In 2015 at age 67 I retired and took up hiking. I decided I wanted to hike the Camino Santiago, 500+ miles. I joined a few MeetUp hiking groups in Santa Cruz County, California and began hiking. I found I loved hiking and found a whole new group of friends. After 6 months I hiked Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon and decided I was ready to hike the Camino Santiago. In August of 2015 I flew to San Jean France and the next day I began the Camino. 30 days later I arrived in Santiago, Spain.
I share this with you to let you know that you are never to old to try something new. In 2023 we purchased a second home in Sun City Shadow Hills and I immediately joined this hiking group. I had never done any desert hiking but I have been awed by the breath taking landscape. While it is different from the redwood forests I hike in up North I enjoy it immensely. In addition to the wonderful hiking it is a great way to meet a fun and energetic group of your neighbors.
This year I am going to start leading hikes with this group and I look forward to seeing old friends again and meeting new friends. Looking forward to seeing you on the trails.