Retha the Roaming Nanny: Travel Agent, Hiker, Adventure Traveler

29/05/2025

What is the best part of the CDT? The incredible kindness, strength, and heart of the people out here. 🥾💛

From hikers who share their last snacks just to make sure you’re okay, to trail angels who go out of their way to offer water, rides, or a warm place to sleep… the CDT isn’t just a trail—it’s a community. A family of dust-covered, blistered, sunburned souls who lift each other up when the going gets tough.

Every “you’ve got this,” every shared laugh in a storm, every silent moment watching the sun rise—that’s the magic. And it’s made me believe all over again in the goodness of people.

To everyone I’ve met out here: thank you. You’re part of the trail I’ll carry in my heart forever. ❤️

27/05/2025

Happy (Belated) Birthday to my love, my life, my trail wife, Sticks! ❤️

26/05/2025

500+ miles in and New Mexico is finally showing off her good side — took her long enough! 😅🌄✨

24/05/2025

📍Grants, NM
Taking a few much-needed town days in Grants to rest the feet and reset the soul. New shoes? Check. Mining Museum? Explored. Family Feud battles? Fierce. Calories? All consumed. 😄🍕👟⛏️

23/05/2025

500 miles down, WAY too many more to go.

21/05/2025

18/05/2025

This was a brutal way to wake up and then hike through for about an hour.

17/05/2025

I swear I’m out here hiking and not going from town to town to hang out and eat!

📍Pie Town, NM

15/05/2025

When your birthday fun happens in the small town of Reserve, New Mexico this is what it looks like!

14/05/2025

CDT Photo Dump!
📍Doc Campbell’s to Reserve, NM

14/05/2025

Every good thru-hike needs a side quest or two!

Our first (and definitely not last) CDT side quest took us to the Gila Cliff Dwellings—an incredible detour into history. These ancient homes were built by the Mogollon people over 700 years ago, tucked high into the cliffs of what’s now Gila National Monument. Walking through them felt like stepping back in time.

We wrapped up the day camping beside natural hot springs (yes, it was just as amazing as it sounds) and still managed to log 10 trail miles! Not a bad way to mix hiking, history, and a little luxury.

07/05/2025

Nero Day (near zero hiking day) at Doc Campbell’s and the Gila Hot Springs.

I have so many questions about the rabid chipmunks 🐿️