Pretty Good at Talking
Pretty Good at Talking
Podcast Description
In 2018, the Strawbridge family - including four kids aged 11 to 16 - walked from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Crest Trail. Their story is told in the book ”Pretty Good at Walking,” but a 2,650-mile journey creates more stories than one book can hold. Join author Vince Strawbridge as he sits down with the colorful characters who shaped his family’s adventure - from trail angels and fellow hikers to musicians and mountain guides. Each episode reveals a new perspective on shared moments from the trail, exploring how individual journeys intertwine to create the unique culture of the PCT. Whether you’re a long-distance hiker, an armchair adventurer, or simply love a good story, Pretty Good at Talking invites you to discover the community that makes the Pacific Crest Trail more than just a path through the wilderness.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show primarily focuses on themes of hiking adventures, personal growth, and community in outdoor settings, with episodes touching on diverse topics such as transformative hiking journeys, the challenges faced on the Pacific Crest Trail, and familial connections forged through shared experiences, as seen in conversations with hikers, trail angels, and family members.

In 2018, the Strawbridge family – including four kids aged 11 to 16 – walked from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Crest Trail. Their story is told in the book ”Pretty Good at Walking,” but a 2,650-mile journey creates more stories than one book can hold. Join author Vince Strawbridge as he sits down with the colorful characters who shaped his family’s adventure – from trail angels and fellow hikers to musicians and mountain guides. Each episode reveals a new perspective on shared moments from the trail, exploring how individual journeys intertwine to create the unique culture of the PCT. Whether you’re a long-distance hiker, an armchair adventurer, or simply love a good story, Pretty Good at Talking invites you to discover the community that makes the Pacific Crest Trail more than just a path through the wilderness.
In this conversation, Charlotte shares her inspiring journey of thru-hiking with her family, including her husband and four children. (more below)
Follow the Gabels on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsadventureday/
Read my awesome book, Pretty Good at Walking:
https://a.co/d/jlktQ9x
Learn more about the HexaTrek:
https://www.hexatrek.com/en
They embarked on an adventure that began with the desire to explore the outdoors together, leading to the decision to hike the Hexatrack in France. Charlotte discusses the challenges of preparing for the hike, the kids’ reactions, and the realities of hiking with young children. The conversation also touches on the unique experiences they encountered, such as exploring castles, navigating the Alps, and the cultural interactions with locals. Throughout the journey, they faced various challenges, including weather conditions and safety concerns, but ultimately found joy in the adventure and the connections made along the way. In this conversation, Charlotte shares her experiences hiking with her children in the Alps and the Pyrenees, discussing the challenges they faced, the lessons learned, and the growth they experienced as a family. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your children’s capabilities, the value of asking for help, and the unique learning opportunities that arise from outdoor adventures. The conversation also touches on the emotional moments of seeing the ocean after a long journey and the bonds formed between siblings during their travels.
Takeaways
Charlotte’s family embarked on a thru-hiking adventure with four kids.
Preparation involved extensive research on gear and logistics.
The kids had varied reactions to the idea of hiking.
Expectations were kept low to avoid disappointment.
The family enjoyed exploring historical sites along the trail.
Weather and technical terrain posed challenges in the Alps.
Meeting fellow hikers enriched their experience.
Resupply strategies were crucial for nutrition on the trail.
Cultural interactions highlighted the differences in outdoor activities in Europe.
Safety concerns were addressed with careful planning and communication. You know your kids the best.
Listening to experienced hikers can provide valuable insights.
The Alps presented unexpected challenges despite initial expectations.
Kids can surprise you with their capabilities in tough situations.
Learning happens naturally through exploration and curiosity.
Family bonding strengthens through shared experiences and challenges.
Asking for help can lead to unexpected solutions.
The journey can be as rewarding as the destination.
Outdoor adventures provide a unique learning environment.
Simplifying travel planning can enhance the experience.
Titles
Thru-Hiking with Kids: A Family Adventure
Exploring the Hexatrack: A Unique Hiking Experience
Sound bites
“I think I’m ready.”
“We were just slow.”
“It was so hot.”
Chapters
00:00 The Beginning of an Adventure
04:17 Preparing for the Thru-Hike
07:23 Family Dynamics and Kids’ Reactions
10:18 First Impressions on the Trail
13:14 Exploring the Castles and Landscape
16:17 Navigating the Alps
19:28 Resupply Strategies and Meal Planning
22:13 Interactions with Other Hikers
25:19 Reflections on the Journey
28:21 The Journey of Perseverance
32:51 Inspiring Others Through Adventure
37:32 Navigating Challenges and Safety Concerns
47:28 Experiencing the Pyrenees vs. the Alps
51:21 Learning on the Trail
51:28 Curiosity and Learning in Nature
54:33 The Growth of Family Bonds
56:23 The Emotional Journey to the Ocean
58:32 Cultural Experiences Along the Trail
01:01:22 Lessons Learned from the Trail
01:03:58 Navigating Weather and Safety
01:08:38 Future Adventures and Aspirations
Keywords
thru-hiking, family adventure, hiking with kids, outdoor exploration, travel stories, hiking gear, family bonding, nature experiences, cultural interactions, hiking challenges, family hiking, Alps, Pyrenees, outdoor adventure, kids learning, travel experiences, hiking challenges, family bonding, nature exploration, cultural experiences

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