The inspirational words from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic Climb Every Mountain might just be the theme song for centenarian Barbara Simpson’s life.
Mrs Simpson has climbed "every mountain in the Kakanui Range" inland from Oamaru and only hung her boots up at 85, although she still continues to walk.
A rainbow in Oamaru yesterday marked Mrs Simpson’s 100th birthday as she celebrated with about 60 family and friends at the Brydone Hotel.
Despite life-long challenges with polio which she contracted at 13, her sons, John, James and Brett say she has always been "very physically active" and there was "little in her life that she wouldn’t attempt to do".
She was described as an "incredibly positive" person in all that she aspired to achieve.
"A loving, caring mother and granny to her whole family."
She has four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Born on September 3, 1924 in Oamaru, she grew up on a high country sheep station, Dome Hills at Livingstone, and attended Waitaki Girls’ High School. She had three sons with her husband Lindsay, who died 11 years ago. She trained as a nurse at Dunedin Public Hospital, working nights when her sons were young.
The well-travelled and "determined" Mrs Simpson has a positive disposition.
She said "getting out walking, living in the fresh air" as well as gardening and socialising might be keys to her longevity.
She said "life is not a rehearsal, you’ve just got to make the most of it".
But perhaps starting her day off with a "cold shower" and ending it with a "nip of brandy" also has something to do with it.
