Rosie and I built a new home on property we had owned for 15+ years in Ashford, WA in the summer of 2009.
We found a treasure in meeting and being befriended by Bronka Sunstrom. We had met Bronka on the Muir snowfield over the years as she and her beloved husband of 64 years passed by and conversed with and encouraged thousands of hikers and climbers vying for the 10,080 ft base camp for the standard route up 14,411ft Mt Rainier, a 4,630 vertical foot gain, 8 mile round trip. She and Ake had made the trip as many as 50 times a year.
She has taken us under her wing and often accompanies us on our short mini hikes when we take our doggies out for their 60 minute minimum constitutionals daily. Sometimes on the levy by Bronkas home on the Nisqually River. Occasionally on the Muir snowfield, Rose has skied and snowshoed in the winter with Bronka in Mt Rainier National Park. Bronka lives 3/8 of a mile from the park, we live 1/2 of a mile from Bronka. Yes, she has walked over.
We love Bronka and want to share with others that love her all that is going on with her. And there's a lot. She does not have the ability to "broadcast" as she does not have an internet connection. It came after her time. Bronka will turn 86 August 15.
btw, Bronka was the oldest women to summit Mt Rainier @ 77. She did the round trip in 19 hrs.
