Over the weekend, Alan Arnette finished the next climb in his Seven Summits for Alzheimer's project by reaching the top of Carstensz Pyramid, the tallest mountain in Oceania. The 4884 meter (16,024 ft) mountain is perhaps the most technically challenging of all the Seven Summits, requiring solid rock climbing skills to reach the top. With that in mind, Alan and his team, managed to summit in just four hours.
You can read a complete summit report on Alan's blog, where you'll find interesting insights into the logistics of the climb, what it was like to scramble up that rocky face in the pre-dawn hours, and details on the route, which includes a Tyrollean Traverse. One of the things I love about Alan's updates is that you always get great info on each of his climbs, and this is no exception.
Next up, he'll travel to Australia this week to make the hike up Mount Kosciuszko, the tallest mountain on that continent. It is a mere 2228 meters (7310 ft) and is probably the least technical of the Seven Summits expanded list. Still, it should be an excellent hike and a great way to round out what has been a busy, but very successful year.
With these two summits out of the way, only Denali remains left to be conquered. Alan attempted that peak back in July, but bad weather never really gave him a real shot at the summit. It will be next summer before another attempt can be made, so for now, he'll have the opportunity for some much deserved rest.
Congratulations to Alan on knocking off two more of the Summits. And thanks for taking us along with you this past year.