The Sharp End of Life: A Mother’s Story 

August 31, 2019 - Dierdre Wolownick-Honnold will be giving a presentation at the Mariposa Museum on Friday, September 6 at 6:00 P.M.  The event is Part 8 of the Speaker Series featuring a History of Rock Climbing in Yosemite Valley.

Wife and mother. Teacher and musician. Marathoner and rock climber. At 66, Dierdre Wolownick became the oldest woman to climb El Capitan in Yosemite—and in The Sharp End of Life: A Mother’s Story, she shares her intimate journey, revealing how her climbing achievement reflects a broader story of courage and persistence.

Dierdre grew up under the watchful eyes of a domineering mother and realized early on that her parents’ plans for her future weren’t what she wanted for herself. Later, what seemed like a storybook romance brought escape, with new experiences and eye-opening travel, but she quickly discovered that her husband was not the happy-go-lucky man he had first appeared. Adapting as best she could, Dierdre juggled work and raising two young children, encouraging them to be fearlessly confident. She noted with delight how her “little lady” Stasia took it upon herself to look out for her baby brother, and watched in amazement as her son Alex Honnold, the famed free-soloist, started climbing practically before he could crawl.

Dierdre Wolownick practices with her jumars on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.  Dierdre Honnold photo by Karissa Frye

After years of struggle in her marriage and her ultimate divorce, Dierdre found inspiration in her now-adult children’s passions, as well as new depths within herself. At Stasia’s urging, she took up running at age 54 and soon completed several marathons. Then at age 58, Alex led her on her first rock climbs. A world of friendship and support suddenly opened up to her within the climbing “tribe,” culminating in her record-setting ascent of El Cap with her son.

Admission for the event is free.  A $5 appetizer buffet and $2 beer and wine courtesy of Charles Street Dinner House will be available.  Food will be served at 6:00 P.M., with the presentation to follow.  Please visit the Mariposa Museum on Facebook for event information and updates or call (209) 966-2924.

The museum is located at 5119 Jessie St., Mariposa.  Visit the Mariposa Museum website at MariposaMuseum.com.

Source: Mariposa Museum and History Center

Dierdre Wolownick practicing on the Heart lines of El Capitan. Photo credit: Karalyn Aronow