Trail Magic The Grandma Gatewood Story Watch Online
Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story is a documentary film that tells the inspirational true story of Emma Gatewood, a 67-year-old grandmother who hiked the entire Appalachian Trail alone in 1955. She became the first woman to hike the trail solo and the first person, male or female, to hike it three times.
Who was Grandma Gatewood?
Emma Gatewood was born in 1887 in Ohio. She was married at a young age and had 11 children with her husband, Perry Gatewood. Despite her domestic responsibilities, Emma always loved nature and the outdoors.
Emma endured physical and emotional abuse from her husband for many years, but she finally left him in 1940. She moved in with one of her adult sons and began to explore the outdoors more seriously.
Why did she hike the Appalachian Trail?
In 1955, at the age of 67, Emma Gatewood decided to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone. She wore sneakers and carried a homemade backpack with a few supplies.
Emma said that she wanted to prove that women could do anything men could do, and she wanted to see the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains up close. She did not tell her family or friends about her plan, but she did write letters to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to let them know where she was and how she was doing.
What is trail magic?
Trail magic is a term used by hikers to describe unexpected acts of kindness from strangers on the trail. It can be anything from a cold drink or a snack to a ride into town or a place to sleep for the night.
Emma Gatewood experienced many acts of trail magic during her hike of the Appalachian Trail. She was often offered food and a place to stay by people who heard about her journey. She even received a new pair of shoes from a journalist who met her on the trail.
What can we learn from Grandma Gatewood?
Emma Gatewood's story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. She faced many challenges on her journey, including dangerous weather, rough terrain, and physical exhaustion. But she never gave up.
Emma also showed us the importance of taking risks and trying new things, no matter our age or background. She proved that it's never too late to follow our dreams.
Finally, Emma Gatewood's story reminds us of the kindness and generosity of strangers. The trail magic she experienced on the Appalachian Trail is a testament to the goodness of humanity and the importance of helping others.
Watch Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story online to learn more about this incredible woman and her journey.