#381 - We Are Three Blind Veterans Climbing Kilimanjaro and Leading Inspiring Lives

I’m talking today with three truly remarkable men, all veterans, all of whom have not let the loss of their eyesight and sometimes more affect their willingness to help others in monumental ways. They have started foundations and programs so others are not glued to their couches but instead get active and find meaning in their lives. They have found ways to adapt to the world to produce podcasts and music, and telling stories about overcoming steep odds. They have set and attained what would be unfathomable goals to most people that are even more impressive for the blind. They have also formed a tight bond that has led them to the Top of Africa – the summit of Kilimanjaro. Imagine if you will a multi-day trek starting through the jungles and pouring rain up an Alpine peak that tops out at 19,341 feet, all without vision. One of them, Aaron Hale, even first ran 200 miles from the Indian Ocean to the base of Kilimanjaro to join the climb with the others, Steve Baskis and Lonnie Bedwell, who by the way is the first blind person to kayak the length of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The climb up Kili itself is arduous enough for most, but being blind adds elements that others wouldn’t encounter. Obviously, every step on a rocky trail can be riskier. Or take a little thing like leaving your tent in the middle of the night to answer nature’s call when no amount of lights is going to help tell you if there is a cliff a step ahead. I think you’ll be riveted to hearing this enthralling story. I would recommend following up this WASP episode by listening to Steve’s three-part series telling of their climb on the Blind Endeavors podcast channel. And also check out their other amazing achievements on their web sites, which I have listed in the show notes, including Lonnie’s quest to complete the last leg of the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which includes reaching the top of the Seven Summits, which are the tallest peaks on every continent, as well as trekking to the North and South Poles. The only part he’s missing is the North Pole, soon to come. Steve meanwhile, is working to sail solo across the Atlantic Ocean.Blind Endeavors Media Hub:https://blindendeavors.org/on-the-mountain-to-tell-the-story-a-blind-endeavors-foundation-mission-to-kilimanjaro/Steve Baskisstevebaskis.comFacebook Steven C BaskisInstagram and X @stevebaskisYouTube @Baskis360 and baskis360.comLinkedIn Steven BaskisLonnie [email protected], Instagram, and LinkedIn @Lonnie BedwellAaron HaleFacebook www.facebook.com/aclayhaleInstagram @aclayhaleLinkedIn Aaron Halepointofimpactpod.comYouTube @pointofimpactpodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit billstahl8.substack.com