Welcome, adventurers! Today, Janine Pettit is thrilled to share an incredible story from our podcast, featuring Retha Charette, a.k.a. the Roaming Nanny. As a Girl Camping Ambassador, Editor in Chief of Girl Camper Magazine, and a proud mom of a thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail, it’s Janine’s honor to dive deep into Retha’s exhilarating journey.

Retha, a lifelong outdoor enthusiast from Massachusetts, now resides in Southern Vermont. Her hiking escapades began in earnest in 2014 after a life-changing experience hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. Inspired by her Girl Scout days and a challenging pandemic year, Retha section-hiked the Long Trail in Vermont. That success fueled her ambition to tackle the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail.

Retha started her hike on March 22nd with her supportive partner cheering her on. Despite the hardships, like a terrifying encounter with a tornado on Hike Naked Day, she pushed through with determination and grit. Her mantra, “Never quit on a bad day,” coupled with daily visualization of reaching Mount Katahdin, kept her focused and motivated.

The sense of community on the Appalachian Trail is unparalleled. From unexpected acts of kindness to meeting remarkable people like the blind hiker known as Double Zero, Retha’s journey was rich with heartfelt connections. These moments of “trail magic” reaffirmed the trail’s motto: the wilderness brings people together in extraordinary ways.

Completing the trail wasn’t just a physical feat for Retha; it was a profound emotional and spiritual journey. The real world seemed overwhelming upon returning, but the trail’s lessons in resilience and community support have left an indelible mark on her.

Retha emphasizes the importance of wilderness first aid training and finding a supportive network. Despite the danger associated with solo adventures, she believes the trail is safer than many places in the real world due to its inherent community spirit.

Feeling inspired? Whether it’s a weekend hike or a long-distance trek, there’s no wrong way to embrace the outdoors. Head over to Girl Camper to find a chapter near you, subscribe to our magazine, and join us on an adventure. Remember, there’s no wrong way to camp like a girl!

Stay adventurous, Janine Pettit

If this episode inspired you to do a longer hike, be sure to check out our Gear Reviews HERE.

Want to learn more about the Appalachian Trail? Visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s WebPage.