Episode 9: McDonald's Challenge (PCT 2017)

PCT 2017 Thru-hike Episode 9! Mayor comes up with a pretty gross food challenge for Dixie and Perk.
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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]

[@mcg267]

I love how accepting and loving people are with the hikers. Nobody cared their was a restaurant full of smelly adventurists. I say that lovingly, of course. ❤️ always love and look forward to your vlogs!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

There really are some great folks in these trail towns! Thank you :)

[@Elena-er7zp]

Oh man, you can tell from the decor that McDonald's was built for them! :) If everyone orders like Dixie and her pack, it was a smart move building there.

[@ThePinkDaises]

Glad you don't forget to stop and smell the roses while hiking. John Muir would be proud.

[@AmyB.]

On the 4th day of hiking my trail angel gave to me....4 mcmuffins, 3 hashbrowns, 2 cheeseburgers, and an apple pie in a cactus!

[@GrinsInc]

very nice Amy. : )

[@gibrigg]

I'm completely hooked on this series... can't wait for next week. God bless!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you for following and cheering me on! :)

[@Longtrailside]

I can't do long hiking anymore due to disability's, so i'm really enjoying this trip. The comradery that you have with your trail family is awesome. Can't wait for the next vid.

[@jennybrandon2393]

So glad to see that Mayor is still saving snakes! Great video, as always!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yep! Some folks kill them for no reason so he tried to relocate to prevent anyone from getting hurt and the snakes from being harmed.

[@TheNoonie50]

Yes, no need to kill them, we go into their habitat after all. Thanks Mayor, you're my hero.

[@Senior_Hikes]

Rattle snakes would be my big fear while doing a night hike.

[@lauraelisee]

Love your updates! Always wish the videos were longer! You're my favorite hiker vlogger to watch 😀

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Awww, thank you! Makes me feel special 😊

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

I recognized that terrain approaching Wrightwood - we lived in Littlerock, CA for a few years when I was a kid; Pearblossom, Valyermo, Llano, Devil's Punchbowl, and Wrightwood were our favorite haunts back then. A cousin took me skiing at Wrightwood a couple times, and we used to cut firewood on Table Mountain, fish at Jackson Lake, and ride our saucers down the hill and onto the ice there in the winter. Memories. May you be blessed with many new and happy ones as you continue your PCT journey. We're enjoying the adventure vicariously through your excellent videography and commentary. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@rrsnads9602]

The AT videos were great, but the constant spectacular view on the PCT are overwhelming. Thanks for sharing.

[@carolinemanuel5996]

Mayor moving the snake was so incredible, what an amazing thing to do and just to watch someone do!

[@joysheets2412]

Whoo hoo, been waiting all day for this ! 👍😀👍

[@joysheets2412]

You look great girl!

[@joysheets2412]

As always, wish it was longer. Thanks for the update. Stay strong & safe.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you, Joy! :)

[@Gambeli02]

6:43 In 2021, I ran into an Americorps group of 10-12 young ladies on the McCurdy Trail in Lost Creek Wilderness, Colorado. They're a tough bunch -- carrying full 70L packs as well as construction tools. They were up there a full week fixing the trails. Farther down on the Goose Creek Trail was a large group of the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, also making trail improvements. Personal kits aside, they arrange with the Forest Service to bring up all their construction equipment, food, 2 cooks, and a full mess kit on a horse/mule train.

[@kimbasciano_]

I just noticed your friend's AT tattoo! That's awesome!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yeah, I think Mayor, Perk and I will always claim the AT as our first true love :)

[@asiam7436]

Zach Rotondo ate 220 chicken mcnuggets during a 100 mile stretch of trail and 27 mcdoubles in 90 miles during his 2016 pct thru hike.

[@antoniabaker7770]

I know right. i felt sick just watching him. lol

[@asiam7436]

I think I ate vegetables for a week after watching that. Hahaha!

[@garybolenable]

When I first started watching Zach I thought he was a crazy homeless guy. Now he is my god.

[@asiam7436]

Hahaha! He's pretty cool guy.

[@alantaylor6691]

Yeah I tell ya the junk food addictions aren't too inspiring, almost self-defeating really.

[@VikingPreparedness]

Good job always wearing your knife. Thanks for the effort to produce these. Have fun, be safe.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you! I really like it and don't even notice it's there, haha. I do practice pulling it daily, though! Muscle memory 😉

[@M_Hess]

That resupply seemed like a good idea at first. But, o man.... it looked like it was brutal eating it. Love the videos Dixie!!!

[@OceanBob]

The people you meet and interact with are really good people.

[@johnnywebster4417]

The fact that your friend is wearing a tie made my day lol

[@GrinsInc]

That's none other than youth mogul "Christian Grey", Perk portrays in this edition of Alice in Wanderlust PCT, " intuition or ambition on rack at the yellow restaurant of pain," episode.

[@dianalanders2457]

GrinsInc 😂

[@virginiabaxter7878]

Beautiful footage!! Your phone is doing an amazing job!! Everything is so clear and the colors are so bright. I'm not sure about Mayor and the rattlesnakes but it's really nice that he moved one of them to a safer spot! Fun challenge too! I can see how that can make the days more fun when you have a challenge on top of the challenge!! Great job to Aaron too. These videos are very special!

[@Galiuros]

In the past, when we got our usual late start for a multi-day hike, we'd stop at MickeyD's on the drive down to get fueled up. The food would fill me up but on the trail, I'd feel a lack of energy and pretty much worn-out before lunch. After a while I stopped the fast-food breakfast on the way to the trailhead. A lesson learned, for sure.I feel I need to make a comment about the snake in the concrete tube. I've lived in the Southwest for 40 years and have backpacked southern Arizona for 37 years. The first thing you learn is to not mess with snakes. Take a picture and walk around it. Why tempt fate? I read some place that most snake bites are on the forearm from someone trying to catch it. That's all. I'm not trying to give anyone a hard time.Fantastic videos of your hike. Thanks for taking us along.

[@wesleykremer3916]

Dixie, you are leaving us hanging! Can't wait for next Wednesday. Kudos to you and the production team. Be safe and praying for y'all!

[@mikeklungland8170]

It is all about enjoying the trail and you are truly enjoying it. Keep enjoying.

[@tommyd22277]

I grew up in Wrightwood. I spent my youth in the desert below and the mountains all around. Brought back some very good memories watching your video. Thank you!

[@kalinawalker2656]

the Horton flowers are chia. you can shake the chia seeds out and eat.

[@VakmanCA]

The smell in that McD is probably out of this world. Poor employees. Minimum wage + hikers = hell 😂

[@TheScorpz100]

I always save your videos for my mornings, I love waking up and watching such a positive and fun person to start my day. Keep up the great work and stay safe.

[@twobuckchuck7355]

Stumbled across your channel a few days ago while watching gear reviews for a potential thru hike somewhere. Just finished binge watching everything you have up. You're a tough and inspiring chick. Can't wait for the next episode!

[@jessicahanes5988]

Love love love your videos Dixie!!! You are so inspiring!! You inspired my fam and I to get out there more and hike. Its not so easy for us since we have kids (16, 6, 3) but we are still puting down 10 mi day hikes. We started section hiking the Laurel Highlands here in PA

[@robbiewatts3711]

I met Mayor a couple times last year on the AT as he was preparing for his PCT thru hike. Saw him on and off till Damascus. Small world!!

[@davidboesenberg9712]

Maybe I'm just having a better vision day but WOW! those scenery shots almost look 3D! No exaggeration to say your videos flat out inspire.Your videos and Granny Gatewood hiking the AT at 67 has convinced me to plan hiking the local trails in Michigan. Thank you and God bless you.

[@xyzct]

I'm amazed you didn't get food poisoning :-)

[@BarryStahl]

I look forward to these episodes. Lived in SoCal most my life and wish I did at least a segment of the PCT. Loved the "hippo" music during the eating scene. It's amazing you edit these in addition to just hiking every day.

[@rentrofmij]

Love the macro nature shots and the stunning views. Rubbing the lizards belly that's awesome. I look forward to your well rounded video every week for the variety music, interviews, views, macros. Kudos to you and Aaorn! Love Perk he is a hoot.The video content and editing just keep getting better and better.

[@johnnyalderman4678]

Dixie, As a long time AT section hiker, I really enjoyed your thru hike, but I'm even enjoying your PCT hike better. You have really upped your video skills! Truly inspiring. Looking so forward as you venture on. Papa J

[@DillonOrbon]

As someone who doesn't eat fast food, I don't know if I could compete; But it sure always is a pleasure to catch your videos! Keep on truckin, Dixie

[@hikerboyz]

As usual a great watch. From a person who has spent a lot of time on the northern end of the PCT, please don't loose your love for the little things on the trail and take some time to enjoy the views even in the fall. All too often I see thru hikers(you can smell them long before you see them) who have become obsessed with the mileage and nothing else towards the end. They shamble by with glazed eyes and barely an acknowledgement of anything or anyone around them.

[@plusaffectueux]

I grew up near here and went to elementary school near the McDonald's! This video was amazing and made me so homesick 💕💕💕

[@antoniabaker7770]

OMG Dixie, i keep checking in to see if there is a new clip. Its like waiting for the next release of my fav tv serial. Im at the gym everyday training for my AT next year and your words keep ringing in my head "just do the miles". Keeps me going as the treadmill is very boring but practical as its our winter. Know that we are all with you every step of the way. Keep up the great work. Ant. xx

[@scrider8464]

Man, that is some awesome country; beautiful in its bareness and challenging terrain. Thanks for the post. Good luck and enjoy.

[@ontherocks1491]

it is nice to see that you have friends on the trail I'm glad to see chances back it's a lot of fun because I watch you guys hike the whole Appalachian Trail

[@hippiesolitude5136]

You are such an inspiration.

[@MissCV]

lol. Perk does what I do, bacon egg and cheese biscuit and out the hash brown in it. But I add salsa packets to it too

[@KeefsCattys]

What a fantastic watch.. Look forward to these updates SO much. Safe hiking !!

[@hikerJohn]

Love these videos . . . I'm binge watching them all. Ive seen a lot of PCT videos and I think these are the best. And Ive done a couple of section myself.

[@sawwhetowl]

Don't know if anyone else answered, but the flowers shown @ :56 are Chia. Awesome herbal tea and nutritious seeds later. P.S. Thanks for the great videos.

[@leannescott816]

Was wondering what happened to you. Seems like a long time inbetween videos, but glad to see them when they come out. Ugh. a McDonalds challenge would get me so sick. Ok, well maybe not the breakfast food, but I can't stomach their lunch. I'd be sick on the trail. No bueno!

[@lynlandham3779]

She posts one video a week, on Wednesday afternoon or evening. One week she did two, but hasn't done that since.

[@leannescott816]

Arrghh...it seems so much longer. Its like I want to binge on PCT videos, but there's no 'food' there. lol ;)

[@CameronConnor]

HELL YEAH DEL TACO! I live in the area and while I love that McDonald's gets the hype for this spot. Del Taco is my fav. Ive been thinking this for a while anyway, but im gonna do the Del Taco Challenge.

[@Andy-Mesa]

That snake handler is a straight up hero.

[@gerettam3146]

"When my grandma was 95, she did PT it's what kept her alive"...y'all guys crack me up! That Mickey D's challenge my 10 yo could dig, me, it just made my stomach roll. Major moving that rattler was pure 'rattlesnake roundup' action! Look forward to your weekly videos. Thanks for the joy!

[@johnnabors5683]

Not sure what’s scarier, 3 rattlesnakes or day old cheesburgers and hashbrowns. Thanks for the update and another awesome video. Keep having fun and enjoying the adventure

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Good question! Haha

[@katelynmason9179]

The high sierra's are dangerous this year, I would honestly recommended skipping and going back in a month or two

[@loramahr7934]

I just love your videos. I'm currently section hiking the CT . All of my free time will be on the trail from Memorial to Columbus Day. I watch your videos to motivate me for my weekend warrior trips. Keep them coming!

[@dandanlong4189]

I love this look forward to it every week!!!!

[@NNYDebbie]

Very much enjoy your weekly vlog posts.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thanks, Debbie :)

[@Mtnsunshine]

This is a tough video to watch when it is late at night and the nearest McDonalds is over an hour's drive away. Made my mouth water. :-)

[@tommyd22277]

I grew up in Wrightwood. Enjoy!

[@hikingwithms2042]

Great Video! Very Excited to see the summit of Baden Powell! Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@TheJuliab213]

oh my gosh i was in that mcdonalds a few weeks ago when i hiked a little section of the PCT. I felt like I was eating among legends haha. Ever since I saw Wild a few years ago I've wanted to hike the PCT, or at least a solid amount of it and it was just so cool to be around a ton of people who were actually doing it. I think I'm going to do it in a couple of summers. Thank you so much for making these videos, I seriously get so excited whenever you come up in my sub box!!!

[@outdoorintrovert_]

In case anyone is looking for the answer 5 years later, the flowers at 0:53 are chia :)

[@pstm13]

I have actually been to that McDonalds several times. Very hot and dry desert in the 909. FYI Loma Linda Hospital is just down I 15 and the best rattle snake bite treatment center in the country. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your work. Also, if you are doing the CDT us know so I can start using your Amazon link with my business account. I was late to the game on this one.

[@qathi]

The Horton Hears a Who blue flowers are called Bachelor Buttons, and are also called Cornflowers.

[@Ureyeuh]

"OH! A new Homemade Wanderlust upload!" *Grabs entire pizza before watching*

[@michaeldyke3421]

I loved working on the trail crew. I worked on the PCT in Oregon.Mt.Jefferson wilderness.Three fingers Jack Mt. Love your videos.

[@carlbeachboard5425]

Really enjoying these. The best PCT videos that I have every seen.

[@OLDBD1]

have fun and be safe

[@markdemucha8848]

You are going to be near the old Big Horn mine!

[@outdoorcorn9915]

Perk's mission impossible / Ace Ventura walk on the bridge was most excellent!

[@diannegoudin2986]

On the other news, congratulations to you Dixie and Mayor! ❤️

[@shenandoah1322]

I once did a 12 hour day hike with a friend (I've done other hikes, but not that long), and brought 3 litres of frozen water bottles. It was a hot day, and I went through my water way too fast. I didn't have to pee all day, and by the end of the day I was so thirsty. It was a 2 hour drive home, and I couldn't wait to get home to drink more water. Ever since then, I have been mindful of bringing enough water. It's actually a big fear of mine, not having enough water on a hike.

[@jimwilliams2753]

enjoyed this very much, loved the music in this. so happy to see you on the trail having a great hike

[@jasonmartin1267]

I can't believe how much little Dixie can eat. Where does she put it all? Stay hydrated miss Dixie and I hope you have safe and easy breezy next 28 miles. You are so much more positive this time around then the AT

[@proffd972]

the trail is so beautiful

[@Luke-ft5ow]

I cannot explain how much I love these videos wth

[@KorDawg91]

Zack Rotondo Aka McLengend would be proud

[@adventuresofstitches]

PNWoyster saw this guy! Crazy nasty. I told him his trail name should have been McNasty haha

[@michaelb1761]

That was the true McDonald's challenge. Was it 4 or 6 McDoubles a day? He also did the McNugget challenge which was not nearly as successful because those McNuggets got mcnasty fast and didn't seem to be as calorie dense as the McDoubles.

[@michaelb1761]

That was his dirt phase. He didn't look that bad the entire trail.

[@KorDawg91]

Nora Arete lol

[@davidb8872]

Really enjoying the scenery your photography is very good thanks

[@135791113ful]

been loving these vlogs just like the AT ones. glad ur safe Dixie.

[@cyclerjdi]

I can live vicariously through your videos, thanks so much! I leave 7-1 for a 2,000 mile drive to Seattle, camping along the way. I hope to experience some of what you are experiencing.

[@rainyinspainy]

Yay! I just found this channel today, and now I'm a subscriber! I love these videos!!

[@FrankBergdoll]

Fun times! I have to admit, I never quite understood the appeal of the McDonald's challenge, but everyone has their own journey I suppose. I really did like the rattlesnake rescue and the interview with the trail maintenance fellow - it's neat to see these on-trail encounters. Looking very forward to the mountain honouring the founder of Scouts! Lord Baden Powell introduced so many people to the outdoors (including myself!) through his legacy.

[@teapott5366]

Great videography, your camera is killing it! And of course, you are too, Happy Hiking!

[@india1422]

Astonished at the guy handling the rattler

[@coreygillum12]

Awesome Dixie. I hope you never get tired to the views. I'm headed to the High Sierra in late August, an I can't wait to see what you think of the JMT. great stuff!!!

[@francoischaput5117]

after 5 day in the Canadian rockies walking around 100km i bought 1 foot subways and 2 cheese burgers for laters the best meals i ever got in my life.

[@kimbasciano_]

Look forward to your videos every Wednesday! Hope you're doing well dix!

[@sc1212able]

Can't believe I just found your channel, its awesome, we don't do long hikes, but last month we hiked ANGELS LANDING in Moab, Utah and all the hikes in Zion, we are long distance cyclist, in September we are cycling from St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California on the Southern Tier, going to be fun, we are very impressed with your skills and challenges so we decided to become Patreons, keep up the good work and be safe.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Awww, thank you so much for the compliments :) I appreciate your support, too, more than you know! Good luck on your journey! I'd love to hear how it goes!

[@sc1212able]

Homemade Wanderlust, this is the third time we have done this ride, this time we well be documenting the whole journey on KZbin, this is going to be a charity ride for the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION.

[@hannahsweet1898]

That mountain is incredible, wow!

[@scidso456]

That's your best PCT vid yet! Great job.

[@lbear8215]

Absolutely love your videos Jess, look forward to an update every week!!!! Favourite hiker on youtube :D

[@kenk2345]

The Mayor's (Kyle Rohrig) book "Lost On The Appalachian Trail"....is a great read!

[@aureliusva]

I like how the flies are more interested in yall's funk than they are the food.

[@ninadecesare9144]

If you need a ride or a place to stay or anything anywhere around Portland, I would be so happy to help!! I have been so inspired by you. I am planning my pct thru-hike for either next summer or the following summer, based on a couple factors. I'd love to meet you!!!

[@jastdi2]

Well, not a McDonald's , but a Burger King last Monday. Close to closing time and I was eying the menu when the manager asked his assistant, "How many Whoppers left?" She answered "Eight, but I already turned off the heater." I decided to try the Subway.

[@joes37]

Love your sprit Dixie

[@neil2385]

great vids ! I wanted to mention this that about 6 years I was driving from Norcal To Washington and stopped at a Mcds for some grub. I was excited as it had been many years since i had been there and i got the two cheeseburger and fries meal. wihin an hour of eating it I had shooting, sharp pains in my belly. It was as if I had poisoned myself. It eventually subsided but an alien departed my body later. Never again, lol

[@wendellbell6164]

That roller coaster was more like the mad mouse ride.

[@theneverendinghighway]

I'm not sure what's more dangerous: Picking up a pissed off Rattlesnake or eating two day old Mcdonalds food exposed to desert climates

[@SkiCounseler]

I'm really enjoying your journey. I live by the CDT and I'm thinking that may be in your future.

[@robertestrada9643]

silverwood lake, miller canyon

[@Summerbear727]

Finally, so excited for another adventure!

[@Tim_Raths]

That took guts to be able to handle that rattlesnake like that. He's lucky it didn't bite him.