south America

Peak: Aconcagua
Continent: South America
Country: Argentina
Summit: 22,841 feet
Date: February 2005

Long time friend James Whorton and I climbed via the Polish Glacier using the direct route to the summit. After 12 days we made our attempt up perfect snow and in good weather making the summit in mid-afternoon. We had been very fortunate with the weather as only a few days before a number of climbers had to hurry off of the mountain in a brutal storm causing frostbite to various digits on these climbers.
For James it was a remarkable climb because just two years earlier he had broken his neck in a car racing accident; one that he was fortunate to survive. Unsure if he would walk again, James fully recovered and made this climb in great form.

Peaks: Pisco and Chopicalqui
Continent: South America
Country: Peru
Location: Cordillera Blanca
Date: June 2003

Climbing with three young men from the 2xtreme Dream, founded by John Davis of Denver Colorado, we set off to climb higher than any of these three had ever been before. Months of training back home in Colorado could not prepare us however for the rigors of what our stomachs would encounter. Sickness and injury plagued our climb allowing only 3/6 to reach the summit of Pisco – our acclimatization peak of 18,500 feet. The second higher peak of Chopicalqui was abandoned and we sought rest on the beaches of Huanchaco. It just goes to prove that even the best laid plans will change and we must adapt to the curves we are thrown.

Peak: Machu Pichu
Continent: South America
Country: Peru
Date: June 2006

Eric Alexander, Erik Weihenmayer (the first blind man to summit Mount Everest) and Global Explorers’ staff treked through the magical land of the Incas. This one-time only, 12-day experience teamed blind, disabled and ablebodied high school students for an unparalleled leadership, teamwork, and learning adventure. The highlight was a six day trek through lush mountains and ancient Inca ruins to Machu Picchu. In the process, students explored the rich cultural and natural history of this spectacular region. They learned a great deal about themselves and each other as they pushed beyond their boundaries on this journey of a lifetime. See ABC Nightline video