Рет қаралды 13,349
Grandma Gatewood’s name has been used as a regular reference point when anyone talks about ‘lightweight’ hiking or backpacking for the last 60 years or more. She has gone down in history as an iconic figure and her name is still used to sell products made today.
In 1955 at the age of 67 she set off on the Appalachian Trail carrying everything she needed in a 15lb over the shoulder bag, hiking in simple sneakers, sleeping under a shower curtain and living off the land.
Not only that, she did again 2 years later, followed by the Oregon Trail then aged 71.
On Wednesday I’ll be talking with author Ben Montgomery who discovered that Grandma Gatewood was his Mother’s Great Aunt. We discuss previously unearthed stories about this amazing woman, her diaries, her gritty life and what led her to set off on the trail in the first place all of which can be found in his fascinating biography - Grandma Gatewoods Walk.
What was her life like in those times? Was hiking and camping viewed as it is today? Was she a hiking enthusiast? How did she find her way? Did she experience the same reactions from townships that hikers do to this day?
See you Wednesday at 7pm UK time it’s going to be a good one.