Welcome to Truly Sherry – Starting Over at 73

Hello and welcome! I’m Sherry—the voice, camera, and virtual pen behind Truly Sherry. I’m so glad you’ve stopped by for my first blog post. This year marks my 60th year of solo and slow travel.

This blog is where I share stories from my decades of cruises, train journeys and now campervan road trips with my dog Poppy. Stories infused with life experiences along the way.

Think of this site as part travel and personal day-to-day diary, part photo journal, and part travel guide with my personal tips and advice from someone who’s been there, done that, and is still going strong.

Why I Needed to Start This Site Now

If someone had ever told me that I’d have to reinvent myself at age 73 and launch a new website, create new content, and build another career with a viable income stream, I probably would’ve laughed and said, “No way. I’m thinking about how not to be at my computer 8 hours a day!”

For decades, I traveled the world without flying; the slow way, on ships and trains. I photographed, wrote, documented, tasted, wandered, and shared those experiences with millions of readers on my former cruise site. My little corner of the internet felt like home. It was my retirement plan, my creative outlet, my second act after raising a family, and honestly…my joy.

And then, almost overnight, it was gone.

Not because of something I did. Not because the industry collapsed and not because I got tired of the work. But because someone I newly trusted took advantage of that trust, and the fallout took my website, my income, and a big piece of the life I’d built.

I won’t dwell on that part too long, but I will say this about a lesson learned the hard way: No one is ever too smart, too seasoned, or too experienced to be fooled.

And if my story helps even one person protect what they’ve worked for, then maybe this new beginning is exactly what was meant to happen.

So here I am, starting fresh, with the belief that reinvention is not a last resort. It’s a resolve and a commitment. I’m starting over, on my own terms, with the freedom to share stories the way I want to do now – honest, heartfelt, sometimes funny, and always grounded in real experiences.

How My Slow (and Solo) Travel Life Began

My first solo trip happened when I was 12 years old. My dad put me on the Santa Fe Super Chief train in Chicago, headed to Phoenix to visit family.

For almost 3 days I’d look out of my compartment’s dust-covered window and watch as the scenery changed from urban skylines to rugged mountains and finally flat desert. I was hooked.

Fast-forward a couple of decades and after my kids were born, I decided I was done with flying. Every place you’ll read about on this site, I’ve visited without setting foot on an airplane. It’s amazing how far it’s possible to travel without flying.

Slow travel has become how I move through the world. I choose journeys that leave room for observation, patience, and those unexpected moments along the way.

I’m also especially excited to share my life stories about people I’ve met, unexpected surprises (I was on Hollywood Squares but didn’t win the Secret Square!) and even my far-from-professional cooking skills.

What Am I Doing Now?

These days, I still travel slow and with a bit more intention. It’s more about connecting – with people, with places, and with myself. Traveling in my later years brings a new kind of wisdom and reflection.

I think I’ve learned what matters, what doesn’t, and hopefully, how to find joy in the unexpected. I’ve discovered that staying active, eating well, and keeping a curious spirit make every journey richer. Making new friends along the way is an unexpected bonus!

Whether I’m cooking something healthy in my tiny campervan kitchen or savoring a regional specialty in a local café, food somehow has always played a role in my stories.

Everyday Moments and Reflections

Not every journey requires a passport or a full tank of gas. Some of my life’s best moments unfold close to home—quiet mornings with coffee on the patio, walking my dog Poppy, or just talking to the incredibly old Live Oak listening tree in my yard. 

On Truly Sherry, I’ll also share bits and pieces of my everyday life and honest thoughts on aging; what it means to stay curious, to keep learning, and continue to embrace life with gratitude. Aging isn’t something you can resist; it’s a personal journey in itself. With it comes new freedoms, clearer priorities, and the confidence to live on your own terms.

These reflections are as much a part of the journey as the miles I travel. They remind me that staying healthy, grounded, inquisitive and open to life, wherever I am, is what makes an adventure the adventure!

What You’ll Find Here

Truly Sherry isn’t one of those glamorous, foo-foo influencer travel blogs. It’s authentic and real. And more than just a travel blog. Here you’ll find:

• My travel stories and reflections: The kind that come from decades of solo adventures, both the smooth sails and the detours.
• Scenic routes worth taking: From winding coastal drives to mountain passes and slow roads that lead to unexpected beauty.
• Cruise adventures: 200+ ocean cruises, dozens of river cruises through Europe and North and South America. I have plenty to recount about those trips.
• Quirky places to visit: Unusual museums and roadside attractions.
• Train journeys: From transcontinental rides across the U.S. and Canada to Europe’s sprawling rail network through small towns and alpine peaks.
• Food and flavors from the road: Regional comfort dishes, café concoctions, and easy recipes from places I’ve visited.
• Life and wellness after 60 and beyond: tips to stay active, travel safe and healthy (and at home). I’m on a mission to embrace life on my own terms. In other words, aging (un)gracefully!

Starting Over Isn’t Failure – It’s Proof I’m Still Growing

At 73, I’m more patient, more resilient, and still slightly wary of the unknown. I have grown a bit more cautious at this stage but also more curious.

Losing something that mattered to me taught me that I’m capable of more than I realized. To begin again from scratch at my age helps me find that creative spark hidden somewhere. And building TrulySherry.com gives me a reason to keep exploring, keep writing, and keep sharing.

Thank You For Being Here

If you’ve found your way here because you love to explore – or dream of doing so – welcome. Maybe we’re life-long friends or we met somewhere on our travels. Maybe you’ve followed me on my old social media accounts or even if you just discovered me today, thank you. Thank you.

If you’d like to keep up with new posts, you can subscribe here on the blog, follow along on Instagram, Facebook or on my new YouTube channel, all at TrulySherry.

I hope you’ll come along for the journey. Until next time, travel kindly, live deeply, and stay curious.

Truly yours,