Valerie Moberg was born in the California Bay Area, raised in nearby Healdsburg in Sonoma County’s wine country, and now calls Napa home. Though she has only lived in California, her love of travel and exploring new cultures—and her involvement with Sole Sister Ramblers—has enriched her social, physical, and emotional well-being in meaningful ways.
What matters most to you at this stage of life?
The well-being of my family (including my dog Stella) and friends, having flexibility in my work life, and continuing to travel and explore as much as I can.
Where is your favorite place to Ramble, and why do you love it?
The Northern California coast - I love the smell of the ocean air and the plant-life, the cooler weather, the fog, the sound of the surf…
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t stress so much about what might happen in the future, and don’t stress so much when things don’t happen the way you planned.
What thing in your life had the most impact on who you are now?
Two things: First, being sick for five years in my early twenties taught me never to take my health for granted, and that stress can be truly toxic. Second, the four-month cycling trip in Europe with my husband (see Bravest Thing question below) taught me that you can plan all you want, but life doesn’t always follow the script—and that’s okay. Sometimes, when life zigs when you planned a zag, what unfolds is even better than anything you imagined.
What is the bravest thing you've ever done?
Planning and completing a 4-month cycling trip in France, Italy, and England in my late 20s with my husband after I (finally) graduated from college. This was in 1998, so way before the internet and cell phones, and we did it all on our own… no tour group or van carrying our gear. We camped and stayed in cheap hotels, jumped on trains occasionally to go over mountains or cover longer distances, and basically just wandered around with only a couple of places we needed to be by specific dates. The funny thing is that I didn’t realize at the time how brave we were being, and I look back now and can’t believe we actually pulled it off.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
To be able to fly long distances, so I could travel the world without having to pay for airline tickets.
What is something you do every day now that you did not do before you were 45?
Daily walks! I walk at least 30 minutes every day with my dog and sometimes my adult kids. Where we lived when our kids were very young was not great for everyday walks (no sidewalks, fast drivers and really hot summers). When we moved to Napa it was a game-changer! So many wonderful neighborhoods to walk and places to hike, and much better weather.
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