Joanne Stelzner, a native Californian from Sacramento and longtime resident of Clayton, recently retired and celebrated by completing the Camino Portuguese—walking 190 miles in 16 days. At 70, she’s still full of energy, loves the outdoors, and treasures both her time in the mountains and by the ocean.
I joined Sole Sister Ramblers in October 2024 after seeing it advertised on Facebook, and I’ve already found it to be a wonderfully welcoming and supportive community. I love how the group brings women together, building connections through movement, friendship, and shared adventure. It’s given me new friends, inspiration, and a deeper sense of belonging.
What age are you, and what age do you feel?
I am 70 years young but often feel 39—and sometimes even channel my teenage self (which came in handy when raising teens of my own!).
What do you most like to do in your spare time?Â
I’m an avid reader, averaging 120 books a year across all genres. My retirement gift was a Little Free Library, which brings me so much joy to share with my community.
What’s on your nightstand?
On my nightstand you’ll find Maria Shriver’s I’ve Been Thinking…, The Way of Wanderlust by Don George, my NOOK (e-reader), an old-fashioned AM/FM clock radio, a candle, a photo of my husband and me enjoying champagne about 10 years ago, and a collage of cut-up photos of my two kids from birth through marriage.
What is your favorite time of year and why?
I actually love all four seasons in California! Spring is gorgeous, summer is hot but dry, fall arrives in late November with beautiful color, and if I want snow, I can be there in four hours. Just when I’m ready for a change, the next season arrives.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
“You have to ask for what you want.” I once missed out on a promotion because I assumed hard work alone would be noticed. Later I filled in for the person promoted, and eventually received the role—but I learned an invaluable lesson. I passed this on to my kids: don’t be afraid to ask, because the worst that can happen is a “no,” but the best could be life-changing.
Where is your favorite place to Ramble?
Yosemite National Park holds my heart. I didn’t visit until I was 25, but once I saw it, I couldn’t believe such beauty was so close to home. I’ve hiked there in every season, often finding trails away from the valley crowds, and even gone alone when I needed to clear my head. Yosemite is also where I fell in love with the night sky, lying under the stars surrounded by the majesty of the Sierra Nevada.
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