Lucky us! Bill and I got to hike with legendary mountaineer BRONKA SUNDSTROM to Burroughs Mountain this week to celebrate Bronka's 96th birthday, which is this Sunday, August 14, 2021.
BRONKA is the OLDEST WOMAN to SUMMIT Mt. Rainier, at age 77. At age 90, she made a second attempt, but her party stopped at Camp Muir, due to poor weather. Bronka, and her dear husband Ake, are legends of Mt. Rainier. They hiked to Camp Muir 50 times one summer while training for Bronka's summit climb. Ake taught Bronka to hike and ski and they enjoyed a wonderful life and retirement together from their home in Ashford. Ake passed away 11 years ago.
It was not a surprise that several passing hikers recognized Bronka and wanted to have their picture taken with her! Bronka is the queen of Mt. Rainier. She is also a Holocaust Concentration Camp survivor and the only surviving member of her family. Bronka is an inspiration to me. She is an amazing person and very special friend.
Bronka moved to Panorama Retirement Community in Lacey nearly 2 years ago. If you want to contact her to wish her a happy birthday, please feel free to email me and I can give you her phone number.
Jane Habegger, Olympia (janeandbill1@comcast.net)
Comments
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful update on Bronka!! What an incredible person. Is it ok to wish her a happy birthday even though we don’t know her?
Posted by:
alexismichelle on Aug 13, 2021 07:08 PM