Armenian Nabs Record as Oldest Woman to Summit Pico de Orizaba
GLENDALE, Calif.— Sona Armenian now holds the record as the oldest woman in the world to summit Pico de Orizaba, the highest point in Mexico (and the third highest in North America). She claimed this title on Feb. 20, at the age of 67 years, 2 months, and 14 days.
Sona Armenian now holds the record as the oldest woman in the world to summit Pico de Orizaba
Sona was part of a team of five climbers from the Armenian Hikers Association (AHA) and Armenian Hiking Society to attempt the climb of Orizaba, an imposing volcano. Only she and two others, Arthur Barsegyan and Bob Masucci, succeeded.
Also known by its Nahuatl (language of the Aztecs) name, Citlaltépetl—Star Mountain—Orizaba, at 18,491 feet (5,636 meters) above sea level, is glaciated on its northerly flanks, from where climbers approach the summit. The peak itself was largely snow free, but the ice was very challenging, hard, and broken up, requiring much work with each step.
“It was the hardest climb of my life, but I was thrilled by it. I’m glad that Armenians’ involvement in the mountains is increasing,” observed Sona while thanking her husband for his endless support.
AHA members are proud to hike with such a role model for young women. Sona Armenian was a founding member of the Armenian Hikers Association three years ago, and has since joined the Armenian Hiking Society as well. She summited Mount Ararat in 2006 and Mount Kilimanjaro (highest peak in Africa) in 2012. Coincidentally, both are stratovolcanoes, like Orizaba.
The Armenian Hikers Association promotes enjoyable, healthful, and safe hikes and similar activities in the wildlands, woodlands, and wherever else Armenians and their friends can go. AHA can be reached by visiting www.armenianhikersassociation.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/521538567895715/.
Source: Armenian Weekly Mid-West
