Minutes ago, a celebratory satellite phone call from the summit delivered the good news that Kurt and Team have successfully climbed Puncack Jaya or Carstensz Pyramid (4884m/16023′), the highest point of the Australasia/Oceania region.
The Climbing Team consists of: Vanessa O’Brien of Boston, MA; Esther Kim of Washington DC; Andrea Cardona of Guatemala; and SMI Guide Kurt Wedberg.
This summit completes the last remaining mountaineering objective on the 7 Summits List for Kurt Wedberg. Although Kurt has climbed the other 6 objectives numerous times during his guiding career, until now Oceana remained a distant goal.
Additionally, this summit signifies the completion of the last remaining objective on the Adventure Grand Slam List for Andrea Cardona. The Adventure Grand Slam List consists of climbing the highest peak on each continent (Denali, Aconcagua, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Vinson Massif, Carstensz Pyramid, Everest) and skiing to both the North and South Poles. Ms. Cardona is the first woman from Central America to complete the Adventure Grand Slam.
The Team spent the past 5 days trekking through difficult and technical jungle terrain to reach the base of Puncack Jaya. Now, they will return to camp, rest, and resume their descent through the jungle to the trailhead.
Pictures and updates to follow.
AM
Zabba dabba go you mangy 7 summit dawg, we are all proud of you Kurt. I’d say your in good company way down there with your all gal crew! We’re all jealous. And USC won today too:) Be safe all the way home. And bonified congrats.
Congratulations to Kurt and Ladies! What a wonderful accomplishment and an inspiration to others. What’s next Kurt, are you getting your skis ready for the Poles?
Andrea Cardinal…Congratulations on achieving the Grand Slam…..I had never heard other Grand Slam before or the Carstenz Pyramid….I always learn something new on the SMI website…a new place…a new adventure…a new peak and more…..I like that Kurt keeps everyone safe…always a good ending.
Sorry….I meant to type Andrea Cardona above ….auto spelling changed what I typed..CONGRATULATIONS ANDREA ON BEING THE FIRST CENTAL AMERICAN TO COMPLETE THE ADVENTURE GRAND SLAM!