Episode 5: Dixie Pets the Mayor of Idyllwild (PCT 2017)

PCT 2017 Thru-hike Episode 5! Dixie pets the mayor of Idyllwild, CA, celebrates Easter at Mike's place, finally catches up with Perk, and hits her first 20 mile day!
PCT Gear List: lighterpack.co...
AT Gear List: homemadewanderl...
Take A Thru-Hike: Dixie's How-To Guide for Hiking the Appalachian Trail (ebook): amzn.to/2e7GK0l
WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL & MY 2017 PCT THRU-HIKE:
*Shopping on Amazon: amzn.to/2e7GK0l
(Just click the link and use the search bar to do your normal shopping. A portion of your purchase will go to my PCT Fund at no additional cost to you.)
*Patreon: / homemadewanderlust
(You can pledge as low as a $1/month to support my upcoming PCT hike.)
*PCT Wish List: a.co/cVZeFo3
(Purchase an item from my wish list for me to take on my 2017 PCT Thru-Hike--some of the items may require contacting me for shipping details. See email below.)
Contact information:
Blog: www.homemadewanderlust.com
twitter: @homemadeWL
Instagram: homemadewanderlust
facebook: www.facebook.com
For business/interview inquiries: [e-mail]
AT Gear List: homemadewanderl...
Take A Thru-Hike: Dixie's How-To Guide for Hiking the Appalachian Trail (ebook): amzn.to/2e7GK0l
Support Me By:
Shopping on Amazon: amzn.to/2e7GK0l
Patreon: / homemadewanderlust
Contact information:
Blog: www.homemadewanderlust.com
twitter: @homemadeWL
Instagram: homemadewanderlust
facebook: www.facebook.com
For business/interview inquiries: [e-mail]

[@robertlowery136]

I'm Proud of you girl for not skipping a section but took the detour route. love you're films.

[@marvinwhisman3333]

I second that. It would have been so easy just to skip that section but you did it anyway. I have no doubt you will complete the whole journey.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank y'all! I came to do all of it--no sense in shorting myself :P

[@rjframe4410]

you've never had corn nuts? well im glad someone has fixed this egregious error in your existence

[@scotthill6807]

A Southern girl that hasn't had Corn Nuts? We should demand she gives up Dixie as a trail name and switch to Yankee.

[@Haszard4]

rj frame Next thing your gonna tell me is she has never had a fried pork rind.😁

[@justinwales7982]

Jessica, I am from Huntsville, Alabama. I am pretty far from home and have been for sometime. Watching you hike the AT and now the PCT I'm just moved to tell you that you are the kind of soul that makes me miss the south. Big time. You are an intelligent, down to earth, kind, lovely soul that really represents the pure and simple beauty of southern people. Your attitude and determination is inspiring. After my fiancé passed away I almost hiked the AT but I wasn't prepared. Now unfortunately after suffering a car accident and developing a serious heart condition I had to postpone the AT another year to regain my health and become strong again. I want to THANK YOU! Being able to watch you helped me realize that this is absolutely possible for me too. I have been planning to spread my mothers ashes on the AT in Ashville, North Carolina to give her a meaningful memorial that she would truly appreciate. If you happen to read this I hope I to send you a message on facebook after I have. Your spirit has shown through in your videos and encouraged people. The wonderful people you have shown along the way help restore peoples faith in humanity. When people find themselves divided.... Your like a backpacking forest gump haha ;) For real showing people the beauty that is in nature helps a disconnected, troubled world appreciate what we take for granted. Despite being an Auburn gal, (Roll Tide!) I was proud to see you on the summit of Mt Katahdin in your Auburn toboggan. I aint mad at ya! ;) God bless you girl! Keep it up!!!!!!

[@amandazemke5765]

I lived in idyll wild in the 80s when I was in high school💜my step dad was the chief ranger at the state park. I had no idea hikers went through there for the pct. cool to see my old stomping grounds

[@briefldhky2]

Your videos are so good. Usually thru-hiker videos have me skipping ahead, but I enjoy your goofy comments, adventurous spirit, and beautiful video captures.

[@mtthielsen8342]

Top notch video,..great camera, content, filming and editing. Regular TV is nearly dead to me, the only reason I don't throw my TV into a volcano is that I use it as a youtube monitor.

[@mtthielsen8342]

We have a chromecast device, and also our roku will do it. It's pretty neat watching these videos on the big TV. We got our roku for free by paying 3 months of sling tv in advance. We do sling instead of cable or satelite.

[@MrTmax74]

Any Tv or Bluray player that has the youtube app and wifi can do it.

[@austinbrown709]

Hi Dixie, Thanks for taking us along on your adventure! I hope this finds you and your trail family well. I loved the pictures of plants and animals - beautiful photography! I especially loved the snakes - there was one time in my life when I fell in a heap of dead timber to look an angry (sleepy) rattlesnake dead in the eye from two feet away. Please stay safe . Also, as your trivia for the day, Corn Nuts are a southern staple - baked hominy. The scenery of fire damage is sad - but remember the phoenix: fire ensures that those that come behind you will enjoy a fresh, vivid and beautiful new resurrection. The joy and color of life cannot be suppressed. You prove that every day. Stay safe, and we look forward to your next installment. Your friend, Austin

[@mikelong3493]

Well Dixie, according to my wife you have crossed the line. Thanks to you, I decided to relocate to Idyllwild, CA. Any place with a dog serving as Mayor, is a place I want to live. FYI my wife is not pleased with you.

[@FreddyFudd]

You are killing it Dixie. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us. You inspire me.

[@Rick_Schott]

"Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?"

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Good one

[@commonsgiant]

You can do it! Please be careful in the Sierras. The snow pack is no joke. Started my first section of the AT...then passed a kidney stone and needed to by rescued from Wayah Bald shelter. The wonderful people at the shelter helped get me down into Franklin. Going back in June to finish the rest of the way to the NOC. Thanks for the inspiration

[@kimbasciano_]

Wednesday's are officially my favorite day of the work week! love seeing your updates Dixie!!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Aww, thanks!

[@BillNealElkWhistle]

I performed twice at the Idyllwild Native American Cowboy Jubilee - stages all over town, but the main stage the second year was at Strawberry Creek. I opened for Rita Coolidge and her sister and niece - “Walela”. My first time in Idyllwild was on a wildland firefighting crew with the U.S. Forest Service - we flew down from Chico, California. The whole town was evacuated and fire camp was set up at Idyllwild Arts. I visited Idyllwild many times.

[@jdgoodwin325]

Those beautiful blue flowers you're seeing at 2:35 are one of the several Ceanothus (genus) species we have in California. I've planted some in my home garden, which is mostly native plants. They're sometimes called California Lilac, though they are not actually lilacs. Their colors range mostly from very pale blue to shocking electric blue, though I have seen white and even pale pink in my hikes. Enjoy.

[@laurabellman7682]

I love watching pre-pandemic videos

[@mbain84]

Only on a thru hike would you hear someone say Spam made them a new woman 😂

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Hahaha, true!

[@lecastleman]

Oh my goodness the dogs were precious!!

[@TheNotBusyLife]

Mayor Max!

[@prex345]

So fortunate that you get to experience all the beauty of the PCT post draught.

[@superdave54811]

Every day I wait on pins and needles for your next post. You were my favorite on the AT and now the PCT. I binge watched the AT videos again.

[@kan-zee]

OMG...What an INTRO ... We Are Soo💖 *_IN-LOVE_* 💖with your videos...your brilliant !! All the little parts of the big Trail are *Magnificent* !!

[@markgang1861]

I thought it was a commercial for National Geographic. Then I heard your narration. Also loving all the Desert Fauna closeups. Thoroughly enjoyed watching you earn your Bachelors of Hiking on the AT. Enjoying watching you earn your Masters of Hiking on the PCT let us know when you are going to do your Ted talk. Looking forward to your PHD of Hiking when you take on the CDT.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Wow! Thank you so much, Mark!

[@icejunki]

Dixie, another great video. The music and shots with the bugs and snakes and plants were my favorites. It also had me missing the California mountains. I always loved how one minute you'd be in the desert and by the time you arrive in Idyllwild it was cool and you l'd be surrounded by lodge pole pines. Keep up the good work, I know you can do it. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us.

[@Georgiiiiiiiiiiiiiia]

Just looks amazing! Glad to see Perk again

[@xyzct]

Lol ... _that guy with the guitar_ is everywhere -- parties, beaches, and apparently, on thru-hikes.

[@tootsla1252]

I'm a year late to the party, Dixie, but thoroughly enjoying your videos. You are the real deal, girl. Happy trails!

[@joysheets2412]

Wow lots of snakes! I absolutely love every thing you are sharing. The wild flowers, the snow cap mountains. The views are awesome. One of my favorite snacks...corn nuts, Just don't break a tooth! Lol! Ty for sharing. I look so forward to Wednesday to watch. Stay safe & happy trails. I feel like I am with you. Love & peace. 👍💞🙏

[@douglassmith2946]

First time seeing your videos. I've watched 5 today. They are great. I'm a 65 year old long time hiker but never a thru hiker. You do a fabulous job with these videos. You have the most beautiful smile and wonderful personality. I admire your toughness and courage. As a dad of three grown girls, I am so proud of you for chasing your dream. You are such a stud!!!

[@mrthebillman]

Every few years that whole area goes up like a match.

[@iggsterify]

I thought it was pretty cool that you posted a video with "first 20 mile day" in the description the exact same day I hiked my first 20 miler! Finished the Virginia Triple Crown with a 27 mile hike from the scorched gap shelter on the AT all the way through Dragon's Tooth and back to McAfee knob. I understand how it feels a little more now at least!

[@worldsoull]

Haha, the "fire wifi" sign looks like a sign we have in Canadian parks that represents like an interpretive program around a fire, or seating around a bonfire!

[@rb5235]

Heat waves and rattle snakes, oh my... More trail updates would be nice there are those behind you that can see what is ahead. Thanks Dixie happy trails!

[@mtadams2009]

I was in Idllwild this past spring, what a cute little mountain town. You look like you're having such a great time.

[@carolczina9235]

Beautiful footage at the beginning of the critters, birds and bugs. Love the lizard surveying his domain on the rock! Hope all is going well for you as you continue north.

[@ForgingFreedomTV]

We love that you still hunt and color Easter eggs :) Another quality video from an awesome gal. We love what you're doing over here at the Forging Freedom Channel

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you!

[@stuartrollings602]

Well Dixie I am only 5 years behind but catching up slowly! Love you’re work and outlook…I have been to Julian and Idllywild so know what they are like..looking forward to the rest of your little hike! At least no snakes in the snow! 🐍

[@stellarpod]

Impressive! Really digging your posts this trip, Dixie. Thanks for sharing the adventure! Steve

[@lettiekelly5339]

DIXIE i GO WITH YOU ON EACH TRAIL. i AM 73 AND JUST ABLE TO Walk a few streets, so your video's are a blessing to me.

[@waltrobinson407]

Talking about "revives the soul". This journey, these videos, do that for us all watching! Thanks​!

[@wayneboyd2682]

The intro to this video was amazing. I didn't realize how beautiful the PCT was. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@lpandy21]

It's so neat how close you can get to the small wonders of the trail. Yes, you have the magnificent views, but the flowers, the little lady bug, etc. I wish you the best the rest of the way!

[@daveshaw5328]

Great footage. Love the "Mayor". The word you were looking for was 'biomes'. Have a great Hike!

[@TDSudduth]

Masterful construction of the story by your editor, Dixie, with the bunching of shots and the voice overs, really neat! I hear the crunch, crunch, crunch of your footsteps and MY feet start to throb. Keep the faith, my friend.

[@vxnova1]

This is a fantastic documentary of the trail, thanks for taking us along, I think you should be hired by discovery channel or nat Geo

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Thanks Dixie. Loved it all. The pizza, the views, the wildflowers, and yes especially the rattlers!!! You're giving us some great views the desert is amazing. Keep up the good work!

[@TG-ci1jq]

Like I said before... this is the best show ever!!

[@KenJones1961]

Not to take away anything from your friend who edited your AT videos, but these videos are awesome!

[@edog1955]

Love the shots of animals and plant life! Have you seen a chuckwalla yet? It's a big, flat-bodied lizard with a head like Godzilla! They don't come out until the temperature reaches about 90 degrees or so....then they sun themselves on those big boulders. They are wary, and will scamper into a crevice and inflate themselves. Usually black, but I have also seen tan ones around Joshua Tree.

[@muleyscousin6258]

Rattlesnakes: Of the poisonous snakes rattle snakes are some of the least dangerous. At least they'll warn you before you get too close. They're cold blooded, so normally they're in their den when it's cool unless the sun is out and they've found a sunny place to get warm. In the heat of the day, they're looking for shade to cool down a little.

[@mrcnorth7149]

Sweet scenery Dixie. Looks like you are having a great time. Glad you caught up to Perk.

[@jessXjessful]

You should do a video showing your routine of what you do when you get to camp.. how you set up and what you do before bed all that jazz.. I looooveee these videos can you just keep hiking and making these for the rest of my life??! Lol

[@BiffWaltman]

Love the pics of wildlife and insects. Nice touch

[@Doyoufeelboneeta]

I have the BIGGEST snake phobia. So when you showed them first thing I was so frightened I threw my phone across the room and started crying. Bit dramatic but you have no idea how much they scare me!! Had to fast forward when I picked up my phone 🤣😭

[@dedrac1104]

Same!! I’m too too scared!!

[@proffd972]

wow dixie keep telling us more these things poodle bush. I had never heard of this plant the reaction. facinating

[@danaelizabethx]

Love the views!!! Can't wait to hear ur comparison of the AT to the PCT and which one u liked better!! 💗

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

I think the AT is my first love that I will never get over, but we will see 😉

[@firewied]

Wait till you get to the Sierra. "Then it seemed to me the Sierra should be called not the Nevada or Snowy Range, but the Range of Light. And after ten years spent in the heart of it, rejoicing and wondering, bathing in its glorious floods of light, seeing the sunbursts of morning among the icy peaks, the noonday radiance on the trees and rocks and snow, the flush of the alpenglow, and a thousand dashing waterfalls with their marvelous abundance of irised spray, it still seems above all others the Range of Light." John Muir.

[@thewooflingdiva]

it took every ounce of self control not to stealth watch this at work when I got this video notification. 😗😗😗😗 Dixie you are my hero! Love from ATX 💙💙💙💙

[@brholder1]

OMG! So many snakes. That is my biggest fear on the trail. The views look wonderful. Thanks for sharing the Trail with us.

[@kellirustin7944]

Hey Dixie! I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see you enjoying our local wilderness. Your beautifully shot videos truly give me a fresh and new appreciation for the back country that I've seen my whole life. It all is truly spectacular to behold. Hopefully ya'll miss the crazy weather up on San Jacinto! We have a weekend backpacking trip up there planned for next month. Needless to say I'm looking forward to seeing your video of the climb. Safe travels!

[@brookestephens4692]

Dixie, thanks for the weekly videos, very beautiful! I hiked the PCT southbound last year and I'm enjoying reliving it northbound through your camera. I need to quit my job and get back out there :O

[@Rvdecwthug]

Brooke Stephens You should do the International Appalachian Trail for a trail that is truly remote and wild. It is more challenging then the 3 US thru hiking trails

[@brookestephens4692]

Rvdecw thanks very much for telling me about the IAT. I didn't know about it and it looks incredible.

[@Rvdecwthug]

Brooke Stephens I have never hiked it but the videos that Gator Miller and John Hildebrand have of it are incredible, you should see their videos in the search results when you search International Appalachian Trail on KZbin

[@jac3346]

It would be cool to open up a little bar & grill right off the trail and call it "The Hiker Box"

[@floridaswampmonkey]

Stealing this idea for my food truck minus the bar part due to the crossing state lines and having to deal with uncle Sam more because of that

[@Laura-tv2dx]

They don't have human politicians?! Smart town.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Idyllwild is a wonderful small mountain town. Being up there it's REALLY hard to believe it's only appx. 50 miles from the Los Angeles basin.

[@johnanderson8096]

Im a fan too... Dixie your just super down to earth...really enjoying this PCT hike of yours...the video and your story is just great... best of luck!!!

[@AwakeLazarus]

Loved the Wi-Fire sign, it would make fun merch.

[@jimjeavons5854]

Love the Aussie Blue Cattle Dog, great working dogs.

[@JC-xk8pw]

I love Idyllwild! I ran into a few PCT hikers over there last year. The San Jacinto Wilderness is gorgeous! Cool seeing the Silver Pine Lodge tipi and all these familiar places in Idyllwild. And you also saw the Mayor! He does this trick where he acts like he's a "horse" (well, at least that's what the owner calls the trick) and he sticks his nose into the treat bag. Not sure if he did this when you saw him but it was so cute! Made me want to go over there and hike Tahquitz again!

[@mountaincat8]

Your videos of your adventure on the PCT are making my summer of 2107 fabulous. No joke...

[@Hiker_Trash]

Wow!, at 0:06 that's a Arizona Black Rattlesnake. I've never seen one in the wild before. I used to have 2 rattlesnakes as pets when I was younger. Almost gave my 93 year old neighbor a heart attache one day when I tried to show here my new "pets".

[@Kurwynd]

Thank you so much for taking us on the trail with you. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@corybeddington2934]

I love the still shots of the wildlife

[@scubadoc7100]

Plant Powered Strength So do I. That is by fat my favorite!

[@petew6682]

Hey Dixie my wife and I followed you when you did the AT and we're thrilled for you to be doing the PCT. Best of luck and we look forward to your weekly updates.

[@kirogurl]

Thanks Dixie! You have inspired me to hike a through trail. I first found your channel looking for my son who is doing a four day hike for school

[@tacy6993]

Didn't realize these videos were coming out after you had thru hiked. I was so confused how you were uploading! I know now!

[@JAaronMattox]

Tacy Queen she is still on trail and she still has a few months of hiking to do. The videos are about a month behind her for now.

[@charlesmarsh279]

This is the best film yet!!

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Ah yes, Paradise Valley Cafe. Stopped there many times.

[@GypsyGirl317]

I love the way you love the wild creatures on this stunning planet we share with them. ❤️

[@visualpossibilities7680]

Hi Dixie, another great video. I see more adventure ahead for you! Hiker Steve from Utah.

[@aliciaanderson3622]

Welcome to our side of the country! I've been watching your videos for a few weeks now. I got so excited about your AT footage, I'm from Utah so all the PCT footage is what we are used to. Hope you are having fun!

[@LostInWonderland05]

We are so lucky we got good rain this year otherwise it wouldn't be all green!

[@hallieadair2204]

*donkey's voice from shrek* That's a nice boulder.

[@leannescott816]

Seriously!? That many snakes already?? Yikes! Nice to see part of the burn area up the trail. I hiked about 4 miles in and out the year before the fire from that trailhead along highway 74, but I know there was a lot more up there I didn't get to see. Thanks for the update - it made my work day more tolerable. :)

[@xmarks6109]

Keep on rocking and happy belated easter ma'am.

[@twilightdancer9000]

I love that you include all the little creatures in your adventures. 🌻

[@Hocking1973]

I can't believe you are filming with an Iphone with MOMENT lens attachments. Your video quality is excellent. Thanks for sharing.

[@Longtrailside]

Keep em coming, and i'll keep ahh watchin. Thx for posting, i'm enjoying this longtrailside that your on, looks like you got some good company to enjoy it with right now. The more you go north though the more beutiful it will become.

[@danrestione6983]

These are just magnificent videos! The photography, the message, the whole nine yards. You're an inspiration!

[@hikeswithmikethorne5040]

I'm hiking a flip-flop hike on the Pacific crest Trail this year look forward to possibly passing you thank you very much for your informative videos they have helped me get prepared and to learn lingo of the trail

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

Oh, I so love those Golden's. The ties were also a nice touch.

[@mfavia620]

Nice job Dixie !!!just really glad you're taking us along on your journey and believe me you are truly inspiring us. Thanks and ATB and we'll catch you on the next one. Mike

[@AlbinArt]

Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@TheMrsKKB]

Another awesome episode - That sunrise was just glorious!!! Great as usual Dixie! Looking forward to next week!

[@mojopin12]

This is probably the only place on earth where you would hear that eating spam, helped put the pep in someones step. Yep.

[@hikingwithyowie]

Funny Dixie, Our family is the same way at Easter ...color eggs and have Easter eggs (all adults) hunt ,it get very aggressive and full of laughs...good to know other do it to lol....Enjoying ur vids, loving the PCT.:)

[@deborahreisinger7664]

i used to live in idyllwild. know the trails like the back of my hand. its changed a lot. boy how i miss that place

[@Nathanallenpinard]

I just learned that we had friends on this trail. Roughly 55'ish. The guy's wife got tired and she told them to go on. She ended up dying. I'm guessing this was at a portion way up in the mountains where there was no relief.

[@davidgau]

Ahh she does such a good job yours are my favorites.

[@beatniksaint87]

That's a whole lot of funky trail crickets. Nope nope nope!!

[@emilykristine7366]

Dixie, I'm going back through and watching your videos for the thousandth time! Its ironic that the mountain was so purple on Easter, the typical color for Easter (in Christianity) is a violet purple color. Also, HOW have you never eaten corn nuts!?!? I have a huge bag at my desk at work I snack on all day long.

[@burkerow]

I don't know how you got me hooked on your videos, but you did.

[@Kalanimauimusic]

Rod Burke Me too!

[@lindsayslifecafe7569]

Your videos get better and better and the camera quality is amazing! So glad you're kicking booty on your hike.

[@justthetip96]

Nice job with the recording and editing. This one really came alive. Keep up the good work and enjoy the trail 😊

[@txhypnotist]

Glad you are doing okay and having fun on the journey on the PCT. "Keep on trucking"