Hiking: A Way of Life

[Aaron Zagrodnick]

In most circles it is considered impolite to ask a woman her age but not on the trail. At least once on each outing I am confronted with, “May I ask you a ‘personal question’? How old are you?” The comment that follows, “Good, I am 65, that means: I can hike for at least another 25 years. You are my model,” or even, “my hero.”

Renate G. Justin on a lifetime of hiking, read the full story below in Issue 12:

Hiking: A Way of Life

Issue 12 Page 1

[Dogwood]

Renate, you're an inspiration to all of us. I can't help point out you breaking the common misconception that we must totally fall apart as we age. I recently heard this: the opposite of old is not young, the opposite of old is new. You may not be this yrs model(new) but you sure aren't done. I'd feel honored to meet you anytime perhaps even to hike some miles, enjoy the view atop a summit, and have you share a story and a hiking tip or two.