RAMBLE LOGS

One night (probably around 3 a.m., when I couldn’t sleep), that brain of mine started thinking about my running days and then about my Sole Sisters. As I lay there wide awake, I thought, We should host a marathon.

Walking, I’ve realized, is just therapy without the invoice. What I didn’t expect was how much a single Sunday Ramble would give back to me.

From the moment we gathered in Hanoi for our welcome dinner, it was clear this would not be a “tick-the-box” kind of trip. It would be a laughter-filled, story-rich, deeply human adventure — one where curiosity mattered as much as comfort, and connection mattered more than the schedule.

From Porto to Santiago, soaked socks and soul-deep conversations, this Camino was never just about the kilometres. It was about women from around the world arriving as strangers and leaving as Sole Sisters.

Two families. Grandparents. Kids. Disney tickets booked. And a very cute Disney-themed VRBO with a pool and five bedrooms. What could possibly go wrong? Everything!

From a hair-raising taxi ride to pizza-making in Piazza Navona, Metro chaos (hello, pickpocket warnings), and football fans louder than the Colosseum — Linda Dares packs a week of Rome into one joyful story. 

London is technically a forest, with over 20% tree cover, so you’re never more than a few moments from a peaceful green space. We might not have miles of mountain trails, but there’s always somewhere new and exciting to take a Ramble.

How can a place make you feel so small and fragile, and yet so completely alive at the same time? Out in the wild, I find myself humbled and lifted in equal measure.

Tofino—affectionately called “Tuff” by those in the know—is our annual tonic. No matter what’s going on in our lives, we seem to find our way back to the ocean, the rainforest, and to some fine sisterhood time.

India isn’t always easy. It’s chaotic, intense, and overwhelming. But it is also profoundly rewarding—leaving you with unforgettable memories, a renewed perspective, and perhaps even a shift in how you see yourself. 

We hiked the Beautiful Bay Trail, which was a relaxed ramble—until we decided to detour down to the beach. The descent? A little tricky. The reward? A regal, silent eagle keeping watch from a log, as if to remind us who really owns this beach.

Newfoundland wasn’t just beautiful — it was transformative. Rugged cliffs, wild winds, deep laughter, and conversations that only happen when women walk side by side. What began as a trip became something far more powerful: a reminder of how alive, brave, and connected we can feel at this stage of life.

The first time I questioned my sanity for walking the Camino as a solo female, I hadn’t even left Dublin. Sitting in the airport, waiting to board my flight to Santiago de Compostela, I felt completely underprepared.

Portugal captured our hearts in every way—from its sun-drenched coastlines and ancient cities to its rich culture, incredible food, and warm, welcoming people. Traveling at a slower pace allowed us to truly soak it all in, savoring each stop instead of simply checking it off a list. 

Vietnam is a country of rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering food, where tradition seamlessly blends with modern life. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene landscapes of the countryside, there’s always something exciting to discover. 

We began as travelers, but ended as sisters. This adventure through Morocco was more than a journey across landscapes—it was a celebration of sisterhood, laughter, and shared dreams. To my Sole Sisters—Betty, Soan, and Cheryl—thank you for the memories. Until the next ramble!

Picture 1,000 caravans and RVs lined up in neat rows, all equidistant from each other—a remarkable sight. Music and dancing were the highlights each evening, while hiking and biking filled our days.

Have you ever wanted to drive from Kelowna, British Columbia, to Pensacola, Florida? In someone else’s car? With someone else’s two dogs? Yeah, me neither… but that’s exactly what I did in September 2022!

My husband’s heart attack led us to embrace a healthier lifestyle. This life-changing event also sparked a new hobby for us: hiking. We now seek out destinations with the best hiking trails, and Newfoundland proved to be a Rambler’s paradise.

We are encouraged to sit here in peace for a while, meditating, resting, contemplating this journey. It's been a long walk. It's been a lot to take in. It feels good to sit. Just here, now, in near-silence. In sunlight.