Lorraine is happily retired from her career with the Canada Border Services agency. She's an avid trail rambler in her home on Vancouver Island Canada, and the mom of two adult boys and a young dog. She enjoys reading and girls getaways.
My heart overflows with gratitude as I reminisce about my recent cycling adventure along the Kettle Valley Trail. This trail is a former railway route transformed into a popular recreational trail for cyclists initially built in the early 1900s to link the communities in the interior of British Columbia to the coast.
We started our journey near Kelowna, cycling through Myra Canyon on our first day.
Then, we spent two nights "glamping" at the historic Chute Lake Lodge. Originally constructed to accommodate loggers after World War I, the lodge now houses numerous intriguing historical artifacts. We cherished watching the sunset from their lakeside dock, indulged in some canoeing, and embarked on a hike to a mountain-top lookout.
On our last day, we traversed the bumpy gravel trail, mostly downhill, into Penticton, reveling in awe-inspiring vistas of ancient pine forests, Okanagan Lake, and wineries as you approach the town.
It was a wonderful adventure, but this journey was so much more than just a physical ride; it was a heartwarming experience shared with my three cherished Sole Sister friends. We laughed, shared stories, pedaled hard through the sandy and bumpy trails, and marveled at the beauty of B.C.'s interior, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
But it was a serendipitous email from my Mom, sent during our stay at Chute Lake Lodge, that added a magical layer to my adventure. The email contained a series of photos from a hiking trip she took on the Kettle Valley Trail in 1990. There she was, about the age I am now, looking radiant and happy, enjoying an adventure with her friends standing on the same wooden trestle bridges—no railings, just pure courage and joy.
Seeing those images stirred something profound within me. My Mom’s zest for adventure, curiosity about nature, and strong bond with friends resonated profoundly. For as long as I can remember, my Mom encouraged me to find my tribe, join something, and embrace the joy of sisterhood.
She was always a strong advocate for female friendship. She knew the power of women coming together, supporting each other, and sharing their lives. Unlike her, I hadn’t prioritized finding a tribe of like-minded women, but often, her unwavering encouragement would echo in my ears.
As I sat looking at the photos of Mom in the lodge at Chute Lake, I realized that this trip was not just a journey through the Kettle Valley Trail for me; it was a journey through time, a journey into my mother's past, and a journey into my future. It was a reminder that our lives are interconnected, and sometimes your Mom’s wise words come full circle, and you realize that you’ve become much more like your Mom than you thought you ever would be!
So, thank you to my Mom for being my guiding light. Thank you for passing down your love for adventure and inspiring me to live life to the fullest and seek friendships that will sustain me. And to all my fellow Sole Sisters, believe me when I say that friendship is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It sustains us through the ups and downs of life, brings us joy and comfort, and helps us grow.
So, I encourage you to get out there, explore, nurture your friendships, find your kindred spirits, and embrace the empowering joy of sisterhood.
READ MORE > Her Story, Rambler Cafe Blog
This is a beautiful story Many thanks. I am caregiving my 93 yr old mother and sometimes find it so difficult to be present during her same stories over and over. This reminds me that we alls have stories that need to be heard. ❤️
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