Final Trip Reports: Carstensz Pyramid and Kosciuszko
What a way to wrap up phase 1 of the 7 Summits Climbs for Alzheimer’s: Memories are Everything project. Carstensz Pyramid had everything I expected and Kosciuszko was the perfect last climb. Carstensz Pyramid Carstensz was what an adventure should be. It had drama, uncertainty, an element of danger and of course for a climber – a summit. I knew as I boarded the plane for the flight to Indonesia that this would be the most difficult climb both technically and logistically. What I didn’t expect was that labor issues at the local mine near Carstensz would be the culprit. I knew the local tribes in the jungles created havoc for foreigners but it was the the strike that generated major problems. Once we reached base camp, the climb itself was very enjoyable from a pure climbing perspective. There was rock climbing at high altitude and was fun. The highlight was the Tryolean Traverse where I clipped my harness onto a cable spanning a large gap with clear air below, took a leap of faith and pulled myself across towards the summit – all at 16,000 feet. I have a great video of me going over and back on the trip report. I think you will find it interesting! In my normal manner for all my climbs I have added a few pages to my site to document the expedition: Carstensz Pyramid 2011 Trip Report with videos Carstensz Pyramid FAQ Carstensz Pyramid Photo Gallery Kosciuszko Approaching 200 nights away from home, I was anxious to return home so after we returned to civilization in Bali, I immediately flew to Sydney Australia, one of the great cities in the world. I drove then down to Thredbo and climbed Mt. Kosciuszko the next day. For those wondering (and counting) why I climbed eight mountain for something called the 7 Summits, I explain it all in this post a few weeks ago. That said, I loved Kozzy. It was easy, fun and rewarding with the added benefit of being in Australia. These are the specific reports on that climb: Kosciuszko 2011 Trip Report Kosciuszko FAQ Kosciuszko Photo Gallery While these climbs may be over (and there may be one more in 2012 so stay tuned); my efforts around Alzheimer’s will not stop. I hope to go on a road trip of sorts next year to share these experiences and show a few pictures from my 8 climbs. I am already doing that on a limited basis and appreciate the positive response. If you subscribe to this blog you will continue to receive notices of articles and future speaking and fundraising events. Also, please continue to visit this blog and site to see what’s new with me. But for now; Climb On! Alan Memories are Everything
Kosciuszko Summit: Brief Recap
It may have been the lowest, but it was certainly worth the effort. Mount Kosciuszko was easy and fun plus a wonderful way to end my current 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer’s: Memories are Everything project. Only three days after summiting Carstensz Pyramid, here I flew to Sydney and then drove to the ski resort village of Thredbo. I found a great place to stay and looked out my window to see a cloud covered mountain side. More than one climber had told me that Kozzy presented a challenge in difficult weather conditions. But when I woke up, I was greeted with clear blue skies! I took the Kosciuszko Express ski lift up the mountain side and started my walk to the summit. OK, so maybe this was more walking than climbing; but I was happy to be here. I was not alone for much of the hour it took to reach the summit as a group of international students were there,couples enjoying the day and an entire herd of school kids screaming their way up the trail. Everyone was having a great time. The route is actually on a raised metal boardwalk to protect the fragile tundra given there are over 100,000 visitors a year on Kozzy. It is a huge source of pride for the Australians and rightfully so. The entire area is absolutely beautiful with grass covered mountains surrounding the peak and spindly Snow Gum trees dotting the area. Most of the route was snow free but Kozzy proper was covered with deep snow preventing the normal circular approach so everyone took a somewhat steep direct route to the summit. As I walked up the snow, my thoughts went to the past 11 months and all my climbs. Also of my purpose. My audio dispatch was a bit long but I wanted to share several thoughts with all the dedicated followers, donors and supporters. You can listen to it here: While these climbs may be over, my climbing is not. I have some unfinished business on one for them! Also, I hope to share my experiences of climbing and Alzheimer’s as much as possible and continue sending our message of hope, need and urgency. This disease is not going away. Over 435,000 people in the US alone were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s since I started climbing only 11 months ago. So this is a milestone, not the start or the end. My deepest appreciation to everyone who made a donation (you can still make one!) and please continue to follow me as I to work to eliminate this disease. Climb On! Alan Memories are Everything
Summit: Audio Dispatch from Kosciuszko
I summited Kosciuszko on October 27, order 2011. It was a great climb. Read the full trip report for all the details. This is the audio dispatch I posted live from the summit; the 8th and last of my 7 Summits climbs. Click to listen: [audio:http://www.alanarnette.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/audio/Kosciuszko 2011 Summit.mp3|titles=Kosciuszko Summit Audio Dispatch|artists=Alan Arnette] These climbs are to raise Alzheimer’s awareness and $1M for research. I lost my mom and two aunts to Alzheimer’s. Please join me to end Alzheimer’s by making a donation today. Read the details. Climb On! Alan Memories are Everything
Last but not least, Kosciuszko
I am now in Australia after our successful summit of Carstensz Pyramid. I survived the leeches, no cannibals and jungle to summit the 16, 023′ rock climb. So on to Kosciuszko, the 8th and last climb of the 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer’s: Memories are Everything. If you are confused as to why there are 8, 7 Summits, it is all explained in this post of a few weeks ago. Some people would not bother with this one because it is “only” 7310 feet high, represents no technical challenge, has a road (now closed) to the summit and is really a ski hill for Australians. But I want to summit it as bad as all the rest. I just took this picture from my hotel room (yes no tents for this one!) and as you can see it is very cloudy as you go up the, ummm, chair lift. OK, I told you this one was not in the same league as the others. However, one of my teammates on Everest often told the story that he was proud to have summited each of the 7 Summits on his first try, except for “Kozzy”. It seems a snowstorm created a zero visibility environment. Another teammate told me he became lost in a similar scenario! So I have some weather days built into my schedule! 🙂 but will go for it tomorrow, Thursday October 27. Kozzy is almost equal distance between Sydney and Melbourne with the Australian capital of Canberra being the closest major city. I flew into Sydney and drove down to the Thredbo ski area today. I stopped at the park headquarter and was told I needed snowshoes and extreme weather gear but then as I bought my park pass from another person, I was told recent rains had made the trail just muddy. In any event, I will see for myself and perhaps snag the second highest peak, Townshend, as well. The entire area is very nice and I was extremely impressed as I drove in today with the beauty of the park. Kozzy is popular with 100,000 people a year hiking it. It will be a bit nippy as the temps right now are in the 40’sF during the day and near freezing at night – a welcome change from the jungles of New Guinea! By the way, if you are curious about the ‘z’ in the spelling of Kosciuszko, it is silent. 🙂 I will make my traditional call from the summit and post trip reports and photo galleries as well. Kozzy may be the last climb during this year long project but it will not be short-changed. Look for more posts on my 7 Summits campaign. I plan on reviewing some of my gear, travels, tips and memories. Also, we are looking at some type of speaking tour for 2012. Remember that the 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer’s was not about the climb, it is about the cause. And yet, there may be more climbs! Also, it is never too late to make a donation. Climb On! Alan Memories are Everything