There was a woman who successfully scaled Mt. Whitney 23 times
between the ages of 66 and 91! Her name was Hulda Crooks (May 19, 1896
– November 23, 1997) and also known as "Grandma Whitney".
In 1987, she became the oldest woman to complete the ascent of
Mt. Fuji (12,388’) in Japan….she was 91 years old at that time! She also
hiked the entire 212 mile of the John Muir Trail, completing the hike in
segments over five summers.
In addition she climbed a total of 86 different Southern
California peaks, each over 5,000 feet between 1977 and 1983. Hulda
Crooks was a long time resident of Loma Linda, CA (one of the
Blue Zones) and a Seventh-day Adventist. She often spent time with
children in the community, encouraging them to appreciate nature and stay
active. When she spoke about the advantage of a good diet, proper
exercise, and a positive mental attitude, she was speaking from her
experiences.
It was during a period of poor health while she was a student at
Loma Linda that she changed her lifestyle. During her retirement years,
she would give a dozen talks a month on health and physical fitness. She
would walk up to 100 miles each month to stay in shape.
By the way, do you know the
Blue Zones? You’ll see why I decided to mention it here. It's "connecting the dots".....an interesting connection between
longevity and Loma Linda, CA., where "Grandma Whitney" lived.
In 1990, by an Act of Congress, one of the peaks of Mt. Whitney
was renamed Crooks Peak
in her honor (the second peak to the left of Mt. Whitney in the picture), and in 1991 Loma Linda dedicated a park at the base of the south
hills as Hulda Crooks Park.
Mrs. Crooks died peacefully on Sunday, November 22, in her Linda
Valley Villa retirement home. She was 101.
Hulda Crooks describing life at her age 80.....
“Early to bed and early to rise. Out jogging about 5:30am.
Jog a mile and walk it back briskly. It takes me 12 minutes to jog the
mile and 15 minutes to walk it. Do some upper trunk exercises, work in
the yard, and walk to the market, and work.”
Congressman Jerry Lewis, one of her hiking companions, in his
statement to reminiscence about their climb and return to one of the camps
along the route for the Crooks Peak dedication in 1991…….
"No mountain was ever too high for this gentle giant.
With a twinkle in her eye, and purpose in her step, 'Grandma Whitney' showed
the world that mental, physical and spiritual health is attainable at any age.”
References on Hulda Crooks "Grandma Whitney":
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July 24, 1987: “Grandma Whitney” Becomes Oldest Woman To Climb Mt. Fuji
Very interesting!
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