Ending My Arizona Trail Thru-hike After ONE MILE
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- 00:00 Southern Terminus of the Arizona Trail
01:14 My Travel Issues
03:20 Why I'm Not Thru-hiking The Arizona Trail This Season
04:43 Driving Across Arizona
05:57 The Grand Canyon
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The amount of beautiful footage from just a day is wild! Looking forward to watching your hike when it happens.
What an excellent, feel good video this was, for two reasons. As an outdoor guide, with over 40 years of experience, I’ve had many setbacks like this. It was wonderful to see how well you handled it. I will remember your example the next time one of my trips falls through. Second, the scenery and the music we’re awesome! Thank you!
By the way, a couple of months ago, I met a teenager who had hiked the entire Appalachian trail last summer by herself. I asked her, what inspired her to run away from home without letting her parents know where she was going, to go do something she had no experience doing. Her response, she had watched all of the Dixie videos on CZcams. 😂 She eventually let her parents know where she was, once she was on the trail. Thank you for emphasizing the importance of letting people know where you are on the trail.
I can’t imagine how bummed I would feel. You cleared your schedule, got in shape for the hike, and at the end of all the excitement, such disappointing news. I’m glad to know you didn’t get hurt though!
Dixie, I'm sorry you ran into a bad situation for the Arizona trail. You will not regret having to reschedule. I taught science at the Hopi reservation just 80 miles east of the Grand Canyon and was fortunate to experience the great and spectacular diversity of people, wildlfe, and geology. Everywhere I hiked and explored revealed incredible secrets of the desert both high and low. Wishing you a wonderful return to that trek.
I am so sorry, Dixie! But I have no doubt it WILL happen when the time is right.
In the meantime, I cannot thank you enough for inspiring my (grown) daughter into luring me out onto our local trails here in WV since I have retired, and showing me how very much I am still able to do at age 67. I got her kayaking with me, and now we are carrying heavier and heavier day packs toward building up strength and endurance for backpacking -- all thanks to your inspiration and excellent information.
Blessings be to you and your family. Keep looking forward, and thanks for being a blessing to so many!
❤ Dixie...i had an incident and had to get airlifted off of Miller. It ended a year later with a surgery. I feel your spirit in this one. I live in Az. Middle Verde. I love it here. I will keep an eye on you and your next yrip. I will help you, if available. I know the routes and extra scenery! We Arizonians await your journey!
In 2019 I solo hiked the AZT to Pine (not Page as previously written!) and ran out of time to complete the trip.
About 6 days up from the Mexican border, feeling overwhelmed, I emailed you in desperation. I will forever treasure your reply, “You’ve got this!” My spirits were lifted and I carried on for 5 1/2 weeks. Thank you.
The vertical profile of the hike (over 50K feet) is one thing, but out on the trail one quickly realizes that the planners determined to make the trip as arduous as possible! Arizona is the*4th* most mountainous state in the country and the people laying out the course make this painfully clear! This is far from solely a “desert” hike! The only part that was anything like I expected was around Tucson - despite research including lots of videos.
You will return, and we all look forward to seeing that adventure through your eyes!
you ran out of time but continued on 5 1/2 weeks ??? what does that even mean
@@firstname4337 It’s an 800+ mile journey. I thought that I could make it all the way to the Utah border - having started at the Mexican border. However, I only made it 1/2 way, to Page AZ before I had to return home. It’s a difficult trail.
@@edog1955 page is on the utah border. I think you mean pine.
@@alanwrobleski You’re right! That’s what that trail did to my brain!!!😂
Dixie- Sorry to see your plans change due to multiple issues. Hiking teaches one to be flexible. As always, you are making the best of it and staying positive. Best of luck.
Native Arizonan here. Hiked and camped my whole life. People don't appreciate the diversity of climate and terrain in Arizona. Both north to south as well as east to west. Giant panoramic vistas are an everyday thing here. Come back Dixie and have fun in the sun.
I'm from Utah, same thing. I have co-workers that think I'm nuts for liking desert-hiking. They don't understand me, I don't understand them, it's all good....
For only a one mile hike, the scenery you shot was amazing. Look forward to the full hike one day!
Thank you for taking us along with you as you make these journeys. I hate it did not work out this time, but we are all pulling for you at your next attempt.
Firstly, i don’t consider it a fail but only a disappointment. And, if any disappointing situation in life ends with watching a sunset over the Grand Canyon, that’s a pretty good consolation. I look forward to your next journey, Dixie.
What Chris said
couldn't have said it better myself!
Amen, Chris!
Dixie, your montages and the accompanying scores are first rate. I really look forward to your posts now. I am retired from the backcountry due to disability but you have given me a window back to what matters most to me. Thanks and keep it up!
Love that you posted this despite bailing on the trail. Knowing when to turn around and come back another day is one of the most important skills to have in the wilderness. I was hellbent on going through with my first backpacking trip last year despite omen after omen telling me to give up before I started. Didn’t listen to any of them but I did finally listen to my body screaming in exhaustion halfway through the trail and decided to turn around before I got in too deep. Got a call from the backcountry office the next day asking if I made it back to town or if they needed to send a rescue team because snowmelt from the warm night had caused some flooding on the trail and they had gotten reports that it was dangerously impassable. I would’ve definitely survived had I powered through and made it to camp, but being stuck in the backcountry for an extra day or having to be rescued probably would’ve killed any desire I have to put myself that deep in the wild. Finally made it out to the smokies for round 2 recently and had a totally successful trip. Itching to get back out there again soon
Great video Dixie glad you got to see the Canyon. The trail will be here for you another day..enjoy your Spring!
Thanks for all of the great content! Good luck with the next adventure!
The time lapse at 7:25 is OTHER WORDLY! I had to go back and watch it again. Outstanding work!
I'm really sorry your trip didn't work out as you'd planned, Dixie. When you do go back and do the AZT, it will be all the more rewarding!!
Wow, Dixie. Your photography and video making skills are amazing! Thank you for sharing what you could of this experience. I'm not usually the superstitious type, but wow. It sure seems like there were red flags everywhere from the beginning here. You may have dodged something terrible happening if you had persisted on this trail. I'm so glad you listened to your instincts and stopped when you did. This is NOT a failure on your part. I'm sorry it didn't work out this time, but in time it definitely will. You lived to fight another day. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration to us all, no matter what happens. :)
@cancerlmarI was diagnosed with cancer in October. The way is hard but hopeful. I wish you well
Love your attitude, Dixie - Thx for the beautiful footage & looking forward to your return to The Arizona Trail
Oh my! What spectacular video. This looks so incredible. It is not a fail by any means.looking forward to the hike when you are able to go. Thank for sharing your journeys. You are amazing.
Dixie, you're such a trooper!! Thanks for sharing the beautiful views with us, but most of all your beautiful outlook. I pray that you will eventually hike it the way you want to, and the way that you are meant to. I have found during a long life that there are times when it's best not to force things to happen.
You know, I have never really liked the desert so I never really wanted to see the Grand Canyon, but after watching this video and seeing how beautiful it is I will probably put it on my bucket list now. Thanks. That couple that put yall up seems really nice. You were blessed to find them. Hope you finally make it out to hike that trail one day.
Gorgeous video, and very best wishes for the your eventual return!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I've had so many disappointments and bumps when I travel, it's really reassuring to see someone I admire deal with the same and admit they don't always just "push through." Plus, I appreciate that you were honest in the title - you never click bait us. Thank you for being an inspiration. I'll be taking my first overnight backpacking trip this summer - and you were the inspiration. :D
Very sorry Dixie! Two years ago I hiked NOBO. Made it 20 miles south of Grand Canyon, then had to stop due to a leg injury. I hitched to the Grand Canyon, spent 3 night there, then 10 nights in Flagstaff trying to get better….did not happen. Planned on finishing the rest this year, but then I tore a tendon in my elbow, while at work ☹️ Anyway, I kinda feel your pain! We will both make it back, until then, be safe!
Rance your the man!! I love your videos and look forward to what you have in store this year!!
@@trekforwardhiking
Thank man!! Just had elbow surgery March 3rd, but working hard to get back out on trail! I ain’t no Dixie, but I try to have the best time while on trail 😁👍🏼
Fractured my heel in 7 places on the 28th of january. was ament to beatleast 12 weeks till i can bare pressure. but i had enough was getting cabin fever big time and was off the critches and moonboot by week 5. i did watch your vidoes for power to get on with it. im now dealing with a ankle that clicks when i walk and pain in the hell but i have learned to know when to have a rest. im a garadener by trade so always on my feet. But im looking forward to when i can go for a long hike in the scottish highlands like i normaly do.
@@albagardenmaintenance9518
I’m very sorry to hear about your foot injury. It is certainly disappointing, but you just gotta sulk for a day or two, then get motivated to get healed up. Kinda hard when all you want to do is hit the trail, and hike. We will all get healed up and back out on trail, or wherever, soon! I greatly appreciate the support…..thank you! Sure was bummed about Dixie’s hike, but it will all work out in the end!!
Sorry for y'all's injuries disappointments!
As a life-long local and long-time subscriber, I was really looking forward to seeing the AZT documented by you. This little glimpse makes me anticipate that even more. Even people who live in PHX have the same misconception about the state. I hope you do get to come back in the future and see it for real. Glad you still got to see our li’l canyon 😉 and some lovely wildflowers!
Beautiful appetizer! Can’t wait to return with you!
Love your spirit of making the best of the situation. Thanks for sharing your journey! Can't wait to see when you finally do this hike!
Amazing photography! Thanks for posting.
I’m sorry for all the problems, but thanks for sharing some gorgeous video! I hope you are able to return and finish sometime soon.
Oh no! I have been checking for updates on your hike. Hope you enjoyed your short time here. Can’t wait to follow along when you make it back out.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I know you’ve seen now how beautiful AZ can be. I’ll look forward to your videos when you reschedule
Amazing attitude, stunning photography/videography. Two of my favorite things! Thanks, Dixie! 🌵
Thanks for your positive look on times when stuff happens.
I think your excitement for this trail will build and end soon in a fabulous end of trail.
You’ve proven so many times, in the past, that’s how you roll.
Wonderful presentation. Love your enthusiasm! Thanks for sharing!!
Incredible video. Thanks for posting.
Sorry to hear about your trip not working out. Thank you for the beautiful photography.
It's been a wacky winter this year, and the AZT will be here and welcoming when you decide to return! Reach out if needed, I'm in Scottsdale and can help in the future!
Sorry to hear that time and unforeseen circumstances have come your way I’m glad you’re alright and safe I hope things go better next time much love, you got some beautiful photos thanks
I have never been to Arizona until this year. I was there for work related purposes and I was able to do 5 small hikes. One was the hot shot trail. The scenery was beautiful but even better was how friendly and helpful everyone I met was.
So sad for you after all the work. Thanks for still sharing your scenic views and the critters. When it's perfect, you'll get a chance to go and hike the hike that's meant to be.
the GC is a hike like no other. You will want to take your time through it, start early, get that sunrise at ooh ahh point, relax a while at phantom ranch and the river, check out ribbon falls, it is not to be hurried and will be worth the delay I assure you!
You have the best photography. Thanks for the video capture the sunset and dusk and stars over the GC. I ENJOYED IT!
This could be the most beautifully produced video you've ever shot. Absolutely stunning!
I am sorry to hear about your AZT difficulties as I too had some eerily similar ones as well. I was set to head out to AZ in mid-March to hike the AZT, yet like you I had 2 flights cancelled over 2 days out of Boise due to mechanical issues (it was also Spring Break so finding another flight was extremely difficult). After waiting a day and then several hours on the next, I finally got a flight out to Tucson. After finally getting on trail and enjoying the trek to Patagonia, I noticed I was having some knee issues that got progressively worse out of town. Realizing this wasn't just normal aches and pains from a tough beginning hike, I got a ride back to Tucson to see a doctor and learned that I had a strained Quadriceps tendon and a tear in my meniscus. My AZT hike had ended after only 60 miles.
I admire your mindset on this, as I had been struggling a bit with this outcome, but even in just the 60 miles I did I got to meet some truly amazing people and experience so much incredible variety that AZ has to offer. Like you said as well, it definitely didn't feel like it was meant to be this year for me, either. I will definitely come back another year to do this trail, and now shift my focus to healing up and setting out on future adventures!
BREATHTAKING photography!!! your positive attitude is icing on the cake that is your artist's eye....thankyou
This is a very rare year out west, so the desert you recently saw with wildflowers and snow capped peaks isn't necessarily the typical experience. Just keep that in mind and temper your expectations and excitement if you have to delay a year.
This last winter has been one of the biggest rainfall/snowfall/extreme weather years I've seen my whole life in California and that extends to Nevada and Arizona.
Was recently in Death Valley to camp and dirtbike in the desert and it was not what we typically experience this time of year. We had snow, rain, and so much lost access due to the insane water that has come through the west this year.
I've gotten a solid 3.7" of rain in my zip code in Arizona this winter. That's a very large amount for my area! :)
I think you should just forget the concept of "typical experience" and "very rare year". There are no such things anymore. In 20 or 30 we will have a new normal. Probably an apocalyptic one. But until then no "typical experience".
@@Kiev-en-3-joursdon't be silly. The apocalyptic climate change is a hoax to stop the third world from developing and to lower the standard of living of developed nations. It's about population control.
You are by far my fav CZcamsr. Love your transparency.
Dixie, your photography and editing are a whole new level. Love it!
Stunning photography!! Well done!
Wow. You might not have done the hike but you delivered with a spectacular video. Quite an overture to keep us going until you make the hike. Thanks for all you do.
Beautiful video, great shots.
So sorry to hear about your plans getting derailed! I've been hearing so much good about the Arizona trail - looks so beautiful. I also didn't realize how diverse it is with the mountains and desert - sounds like the desert section of the PCT 🥰 I'm hiking the PNT this year but I think I'll have to come back for the AZT soon!
Good call on postponing the AZ hike. Truly a beautiful state to hike, eager to hear your experience.
Love your outlook on life!!!
Did 7 days into, down the inner gorge, then up. I don’t have enough words to describe it. Beyond beautiful, majestic, terrifying, glorious. Too much base weight, not enough experience, altogether about brought me to my knees on the ascent out. I never known such exhaustion. But absolutely worth every single moment. I’ll never ever forget it as long as I live. Do it!
So sorry to hear of all the travel issues!
I'm so sorry Dixie. I'm sad because Arizona is my home and was so excited to follow you on the trail. So happy for you that you got to see a little of our beautiful state and maybe I'll bump into you next year. Thanks for your beautiful videos.
One of my very earliest memories was of the Grand Canyon - I had just turned 3 and my parents drove from Atlanta to LA. I remember looking down and seeing the blue green water of the river framed by the red cliffs; there was a woman selling her handmade items near the visitors center and she and I looked at each other very intently for a minute. It's an unforgettable place and I'm looking forward your trip through it whenever that may be!
once again nailed the perfect pairing of scenery and music. well done. cant wait for "part 2"!
Beautiful scenery. This was a really good video !!!
So good that the home front was keeping an eye on developments and was able to let you know before you got too far in. There’s always time to do it again. The trail abides 🤗❤️
This was wonderful, partly because it was so much different that most of your videos, but wow! You captured so much in this. And the time lapse stars.....wow.
Hi Dixie! Just want to mention that I really enjoy your channel and have learned a lot, also I hope you are in better health now. Thake care!
Your footage is stunning, as always! 😍
First of all, a big sigh of relief, knowing that you didn't end the hike due to an injury! I was honestly very apprehensive about watching this, because I did NOT want to witness you getting hurt, Jessica! Whew!
I completely understand your frustration and disappointment with what may be considered a "fail" but who knows, this may very well have been Divine intervention (I wholeheartedly believe in that) that put a temporary stop to this trip! It has happened to me more times than I can count. I've just had to shrug my shoulders and patiently wait and try again. There is a distinct difference between perseverance and tempting the fates. After watching your adventures and listening to your Soul-searching thoughts, I know that YOU know exactly what I am talking about--listening to, and heeding that "still, small voice." You will get another chance at this adventure, and you will be even that much more prepared. That's why that age-old saying of, "Patience is a virtue" still rings so true. And besides, look what a wonderful little "shorty" of a trip you got; look at this glorious footage you captured and the great visit you had with your friends! This was far from a failed adventure! I truly look forward to watching your next video of this hike in the future! Thank you for all you do and all you are, Dixie! You are the BEST! Happy Trails! 😊❤
Hugs, it's hard to change plans, especially with all that you put into it. Hiking the Grand Canyon is what jump started my AZT section hiking adventures. Doing the canyon will be worth all the challenges and adventures it takes to get to/through it.
Beautiful scenery. Look forward to when you do the trail.
Oh we are so sorry!!!! We were so looking forward to watching you! Can’t wait to see your next adventure!
I'm sorry your plans fell through; I've always enjoyed following your adventures.
hope to see you on trail in the fall! 🤗
I was just traveling through there. I'm so sorry it didn't work out. I also had to work my plans around the north rim being closed. However, I'm really excited to see you hike the trail! I'll be waiting and super excited to see you go back and manage to hike it.
Thanks Dixie. And we all have had to change our plans, esp hiking plans, so it’s good for you to show people how this happens and how we can just do the best we can with what we’ve got. Embracing the suck of life on and off the trail. And some great video and music at the end. Thanks.
For being in Arizona just a couple of days, WOW did you get some amazing footage. So sorry it didn't work out this time, but just as you're more excited to hike it now, I'm more excited to experience it through your videos!
Truly beautiful footage
Absolutely gorgeous scenery!! Beautiful video even if you didn’t get to hike. I’m sure you will get back there for the hike when the timing is right.
Such positivity and great camera work
Happy birthday, Dixie! Hope it’s a great day for you!🎂🎂🎂❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏
I understand "failure" (postpone until a later date in my case). I left in mid March to thru- hike the AT and a few days later I was heading back home. I made it from the approach trail to Gooch Gap. My daughter needed dad to be home so I headed home and I'll try hiking again in a few years. I did learn some great things though. It was 15 degrees some nights and my gear worked great. I live in a pretty flat area and didn't have a chance to train hiking big hills until I started my tru-hike. While I went slower than I expected, I was still able to reach my 8 mile limit each day. I'm looking forward to my next attempt with the AT. Hopefully the next time my daughter will be into hiking and will want to go.
Good Friday mornng Dixie. Excellent video - as always. Thanks for sharing a look at your wonderful nomadic life living and camping in the Great Outdoors. 👍👍😊😊
Always enjoy your videos, sorry to hear plans had to change. :)
This wasn't the time and when it is it will be amazing! Great video!
Dixie, stunning scenes. Unbelievable beauty. Thanks for sharing.
Good for you! You made lemonade out of lemons! Sometimes things don’t work out, so picking yourself up by the bootstraps and moving on is the best idea. I love the Grand Canyon, never hiked it, but stood on the edge and felt the most grounding, ethereal floating experience. Proud of you and I know you’ll really enjoy it when you get the opportunity to hike it rim to rim.
I love your positivity and I’m so glad it wasn’t due to an injury!! The experience was still an adventure and an opportunity to learn. That’s three wins! And you got great footage for this small amount of time. I can’t wait to see your footage from the Grand Canyon, it’s gonna be wicked cool.
I was looking for your beautiful videos, hoping you would be posting soon. I’m following a couple of people on trail now and they are having a heck of a time with the unexpected or unusual. When you do have a chance to hike the AZT, I know your photography will be amazing.
What a beautiful view!
The last time I visited the Grand Canyon was as a kid. When my wife and I moved from CA to TN in 2020, we originally planned to take a couple weeks in spring, visiting friends and family along the way, and stopping at places like the Grand Canyon and Four Corners. Then the shutdowns happened. By the time we made the move, it was the middle of summer and everything was shut down. We never made it to the Grand Canyon, or any other tourist destinations. We pretty much just drove straight through, arriving well before the PODS container with all our stuff.
I can definitely sympathize with you. Due to the trail conditions, I ended my PCT thru-hike this year at Idyllwild. I could have flipped north to Tehachapi, but Mount Baden Powell and Big Bear still weren't passable because of the deep snow. To top it off, the Sierra may not be passable this year until August because of the record snowfall this year. Oh well - there's always next year!
The rim tug at 6:30 just made my day. Thanks for being on YT and sharing the efforts and a shining ambassador of Alabama.
Always go with your instinct, most especially on the trail. Every time I’ve ignored that gut felling I came to regret it and I will no longer ignore it
beautiful footage, simply beautiful ❤
been watchin your vids since 2017. i hiked the pct minus 300 miles of the sierra nevadas due to intense snow and lacking the gear to safely traverse it. i like the subtle red streaks in your hair. keep up the great work. i've talked to so many people on trail who are clearly inspired by your videos. you have a friend at the southern terminus of the azt!
I was just at GCNP in January. Lots of snow and almost no people. Words don't do the canyon justice. That would be awesome to hike through it on the trail! I hope you are able to have that experience in the future. As always, amazing video. I love watching your through hikes and can't wait to see where you go next! As always, amazing photography and video!
Hoping that you come back. I would love to see all your adventures here. Hope to do it someday myself.
We hiked the AZT in 2005. Got to the north rim in mid May & they had just cleared the road 3 days prior. Had to walk it to Jacob Lake...the snow on the side of the road was over our head. North side of Grand Canyon gets an incredible amount of snow!
To me, getting to the Grand Canyon (NOBO twice) on the AZT, was more than a destination. It was a very emotional arrival and crossing. And I'd already hiked rim to rim, not on the AZT, once before. There was something different about arriving at South Rim having walked there from the border. I would encourage you to stay as many nights IN the canyon and you can finagle. There's so much to see and do down there! Also, breaking up the trip with a night at the river, a night at Cottonwood, and then climbing out the last day to north rim might help with altitude nausea, that went away for me as soon as I got on flat ground up top. The exertion seemed to make the altitude gain worse for me as an older hiker. Look for the rare pink rattlesnakes!
Agreed. I hiked NOBO in 21, and when I got those first glimpses of it around that wild tank near the south rim, involuntary sobs kept leaping from my core.
Definitely take as much time as you can crossing the canyon.
Your video editing is excellent. ❤
My wife and I had a similar airline experience. Thank goodness we had taken travel insurance to cover the costs of laying over to wait for the next available flight. However the time and experiences we missed are not replaceable. Air travel is really becoming an undependable mode of travel. We’re driving as much as possible in the future. Thanks for the beautiful video! At least something good came from your experience! 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🇺🇸👊🏻
Sending love, holding you in the light
Dang it! I was really looking forward to following this journey. I really hope you do come back to do the trail, though it would have been wonderful to do in the spring. Seeing wildflowers and cacti on the same trail is really something!