About us “Camino sisters”
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Hi! I'm Suzie, aka Redsnapper. (Yes there's a story behind the moniker. No I'm not going to share it here.) I'm a "late middle-aged" woman who refuses to admit to being an "early senior," in spite of AARP's badgering. I've raised three amazing kids who are all mastering the art of adulthood. I have a kind and generous husband, Mark, who is a gourmet cook, avid cyclist and golfer, fantastic gardener and pretty much jack-of-all-trades. He is also retired, a fact that probably contributes greatly to his kind and generous nature. It is only because of his willingness to stay home and watch the "kids" (two dogs and a cat) that I am able to set off on this two month adventure. Thanks Mark! I owe you big time!! (I suspect he will have his own adventure of having the TV remote all to himself and probably more than one "steak orgy" with his guy friends.)
When I'm not doing crazy things like walking several hundred miles, I work for Sutter Health in leadership development, team building and coaching. (Shout out to my team, who have been totally supportive in allowing me to take this time away and make this bucket list dream a reality!) I love taking walks with my dog, cycling, swimming, yoga, kayaking, dancing - anything that keeps me active, outdoors and flexible. I am also a chocolate, pizza and wine aficionada. Walking the Camino has been on my bucket list since I first saw the movie "The Way" about 11 years ago. I told myself then that I would do that some day. I was going to wait until I'm retired; but with the passing of my mom last May (and my dad two years before that), I realized that life is short. So while I'm still of relatively (questionably) sound mind and body, now is the time! |
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My name is Rory Ryan, sister of the Red Snapper aka Suzie Golden-Riley.
Suzie and I will be walking the Camino de Santiago also called The Way of St. James starting in April.
We have been training for this pilgrimage since last summer. Our training walks have taken us through the streets, alleys, dirt roads, state parks and beaches all over Santa Cruz County.
I first heard about the Camino when my children and their father rode this pilgrimage route on their bicycles many years ago.
It’s now time for me to make my own Camino.
I retired 6 years ago from my career as a Registered Nurse in San Francisco and moved to Santa Cruz in 2021. I have 3 wonderful kids, Sean, Katy and Meghan and a loving, supportive partner, Tom Knuepfel.
Why am I doing this? That is a question without a simple answer. The physical challenge is certainly part of the equation, but the spiritual, inner journey is perhaps the more compelling reason for embarking on this adventure.
I am very grateful for all my family and friends who have encouraged and supported me during these months of preparation.
Buen Camino!
Suzie and I will be walking the Camino de Santiago also called The Way of St. James starting in April.
We have been training for this pilgrimage since last summer. Our training walks have taken us through the streets, alleys, dirt roads, state parks and beaches all over Santa Cruz County.
I first heard about the Camino when my children and their father rode this pilgrimage route on their bicycles many years ago.
It’s now time for me to make my own Camino.
I retired 6 years ago from my career as a Registered Nurse in San Francisco and moved to Santa Cruz in 2021. I have 3 wonderful kids, Sean, Katy and Meghan and a loving, supportive partner, Tom Knuepfel.
Why am I doing this? That is a question without a simple answer. The physical challenge is certainly part of the equation, but the spiritual, inner journey is perhaps the more compelling reason for embarking on this adventure.
I am very grateful for all my family and friends who have encouraged and supported me during these months of preparation.
Buen Camino!