Canadian man becomes first North American to scale fiery summits
Digital Reporter
Friday, December 19, 2014, 2:19 PM - His journey began over a decade ago. But time did nothing to diminish Paul Nicholson's aim for the top.
Nicholson has become the first North American, and eighth person in the world, to successfully climb the highest volcanic summit on each of the seven continents.
An avid hiker from Calgary, Alberta, Nicholson first set out to tackle some of the Earth's mightiest peaks in 2004.
Years later, the idea of checking the Seven Summits circuit off his list of achievements drove Nicholson to soaring heights in far-reaching corners of the globe.
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Fortunately, the 54-year-old geologist is no stranger to worldwide travel and adventure, and has lived and worked in Saudi Arabia since 1998.
The challenge took Nicholson to volcanic high points in Iran, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Tanzania, Russia and Antarctica.
But Nicholson's final uphill trek was truly the cherry on top.
Ojos del Salado, Chile, the highest active volcano in the world
On December 5, Nicholson secured his spot in history as he reached the summit of Ojos del Salado in Chile, the highest active volcano in the world at 6,893 m.
Although Nicholson saw his fair share of volcanic activity along the way, he insists he never felt his life was in danger.
Nicholson's record has been officially confirmed by the Seven Summits Club, which tracks climbing records.
His record is preceded by climbers from Russia, Italy and Romanian alpinist Crina Popescu, the first to complete the circuit in 2011 at the age of 16.
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