Wildin’ out.
by robynrobotron
While Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed (my 26th book of the Cannonball Read), wasn’t written by a high school acquaintance, I do have a personal connection to this story, the second book of my race about a woman hiking a mountain trail alone. A while back, I got to be an extra for the film version starring Reese Witherspoon, which was quite a fun experience. I was really happy to find the book in a free box so I could read it before the movie came out.
Like Grandma Gatewood, Cheryl Strayed went through some troubles before she decided to take her walk. After her mother’s death due to cancer, she entered a downward spiral of self-destructive behavior. Deciding to walk the Pacific Crest Trail on her own was another risky choice, but one that ultimately saved her from herself. Unlike Grandma Gatewood, Strayed brought almost too much with her on her trip, everyone she comes across is more amazed by how heavy her pack is than that she’s a woman hiking alone.
Strayed, who chose that name for herself after her marriage fell apart, went through a lot of personal growth, made a lot of friends and amazingly only had one real instance when she was in what I would consider real danger (big surprise, it was from a man, not an animal or the elements). Reading this really made me think about how I would fare taking on a trip like hers. As I’m a mother, I’ll most likely have to wait until my kids are grown until I seriously think about giving it a go, however.
Love Circuits 
Just so you know — Grandma Gatewood waited until all 11 of her children were grown before she did her hike. By that time she was 67 years old and had survived domestic abuse! I’ve been working on a project to document her life/ We’ve already completed a storytelling program (with companion e-book and DVD) and a one-act play. Next up — a documentary which will premier in 2015! You can find out all about our efforts to tell her story at http://edenvalleyenterprises.org/progdesc/gatewood/gtwdinf.htm
Bette Lou, I’m bothered by your assumption that you need to educate me on Grandma Gatewood, as you already commented on my review of a book about her (which is also linked in this review). It’s wonderful that you’re enthusiastic about her story and you’re reaching out to others, but it’s kind of rude to go about it without any regard to past interactions. It makes your comments feel like spam instead of part of a conversation.
I’m sorry, I didn’t realize this was connected to another story/comment. I hadn’t made the connection. There has, indeed, been so much information and posts recently that I have not always been able to keep track of who I’ve contacted and who I haven’t. Please forgive the duplication — it was definitely not intentional.