Over the past decade, my sons have been leaving home for longer stretches, but they've remained connected through our walking adventures. It's become a cherished ritual that's forged a new kind of family bond.
The Camino de Santiago was our first joint venture as adults, and while it marked an emotional shift in our roles, we still walked together as equals – or at least, as much as four grown-ups with varying opinions could manage. We hiked the Larapinta trail, the Three Capes track, and the K'gari Great Walk, each time finding a new rhythm to our interactions.
These long walks allow us to reconnect without the intrusion of daily distractions like phones. I don't need to ask about their work or relationships; instead, I watch them navigate challenging terrain, adapt to changing circumstances, and persist in the face of adversity. And it's rewarding to see that they've grown into capable individuals who can carry more weight than me – not just physically, but also emotionally.
There's an impermanence to these journeys, a knowledge that our time together is limited. Yet instead of resisting this reality, the walks have come to accept it as a fundamental aspect of our bond. They allow us to say goodbye to each other in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. We're four people who've walked a long distance together and now mostly walk apart, but we know how to move forward in the same direction.
Our walking adventures have become a template for our new family dynamic, one that's based on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of each other's boundaries. It's a testament to the power of relationships to evolve and adapt, even as life takes us in different directions.
The Camino de Santiago was our first joint venture as adults, and while it marked an emotional shift in our roles, we still walked together as equals – or at least, as much as four grown-ups with varying opinions could manage. We hiked the Larapinta trail, the Three Capes track, and the K'gari Great Walk, each time finding a new rhythm to our interactions.
These long walks allow us to reconnect without the intrusion of daily distractions like phones. I don't need to ask about their work or relationships; instead, I watch them navigate challenging terrain, adapt to changing circumstances, and persist in the face of adversity. And it's rewarding to see that they've grown into capable individuals who can carry more weight than me – not just physically, but also emotionally.
There's an impermanence to these journeys, a knowledge that our time together is limited. Yet instead of resisting this reality, the walks have come to accept it as a fundamental aspect of our bond. They allow us to say goodbye to each other in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. We're four people who've walked a long distance together and now mostly walk apart, but we know how to move forward in the same direction.
Our walking adventures have become a template for our new family dynamic, one that's based on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of each other's boundaries. It's a testament to the power of relationships to evolve and adapt, even as life takes us in different directions.
Family bonding is real! My siblings & I used to travel together all the time too, but now we mostly Facetime when we're both at home 
. Those were some sick adventures tho 
. I'm actually planning my own long distance walk with friends soon and reading about how it's not just about the physical journey but also about bonding over shared experiences is super inspiring. It makes me realize how important it is to make time for these kinds of trips in our busy lives. No need for fancy travel websites or guides, just having each other's company makes all the difference 
The Camino de Santiago thing was a game changer for me too 
I remember when my kids were younger and always needed their parents around every step of the way. Now they're grown up and independent, but we still make time for those long walks together 
We don't have to worry about work or school or anything else, we can just be and support each other in our own way 
. Its so inspiring to see them bond over these shared experiences, you know? Like, its not just about the physical stuff, its also about learning to navigate and adapt together as a family unit 
. And I love how he says they've grown into capable individuals who can carry more weight than him... not literally, obvs 
! But seriously, its so beautiful to see them develop this deeper understanding of each other's boundaries and respect that stuff 
. They're always asking you if you want to check in with your friends, but can't let you do it manually 
. It's like they don't trust you to figure out when and how often you want to share your whereabouts. And don't even get me started on the notifications - who thought it was a good idea to make your walking tracker sound like an alarm bell? 
But, on the other hand, I think it's kinda weird that you're still doing these long walks together now that your kids are adults and can just leave you whenever they want 
And honestly, I'm not sure if this whole "template for new family dynamic" thing is just a fancy way of saying "we're all just pretending to be close". 
. But in reality, these walking adventures are just us having our own version of those carefree days. We're finding new ways to bond and connect with each other as we navigate life's ups and downs. And when it comes down to it, I wouldn't have it any other way 
we're all planning a group hike together soon so fingers crossed I can finally get my outdoor adventure fix 
I feel like that's so true, like our family is literally all about sharing these special experiences together and then slowly drifting apart as we get older 
. For me, it's all about the impermanence of these journeys, knowing that our time together is limited but still making the most of it 
I was thinking about how much I love trying new snacks on hikes and now I'm totally craving some energy bars... do you guys have a favorite hiking snack? 
. It shows that these walks have been super beneficial for everyone involved. I also love how they've accepted the fact that these trips won't last forever, but it's become a part of who they are as a family 
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. And the part about saying goodbye in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling? 
totally gives me all the feels.
#InfectiousLove #MomentsMatter #FamilyFirst
Those are some epic adventures that'll leave you feeling like a total rockstar! But at the end of the day, it's not just about the destination - it's about the journey itself and the memories you create along the way. #AdventureSeeker #WalkingTheWalk #MemoriesToLast