Conquering Trails & Building Bonds – Meet Randy Murphy

🌈 Traveler Stories — real voices from the Pride Adventures community.

For Randy Murphy, adventure has always been part of his DNA. Originally from Toronto, he moved to Los Angeles in 2001, drawn by sunshine, mountains, and the promise of endless outdoor pursuits. A lifelong athlete who’s run 18 marathons and even tackled an ultramarathon, Randy has always been active—but he longed for something more: a sense of connection and community.

That search led him to California Gay Adventures. Encouraged by a friend from his theater group, Randy looked it up and found himself at his first event—bowling.

“Nobody cared how good you were. It was about camaraderie, laughing, and friendships.”

From local bowling nights, Randy soon found himself stepping onto one of the world’s most legendary treks: the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Despite modestly calling himself a “slow hiker,” he completed the grueling 27-mile journey through the Andes over three days. The altitude was tough, but the experience, Randy says, was unforgettable.

“It was epic. Life-changing. And so hard! But it didn’t matter where I finished. I wanted to be in the back so I could really soak it all in.”

Whether trekking ancient paths, sharing tents under starry skies, or laughing at unexpected mishaps, Randy believes the real magic of these trips lies in the bonds built along the way. He’s become especially close with Jim Hladysh, with whom he’s traveled extensively. Sharing tents in Peru—complete with snoring and no showers—proved their friendship was rock solid.

One of Randy’s favorite memories happened in Costa Rica, when a fellow traveler named Dallas, barely in his twenties, announced to the group during dinner:

“Randy, when I grow up, I want to be like you.”

It was a touching moment that captured the spirit of Pride Adventures and CGA—a community where friendships flourish regardless of age or background.

For Randy, age is irrelevant if you’re open-minded and curious. He’s found friends decades younger who share his passion for exploring new places, dancing the night away, and savoring unexpected adventures.

Although Randy has ventured to places like Puerto Vallarta, Southeast Asia, Costa Rica, and Peru, he emphasizes that a life of travel doesn’t require deep pockets. As a retired educator living on a fixed income, he budgets carefully, aiming for one big trip a year. He appreciates how Pride Adventures makes travel accessible with flexible payments and shared accommodations that help keep costs down.

He also values the balance between structured activities and personal freedom on these trips. Some nights he’s out dancing with the group; other times he’ll slip away for a quiet dinner or an impromptu visit to a cat park with a friend.

“There’s structure, but also plenty of room for spontaneity. And that’s what I love about it.”

Randy’s wish list keeps growing. He’s dreaming of Japan, Vietnam, the Galapagos, and Italy—and he knows with Pride Adventures, there’s always another incredible journey waiting.

“Travel with this group has been life-changing,” Randy says. “It’s not just where we go—it’s who you’re with. And the memories you create together.”

Whether he’s savoring ceviche in Lima, hiking legendary trails, or laughing under the stars in the Amazon, Randy Murphy is proof that adventure—and genuine connection—is always waiting, no matter where life leads.

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🎧 Listen to Jim’s full story on the Pride Adventures Podcast: EP1: Adventures, Friendships & Whale Sharks