You know those friends who refuse to go hiking because they say they’re getting too old?
They’re not going to like this story.
On Wednesday, September 17, Massachusetts hiker Pam Johnston completed her 48 Over 80 hiking challenge, summitting all of the New Hampshire 48 4,000-foot peaks, and finishing her incredible hiking accomplishment with a remote hike up Zealand and The Bonds in a single day.
Johnston is 82 years old.
You read that right: 82. Not a typo.
Johnston’s daughter, Julie DeLong, said she believes that makes her mother the oldest person to achieve this milestone—and only the second woman to do so.
Making this accomplishment even more incredible: DeLong said her mother didn’t even begin hiking until she was 65-years-old, starting the activity shortly after the passing of her husband, who she had been caring for.
A friend of hers invited Johnston on her very first hike—a trip of Mount Chocorua—and she said she instantly fell in love with the mountains.
DeLong said she assumed that hike was a one-off experience for her mother. But Johnston kept at it, doing a few hikes with friends until 2008, when she decided to take on a hut-to-hut Presidential Range hike.
Johnston came back not only with an incredible experience, but also lasting friendships.
DeLong said her mother has since been a constant source of encouragement and support to others.
DeLong said her mother helped her complete her own 48, assisted her grandson with his, and has hiked alongside countless friends working through their goals.
Somewhere along the way, Johnston realized that with all the hikes she had completed, she was already well on her way to finishing the GRID—and she is now about 90 percent of the way there.
DeLong said her mother likes to say, “It’s never too late to start. Be prepared. Don’t be afraid to turn back—the mountains will always be there. And above all, be safe.”
Sound advice from an inspiration for hikers of all ages.
