An 80-year-old woman from Berry, New South Wales, Carolyn Robinson, has embarked on a remarkable 17-day trek to Mount Everest’s South Base Camp, defying age barriers to fulfill her passion for experiencing different cultures and countries.
Joined by 12 other Australians, including her 74-year-old neighbor Laurelle Price, the group, with an average age of 67, are members of Rotary and are determined to cover a challenging 130-kilometer round trip in Nepal, aiming to walk 8 to 10 kilometers daily and reach the base camp situated at an elevation of 5,364 meters.
Carolyn’s trekking leader, Ken Hutt, expressed confidence that if she successfully reaches the South Base Camp, she could become the oldest woman ever to achieve this feat, surpassing the current record held by a 78-year-old Japanese woman who made several unsuccessful attempts between 2006 and 2018.
One of the primary motivations behind Carolyn’s expedition is the fundraising aspect, with the trekkers collectively raising $50,000 to support global efforts to eradicate polio, a cause championed by Rotary International in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization.
Prior to commencing the trek, the group spent two nights acclimatizing in Kathmandu and started their journey from Lukla, navigating the challenging terrain to reach South Base Camp through Gokyo Lakes, with a focus on acclimatization walks to cope with the high altitudes and reduced oxygen levels.
For Carolyn, preparation has been key, involving regular climbs up Woodhill Mountain near Berry, altitude training in Sydney, and ensuring she is equipped with well-fitting walking boots to tackle the demanding trek that requires not just physical fitness but also the ability to adapt to the altitude challenges along the way.
Laurelle Price, Carolyn’s hiking companion, who at 74 holds the title of the oldest woman to complete the Kokoda Track, is equally enthusiastic about revisiting the Himalayas and immersing herself in the Sherpa culture, emphasizing the importance of a slow and steady pace to conserve energy and cope with the oxygen-deprived environment at the base camp.
As the group embarks on this challenging adventure, the dangers of altitude sickness loom, emphasizing the significance of acclimatization and being vigilant for symptoms like headaches and nausea, which could signal a need for immediate descent to lower altitudes for safety.
With a strong resolve and a shared commitment to supporting charitable causes, Carolyn, Laurelle, and their fellow trekkers embody the spirit of adventure, resilience, and philanthropy, setting an inspiring example of how age is no barrier to pursuing one’s dreams and making a meaningful impact beyond personal accomplishments.
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