Starting in 1954, Helen Schreider and her husband, Frank, spent over two years traveling from Alaska to South America’s Tierra del Fuego. It was an ambitious trip that marked the beginning of their professions.
Shortly after, her late husband (he passed away in 1994) was inducted into the Explorers Club, a very big accomplishment for any explorer. But Helen was left out, even though she was right by his side throughout the entire trip.
“Women were not allowed to be members. It was definitely an all-boys club kind of thing,” she told New Mexico’s KRQE.
More than six decades later, however, Helen finally received the honor at the age of 89. The moment meant the world to her (much like the 97-year-old woman who was finally given her high school diploma).
“I never ever thought it would happen,” Helen said with a smile on her face.
And as Helen recalled her travels — about 100 countries in 15 years for National Geographic — it’s clear that the honor is well-deserved one, especially because of the many dangers the couple faced. Bad storms and threatening pirates were just some of those difficulties they encountered.
“Each trip was just its own universe,” Helen said.
Watch below and please SHARE if you're glad Helen Schreider was finally rewarded!
