Ninety-two years old and still going strong! Move over millennials, you have some serious competition in the hiking game. A recent news story has taken the world by storm, featuring a 92-year-old grandparent who completed the ultimate hiking challenge. That’s right, folks, we’re talking about the one and only rim-to-rim hike in the breathtaking Grand Canyon.
Our protagonist, who has decided to remain anonymous (because who wouldn’t want to be hidden from the paparazzi after such an achievement?), has managed to tackle one of the most notoriously difficult hikes in the world. The rim-to-rim trail spans over 23 miles, which most of us can’t even imagine walking without having a near-death experience.
But not this sprightly octogenarian! The rim-to-rim hike is a walk in the park compared to everything else they’ve accomplished in life. Maybe they’ve battled in World War II, raised kids, and survived the first heart transplant, but who cares about all of that when you’ve got the bragging rights of a Grand Canyon hike under your belt?
We can only imagine what went through this seasoned hiker’s head as they made their way through the arduous trek. Maybe they reminisced about simpler times, where a commute to work consisted of walking uphill both ways in the snow. Perhaps they took a moment to appreciate all of the wonders that nature has to offer, including heatstroke and blisters on their feet.
We can only speculate on the thoughts that motivated this adventurous grandparent to take on such an endeavor, but one thing’s for sure: they’re not your typical 92-year-old. Who wants to sit in a rocking chair or play cards all day when you can literally conquer the world one step at a time, right?
Of course, we can’t all be as active and spry as this particular grandparent. Most of us can barely make it through a grocery store trip without feeling like we need a nap. However, we can all look up to this accomplishment as the epitome of #goals.
So let this be a lesson to all of us: age is just a number, and anyone can be a hiker if they set their mind to it. Never mind the steep terrain, blistering heat, or fatigue-inducing altitude; all you need is determination, a sense of adventure, and maybe a lifetime of healthy habits.
Whether or not we’re all able to complete a rim-to-rim hike like this grandparent, we can certainly feel inspired by their accomplishment. So put on your hiking boots, pack a lunch, and get ready to take on the world. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be seeing your own headline in the news someday: “90-something year old completes Everest, becomes oldest person to do so.”
