Episode 17: Mt. Whitney and Forester Pass (PCT 2017)

Dixie becomes the highest person in the contiguous United States, and she hikes through the most treacherous river crossings and mountain passes of the PCT so far. And she makes a snow cone.
Special thanks to NickWentHiking for sharing some of his awesome footage of Dixie. Go check out his channel! / @nickwenthiking
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[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Check back this weekend for an extra episode. Thanks for watching!

[@henner645]

of course. Brightens the day.

[@smokymountainangel5923]

Dixie!!! Love, love, love your videos! Keep hiking girl!

[@wayneboyd2682]

All I can say is WOW!. This video is your best ever, thanks for sharing with us

[@kimbasciano_]

Homemade Wanderlust can't wait! I look forward to your videos every week

[@ontherocks1491]

Homemade Wanderlust glad to see you're doing good and having fun be very careful with that night hiking

[@thomaslee1982]

In September, 1998, my fiance, myself and and a 73 year-young minister named Laurel night summit-ed Mt. Whitney like Dixie did here. We got married as the sun rose. This brought back a wonderful memory. Thank you for sharing!

[@Andy-Mesa]

That is one hardcore minister.

[@stellarpod]

Dixie, I'm just completely gobsmacked, in absolute awe of your willpower and accomplishments. And for you to take the time to bring us along in the midst of your struggle is a pure blessing. We all owe you a debt we cannot repay. Thank you so much for packing us along, and keep them coming please! Steve

[@terryalexander5130]

I totally agree. Awesome video from an awesome lady.

[@yoy58913]

Well said Steve

[@MrMaloney4545]

Why am I weeping watching that sunrise on Mt Whitney...its just WONDROUS..that's why..like being in a dream that you don't want to leave but you know you must...THANK YOU..Dixie..

[@Pack.Leader]

Dixie, you HAVE to put all these videos into a full-length documentary. You HAVE to. With the beautiful editing and just you being you, it would be a crying shame not to.

[@yelitzagalan5670]

That sunrise on Mt. Whitney made my eyes misty, I can only imagine what it was like actually being there. The Sierra's are amazing, I can see why you'd want to continue! I love seeing your adventures. Thanks for sharing with us Dixie!

[@ericsims2078]

I love this girl so much. Her personality, upbeat positive outlook on life, the way she appreciates nature and her surroundings when she is in them, and all the little quirks that make Dixie, Dixie. I don't know how anybody can watch this girl and not love her for the person she is.

[@davidh.4649]

Dixie, just an absolutely awesome video. I can't believe you hiked up Mt. Whitney in the dark! But what a sunrise! I heard your breathing ... must be really hard to get enough air at that elevation. I drove up Pike's Peak near Colorado Springs once and when I stepped out of the car on top I got dizzy. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to hike up that mountain, which is hard enough by itself, but with the low oxygen level as well. You're an amazing woman and there will be NO shortage of stories to tell your grandkids someday!

[@robinbrown7953]

Dixie, you are the most amazing woman....and of all through hikers, you are at the top of my list. You have a way of making sure you get in your miles but also you soak up all the beauty along the way and you do it in true professional documentary style. Your editor is also quite talented to be able to take what you see and do and paint the picture, so to speak, for you. Loving it!!

[@ktoes]

You are one awesome monster-backpacking of a woman and proud to say you're from Alabama! I really enjoyed the views of the PCT the day and kudos to your editor. As a section hiker of the AT, these are some extraordinary sights to see west coast style. Thank you & I pray for your safety & well being each time I watch. Truck on Ms Dixie!

[@timbyrne3605]

I can only add my admiration, and your pure joy enlightens us all, I am so happy for you. Feel honored to have follow you from the beginning of your a.t. hike...keep trucking girl we believe in ya

[@johnboykin1262]

Great collaboration between photographer, editor, music, narration and subject matter. Dixie you've really grown girl !

[@timhormell7901]

This is your reward for tolerating the long desert sections. Enjoy every minute of it, great video, stay safe.

[@CSLee-yu6ht]

Wow, I've watched episode 17 about 5 times now not only for the scenery but to just catch a feeling of the life changing day that you experienced... It totally blew you away in so many ways and you cherished every bit of the experience and will looking back for the rest of your life. You had a day most will never get to experience and you didn't let it get you, you totally rocked it and grew from it. Congrats I'm writing this with a smile and a tear in my eye because I've also had those days and they are so special. You've got this!!!

[@97lumberjack]

Every episode I watch I think "that's the BEST one ever! There's no way she can top it!" But then you do. Amazing footage & editing, y'all. Kudos! Can't wait for the next one.

[@swimmingtinyf]

This summer I did trail work on that trail (Forester Pass - JMT/PCT Junction) and it was an experience that changed my life. Watching this made me relive the whole thing. Those views are stunning and I couldn't believe that it was my commute everyday. Absolutely the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Loved this video!

[@johnanderson8096]

"Dorothy your not in the desert anymore!!!" You totally rock Dixie... I knew you would love the Sierras... Love your positive energy... Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy !!!

[@rongrider5016]

Congratulations on your accomplishment! Your videos are inspiring. The music accompanying the view from atop Mt Whitney was absolutely perfect, full of majesty, awe, and accomplishment!

[@mikestephenson4484]

Wow, wow, wow!!! Thank you so much for making these uber-professional videos of your experience that I hope to do one day. I just turned 60 yrs old, and got back from a wonderful five days in the Yosemite back-country in late June after a 20 year Sierras hiatus. I think when I turn 65 might be just the time to do the PCT! You're such an inspiration! And yea, accomplishing hard stuff and getting through obstacles gives you confidence but it also makes you happy!

[@heyuechang]

I've been enjoying this whole series, but have to say this was the best instalment yet. The setting is absolutely stunning and I love the story-telling approach--not overly dramatized, but also unflinchingly capturing the challenges and triumphs. Parts of this video had me actually tearing up. It really feels like I am out there myself. Great inspiration to keep getting out there and going after my own goals and adventures!

[@tinaliebstein9565]

Thanks so much for sharing this Dixie, feel like I am there with you! Love seeing such a strong southern woman. Love watching you with my twelve year old daughter and showing her that girls can keep up with the boys and have fun doing it! You keep doing these hikes girl, I am much older than you and have never regretted any adventures I say yes to , only the ones I said no to! Stay safe!

[@emilyacurtis48]

Dixie🤗 I discovered you about a month ago and have been binge watching your videos. You inspire me to push myself a little harder each day!! I wish I was as brave as you to just get out there and make my dreams a reality. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@thorvaldurthorsson5652]

Another great episode of your magnificent hike Dixie. It almost brought me to tears watching you top Mt Whitney because I have so many great memories from there. I was a student at the San Jose State University in 1988 when I talked some of my friends into hiking Mt Withney without having any hiking experience. We started out 5 and only two of us made it to the top(lots of snow that early it was May 15.). Since then the mountains have captivated me. I am planning a PCT hike next year. Dixie you really are an excelent narrator.

[@wesleykremer3916]

I watched 4x tonight. The scenery is beautiful and the music was fabulous. Keep wuping the PCT and prayers to you all to be safe! Thanks Dixie!!!

[@MaiuLunekund]

I got teary-eyed at the end. So motivational. Dixie you are awesome.

[@meganlynn1900]

This video made me cry. I can't even imagine what it would be like to really be there. So beautiful!

[@8Throtl1]

Megan Baker, me too!

[@RPftw]

That point... at 19:41 when it all comes together. You can hear the JOY and the purpose, all in one breath. Great job to both Dixie and her editor :)

[@mikeconn7623]

John Muir saw those mountains and dedicated his life to their preservation, it is easy to see why. Your journey is a gift of a lifetime and girl you are killin it. Love your channel, love your spirit, just want you to know how much you inspire me! Trek on!

[@airwolf61970]

I'm an old guy. But I can tell you were raised right just by the saying you say and the songs you sing. I live in Arkansas. Love, love, love your videos. 😃

[@nickvanderwesthuizen2886]

I do like how philosophical you get after overcoming a challenge. I think I'll call this one Dixies mountain philosophy. And I understand, I've experienced it. The Sierras are amazing.

[@swatsullivan]

This has to be the best edited video yet. Putting together some of my own videos, I've really got an appreciation for the transitions and voiceovers (from other clips), etc. incredibly well done. Music blended perfectly. With a nod to she who filmed it. No easy task and captured some amazing shots!! Happy hiking.

[@bdcash]

The cities in America have never held any great appeal to me but the scenery is amazing. Beautiful.

[@endtimestraveller6634]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us. At this point it starts to feel like you are friend. I feel with you during this videos and really grew to like you. Thank you and I wish you all the best!

[@Virpukka]

Video can never really show the beauty of the sunrise, but it for sure looked like something worth to do the hike. And THANK YOU for sharing first video where people actually opens those straps for river crossings. After past weeks news that was such a relief to see since so far in all the other videos that I have seen from this hiking season people have kept them closed. So thumbs up for that.

[@ThisWayfaringLife]

Love, love, love this video!!! I did Kearsarge to Whitney over Labor Day weekend in 2017 and there was still a section of snow just below the summit of Whitney. I couldn’t imagine what it was like in the early season until I watched your video-insane! Thank you for taking us along on your adventure!

[@jodierhea8093]

This was heart stopping amazing! You are so courageous Dixie!! I'm always so relieved when you are at least with trail family for some of these treacherous and extra, extra challenging days. My hubby and I summited Whitney about 13 years ago from lone pine via trail camp. The first year/try that's as far as we made it due to snow and altitude sickness. Bummer. But the next year we were back (lucky lotto passes) spent the night again at trail camp, then saw the sunrise near the top as we hiked the last mile. Not near as much snow that year. So breathtaking! I cringed watching this though. I know you were/are okay because the last couple months I've been bouncing back and forth watching your three hike-thurs and other videos. So well done, entertaining and educational. But I knew those drop-offs near the top are.....drop offs!!! and you guys were hiking in the dark over snow. Yikes!😲😳🙈 But you made it. 😅😎 We are 66 and almost 70. We backpacked in Kings Canyon National Park on our honeymoon and have bp many times since then, but nothing like you . This video was just breathtaking. Thank you for taking time to record it. So glad you're taking your mom and sister out this summer (if I have that correct?) and working on the pct. Will be watching when you go to Spain. 👏👏👏🌻💚

[@Halusin]

That was the most majestic Zero ever! Keep on truckin' Dixie and stay safe.

[@gingerz169]

I'm so glad you shared this with everyone by posting it on youtube. I'm sick alot and not strong enough to do such a hike. But I can live vicariously through your video! And its so pretty! Thank you for posting!

[@sevans1414]

Can't thank you enough for this video Dixie- I'm starting a completely new and terrifying stage in my career/life next week and watching you conquer these challenges really helps me feel like I can tackle my own. Hope you're staying safe and having a great time!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Congrats to you and your new career! Just keep your head up and believe in yourself and the rest will fall into place :) Thank you for the well wishes!

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

Wowza, great episode and section of trail; like Scotland, Norway and the Alps rolled into one. Hats off to the editing too, stunning.

[@JayWandersOut]

I love how every day there's something to be excited about. You're really living!

[@danmoreno1176]

Congrats on knocking out Whitney. I'm so happy I found your channel just can't wait for each episode. I'm living vicariously through you. KEEP TRUCKING

[@DogplayBDA]

i was freaking out with the night hike but man what a reward to watch the sunrise across the country amazing

[@DashScott]

Dixie, I'm really enjoying your PCT adventure. Excellent videos and editing! Puts me there. I was wondering how impassable the Sierras were this year but your video (and Nick's) put things into perspective.

[@kellenwanders]

Rae Lakes, 1000 island Lakes, Lake Ediza.....so much more past Whitney!!! :) Great video.

[@NeonRaindr0ps]

That was by far the most amazing, bad ass, beautiful video! Oh my gosh it just makes me so happy and keeps me motivated and excited for when I will hike the PCT one day! You are crushin' it Dixie!!!

[@mfavia620]

Dixie when you did the A T I watched all your episodes but started watching them when you were like 3/4's done. I'd watch a few and couple weeks later I would get back on it. This time around I can't wait for Wednesday to come and wish you a safe journey ahead to Canada. I know when this series is over I know I'll watch all over again and I'm sure it'll be binge watching. ATB Mike

[@larrygldn9245]

It is great to see your elation at what you are seeing and experiencing. I have seen a few people try to explain the grandeur of what your seeing but it truly comes across when you look into the camera. Thanks for bringing us alone. larry

[@hkstrongside]

Great video Dixie. I have to say, I am obsessed with the idea of doing a thru-hike thanks to you. Great accomplishment! 13K+ elevation is awesome. I will be just over 10k in elevation this weekend in the High Unitas of Utah. Stay safe and thank you for sharing your adventure!

[@joeandrews1957]

Way to go Dixie! Kudo's to Aaron for putting it together and making the emotion and majesty come through! A lot of good work by both of you. Thank you!!

[@frankfowlkes7872]

One of your best videos Dixie! We are hiking up Mt. LeConte in a couple of weeks and you have got me properly motivated. I really enjoy my weekly Dixie fix and even though I will be in New Orleans this weekend I will not miss your extra episode!

[@johnwayne6501]

this Mt Whitney video was so beautiful it actually made me cry seeing such awestruck beauty. Thank you for sharing a part of Nature I may never see in person but glad that you did it.

[@roberts3942]

Very motivational thoughts near the end of the video. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger as a person. Excellent video, editing and music. I can't wait to see more of your journey on the PCT.

[@PatJ61]

Best.Video.Yet. I'm so glad you made it past Forester and I'm loving that we get to come along.

[@danielemmons3513]

Makes me want to go back to the Sierra's . Growing up in Bakersfield it was great having all this in my backyard. Now living in Houston I miss the Sierra"s

[@tracywandering9125]

Dixie!! It's gorgeous up there! Wow! Hike on woman, be safe and enjoy those outstanding panormic views!

[@kimbasciano_]

Wow, just wow.😍 the world is absolutely breathtaking, I need to see more of it. I look up to you so much, the amount of drive and adventure you have in you Jess is just so contagious! Much love always!

[@ianjustiz8968]

Always happy to see a new upload!

[@kimbasciano_]

Always thinking of you & hoping you're staying safe, Dixie! The scenery at Mt Whitney looked so beautiful, I can't imagine how much more beautiful it is in person!

[@Roger-ny9xr]

WOW!!! That is some awesome looking country side you're hiking in. Thanks for sharing with those of us who will probably never get the chance to hike the trail. Keep on truckin.

[@Katharine848]

The head lamps reflecting in the snow fields is superior. Cool how Dixie always focuses on the tiny teeny spiders, even in the massive forest. That was incredibly magical.

[@JohnMGibby]

Great video Dixie and awesome editing too. Literally took my breath away! It was amazing and so great to see the excitement on your face. I'm sure the images really don't do it justice, but you guys did a great job. My favorite video of all of yours. RTR

[@RPftw]

Wow, girl... So proud of you. SO happy for you. It must have been just an awesome feeling to stand up there. I can't wait!

[@jej1886]

This is the most awesome adventure. Ty for sharing it. I hope this "old man" (54) can find his way to follow in your foot steps. One foot, in front of another, as you said. . 👍😊

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Amazing hike , absolutely stunning views. I can't imagine anyone saying that the Mt. Whitney adventure was not special. Good to see you made short work of the water crossings.Great job!! As always thank you for sharing ... stay safe and God Bless...

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

THE COLORS & DEFINITION & HOW SHARP EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!

[@lesa8145]

Dixie, thank you for another awesome episode. It is rare that I watch a video more than once, but this one was too spectacular not to.

[@2ARights]

Me and my highschool buddies hiked the JMT 4 or 5 times in the late 70s and the way I described it was majestic. Nothing better in the upper 48! I moved to GA in 93 and have been hiking the APT but it just doesn't compare.

[@Swimdeep]

My first time climbing Whitney, I was 14 and it was day 5 or 6 of a 28 day trip. We did Guitar Lake approach. I was so excited by the time we made the Crest, I went too fast to summit-AMS resulted. After vomiting and resting a bit in the worst cold ever (August blizzard -32 wcf), I made it to the top. I’ve climbed Mt Whitney three times total.

[@retiredusmc9090]

Words cannot describe the Greatness of this video and your uplifting, positive attitude! Keep pushing the boundaries.

[@tinchina85]

Wow! That footage of you going up to Mt. Whitney (the music, the music! :)) and then the sunrise? AMAZING! Thank you SO MUCH for posting! I feel like I was actually there with you guys!

[@wiltonvandeventer2793]

Is it just me or does she have the cutest ears along with the cutest personality of any channel?? What a pleasure it is to follow her journey. I love everything about the way she converses to the camera, and her accent makes me smile, so refreshing. Thank you.

[@here4thamuzic]

I'm sorry (but not sorry) when you were all bundled up in your sleeping bag talking to us, your voice was one of the sexiest things that I've ever heard. Good googly moogly... This was a wonderful episode Dixie! Once again, your editor deserves some huge props! Hike on girl!

[@johnVidBozo]

Best vlog yet of your series. Perhaps I'm biased because you did such a good job of showing how awesome my favorite section of the JMT is. Other thru hikers have complained because they can't 'do the miles' in the Sierra, but you do a great job of taking what the trail offers and enjoying the challenge.

[@brandoncrews9242]

Great video Dixie! I just summited Whitney for the sunrise on 8/03 on the HST and someone added cairns right before the ice and snow for the last portion of the Whitney summit so we could skip the snow using another trail up. Grateful for that since we didn't have ice axes!

[@mikepedigo9888]

Absolutely beautiful sunrise! Great job, keep up the great job. Have fun Jessica, be safe, keeping you in prayer.

[@scubadoc7100]

Hey Jessica, I just finished watching the rest of this video and again you are one awesome girl. I love your grit, your determination, your personality, and your truly beautiful outlook on life, nature, and the world. Keep it up, girl and please continue carrying us along with you. As kudos to your editor. Both your videoing and his editing just keep getting better and better! War Eagle!

[@CMCrockett]

Thumbs up, Dixie. Im going to play this one for my teen daughters who always complain when I tell them we are going for a hike. Hopefully, they will be inspired by your last few words. Next hike... Tumbledown Mt., Maine. It will be their 1st time over 2000'.

[@joseperez-cl8jk]

Hi Dixie I am following a few pct hikers each year you are the best in videoing the trip your viewpoint is one of me just standing there seeing the view with you it's breathtaking be safe Make tracts. Jo

[@steve0o]

This is probably your best episode yet, Dixie. Kuddos to the editor! Thanks for the good vibes and inspiration for my 2018 PCT thru hike!

[@NNYDebbie]

Fantastic. Thank you so much for bringing us along. What a wonderful adventure.

[@rr8641]

Bravo !!! So glad you decided to push thru the Sierra's. So strong, so brave, so charming. Love being a part of your journey. God bless.

[@scubadoc7100]

Jessica, that view of the sunrise from Mt Whitney was just incredibly awesome!!!! Thank you so much for taking us along so we can enjoy what you are experiencing! From this Alabama boy: you go girl! You've got this!! War Eagle!!!

[@bobsisson7088]

The Mt Whitney scenes were incredible, loved the background music, great editing.

[@kevincraig8234]

Wow! What incredible scenery. Episode17 is the best produced yet. Inspiring!

[@LittleChena]

Hi Dixie, that was stunning. Aaron, you did great as always. Stuck in Alaska with no chance of climbing/hiking at the moment the summit was a beautiful gift to watch. You did great .... and I know the feeling to see the sun come up after a night of climbing well, nothing can compare with that. Thank you for taking us along.

[@silverpaddles2905]

Look forward to Wednesdays because of these videos. This was a great one. So happy to ride along on Sunrise Mt. tops and amazing passes.

[@won4736]

Thank you so much for sharing the most beautiful existence you've seen in your life. I am astonished.

[@LoranPeterman]

Absolutely awesome images. Could not hit the button fast enough to see how were/are conquering the PCT Sierra beast I've been up and over Glen Pass so Forester is next on my section list. Sierras are the best, enjoy and keep postin'

[@WayneTheSeine]

Wow..... the summit was tear jerking beautiful.

[@jeffreyrose46]

Your editor is so amazing and those views OMG 😀😀😀😀😀📷🎥

[@november151956]

You can slow the video down in the settings.

[@drrockyr]

Don't change a thing. You guys have established your own style, and I love it. It's not how I would shoot it, and that's the point. It's like a "Hike Your Own Hike" kind of thing. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure.

[@austinbrown709]

Beautiful photography, beautiful story - thanks for taking us along. Stay safe!

[@crflashyfox]

Absolutely stunning Dixie!!! Thank you for sharing with us!!!

[@strickysbackpackingadventures]

Wow Dixie! What an AWESOME section of your adventure. Super proud of you digging deep to get through it safely! Praying for you daily. Be safe and thank you so much for sharing. P.S. AWESOME video production!

[@nataliek5219]

I love how CRAZZYYYY you guys are hiking through all that snow and "creeks" but also crazy AWESOME! The adrenaline from just watching you do it is enough for me, thanks. Always looking forward to your videos!!

[@mobiltec]

Congratulations Dixie! I knew you could do it. And you can continue to do it. Smash it Dixie!... Smash it!

[@JamesBradrickMapa]

THE most awesome to date!

[@keidun]

Awesome sunrise... My feet got cold just watching you cross those streams...

[@rdoody2067]

Mt Whitney and the JMT to Bishop will spoil you for any other hike/backpack.

[@torren6576]

Hey just thought that I'd mention that the other reason to travel when the snow is hard especially on steep terrain is because as the snow softens rocks and boulders are often released and can get up some good speed. I've seen it a lot on Mt. Shasta.