Oldest woman to climb El Capitan to speak at Gold Country Writers meeting

Dierdre Wolownick, the oldest woman to scale Yosemite's iconic El Capitan at age 70, will be the featured speaker at the Gold Country Writers meeting on Wednesday, July 20, at the Auburn City Hall Rose Room. The meeting begins at 10 a.m., and the public is invited. Wolownick will share "How to Succeed at Anything" – a visual presentation that shows how to conquer fear and accomplish dreams. Wolownick's memoir "The Sharp End of Life: A Mother's Story" relates her journey, revealing how her climbing achievement reflects a broader story of courage and persistence. Her son, Alex Honnold, became her guide to climbing. Honnold, one of the world's most famous climbers, is featured in "Free Solo," the Academy Award-winning documentary that depicts his rope-less ascent of El Capitan. At 55, Wolownick began running and has done marathons, half-marathons and other races. At 59, she began rock climbing and at 66 became the oldest woman to climb El Capitan. Last year, Wolownick celebrated her 70th birthday by going up El Capitan again and camping on the summit. Wolownick is from New York City and has taught five foreign languages on three continents for 44 years. Her writing in books and magazines worldwide has won awards, and her independent publishing company produced several award winners and international sellers. A musician all her life, Wolownick founded and conducted the West Sacramento Community Orchestra and played in many community orchestras and smaller ensembles on flute, clarinet and piano/keyboard. For more information, visit goldcountrywriters.com or email goldcountrywriters1849@gail.com.