She Walks The Walk

She Walks The Walk Feel like running away? She Walks the Walk curates small group, Global Walking Adventures for women. TICO # 50013851. Phone: 647-689-3884.
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Get off society's treadmill and rediscover your true self on a journey for the body, heart and spirit. She Walks the Walk is affiliated with Travel Professionals International (TPI). Direct line: 1-888-503-WALK.

Get off life’s treadmill, away from the news and onto a quiet space in nature. This is where you can hear yourself think...
01/26/2025

Get off life’s treadmill, away from the news and onto a quiet space in nature. This is where you can hear yourself think. This is where your answers lie—not when running Mach 10. Not when doom-scrolling.

The world is tough right now.

But nature is a soft space to land 🙏🏻

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Let’s play, CONNECTING THE DOTS in YOUR REAR-VIEW MIRROR! ✨🪞Seven years ago, I was in the Dominican Republic at an all-i...
01/25/2025

Let’s play, CONNECTING THE DOTS in YOUR REAR-VIEW MIRROR! ✨🪞

Seven years ago, I was in the Dominican Republic at an all-inclusive courtesy my career in finance. The resort issued their guests this bracelet, which at the time I thought, “hmmm… interesting…”

Now, all-inclusives are not really my jam. I am not a fan of being in a “compound” when the real world lies outside of it. (Adventure girl here! Take me to the unpaved road and let’s see where it goes!) I find them boring and sometimes loud but if it’s free and you live in the land of the Polar Vortex, you say “thank you, and sure I’ll come!”

The bracelet got me thinking, but really it was only the “write your story” bit. I was always into writing and loved to express, but deep deep down I knew I wanted to write a book one day.

Those “one day” dreams always seem unrealistic. Like I had the time, so wrapped up on that work/mom/life treadmill that keeps many of us in a perpetual state of running.

Nevertheless, the bracelet’s message stuck with me and I began to “dabble.” I started a newsletter so I could quietly share my yearning to leave my career with a trusted circle of peeps.

Never imagined I’d actually pull the trigger. That would be ridiculous!! Financial su***de for one, but more than that—the shattering of a family succession plan.

Never imagined I’d actually one day “live my escape….”

Here I am—seven years later. Still trucking along, figuring “it” out but definitely alive in my “escape.” And, I’ve written that book!! ✍🏻📖 This is the year it will make its way into the world.

Was the bracelet prophetic?

Likely a coincidence.

But do I read into all things as “signs?”

Sure do. 🫡

And this is my point: if you tune in, the universe is already telling you what your next steps are. It took me a while to figure this out. But the road map is there.

Funny, how things work out.

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Meet Volcan de Fuego, one of three active volcanoes in Guatemala 🌋🇬🇹, home to 37 official volcanoes! Isn’t she lovely? N...
01/14/2025

Meet Volcan de Fuego, one of three active volcanoes in Guatemala 🌋🇬🇹, home to 37 official volcanoes!

Isn’t she lovely? Not too shabby for 17,000 years old!

I’m counting the weeks until I visit her fiery self again—this time, with a pile of die-hard adventurers in tow. I’m breathing heavily already. As my husband says, “that’s hot.” 😜😝💥🔥

Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Getting up close and personal with an active volcano is maybe not for the faint of heart. Especially one with a reputation of letting off steam every 15-20 mins.

At an elevation of 3,768m (12,362 ft), the hike to witness Fuego’s glory involves climbing the inactive neighbouring volcano Acetenango (3,976 m or 23,041 ft) and this is no easy feat.

It takes between 10-12 hours which most people will spread out over two days, and in my opinion, gives you phenomenal nighttime viewing excitement!

The whole experience is widely considered “WORTH IT” in all caps. Five stars, highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And here’s why:

🥾the payoff at the top far exceeds the hike (my opinion)

🥾chances are, you might not get this close to an active volcano again!

🥾bearing witness to Mother Nature in all her glory is a huge, awe-inspiring privilege

🥾although challenging, the hike is doable for anyone with moderate fitness and the attitude to push through discomfort

🥾pushing through discomfort = growth and one “hell yeah!” personal moment you will never forget

And I can confirm all of this myself.

Here’s what you can expect if you add this adventure to your time in Guatemala…

A lot of heavy breathing. Some cursing. Some ooohhing and ahhhing. Feeling more alive than ever before. Feeling small but connected to the Earth like never before. And more, but best leave some things to the imagination.

SWTW trekkers—can’t wait to pant our way up that volcano this February!

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Weather should not be the reason you stay inside (says the girl glued to her space heater) or avoid an epic winter adven...
01/13/2025

Weather should not be the reason you stay inside (says the girl glued to her space heater) or avoid an epic winter adventure. It’s all about managing your body’s thermostat! And it starts with your layering system.

I get asked all the time about mine and have learned from trial and error what works best for me.

As a gal who runs perpetually cold—note, I’m typically miserable to be around when cold—I take this s**t seriously!

I tend to err on the side of being over-prepared. That could mean multiple systems I can switch up depending on my body’s response to the elements.

(Lmao, don’t get me started about hormones and what THEY’RE doing to my dialled-in system 😂)

Some other pieces not mentioned in here include the all-purpose synthetic vest, a great piece to keep your core warm while working up a sweat, and the cooler, “silk” base layer.

Depending on how hard you’ll be working—which could well depend on the terrain and your body’s own management of sweat—you may want to start out with that one base layer, add the vest and then your shell.

I was constantly ripping off layers on the ascents in Bhutan, then throwing them all back on once we stopped. This “dance” of managing your body temp will be ongoing.

What’s your fave go-to piece?

We’ll talk about lower body (and socks!) on the next post. 🚶🏼‍♀️🥾🏔️

My thanks to and for the exceptional products, service and advice 🙏🏻👏🙌🏻

Shout-out to Sayre and Molly for sharing their beautiful mugs with my camera phone in Bhutan 🇧🇹

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My motto for 2025—distilled down to four words. Because trails don’t judge or keep score. And moving my body feels bette...
12/30/2024

My motto for 2025—distilled down to four words. Because trails don’t judge or keep score. And moving my body feels better than death scrolling. And trying too hard is old and tired.

Come to me, 2025! Let’s do this! 💪🙏🏻

Anyone else have a motto for this year? I might put mine on a necklace 😂 Or probs more like a t-shirt…

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#2025

Are you running around like a chicken? I am! (How does this happen every year?!) 🤪🐓Do you have a hiking OBSESSED loved o...
12/18/2024

Are you running around like a chicken?

I am! (How does this happen every year?!) 🤪🐓

Do you have a hiking OBSESSED loved one in your orbit? 🥾🎒🏔️

Thought I’d throw out some of the useful HIKING pieces I’ve loved this year.

Honourable mentions include:

🎁 Darn Tough hiking socks
🎁 Retractable hiking poles
🎁 A good sun hoodie!
🎁 A lightweight synthetic jacket

Find your fave local outdoor store and commit to shopping LOCAL whenever you can. Thunder Bay peeps? You can’t go wrong with a trip to … Ask to speak with Gareth and he will look after you in spades 😍







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Hey friends. It’s been a hot minute 🔥I take these disconnection breaks for my sanity and they work wonders! Today I’m re...
12/17/2024

Hey friends.

It’s been a hot minute 🔥I take these disconnection breaks for my sanity and they work wonders!

Today I’m reflecting on advice received from a stranger, sent via someone who isn’t. The gist:

We’ve been taught never to give up. We’ve been taught that perseverance and patience are virtues. And they are.

But it’s also imperative that we critically examine what’s working and what isn’t.

This involves doing some things that may feel counterintuitive if you’re used to making s**t happen in your life.

(Hi! Have we met?! 🙋‍♀️)

For example, it can mean sitting back, to let things unfold for a while (unnatural if you’re a doer-type!).

It can also mean getting real with your version of “what’s working.”

Does that definition refer just to money? What about energetically? Is what you’re doing fuelling your spirit?

Does it feed your soul?

If the answer is yes, but you haven’t yet sorted the money part, don’t discount your current set of circumstances.

Feeding your so-called soul DOES matter. Otherwise, why would people walk away from something lucrative but stable-and-boring?

Soul-feeding, however, also only lasts for so long. Because we deserve to thrive in every sense of the word.

It is OKAY to expect a return on your investment in yourself. It is also OKAY to set down something that’s not working in order to make space for the new.

If you think I’m being cryptic, well, maybe I am. 😜 My message is honest: we cannot always move forward without looking in our rear view mirrors.

What IS working for you? What ISN’T?

Life is too short not to take stock. Our time on Earth is too precious to maintain a steady status quo.

Don’t be afraid to shake things up. Don’t fear examining all the pieces. Don’t dread letting some things go…

I guarantee you that deep down, we all question things a little. I say question things A LOT. It’s not about a lack of gratitude. It’s about a healthy respect for what matters most to us.

We can’t know unless we look.

The end. Thanks for coming to my therapy sesh 😆🥰

Sam x

SLEEPING BAG 101–When do you invest in a new bag? Do you go hybrid or all down? Here’s my take. *******At the risk of so...
12/10/2024

SLEEPING BAG 101–
When do you invest in a new bag? Do you go hybrid or all down? Here’s my take.

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At the risk of sounding dramatic, putting myself in the precarious position of not being able to get (or stay) warm is HELL for me. 🥶

Thankfully, I stumbled into Seventh Heaven warmth for the Snowman Trek in Bhutan. But this would not have happened had my sister not intervened.

She took one look at my bulky old bag and one look at my duffel and raised her left eyebrow. Then she asked if I wanted to take chances with my always-cold self.

Dang… 😩She was right.

My MEC bag was a hybrid, meaning it had a balance of down and synthetic insulation. It had served me well over the years, but it wasn’t the warmest thing on the planet. And it didn’t exactly pack up small. This is in large part due to the synthetic material and is one of the concessions you’ll need to make if looking at a hybrid bag.

It was hard to part with my trusty old pal when I retired him to our furnace room. I’m certain he’ll see the light of day again—but it was time to level up. And really? Nobody wants to be cold when already challenged. I knew the Snowman would be daunting enough as it was.

I will admit to humming and hawing when it comes to buying new gear. But as a seasoned hiker, I never skimp on footwear, rain gear or warmth. (Why be miserable?) And if you do your homework, you can find something of high quality that you’ll love and use for decades. (Or at least 15 years, which is how long my first four-season bag served me!)

If you’re heading out for winter camping or to an expedition expected to be “cold,” I recommend the Murre ES 0 sleeping bag! This is not your auntie’s spare sleep sack.

The Murre packed down MUCH smaller than my old hybrid and kept me out of Hell throughout the duration of our Snowman. I’m talking nearly three weeks of camping at altitudes over 4,500 m on average (14,700+ ft).

Check out my full review of this sleeping bag on my blog. Link in bio! ⬆️

Photo cred: and also the best tent mate ever. ❤️

I admit it: I’ve looked for “a better life” maybe my whole life. This is part and parcel of perfectionism, curiosity, an...
12/02/2024

I admit it: I’ve looked for “a better life” maybe my whole life. This is part and parcel of perfectionism, curiosity, and also I think, human nature.

Although I encourage a healthy dose of questioning our lives, it can lead to an unending search. For there might always be a yearning!

One of the things I learned in Bhutan was about the Three Poisons of Buddhism. Among these are GREED, also known as ATTACHMENT or LUST.

It seems the good ol’ ego is responsible for this poison! We always want more of whatever feels good. More prestige. More salary. More adventure.

As Kendra and I were on the hunt for renewed definitions of HAPPINESS on our Snowman Trek in Bhutan, I tried to collect observations whenever they struck me.

Some observations were tiny pebbles. I’d notice them, pick them up and put them in my pocket. Like the quiet observation that the Bhutanese seem to smile all the time. And this act of smiling SURELY contributes to their happiness. (What comes first, the happiness or the smile?!)

But other learnings were like tripping over major life epiphanies:

On reflection, I realized that I’ve always been searching. For “Something Else.” More meaning. More fulfillment. That “thing.” I couldn’t necessarily name it but I knew what it wasn’t. Perhaps it was freedom, just to be me.

Anyways, I have realized that so long as I am in search mode I might never be Happy with a capital H. It is likely the reason my soul is so restless. (You might have noticed, lol)

The lesson of just “counting my blessings” and being Happy with what already is, is something my father tried to gently teach me. I even tattooed it on my arm when he passed… 🥹

It wasn’t until I came home from Bhutan and reflected deeper. Most of what matters to me I already have: a tight relationship with my family, the love of good friends, and some decent health. 💕

This isn’t to say I will stop seeking. But it is to say what’s right in front of me is sometimes dimmed by that darn fishing expedition.

Grateful for what IS.

Photo Dump: the SNOWMAN TREK ⛄️Q: Did  and I find renewed meaning to the concept of happiness on the Snowman Trek? A. Su...
11/18/2024

Photo Dump: the SNOWMAN TREK ⛄️

Q: Did and I find renewed meaning to the concept of happiness on the Snowman Trek?

A. Sure did. Working on processing our collective insights in written and film form.

Q. Can you dare to dream a dream and when it comes true, can it hold all the promise you’d hoped for?

A. 💯. But it could take creativity, a massive community of support, and some incredible partners who believe in your vision. Like and and and dozens of individuals who came together to rally behind us.

Q. Can you experience the worst sickness of your life followed by the greatest kindness of your life all within 24 hours?

A. Yes! Truth: explosive fluids vacating the body on your first night in a shared tent is both humbling and humiliating. BUT—the hospitality and healing of one local family in Laya can turn that all around.

Q. Did you really abandon your new fleece-lined leggings?

A. Yes. See above. 💩🤮

Q. Did you ever tire of climbing up through those high-altitude passes?

A. Never!! A distant glimpse of those fluttering prayer flags was all the extra juice we’d need to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Q. What was the hardest part of the world’s toughest trek?

A. For me—learning to accept myself and my shortcomings. Always last. Always slow. But life isn’t a race. And getting older is a reality. When you aren’t 27 anymore, traipsing through difficult terrain is bound to leave you breathless. And sore!

Q. Have the Bhutanese figured out an alternate way to live—one with an emphasis on gratitude, contentment, kindness and love for the Earth?

A. Indeed. We could learn a lot from their Buddhist ways.

Q. Do they truly revere their King in Bhutan? 🤴🇧🇹

A. I’ve never witnessed so much love and respect for a country’s leader. What a contrast to life over here.

Q. How large was this village roving across the most remote areas of Bhutan?

A. Upwards of 70 horses (give or take depending which day some decided to dip!), 24 support staff from horsemen to cooks to camp staff, to 6 incredible guides and 16 curious/eager trekkers.

❤️ full. Mind, blown. Grateful, and inspired.

When you know where your happy place is—go there. So much to say. So much to still tackle. Love and miss everyone. Greet...
10/29/2024

When you know where your happy place is—go there. So much to say. So much to still tackle. Love and miss everyone. Greetings from a tent in the remote village of Lede, pop’n 80 households.

Yes we are finding new meaning to the word happy. Yes it’s a hard trek (hardest thing I’ve ever done). Yes the Bhutanese are truly onto something with their GNH philosophy (Gross National Happiness).

I’m spent but grateful for the wee signal. Will try to respond to messages tomorrow as we are having a day of rest!

Namaste. 🙏🏻

Current vibe—the sleeping bag is in!!!  thank you so much for getting this to me with such short notice! 🙏🏻🥰🙌🏻For those ...
10/07/2024

Current vibe—the sleeping bag is in!!!

thank you so much for getting this to me with such short notice! 🙏🏻🥰🙌🏻

For those curious, one thing I will not skimp on is quality of sleep. And sleeping at altitude is already problematic! From the thinner air to the cold, you don’t want to be miserable in your tent at night 🏕️

Some things I already love about this women’s specific Murre ES bag, just a week away from its debut in the Himalayas in Bhutan 🇧🇹🤩

🥾loads of insulation in the foot box and chest—my tootsies will be toasty!

🥾came with a storage bag and stuff sack—yasss. And yes I’m a grown-ass woman saying yasssssss. I told you—I’m excited! 💃🎸

🥾it packs down to 17L and weighs 3lbs… which is a far cry from my old heavy duty standard. Though RIP—she served me well for 15 years

Ok. Back to packing!

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(I’m heading to Bhutan to take on the Snowman Trek, one of the world’s toughest hikes… My partner Kendra and I are on a mission to challenge western society’s ideas of success and happiness in a country that prioritizes happiness and well-being of its people. What will we learn while toughing it out on this trail? And why are we so crazy obsessed with productivity over here in the west? What can a tiny Buddhist nation teach us? We can’t wait to share our insights in our forthcoming film.)

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September has been a Rollercoaster of Feels—🎢 whoosh, was I even strapped in?!?! I’ve struggled to keep my feelings stow...
10/01/2024

September has been a Rollercoaster of Feels—🎢 whoosh, was I even strapped in?!?! I’ve struggled to keep my feelings stowed away where they can’t spill out everywhere, making life messier than usual 😂

Besides. I don’t have time to “feel” especially when that To Do list is miles long.

But that’s not what’s real.

What’s real for me is that this has been a tough month. And it’s okay to acknowledge that. I don’t have to be all “stiff-upper-lip” and I don’t have to keep it all together.

The road of grief, the power of stress, the reality/beauty/drama of family is what it is. I wouldn’t trade it because it’s what’s real for me.

I used to call up my dad when overwhelmed by the feelings bubbling inside me. I’d be upset with myself for feeling upset when others would hold it together much better. I’d be frustrated for feeling frustrated when realistically, if I’d have just honoured those feelings instead of trying to push them away, they’d have passed through faster. My dad would say, “Sammy! You’re human! You’re allowed to feel!”

Feelers gonna feel, people.

So. If you’ve a similar hang up and have no time for feelings or resent that they’re there in the first place, just chill. You’re in good company.

Our feelings are part of what make the human experience.

I will never pretend that things don’t affect me or that I’m not a sensitive soul.

Put down the podcasts, your walking playlists and that step counter. It’s time to inject some MAGIC ✨in your WALKING. De...
09/18/2024

Put down the podcasts, your walking playlists and that step counter. It’s time to inject some MAGIC ✨in your WALKING.

Dedicated to those who know what I’m talking about.

To those who find healing in nature.

To those who wander because they love slowing down.

To my TYPE-2 “fans” out there… you know who you are.

To my friends who talk to the trees.

To those who relish every single dog walk like it’s one of the best parts of their day.

And to those who choose the path that doesn’t look easy, because, well, what fun would that be?

🚶🏼‍♀️🥾🍃🌳🌧️⛅️

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Isn’t it time to slow down? To walk a little? Be the rebel ✊🏻, and resist the urge to rush. Ha. I’m the biggest hypocrit...
09/11/2024

Isn’t it time to slow down? To walk a little? Be the rebel ✊🏻, and resist the urge to rush.

Ha. I’m the biggest hypocrite.

Though definitely not fast on the trails, I spend most of my daily life trying to max out each minute I have. It means a constant state of moving and doing and pushing.

Lately, I’ve been working on resisting this temptation. But it’s hard.

Society, in fact, has me hard-wired to jam my days full of productive output. The To Do lists are my fuel and my own natural conditioning to work hard is the match that lights the fire.

It’s no wonder I can feel stressed.

Truth? I actually find it difficult to relax. For me, standing still—boredom, even—is extremely uncomfortable.

The best part about walking is the literal act of slowing down. We are still in motion, but we can suddenly breathe a little easier.

This is a PSA to take your foot off the gas and walk for a bit. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you 🙏🏻

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GIVEAWAY ALERT*****💃🙌🏻🤩Caught up with a fellow wanderer this afternoon  This was us earlier in the summer, enjoying some...
09/09/2024

GIVEAWAY ALERT*****💃🙌🏻🤩

Caught up with a fellow wanderer this afternoon This was us earlier in the summer, enjoying some Type 2 fun in Lofoten, Norway 🇳🇴

Someone asked me the other day, “where do you go for your hikes?” and I legit stumbled over my answer.

Because we’ve been all over and yet barely scratched the surface. I have so many dreams in my head and heart—faraway places I long to explore and then return to share them with you.

I’m curious about your dreams, though.

If you had the perfect itinerary, the time off work and the most Bucket-y List adventure fall into your lap—where would it be?

We’ll choose a winner through a randomizer on Sept 15th.

What are we giving away? ❓

One of our awesome, organic SWTW t’s made by local, women-owned 🙌🏻 These t’s fit like a dream and only get softer with each wash. Made from recycled and organic materials 🌎🍃

To enter, you need to include a specific response that doesn’t just reference the country but also includes the trail you have in mind!

These are the rules:

1. Tag the person you’d love to bring with you in this post.

2. Tell us where specifically and what trail you’d most like to hike. Anywhere in the world…

3. Make sure you are following and

Contest closes Sept 15th—we’ll announce the winner (chosen through a randomizer) at 12:00 pm ET.

Note: Instagram is not associated with this GIVEAWAY in any way.

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How do you choose a backpack? 🎒🤔You do your homework in advance AND you go see a professional. Someone who knows the out...
09/04/2024

How do you choose a backpack? 🎒🤔

You do your homework in advance AND you go see a professional. Someone who knows the outdoors and understands how to properly fit you.

My nickel’s worth, anyways! 😛

Having a properly fitted backpack designed with your specific needs in mind is where you start. Don’t just grab any old thing off the shelf.

Or borrow your Uncle Bob’s bag from 1969. (I mean, sure…. But you’re better off looking for a gear swap online if trying to save those nickels!)

Bags and backpacks have come a lonnnggg way in the last few decades.

One of the best improvements I’ve seen is in the wider variety of sizing—allowing people of all body types to get outside and embrace their adventurous spirit.

What is your go-to bag for hitting the trails? Or for travel?

I’ve put together some helpful hints from my years of adventuring.

And if you happen to be in the Thunder Bay area, hit up for your backpack needs. They really know their stuff! 🥰

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Today’s PSA, anyways. ❤️
08/31/2024

Today’s PSA, anyways. ❤️

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3465 Rebecca Road, Suite 202
Oakville, ON
L6L6W2

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