Today I have to just type a Happy Birthday to Emma (Grandma) Gatewood and tell you a little about her, just to maby inspire someone to go out and hike some. In 1887, today (october 25) Emma Rowena (Caldwell) Gatewood, known as Grandma Gatewood, was born in Mercerville, Guyan Township, Gallia County, Ohio, US
Emma “Grandma” Gatewood is perhaps the most famous of all Appalachian Trail thru hikers and is often called the first woman to hike the entire Trail, or the first woman to complete a thru hike. Instead, she is the first woman to hike the entire trail alone. She was the first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail solo in 1955 at the age of 67 years old, after raising 11 children and suffering years of domestic violence. In 1957,
If you’re not familiar with Emma’s life, I highly recommend checking out “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk,” by Ben Montgomery. If you have ever been inspired by her story, please consider giving back by gifting a dollar to her GoFundMe for building a statue near her grave
“There isn’t a thruhiking season in which her name hasn’t been spoken on trail.”
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Paul Maxwell About Emma:
The story of Emma Gatewood affectionately known as Grandma Gatewood, began when she read a National Geographic magazine from August 1949, about the Appalachian Trail. The article made it appear that this was an endeavor that could be accomplished with ample shelters and camping spots along the way within a days walk. Emma’s first attempt to walk the trail was in 1954. She started in Maine and within a few weeks she had broken her glasses and been off course for several days. When park rangers from Maine found her they basically told her she should go home. Undeterred by her failure, she went home to regroup. By 1955 she was determined to start again. On May 3, 1955 a 67 year old grandmother from Ohio set out determined to be the first woman to walk the entire Appalachian Trail from start to finish in a single season. By the end of her journey in 1955 from Mount Oglethorpe Georgia to Mount Katahdin Main, Emma Gatewood aka Grandma Gatewood became a national celebrity.
I where planing to do a mini walk just for today but becaous of my health and the weather I guess I have to stay at home. But if it is good wather next week I take the walk some day then. It is important to be aware about your health and take care of yourself.
Have a grate evening and I hope to see you soon again.
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A
Links and stuff:
The article about the Appalachian Trail (AT) in National Geographic magazine from August 1949,
Paul Maxwell; I represent Ohio Valley Memory Gardens in Gallipolis Ohio. We are the cemetery where Grandma Gatewood is laid to rest. Link to her GoFundMe for building a statue near her grave.
More information about the mission of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Work it out as you are 