Lorraine is semi-retired and living on beautiful Vancouver Island with her husband and their beloved dog, Stormy. She enjoys hiking (especially while organizing Rambles with the Duncan Sole Circle) and playing pickleball. She is also proud to head up our Rambler Care Crew at Sole Sister Ramblers.
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a group of strangers gathers with a shared intention—even if none of us quite knows what that intention will become. When our 16 Sole Sisters first met for our Portuguese Camino adventure, the room buzzed with excitement, curiosity, and that delicious mix of nerves and anticipation.
But by the next morning, something had already shifted.
On the bus ride to Oia, where our Camino would begin, the energy softened into something lighter and more connected. Conversations flowed easily, laughter bubbled up naturally, and it felt as though we had all silently agreed to lean in—to the experience, to each other, and to whatever the Camino had in store. Guided by Maru, our warm and intuitive leader, we stepped into the journey feeling open and ready.
Oia to Vigo — Sunshine, Ocean Views & A Whole Lot of Laughter
Our first day set the tone. With backpacks adjusted and Camino passports stamped, we walked 20 km along one of the most breathtaking coastal stretches imaginable—endless ocean views, sunshine on our faces, and a cool breeze that kept us moving.
Some walked in pairs, others drifted into their own rhythm, but the laughter never stopped. By the time we reached Baiona, we were sun‑kissed, tired, and exhilarated. We celebrated with gelato, crepes, olives, wine, or a cold beer. A few of us even splashed in the ocean, letting the cold water wash over our tired feet.
The days that followed carried us along the far end of the Bay of Vigo—homes draped in bougainvillea, colourful gardens, quiet stretches of sand. When we reached Vigo after a shorter walking day, we checked in early, slipped into swimsuits, and enjoyed the hotel pool under warm afternoon sun. Some wandered to the beach, others lounged by the water, and all of us savoured the luxury of slowing down.
Vigo to Redondela — City Views, Shaded Trails & A Surprise Playground Moment
Leaving Vigo brought a lively, urban energy. We walked through city streets and harbour views, and some of us followed Maru up to Monte do Castro, where the city stretched out in a panoramic sweep of rooftops and sea.
As we continued toward Redondela, the Camino softened again into shaded forest paths and quiet stretches.
And then came one of the most joyful moments of the entire trip.
At a tiny trail‑side café, we spotted a collection of children’s riding toys—little trikes, plastic scooters, tiny push cars, colourful ride‑ons of every shape. Without hesitation, this joyful group of women hopped on them. There we were: grown women riding tiny toys, posing for photos, laughing until our sides hurt, rediscovering the playful parts of ourselves that adulthood often tucks away.
Pure, unfiltered joy.
A Rest Day in Pontevedra — Spring Festivals & Almond Pie Missions
Our rest day in Pontevedra fell on May 1st, a public holiday, and the city was alive with celebration. Some of us washed clothes and rested our feet (and blisters), while others wandered into the Spring Festival, where local children danced and sang in the streets.
A couple of us made it our mission to find the best almond pie in town—Torta de Santiago, the traditional Galician cake. We sampled, compared, debated, and laughed our way through the search.
We also learned that the Spanish celebrate the beginning of Spring with sprigs of broom—a plant considered a noxious weed in parts of North America. We saw it tucked into backpacks, decorating doorways, and even fastened to car grills. Maru slipped a few sprigs into our bags too—a small cultural detail that made us smile.
Last Quarter of the Journey— Where Playfulness Became Our Signature
By the last half of the journey, we had found our rhythm—between effort and ease, reflection and laughter, independence and togetherness.
And this is when the crowns, pom poms, and silly hats made their debut.
They became our unofficial Camino uniform. A couple of fellow pilgrims even recognized us as the “Sole Sisters” with our sparkles, crowns, and joyful energy.
We cheered each other on with pom poms. We posed for photos in our silliest hats. And we supported each other through the tougher moments—sore feet, aching legs, and a few determined women who chose to taxi part of the way on certain days to rest and recover.
The grit was real. The determination was inspiring. And the joy was constant.
The Final Stretch — Popsicles, Public Foot Baths & A Rain‑Soaked Triumph
As we approached Santiago, the days felt sweeter and the moments more precious. We walked through small villages with colourful gardens, past fields dotted with animals, and along trails lined with wildflowers.
On one particularly hot day, we found popsicles that tasted like the most delicious, satisfying treats on earth—cold, sweet, and absolutely perfect.
And then, on a very rainy day, we made our way into the heart of Santiago. Arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela felt emotional and electric. Some of our group who had taken a taxi part of the way were already waiting—cheering, hugging, and celebrating as we walked into the square together, soaked but triumphant. We proudly collected our certificates and later gathered for a warm, joyful goodbye dinner that was truly a little bittersweet.
The Camino’s Gift
How is it that 16 women can arrive as strangers and, in just 10 days, feel like family?
Maybe it was the walking. Maybe it was the laughter. Maybe it was the crowns and pom poms. Maybe it was the singing, the splashing, the riding toys, the almond‑pie missions, the shared determination. Maybe it was the freedom to be fully ourselves.
Or maybe it was simply this:
When women come together with open hearts, adventure in their spirits, and the courage to play—magic happens.
READ MORE > Her Story, Rambler Cafe Blog
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