Tassie’s on top of the world
ADVENTURER John Zeckendorf has become the first Tasmanian to climb Mt Everest and hopes it can inspire others in the state to scale their own “big mountains”.
“I am delighted to be able to demonstrate that Tasmanians can do anything, even make it to the top of the world, if they put their mind to it and work hard,” Mr Zeckendorf said after reaching the summit.
“I hope that this trip inspires other Tasmanians to work towards conquering their own ‘Everest’.”
FROM “I am delighted to be climbing [fundraising] for Pathways Tasmania.
“My ‘big mountain’ took two months to climb but some of Pathways clients take years to overcome the mountains in their lives.”
Mr Zeckendorf, from Hobart, and his crew got to the summit at 8.15am on Saturday as he joined a distinguished band of just 13 other Australians to achieve such a feat.
The Himalayan Database, the official register of Everest climbers, has confirmed he is the first Tasmanian to scale the world’s highest mountain.
Once at the peak, John unveiled his home state’s flag, given to him by Resources Minister Guy Barnett before he left on his adventure. The father of four stood atop the mountain, 8848m above sea level, for eight minutes.
Mr Zeckendorf now only has Australia’s Mt Kosciuszko to tick off his “Climbing of Seven Summits” list of the highest mountains in each continent, having climbed Everest (Asia), Denali (North America), Aconcagua (South America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus (Europe) and Vinson (Antarctica) since he started his mission in 2010.
He is now on his way back down Everest with the team of 10 from Alpine Escorts he celebrated the milestone with.
“Yes, we made it,” he posted on his Facebook page when he was back in a position to “bum” off the Satellite Wi-Fi again.
“Weather was appalling, body intact. It was really hard.”
The Tasmanian was congratulated in State Parliament yesterday.
“Mt Everest, the Earth’s highest mountain, is considered the pinnacle of mountaineering,” Mr Barnett said. “John’s climb has also helped raise funds and support for two local charities, Pathways Tasmania and Power to Change.”