Grandma Gatewood's Walk

[Bethers]

Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Montgomery is the story of Grandma Gatewood who walked the entire Appalachian Trail - TWICE. A blurb:
"In 1955, at the age of 67, Gatewood told her children (who were now adults) that she was going for a walk. They did not ask where or for how long, as they knew she was resilient and would take care of herself. About 5 years earlier, Gatewood read an article in National Geographic about the AT and thought "it would be a nice lark," though in retrospect considering the difficulty she added "It wasn't." "

It's an easy read - sometimes going into what was happening in the area/world at the time - giving her background, etc, and sometimes I wish it gave more about the hiking itself, but still recommend it. I have people tell me sometimes that I'm an inspiration - THIS woman is an inspiration to me, all these years later. I thought of her the other day when my knee was aching on a hike here. I then thought, "I haven't felt anything, yet!"

[SoCalGalcas]

Thank You Beth! I got it from the library and loved it! I had never heard of her. I have recommended it to the two daughters.
Funny thing today, I got an ad from Nat'l Geo stating clothes for trekking. Hats, $40, T shirts, $30, etc, etc. You get the point!
What a wonderful woman in more ways than just a hiker!
Lyn

[Bethers]

Oh, Lyn, I'm glad you liked it, too. I just reread it last night and today. I liked it before; I love it now.

[PeggyinCT]

Hi Beth,
I read the book last week or so, and there was Liz's posting of Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills State Park and the trail in Ohio named for Grandma Gatewood. I've been at the trailhead at Springer Mt. And I've hiked some sections of the trail here in CT and MA and VT. Always dreamed about doing the entire trail, but that never happened. I enjoyed the book. Peggy

[Liz]

I'm reading it now, and am amazed at how she accomplished it in those days.

[TarheelBornGal]

I bought this book for my step-father, who has always dreamed of hiking the AT but knees won't allow it. I have got to borrow it from him the next time we're there. I love reading this kind of stuff even though day hikes are enough for me!

[SoCalGalcas]

I am so happy to see all who are reading this book...I loved it...thanks to Beth for mentioning it. My daughter just finished it and she too loved it. lyn

[chalet05]

I borrowed the audio book from the library (downloaded to my phone). What a wonderful story! Steven and I met a few people who were hiking in segments back in 2001.