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.
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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.
13 - Lauren Roerick - Hiking the HexaTrek and world touring
Pretty Good at Talking
58 minutes
1 week ago
13 - Lauren Roerick - Hiking the HexaTrek and world touring
In this conversation, Lauren Roerick shares her experiences hiking the Hexatrek, a long-distance trail in France.
- Important Links:
Lauren:
https://www.laurenroerick.com/
https://www.instagram.com/laurenroerick
https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenroerick
She discusses her preparation, the challenges of resupplying, and the beauty of the landscapes she encountered. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural adaptability, the social aspects of hiking, and the technical challenges presented by the trail. Lauren emphasizes the need for flexibility in navigation and reflects on the personal growth that comes from such adventures. In this conversation, Lauren and Vince discuss the evolving landscape of hiking and outdoor adventures, focusing on the rise of young shepherds, the experiences on the Hexatrek, and the joys of slow travel. They explore the importance of personal interactions with locals, the development of new hiking tours, and the challenges of creating engaging content while maintaining authenticity. Lauren shares her recent adventures and future plans, emphasizing the value of less-traveled trails and the intimate connection with nature that comes from slow travel.
Sound bites
"The Hexatrek has many alternate routes."
"I'm going to sit on a rock."
"I just want to reconnect with nature."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Hexa Trek
03:57 The Journey Begins: Discovering the Hexa Trek
05:38 Planning and Resupply Challenges
09:00 Navigating French Culture and Resupply
11:40 Charging Electronics on the Trail
13:19 Experiencing the Landscape and History of France
14:24 Finding Your Stride on the Hexa Trek
17:41 Connecting with Other Hikers
18:54 Flexibility in Hiking: The Hexa Trek Experience
21:40 Exploring Side Quests and Alternate Routes
22:54 Freedom and Flexibility on the Trail
24:47 Technical Challenges and Surprising Terrain
26:08 Weather Challenges and Adaptations
27:22 The Experience of Walking in Extreme Heat
28:26 Kayaking Adventures and Unique Experiences
29:58 Interactions with Locals and Shepherds
31:19 The Role of Dogs in Hiking Experiences
33:05 Guidebooks and Preparation for Thru-Hikes
34:29 Reflections on Slow Travel and Connection to Nature
39:53 Navigating Time and Transition in Hiking
41:20 The Process of Creating Unique Hiking Tours
44:23 Experiences on the Te Araroa Trail
45:48 The Joy of Unpredictability in Hiking
48:29 Recent Adventures and Future Plans
54:34 Balancing Content Creation and Authentic Experience
Takeaways
Lauren hiked the Hexatrek solo and documented her journey.
The Hexatrek offers a unique experience through diverse landscapes in France.
Resupply planning is crucial for long-distance hiking, especially in rural areas.
Cultural adaptability is important when hiking in foreign countries.
The Hexatrek has many alternate routes, allowing for flexibility in navigation.
Social interactions can enhance the hiking experience, even when hiking solo.
Weather conditions can significantly impact hiking experiences and safety.
Technical sections of trails can be challenging and require careful navigation.
Hiking in France offers opportunities to explore historical sites and architecture.
The journey can be as much about personal growth as it is about the destination. Families are getting excited about homesteading and farming.
Young people are increasingly becoming shepherds, moving away from fast-paced technology.
Local interactions can lead to unique experiences, such as buying cheese from shepherds.
The Hexatrek offers a unique hiking experience, but it may not resonate with everyone.
Slow travel allows for deeper connections with nature and local cultures.
The transition to a slower pace of life can be challenging but rewarding.
Exploring less-known trails can provide a sense of adventure and mystery.
Creating hiking content requires balancing authenticity with audience expectations.
Personal experiences on trails can vary greatly based on individual
Pretty Good at Talking
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.
