In this episode of Pretty Good at Talking, we drop in on a conversation between three remarkable moms who have each completed the Triple Crown of hiking with their families, Monica Strawbridge, Mindi Bennett, and Danae Netteburg. They share their extraordinary experiences, challenges, and the joys of hiking with children. The conversation delves into the planning, the dynamics of family life on the trail, the lessons learned about resilience and grit, and the transition back to normal life after such an adventure. Through laughter and shared stories, they reflect on the impact of these journeys on their families and the bonds formed along the way.

Strawbridges:

Buy a copy of Vince's book PRETTY GOOD AT WALKING on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/04U4id8

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/strawbridgetreks

Bennetts:

Buy a copy of Mindi Bennet's book KIDS OUT WILD on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/5gds3X1

Netteburgs:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danae.netteburg

Takeaways

The Triple Crown of hiking is a significant achievement for families.

Planning and preparation are crucial for long hikes with children.

Daily routines on the trail can foster family bonding.

Food choices and cooking strategies are essential for trail life.

Interactions with other hikers enrich the experience.

Teaching kids resilience and grit is a valuable lesson from hiking.

Transitioning back to normal life can be challenging after such adventures.

The simplicity of trail life contrasts sharply with everyday life.

Sharing responsibilities and roles within the family is important on the trail.

The memories created on these hikes are treasured by families.

Quotes

"We had to be like, are we done?"

"It's just like a thruhike."

"We can't just do two thirds."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Triple Crown Families

10:58 The Journey Begins: Motivation and Planning

16:38 Reactions from Family and Friends

21:21 Trail Experiences: Highlights and Challenges

31:10 Keeping Spirits Up on the Trail

33:55 Navigating Physical Challenges on the Trail

35:20 Family Dynamics and Motivation

37:13 Finding Joy in Hiking with Kids

39:07 Adjusting Hiking Strategies Over Time

40:56 Training and Preparation for Long Hikes

42:13 Roles and Responsibilities in Hiking Families

43:07 Cooking and Meal Preparation on the Trail

44:36 Food Choices and Nutrition for Hikers

48:22 Organizing Resupply and Camp Chores

50:44 Managing Guilt and Expectations as Parents

53:01 Injuries and Health Concerns on the Trail

55:18 The Importance of Group Dynamics

57:03 Facing Fears and Challenges in the Wilderness

01:05:11 Navigating Scary Moments on the Trail

01:16:09 Transitioning Back to Normal Life

01:21:59 The Impact of Hiking on Kids' Lives

01:34:58 Introduction to Trail Adventures and Family Journeys

01:35:25 Exploring Family Stories in Nature