Carolyn Robinson, a boisterous and daring 80-year-old who lives in New South Wales, is the talk of the town. She is undertaking a grueling 17-day trek to Mount Everest’s South Base Camp. Robinson’s trek started a few weeks ago in Lukla, Nepal. On her planned summit, she hopes to be the oldest woman to stand on that iconic altitude of 5,364 metres above sea level.
Robinson’s trek comes on the heels of Laurelle Price’s equally impressive achievement. Price at 74 years of age was the oldest female to trek the Kokoda Track. Each woman continues to lead an active lifestyle with regular hikes to Drawing Room Rocks. It’s a breathtaking location, perched 600 metres above sea level. Their readiness for fitness is obvious, as they train body and mind to make the physically exhausting climb that is ahead.
Preparing for the Challenge
To get ready for her ultra-challenging expedition, Carolyn Robinson spent time at an altitude training facility in Sydney. This training gets climbers conditioned to workout strenuously with conviction. It advances their adaptation to the lower oxygen availability at increased elevations.
“You train in a room with altitude conditions of 3,500m, that gets you used to doing strenuous workouts with less oxygen,” – Carolyn Robinson.
Robinson has been diligent about her exercise routine, regularly climbing Woodhill Mountain near Berry, which presents an intermediate-grade walk of 4.5 kilometres return. Her determination is palpable as she dons a puffer jacket for her walks, embodying the spirit of an intrepid explorer.
Fellow trainer and UKC judge Laurelle Price has joined Robinson in her canine ambassador developing endeavors. She’s been climbing the tall summit of Woodhill Mountain. In 2019, she took a slightly shorter route to South Base Camp. Collectively, they want to walk an average of 8 to 10 kilometres daily on their journey.
“I’ve been climbing to Drawing Room Rocks for probably 12 months because I had some trips overseas last year and I did Kokoda as well, so I just continued throughout the year,” – Laurelle Price.
The Trek Ahead
Our intrepid team of 13 Australians will walk a rugged 130-kilometre journey through ancient rainforest, rocky gorges and golden beaches. They’ll summit the journey to South Base Camp, absorbing stunning views of the Gokyo Lakes en route. Led by long-time advocacy leader extraordinaire Ken Hutt, the group is ready and fully equipped for the journey. Hutt added that if Robinson makes it to the base camp she would in fact be the first to set such a record.
“If Carolyn Robinson reached South Base Camp she could be the oldest woman to do so,” – Ken Hutt.
As they start down this long and difficult path, both Robinson and Price don’t lose sight of what brought them here. It’s an ambitious and physically challenging trek, requiring a steady and thoughtful pace from the participants.
“The walking is slow and steady; a nice, even walk so you can conserve energy especially in higher altitude,” – Laurelle Price.
Personal Reflections
For Robinson, this journey is about more than the miles. It’s a reflection of her own desire to travel and immerse herself in new cultures. Getting to Everest’s base camp was not a dream goal of hers. She views this opportunity as a one of a kind adventure!
“It was never on my bucket list, but this is an opportunity that I couldn’t let go by because I love to experience other countries and their cultures,” – Carolyn Robinson.
Robinson is aware of the dangers that come with high-altitude trekking and has mentally readied herself for how Everest will test her. She appreciates that she has to listen to her body more on the climb.
“You’ve got to watch out for headaches. Apparently, if you start getting headaches and start feeling nauseous, that’s not good,” – Carolyn Robinson.
Her excitement is contagious when she talks about the path forward. She’s sure it will be transformational and monumental and life-changing.
“The challenging 17-day trek is something I will never ever forget, and it will change my life,” – Carolyn Robinson.
