Hulda Crooks

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Hulda Crooks (May 19, 1896 – November 23, 1997) was an American mountaineer. Affectionately know as "Grandma Whitney" she successfully scaled 14,505 foot Mt. Whitney 23 times between the ages of 65 and 91. She had climbed 97 other peaks during this period.^[1]

In 1990, Day Needle, one of the peaks in the Whitney area was, by an Act of Congress , named Crooks Peak in her honor.^[2] In 1987, at the age of 91, she became the oldest woman to complete the ascent of Mt. Fuji in Japan. She hiked the entire 212 mile John Muir Trail in the high Sierras.^{[citation needed]}

Hulda Crooks was a long-time resident of Loma Linda, California and a Seventh-day Adventist. She often spent time with children in the community, encouraging them to appreciate nature and stay active. In 1991 Loma Linda dedicated a park at the base of the south hills as Hulda Crooks Park.^[3]

“

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 Hulda Crooks describing life at 80[4][5]

”

According to Congressman Jerry Lewis (R California), one of her hiking companions,

“

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.

”

[edit] References

1. ^ Hulda Crooks passes away at 101. Loma Linda University. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.
2. ^ USGS GNIS: Crooks Peak. Retrieved on 2008-04-23.
3. ^ Public Works: Parks. City of Loma Linda. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.
4. ^ Crooks, Hulda (1996). Conquering life's mountains: A collection of writings. Redlands, CA: Quiet Hour, 1. OCLC 35020378. 
5. ^ Who Are The Oldest People On Our Planet? And, Why Are They That Healthy? Part 6. Diabetes Diet Dialogue. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.

[edit] External links

• A personal webpage by friends of Crooks
• The Backpacking Octogenarian Health and Fitness
• Hiking report at Hulda Crooks Park includes 3D maps of terrain.
• Photo of Jerry Lewis with Hulda Crooks below Whitney Summit.