Then We Walked: A Journey of Walking, Freedom, and Community

Exploring life reimagined through long-distance walking and travel.

Then We Walked is more than a travel blog. It is the story of Colleen Sims and her husband Gerry, who turned a love for walking into a global journey of discovery and purpose. Based in southwest France, they chronicle the landscapes, challenges, and quiet joys of life on foot, particularly on the famed Camino de Santiago routes.

At-a-Glance:

Web Name: Then We Walked
Name: Colleen & Gerry
Generation: Baby Boomers
FI Status: Retired, financially independent
Travel Type: Long-distance walking, Camino pilgrimage routes, global hikes
Travel Regions: Spain, Portugal, France, Morocco, USA, Vietnam, and more
Media Platforms: Blog, Facebook group “Walking The Camino De Santiago,” workshops, newsletters

Backstory:

Colleen Sims’ life took a new direction in 2013 when she walked 800 kilometres alone on the Camino Frances, the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago. A former Motown and soul singer, she had already spent two decades living in France with Gerry and raising three children. That first solo pilgrimage transformed her outlook, prompting her to walk the Camino many more times and to share her insights with a growing audience of fellow travellers. By 2019, the couple had formed a local walking group, later becoming an official French association supporting both beginners and seasoned pilgrims.

The Shift:

The idea of “life reimagined” lies at the heart of Then We Walked. Colleen describes walking as an act of renewal and self-discovery. Retirement, rather than slowing them down, became the moment for exploration. Their journeys are less about ticking destinations off a list and more about finding meaning in every step. Whether on the Camino Frances, Portuguese, or even the Kumano Kodo in Japan, Colleen and Gerry focus on walking as a pathway to clarity and connection.

How They Made It Work:

The Sims’ lifestyle is sustained by a combination of financial independence and thoughtful planning. Years of work in France allowed them to retire comfortably, and their focus on minimalist travel makes extended journeys more affordable. They also offer online workshops, Camino planning courses, and walking retreats, helping others prepare for long-distance hikes. These activities, combined with an engaged community of readers and walkers, form the backbone of their ongoing projects.

Where They Travel & Why:

While the Camino de Santiago is their mainstay, Colleen and Gerry’s travels span continents. They have explored the rugged paths of Morocco, the rice paddies of Vietnam, and hiking trails across Europe and the USA. Their choice of destinations is driven by a passion for cultural depth and slow travel. For them, walking through landscapes is as much about the people they meet and the stories they collect as it is about the physical journey.

Challenges & Real Talk:

Colleen is open about the realities of long-distance walking. She speaks candidly about the physical challenges, from blisters and fatigue to dealing with unpredictable weather. Organising group walks and workshops also comes with logistical hurdles, particularly after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Yet, through it all, Colleen emphasises perseverance, careful preparation, and the importance of community support.

What Keeps Them Going:

Their motivation is rooted in the belief that every step offers a chance to live fully. Walking has become both a form of meditation and a bridge to a global community of pilgrims. Colleen often shares the sentiment that “growing old is a gift” and encourages others to embrace travel at any stage of life. For her, leading groups on the Camino and helping first-time walkers achieve their goals is deeply rewarding.

Advice to Readers:

Colleen’s advice is simple yet profound: start where you are. Whether you are preparing for the Camino or considering your first long-distance hike, she encourages proper training, smart packing, and a mindset of flexibility. Her workshops and guides focus on practical essentials; like gear choices and route planning, while also encouraging readers to embrace the emotional journey that comes with walking.

Links to More:

Website: https://thenwewalked.com/
Facebook: Walking The Camino De Santiago
Blog: https://thenwewalked.blog/

Disclaimer: Income, income streams and financial independence details & status are drawn exclusively from publicly available sources. No inference, harm, or misrepresentation is intended toward any individual or entity.