search on PCT here on KZbin, Dixie you popped up....starting watching at the start...a week later I have watched all of the PCT (up to date), all of the AT and most of the other information vlogs....It has become my obsession! Thank you for the videos and I am looking at videoing my next trip to Philmont Scout Ranch next summer (trip #4 out there), also I'm doing backpacking seminars for the youth in my area that have never done any long distance packing, your videos have given me several bits of information. I hope to follow in your foot prints one day. P.S. I'm not a stalker...I'm just really enjoying the vids and am getting as much info on these trips as I can! Thanks again and good luck...Nate Ward, Whitesboro Texas

[@jaynatomlinson8655]

Love watching your videos they make me want to get up and do it! Keep on trekking sister

[@mobiltec]

Hang in there Dixie... Beautiful video. You seem so natural on the trail. Like you were born for it. One with it. Part of it.

[@somethingbeautiful2212]

Love your videos! Thank you 🙏. FYI, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range goes all the way up to Lassen County.

[@imbradandyouarenot]

This series has been amazing. Kudos to you both.

[@figbits8616]

This video really cheered me on a day I needed it. Glad you made it safely through the sierras.

[@axerxes3981]

Dixie.... what a pleasant surprise, another video!! I'm a native Californian and I can't tell you how impressive the snow in the High Sierra is to me! and it's the end of AUGUST!!. Yikes!! Sonora Pass is one of my favorite places... lots of good memories. Tahoe is still ahead for you. Keep in mind Donner Pass is 7,000 ft.... Snow!! You are a delightful inspiration and I love your commentary. You go with our prayers, dear heart. God bless and keep you. Best wishes.... Ax

[@blizzcold7230]

Hey Dixie.. thank a bunch for all you great videos and advice.. always look forward to tye next episode... watchout for bears. hope you didnt ditch your canister too soon.. sunup (another pct vlogger) has skipped ahead of the sierras and the group she had joined got a bunch of food taken by yogi... staf safe out there...

[@JuicyPersonality]

I just have to say, I love your videos. I know its not the same as me getting out there, but it is so nice to watch what you're doing and get glimpses of beautiful places that I might never see. :) Thanks Dixie!

[@JuicyPersonality]

Ps. I don't know how you would feel about citronella essential oils for bug control, but it is from the plant. Just a thought. :)

[@pete9685]

Nice surprise video! Was not expecting it. Enjoyed again. Hope your making it through all the fire closures.

[@christinewinterton7111]

Another fantastic vlog, looking forward to the next one, they are put together so well thank you Aaron.Hope there is a snow free trail ahead. Keep safe.

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

Snow, snow, and more snow! Bridgeport is a cool little town. Hope you are able to hit a stretch of "normal" trail so you can make up any miles you lost and get to Canada before the snow flies again. Stay safe. Happy Trails.

[@RPftw]

oh man!!! those trees at 14:30 ! :) getting north now.

[@Vegland]

Can hear and see the bit of burnout creeping in.. Bums me out, But! I know you will pull through! There are so many of us pulling for you Dixie!!!! Im in nv so every video i keep a sort of side eye in your direction wondering what wonderful sight and experiences you're having while im driving to work or running mundane errends.. Keep your head up!!! Much love and best wishes your way

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

The love vs. hate phases come and go on trail! I'll be okay :) Thank you for the encouragement!

[@YeseniaDLM]

Your video uploads make my Sunday and prepare me for the work week ahead.

[@edchapman1900]

How far back did this video take place? What is the typical buffer time between shooting and publishing?

[@jacobfreed5060]

Woooooo! I get so damn excited for these videos and I'm all set for my PCT thru hike next year. Went with the Duplex as well and couldn't be happier!

[@brianhackit7900]

Jacob freed yea right? i think it's great we can just bring our phone and doc stuff like this. i mean i cant do much but hit the parks around the state but i can watch others hike REAL mountains! yea you post too man, that'd be great.

[@BillNealElkWhistle]

I have driven Sonora Pass and I recommend it to everyone - except anyone in an RV or towing a trailer. If you do, you are taking your life and the life of your companions into your hands - be responsible! Bridgeport is a cool little town - if you stop in a that little Indian store in town, tell’em Elk Whistle said to say “Osiyo oginalii!!

[@ConjuntoBuenaMezcla]

Great Video, Dixie..Have fun at South Lake Tahoe..the lake is gorgeous, and don't forget California and the Sierras got 3 times more than usual snow and rain. So, you are doing this in a freak year. Like a one in 20 year phenomenon..stay safe..

[@fbnc11]

Another excellent video, thanks!!

[@tonystewart123]

Hey Dixie hope you are having fun

[@judithshorey2137]

Ask people in town about the fires. The locals should know where they are at. Love your videos!!

[@Loner2012AT]

You made it Dixie. Hope your spirits improve when you can actually see the trail again. Cool custom knife!

[@w3aln]

Think ive watched all your videos and enjoyed them all. i think your a very special young lady

[@robertrockwell7581]

congrats on the sierra's we know your glad. thanks for the views stunning continue on and stay safe.

[@dalleeongcay7325]

i watched every single video of this trip & i am imagining myself hiking with you lol! since i couldn’t do it cuz i am from the phils. i wanna hike thru the snow & cross the rivers but i dunno how since we don’t have that kind of trail here. anyways i am a fan dixie. keep it up!

[@kurtsmith4174]

Your documentary has made me want to try the PCT. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@vmelchers]

I remember when you were almost done with the desert how you were looking forward to a change in scenery. Now I wonder which section was the biggest challenge for you, the desert or the Sierras. The more Sierra videos I watch, the more I think they were tougher than the desert. Would be great to have your thoughts.

[@mcnixon]

Mosquito blood? Seems most of it would be from the heart of Dixie. I like the new knife engraving... Maybe you should partner with them on a Homemade wanderlust knife.

[@donaldtolhurst174]

Watching you glass ace down those snow fields reminding me of coming off parts of Mt. Rainier. We didn’t call them snow wedgies though. They were known as snow enemas! Great video again. TY

[@lisapaine1733]

Oh my gosh that wallpaper in that hotel...lol. So retro! we had it in our house in the 70's

[@GMAN420BC]

Great vids. I found you looking at Hiking trail vids. Now I'm watching episode 21 ! Its safe to say you've inspired me to do it. (I'm in the process of collecting quality gear). My goal is a 7-10 day hike by the end of summer. keep up the Vids. Its very cool !

[@theconman1973]

Try Doterra Terrashield. Works great!

[@katrinahemingway721]

Hi Dixie, I am doing a 500m section hike of the PCT this year (2023) in the area you have described here with a snowpack a little higher than what you encountered. Can you give me a rough guide of the date you reached Sonora Pass when you did it so I can evaluate how much snow I am likely to encounter on my journey? Was it June, July, or early Aug when you were coming through this section? Safe travels and congratulations on your recent engagement. You are such an inspiration, Kit Kat

[@tracyl2009]

Lemongrass essential oil added to your favorite lotion works great for mosquitoes and has many health benefits for you as well. I make my own shea butter/goat's milk lotion and add to that. Smells great too :) Love your videos, I am going to watch every one of them!!

[@jordanlujan751]

I have the previous year model for the REI flash sleeping pad and have had no issues with mine so far.

[@kimbasciano_]

Yay so excited to see a video from you! I'm On a cruise right now & I specifically got wifi to see your videos! Lol

[@gregparrott]

In 2016 I stayed at the hotel in Bridgeport and am surprised that they did not relay to you what they told me. (maybe the stories are just fabrications?) Over 100 years ago (when the hotel was still in Bodie?) a woman was staying there when she learned her husband had been killed on the trail by robbers. She was so distraught that she allegedly committed suicide in the first room to the right at the top of the stairs. BTW: Great videos, you picked an epic snow year.

[@jhosk]

Dixie, try a bit of Vicks vapor run for the mosquitos, just put a fan of it here and there, doesn't have to be on your skin.

[@raimundb.5560]

Thank you for al the nice videos ! They are amazing...Greetings from Germany..

[@Theantibullybully]

I bought an rei flash pad and it did the same thing, I exchanged it and this second one hasn't had problems yet. If it happens again I'm going to return and get a thermarest.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yeah, must be a certain batch having issues? Who knows!

[@brianhackit7900]

Dammit! i am soooo jealous!! Gd for you guys, and great coverage. keep posting its so nice to live through u guys even though i dont know ya'll.

[@beefpares]

Forest fire is in Oregon. Might close trail from elk late to highway 242 as per Flatbrokeoutside's FB page

[@squireca]

Bridgeport?.......I would have gone to Kennedy Meadows north....but then my family has a cabin in the area so.....It's closer to the trail too. I live in Sonora and met a man from Israel yesterday who is hiking the PCT. He had to come the 62 miles down here to get his delivery, which for some reason wasnt sent to Kennedys, and was hitching back up to the pass. Anyway, looking forward to the future videos.

[@EJourdanLewis]

My parents and I have been watching these together. I was watching you since you started hiking the PCT. My mom keeps asking How's Dixie? LOL

[@lapicker1010]

Enjoying your vids so much Dixie. Great music choices too. Sounds like a little Jeff Beal in the beginning.

[@MrJason9142002]

Hi Jessica. I usually troll and make inappropriate comments on butts and boobs. But I respect you. You seem like a strong woman and you didn’t let fear prevent you from living life your way. Love the videos. Love your commentary. Thanks for the free content!

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great stuff! Hey I started following Mayor on his trip as he blogs on Face Book!

[@brenthann2623]

on your cheek, its on your cheek.

[@christineb.1]

Careful in the Tahoe area, the bears are stealing food bags out of trees. Can't wait to see your compilation video. Safe hiking!

[@ssijon]

winter is coming!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yep! Then spring, summer and fall.

[@handsomeangus]

Love the fallout new vegas music in every episode

[@rumblechick73]

Amazing again! Have just watched Reddmage's summit video, He proposed to his girlfriend at the Katahdin sign!!

[@ConjuntoBuenaMezcla]

Once you are over the Siskiyou range near the Oregon border, them it will be the Cascades..

[@baroque9983]

Omg, I have an REI flash... was it in the bare ground when so many pinholed showed up? Pine needles coming through the tent floor perhaps? PS were just vacationing in South Lake Taho two weeks ago. Trails all very nice, but I saw snow up there above about 9500 feet! Oh... and very few mosquitos.

[@won4736]

very useful ice axe info within amazing view!!

[@mrskaa7584]

Smoke in the Sierras in August and September is pretty much normal. It blows through from all over, it would be unusual for you to not see some smoke.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

It was from the wildfires in Yosemite, I found out later!

[@nelskrogh3238]

Ah Sonora Pass! My home stomping grounds--love that area. The Marines have a mountain training base a little east of there--wonder what they do for the bugs?

[@carolgage4569]

Lovin' these vids!

[@crowman5936]

The Sierra's go about a hundred miles north of Tahoe. Hate to be a buzz kill but I live in the area and you will still have a rugged hike ahead of you for awhile.

[@RavenBlaze]

Rock on! Keep hiking!

[@janedoe2801]

Sooo cool 😱💕

[@jastdi2]

Dixie, I assume that you have researched mosquito-bourn diseases in California as well as you have researched other PCT topics. Trusting to your lucky star and the laws of averages while hiking uncovered and clean of bug spray is certainly one anti-sickness stratagem. May it work for you. Best.

[@TheBrianbonnet]

How far off are your dates from when video gets posted? Wanted to try backpacking South of Sonora Pass so I'm curious what the snow and mosquitosare like right now. If the video is actually from a month ago it could make a huge difference. Thanks.

[@elkemckenna]

As someone who is interested in hiking the PCT in the future but isn't very athletic/coordinated (lol), would you suggest skipping the Sierras? Or would you say this trail is too difficult altogether? I really want to do this thru-hike, but doubt my ability to keep my cool through some of the sketchy parts especially where heights are involved. I guess I just want to know what skill levels you have seen on the PCT vs. the AT. I really look forward to these videos btw, my husband and I watch them religiously! :P

[@Loathomar]

This year is extremely abnormal because of all the snow they got this year so there was tons of snow and the rivers are massive. Normally, it is not nearly this bad. Because you don't start the Sierra until after mile 600, even if you don't start "very athletic", by the time you get to that point you will be when it comes to hiking. I have not got the chance to do it my self, but I have meet a lot which hiking in the Sierras. I meet a 70 year old women who started with basically no experience backpacking and was only able to do 6 to 8 miles per day at the start, but when I meet her she did a 20+ mile day while in the Sierras.

[@elkemckenna]

Thank you!

[@gravitykillz924]

your bear can is required as you PCT thru Lassen Park. I guess you can rent one. Peace.

[@samkinney4913]

opening music sounded like the house of cards soundtrack, I had to doublecheck what I was watching haha

[@makeupisamber]

Not sure if you mentioned but have you tried the mosquito bands that you put in your wrist and ankle I’ve heard they work good!

[@katiefaloon6583]

dixie try the off clips and clip them on to your pack!!

[@elizabethreinhardt6207]

Does anyone know what size her bear canister is it's looking like the Expedition 2xlarge by wild item?

[@debsmith7050]

You are doing great! I remember what you told me about bad days on the trail..... ;)

[@ArielKaten]

i love the editing. i love the journey. these are some my favorite videos on youtube. but can we quit it with the horror movie music intros? 😂

[@bereantrb]

I’d like to see her go back and do the John Muir trail in the summer so she can enjoy the Sierras a little more and take in all those aqua blue lakes.

[@jbmatt5354]

So proud of you! inspiring for sure, keep on trucking:)

[@FloridaGirlAdventures]

You are doing awesome! The views are amazing as always - can't get enough! I want one of those knives! Thanks for being you! (hope you got that wedgie taken care of ;)

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

Girl friend had REI sleep mat too. Also a dud and ended up leaking. I have been doing some short backpacking trips using thermarest. So far so good.

[@thomasarnold8377]

The snow seems to be forever. Stay brave.

[@ConjuntoBuenaMezcla]

I don't know who told you that the Sonora Pass was the end of the Sierra Nevadas, but I would say you were about 60% through the Sierras..They keep going till you get to Lassen, Modoc county and Susanville, maybe 200 miles more. Anyway, good luk, Lake Tahoe is still the Sierras even past Donner Pass and beyond..just sayin..Frank T.

[@jpcpat]

Hang in there, Dixie. It all counts on 2650! You'll make it in time.

[@patrickdevlin9673]

What date was it when you got to Kennedy Meadows South

[@CPTCleoTorris]

I am sure your group is luck to have you along when hitchin a ride!

[@mandycummingsakaforestquee3713]

You need a mosquito net and 100% deet!!