Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved The Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery
I want to be Grandma Gatewood when I grow up.
Emma Gatewood’s life started out ordinary.
Raised in Ohio as one of 12, she was the product of a Scottish immigrants, daughter of a Civil War veteran. At 18, she met and married P.C, a man 8 years older than her.
The violence that would be part of Emma’s marriage began just a few months after they said “I do.” She endured years of physical, verbal and sexual abuse. Birthing and raising 11 children kept her in the marriage despite the incessant abuse.
When moments got to be too much, Emma would sneak off for walks.
It was years later when Emma found an article about the Appalachian Trail. She secretly began to train for the 2,000+ trek, taking off for long walks and making a homemade satchel that would hold her essential gear for the trek.
At age 67, Emma got herself to Jasper, Georgia. Clad in canvas Keds and carrying a drawstring bag stuffed with some food (bouillon cubes was her staple), a few first aid items, water, coat and a knife, she headed out.
No tent, no sleeping bag, no fancy warm jacket.
Montgomery does a brilliant job of weaving in Emma’s bravery, sad history, tenacity and determination alongside the many people who opened their front porches, doors and cabins to this 5’2” grandma out for a walk.
Grandma Gatewood, as she would affectionately be referred to, completed the Appalachian Trail not once but three times! And she tackled more trails, taking on the Oregon Trail after completing the AT.
While written as more of a nonfiction memoir and less of a story, Montgomery’s written account of Gatewood is simply inspiring.
When asked why she did what she did, she says it best. “Because I wanted to.”
Book Rating: Solid B+
Emma Gatewood’s journal entries scatter the pages of this book, giving you insight into the mind of a woman who simply moved through life even when it was literally beating her down. She has a lot to teach us if we’re willing to listen.
Image from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
To learn more about hiking the Appalachian Trail, check out the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. They have an excellent interactive map, links for history and resources along with ways to get involved in caring for this historical journey.