Peace Pilgrim: Minimalist Trekker for World Peace

Mildred Norman Ryder intentionally transformed herself from a middle class homemaker to a virtually penniless promoter of peace. She called herself "Peace Pilgrim," and for almost thirty years she wandered North America on foot on a pilgrimage, carrying her only possessions in her pockets.

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In 1952, Mildred Norman Ryder became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one season. The trek completed a fifteen-year process during which Ryder had intentionally transformed herself from a middle class homemaker to a virtually penniless promoter of peace. Completing her transformation also marked a beginning. Thereafter, she called herself "Peace Pilgrim," and for the next twenty-eight years, until her death, she wandered North America on foot on a pilgrimage for world peace, carrying her only possessions in her pockets.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

Summary and Introduction
Inspired While Walking
The Appalachian Trail
The Pilgrimage
Why Walk?
Food and Shelter
A Simple Pilgrim's Gear
Facing the Elements
- Bibliography

# WORDS: 2290
# PHOTOS: 7

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Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)

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Sep 7, 2010 at 1:06 pm #1263053

Addie Bedford
BPL Member

@addiebedford
Locale: Montana

Companion forum thread to:

Peace Pilgrim: Minimalist Trekker for World Peace

Sep 7, 2010 at 6:04 pm #1643786

George Matthews
BPL Member

@gmatthews

Interesting story. Thanks for sharing with us.

Sep 8, 2010 at 11:20 am #1643935

Jay Wilkerson
BPL Member

@creachen
Locale: East Bay

Thanks for the story Jeremy- I have enjoyed all of your articles on BPL.

Sep 8, 2010 at 12:09 pm #1643948

Kathy A Handyside
BPL Member

@earlymusicus
Locale: Southeastern Michigan

What a wonderful, inspirational story! I was born in 1952, but I had never heard of this woman. I knew about Grandma Gatewood, but not "Peace Pilgrim."

This is a very timely article, given the high unemployment rates, people losing all their possessions, and given the extreme overconsumption our country still engages in.

As a 99er, I've been thinking about the nomad life, because there's a good chance I, too, will be losing my house and car. I read Rita Goldman Gelman's book, "Tales of a Female Nomad." Peace Pilgrim reminded me a lot of Rita, who shares peace and goodwill with people all around the world.

Thanks for a great article!

Sep 8, 2010 at 5:39 pm #1644040

Ken
BPL Member

@scienceken
Locale: Western Oregon

I've read a copy of Peace Pilgrim's pamphlet (they are still available today, a quick google search should find the site honoring her legacy) and appreciate this telling of her story, since I was only aware of a few details. Very inspiring and thought provoking!

Sep 9, 2010 at 1:43 am #1644115

Kathy Hoffman
Member

@basecampbound
Locale: Foothills of San Gabriel Mtns.

Absolutely beautiful and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.

Sep 9, 2010 at 3:54 pm #1644305

AM Martin
Member

@snowbird

Thanks for the great story! A wonderful reminder of the existence of an ascetic saint in modern times. Her experiences are genuine, and mirror many of those of other saints and sages.
I remember reading about her many years ago – for a period of time, she walked through California maintaining silence to promote world peace, always for peace.
Thanks again for the story and the reminder to be peaceful.

Sep 9, 2010 at 6:02 pm #1644350

Franco Darioli
Spectator

@franco
Locale: Gauche, CU.

Thank you very much for this one. Great life story .
I too don't recall having ever heard of her, what an amazing person !
Franco

Sep 17, 2010 at 9:35 am #1646505

Rebecca Cummings
Spectator

@becky908
Locale: So. Cal

What a surprise to read about this woman. Why haven't I ever heard of her? Thank you for a wonderful story. It is a reminder that the most inspiring people are those who live their beliefs in word AND deed.

Sep 23, 2010 at 1:10 am #1648121

Kristin Tennessen
BPL Member

@ktenness
Locale: Bay Area

In a male dominated activity, I especially love hearing tales about ultralight-moving women.

Apr 7, 2011 at 3:52 pm #1721635

Edward Z
BPL Member

@fuzz
Locale: Sunny San Diego

Have to appreciate surrender to a calling. Passion.
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