Sightless Skiing

You may have read my previous blog posting about Erik Weihenmayer, the blind mountain climber, whose thrilling presentation I was able to attend a few years back (click here to view that posting). Well apparently his thrillseeking adventures are not limited to scaling the highest peaks. With the assistance of an expert guide, Jeff Ulrich, Erik also snow skis, among other adventurous activities! (Click here to view a 2 min. video of Erik and his guide in action--it's amazing!)

Erik's web site states, "Erik Weihenmayer is the only blind person to have climbed the "Seven Summits," the tallest peak on every continent. He has scaled the 3000 foot rock face of El Capitan, skied down the tallest peak in Europe, and guided Tibetan blind teenagers to 21,500 feet on the north side of Mt. Everest."

Next time I'm battling it out behind closed eyelids about whether to drag my protesting body out of bed for some morning exercise, I'm going to think about Erik and his "blind to failure" attitude. This is one inspiring guy!

One Amazing Climber--a MUST READ!

Ever since hearing Erik Weihenmayer speak at a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) conference about five years ago, I've had a photo of him crossing an icey crevasse on a bowed ladder high up on Mt. Everest. I keep the photo there to remind me that, no matter how challenging life may be, we can accomplish nearly anything we put our minds to if we maintain a positive attitude, work hard, and support each other in our dreams and goals.

As if climbing Mt. Everest wasn't enough of a challenge, Erik's story is all the more powerful because he has been blind since the age of 13! That climb was funded by the National Federation of the Blind with the hope that Erik would inspire today's visually impaired as Helen Keller did during her lifetime.

I recently came across an article about Erik's successful summit on February 12th of Colorado's Bridal Veil Falls, an epic 365-foot ice climb that "ranks among the most classic lines in North America," according to the National Geographic article (CLICK HERE to read the article). Eric was joined on that climb by Iraq war veteran Chad Jukes, who lost his right leg to an explosive device in 2007.

Thinking back to Erik's presentation Eva (daughter-in-law) and I attended five years ago (you could have heard a pin drop in that room of 1,000+ people!), I feel the same sense of amazement and inspiration now, reading about his recent accomplishments. In these difficult times, isn't it awe-inspiring to know that there are people like him to show us how courage and commitment can overcome just about any adversity we may face?

( To read one of Erik's inspiring books, check out his web site: www.TouchtheTop.com )