At 94, this Carmel man turns daily walks into a lifeline for his home and heart
Hans Lehmann, a 94-year-old resident of Carmel-by-the-Sea, spends his days walking, writing, and connecting with others. His Substack newsletter, Walking My Ways, shares small but meaningful moments from his life—whether chatting with locals or volunteering for those in need. The project also helps fund repairs for his historic, though crumbling, redwood cottage. Lehmann’s family arrived in Carmel after fleeing Nazi Germany. Now, decades later, he lives in Pine Gates, a 1929 home once called Ella’s Southern Kitchen. The cottage, with its foundation problems, demands constant upkeep—costs partly covered by his newsletter subscriptions.
Two years ago, after retiring from Macy’s and publishing three memoirs, he began blogging. Twice a week, *Walking My Ways* delivers short, uplifting posts. Some recount encounters on his walks, like two little girls waiting for their grandmother at the post office. Others describe his volunteer work, such as serving meals to a homeless woman who spoke of finding peace despite hardship. Each Christmas, Lehmann dresses as Santa Claus. His writing, filled with warmth and curiosity, has become a source of connection—for him and his readers alike.
The newsletter sustains both Lehmann’s home and his habit of sharing stories. Readers follow his walks, his conversations, and his quiet acts of kindness. Through his words, a 94-year-old’s daily life in Carmel-by-the-Sea reaches people far beyond the coastal town.
