A Lake Macquarie mother and business owner has achieved one of the most extraordinary feats not once… but twice.
Mum-of-three Katrina Croquett recently conquered the Mount Everest Base Camp trek, back-to-back, only a few days apart.
The journey covered more than a total of 260 kilometres across rugged terrain, including snowfields, icy trails, muddy paths and suspension bridges, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the world’s highest peaks.
For Katrina, the co-founder of Women Embrace Adventure, she also put a global spotlight on regional businesswomen in Australia.
Faced with an altitude of 5,364 metres, she took up the initial 130-kilometre stage with her husband Pete and three sons – Luke, Jake and Tyler – in tow.
It was a deeply personal journey for the family.
After days of climbing through the Khumbu region and finally reaching the Base Camp on 15 April, the Croquetts ticked off a milestone not many others can say they have.
It also marked a challenging escapade with her boys to show them remote parts of the world while achieving something truly extraordinary together.
But, Katrina wasn’t stopping there.
After trekking down, she left her family at the Kathmandu Airport and turned back around.
This time, she joined a group of Australian women to experience the 130-kilometre climb.
Returning through the same challenging conditions, once again navigating the high-altitude terrain, icy paths and the physical demands of the world’s most iconic trek, Katrina had a point to prove.
“This was about more than reaching the Mount Everest Base Camp,” she said.
“It was about connection, resilience and showing what’s possible, whether that’s with your family or alongside a group of incredible women.”
Now home, Katrina reflected on the outstanding accomplishment, both physical endurance and leadership, as well as a commitment to creating life-changing experiences for women through adventure.
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