The two greatest callings we have in this life are to teach and to serve; the greatest of these is to serve.

The End of a Journey (3/25/2020)

As described in more detail below at 7 Summits/Explorers Grand Slam Description, my ultimate goal was to complete the Explorers Grand Slam – Last Degree by reaching the summit of the eight mountains that are part of the Seven Summits (highest mountain on each continent) and skiing 69 miles / 111 km to the North and South Poles from the last degree of latitude.

I started this challenge at 62 years old with a training expedition to the summit of Mt. Rainier (Washington, USA) in May 2017, the first mountain I had ever climbed.  That was followed over the next 2½ years with attempts to summit the eight mountains that comprise both versions of the Seven Summits, and skiing to the North and South Poles.  I was successful with all the events except for reaching the summits of Denali and Everest.  I had planned to return to Denali in June 2020 and Everest in 2021, but COVID-19 caused closure of the 2020 Denali climbing season.  Since I now would not be able to complete the Denali and Everest climbs until I was at least 67, I’ve decided to end this quest for the Explorers Grand Slam.

In less than three years, this journey has taken me to some of the most spectacular places on earth including all seven continents, the highest mountains in the world, and our polar ice caps, tested my physical and mental limits, allowed me to meet wonderful people from dozens of countries, and afforded me a peek at some of the works of an awesome Creator.  And I have been able to raise some funds for a worthy cause, thanks to all of you.

I now look forward to whatever God has planned for me.

Donation Made (2/22/2020) 

A $4,100 donation was made to Association Notre Dame Du Perpetuel Secours Et De L'espoir in Haiti on February 22, 2020.