Solo sailor hits outback hurdle

Being stranded in the Pilbara outback is just the latest hurdle in a life of exploring for an esteemed sailor. Swapping blue seas for red-dirt country, British woman Jeanne Socrates who last year made the Guinness World Records for being the oldest person to sail around the world solo became stranded just outside of Paraburdoo while on her Pilbara adventure this month. The 78-year-old was travelling to Karijini National Park as part of her trip around Australia, however she took a wrong turn on her way to Paraburdoo. Shortly after taking the wrong turn, her van broke down leaving her stuck and alone in the middle of the outback for several hours. Rio Tinto botanists Hayden Ajduk and Joel Collins were returning to Paraburdoo from a day in the field when they noticed something unusual on the normally quiet road. Luckily for Ms Socrates, the pair rescued her from her troubles and contacted a nearby mine using their satellite phone and radio. Ms Socrates said she was then taken to Paraburdoo and was able to stay at the workforce accommodation until her van was repaired. “I was lucky the Rio Tinto people came by and they were absolutely fantastic,” she said. “It was getting on towards dark and I had no phone coverage. It was really nice for them to help.” Mr Ajduk said it was only by chance they saw her and were shocked when they did. “We’d been up at the Western Ranges doing a flora survey, had wrapped up for the week and were heading home when we noticed a trail of oil along the ground,” he said. “We followed it for about 1km or so, until we came across a hire campervan.” The seasoned traveller said she was always determined to get through challenges and keep on exploring. “Nothing is going to be bad for long. I think you have to have the right mindset. Things are going to get better, they are going to get fixed, you kind of sort yourself out,” she said. “I am used to fixing things, sorting things out, dealing with problems. “It’s a way of life almost.” Ms Socrates eventually made it to Karijini last week and said the country was spectacular. “There have been so many beautiful places. I have been really, really taken by it,” she said.