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.
All content for Pretty Good at Talking is the property of Vince Strawbridge and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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, Vince Strawbridge interviews Dahn, a long-distance hiker who shares his transformative journey through various trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. Dahn discusses his motivations for hiking, the challenges he faced, and the profound introspection that comes with solitude in nature. The conversation highlights the importance of human connection, the beauty of the trails, and the lessons learned from embracing the outdoors. In this engaging conversation, Vince Strawbridge and Dahn explore their hiking experiences, the connections formed on the trails, and the life lessons learned through their adventures. They discuss the dynamics of hiking partnerships, the importance of community, and the impact of nature on personal growth. Dahn shares insights on adapting to physical limitations and finding joy in simpler adventures, while Vince reflects on the storytelling aspect of hiking and the historical contexts that enrich the experience. Together, they emphasize the significance of leaving a positive impact on others and the value of shared experiences in the great outdoors.
TakeawaysDahn's journey began after leaving his job in Tokyo.He hiked nearly 15,000 miles over two and a half years.The Pacific Crest Trail offered unique weather conditions.Dahn's experience on the Appalachian Trail was fraught with challenges.He learned the importance of water management on the trail.Dahn's introspection deepened during his solo hikes.He found joy in human interactions while hiking.The experience of hiking can warp one's perception of time.Dahn emphasizes the therapeutic nature of walking.He reflects on the balance between solitude and connection. Engaging with others on the trail can lead to unexpected connections.Hiking partnerships can enhance the experience and push personal limits.Finding a state of flow while hiking can lead to greater efficiency.Balancing comfort and challenge is essential in both hiking and life.Community support, like trail angels, plays a vital role in hiking culture.Experiencing nature can provide valuable life lessons and reflections.Recording trails helps share experiences and enriches the hiking community.Exploring historical contexts adds depth to hiking adventures.Adapting to physical limitations can open doors to new activities.Finding joy in simplicity can be just as fulfilling as long hikes.
Chapters00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation01:18 Don's Hiking Journey Begins03:10 The Decision to Leave Tokyo and Start Hiking05:08 The Pacific Crest Trail Experience10:03 Unique Hiking Strategy on the PCT16:23 Lessons Learned from Solitude and Safety19:28 The Role of Memory in Hiking Experiences24:27 Interactions with Fellow Hikers25:11 Utilizing Hiker Boxes for Resupply26:24 Navigating the PCT: Challenges and Triumphs29:41 The Power of Solitude: Embracing Boredom33:07 Flow State: The Rhythm of Hiking36:44 Reintegration: Returning to Society After Isolation39:09 Meeting Fellow Hikers: The Joy of Connection42:41 Lessons from the Trail: Guiding Principles for Hiking45:28 Exploring Ancient Pathways: The Historical Significance of Trails53:23 Exploring Ancient Sites and Their Significance55:00 The Importance of Historical Context in Hiking57:20 Identity and the Impact of Physical Limitations59:50 Adapting to Change: Finding Joy in New Adventures01:01:16 The Journey of Writing: From Personal Struggles to Storytelling01:06:36 The Influence of Hiking on Personal Growth and Relationships01:10:18 Finding Balance: Comfort vs. Challenge in Life01:14:28 Guiding Others: Reliving Experiences Through Their Joys01:18:04 The Quest for Fun and Common Sense Epiphanies
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.
