Jo Parker walks the Inca Trail
Walking the Inca Trail – Completed!
Jo Parker – Technical Director, Watershed Associates
Earlier this month Jo Parker, UKSTT Trenchless Woman of the Year 2024, signed up to trek the Inca Trail. The trek included climbing 1200m 2 days running plus the equivalent downhill, total walking was about 32 hours spread over 4 days. The altitude was between 2000 and 4300m.
Jo said, “I made it through the whole of the Inca Trail but it’s the toughest thing I’ve ever done and I’ve come home a bit of a wreck with bronchitis and conjunctivitis. I struggled with the altitude, and the camping was pretty basic. It is a good way to lose weight – I lost 2 kg! It’s the first time I’ve come back from a conference lighter than when I went. However I did raise £500 for Keech Hospice (the JustGiving page is still open). My fellow water engineers (all delegates from Waterloss 2026 plus a couple of other partners) were incredibly supportive and I gather that I was the oldest person the expedition company had ever had on a trek. There were times when I felt they were treating me as everyone’s favourite granny but fellow engineers and the expedition staff were all very supportive and I wasn’t always the last to finish each day!!”.
Jo’s accomplishment is particularly impressive given the extreme conditions she faced, from the thin air at high altitude to the basic camping facilities that offered little comfort after long days of trekking. Her positive attitude throughout the experience, despite the physical toll it took on her body, demonstrates the strength of character.
The fundraising success for Keech Hospice added meaningful purpose to her journey, making every step worthwhile. The camaraderie amongst the group of water engineers proved invaluable throughout the expedition.
Great job Jo!
