Day 5 – Slackpacking Virginia – Grandma Gatewood & Zero Day – AT Hike #20

Day 5 Virginia – Bear Tree Gap to Saunders Shelter to Downtown Damascus (house) 11.2 Gain 3,149 Loss 2,072

I’m thrilled to share that today, I’ve logged 213.35 miles on the AT. With a goal of 150+ miles per year, I’m ahead of schedule. Wahoo!

Today was another incredible day. The weather was perfect, we had lunch along a small stream and met a couple wearing yellow (my favorite color) who were heading into Damascus for a zero day.

A “zero day” refers to a day when a hiker doesn’t cover any miles on the trail. It’s essentially a rest day, allowing a hiker to recover physically and mentally. Zero days can be spent in towns, hostels, or even at a scenic spot along the trail. These days are crucial for preventing injuries, avoiding mental fatigue, and recovering from illnesses. Taking zero days is known to help increase a hiker’s overall pace by keeping them fresh and excited about the trail. Most thru-hikers take a zero day every 7 to 10 days on average.

Let’s be honest, we all need zero days in our lives. Whether it’s binge-watching our favorite shows, indulging in a spa day, or simply lounging in our pajamas all day, zero days are the unsung heroes of productivity! So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember: even the toughest hikers need a break, and so do you.

We were all excited to visit Lumpy’s store, because he had a surprise for us. We got to see the pair of shoes Emma Gatewood hiked in. Here is a quick overview of her story…

Emma Gatewood, also known as “Grandma Gatewood,” was born Emma Rowena Caldwell on October 25, 1887, on a farm in Gallia County, Ohio. She grew up in a large family, sharing just four beds with her 14 siblings in a log cabin. Her father, Hugh Caldwell, was a Civil War veteran who had lost his leg and was a heavy drinker and gambler. From a young age, Emma was often called upon to do strenuous manual labor on the farm. At the age of 19, Emma married Perry Clayton Gatewood, a 26-year-old farmer. Unfortunately, Perry physically abused Emma for more than 30 years. Despite the hardships, Emma raised their eleven children and managed to get a divorce from Perry in 1940, which was almost unheard of for women at the time.

In 1955, at the age of 67, Emma Gatewood became the first woman to solo hike the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. Her journey was remarkable not only because of her age but also because she was a mother of 11, a grandmother of 23, and a survivor of domestic abuse.

Her preparation for hikes was quite unconventional compared to modern standards. She didn’t use specialized hiking gear or undergo extensive training. Instead, she relied on her life experiences and a few simple items. Gatewood’s only real training for her historic trek was walking 10 miles a day to build up her leg muscles. Her entire life had prepared her for the undertaking. Through endless farm chores, as a child and as an adult, she knew how to work herself to the bone, and then to keep on going.

For her hikes, she carried a denim sack that she sewed together herself. In it, she packed a shower curtain for shelter, a blanket, a few simple food items, first aid supplies, and a coat. She wore a pair of Keds tennis shoes on her feet and her total pack weight was just 17 pounds. She didn’t carry a sleeping bag, tent, or compass.

After completing her first solo hike of the Appalachian Trail in 1955, Emma Gatewood, also known as “Grandma Gatewood,” continued to make significant contributions to the hiking community. She became the first person, male or female, to hike the Appalachian Trail three times. She completed a second thruhike two years later, followed by a section-hike in 1964. In 1959, she also hiked 2,000 miles of the Oregon Trail. In her later years, she continued to travel and hike, and worked on a section of what would become the Buckeye Trail.

Emma Gatewood’s remarkable achievements and her story of resilience and determination have left a lasting legacy in the hiking community. Emma Gatewood passed away on June 4, 1973, at the age of 85, from what was believed to be a heart attack. She was inducted into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame in 2012.

Emma’s story is one of resilience and determination, breaking barriers in the outdoors and sending a powerful message of perseverance to all. Seeing the shoes Emma Gatewood hiked in was a poignant reminder of the trail’s rich history and the remarkable individuals who have walked it before us.

Today marked our final day on the trail together, and the last time we got to hear Lumpy say, “Y’all get cold, you let me know,” as he closed the van door, like a flight attendant reminding us to put our seat backs in an upright position. While I’m excited about the miles we’ve covered and the adventures we’ve had, it’s the friendships we’ve forged that I’ll miss the most. The camaraderie, the shared laughter, and the support and kindness from new friends have made this journey truly unforgettable. As we part ways, I know these memories and connections will stay with me long after leaving Damascus.