Erik Leads an Expedition in Mexico (Hardwear Sessions)

September 28,2009
By Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Erik Weihenmayer

Standing guard over one of the world's most populated cities, the volcanoes overlooking Mexico City are shrouded in the mystery and allure of the legends of their ancient past. This November, Erik will lead a team of blind and sighted students on an expedition to these infamous peaks.

As the legend goes, the volcanoes of Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl were created from the tragic love of the Aztec princess Iztaccíhuatl and the warrior Popocatépetl. These magnificent peaks were formed by Popo's fiery emotion and immortalized in Itza's womanly shape. From a distance, Itza forms the outline of a woman lying on her back. Although few have explored their broad talus and snow slopes up close, they have a beauty, a history and a palpable presence which transcend their stunning visual prominence. Combining an unlikely team of blind and sighted young adults from Mexico and the United States, it will be an extraordinary journey of leadership, discovery and adventure. For this expedition, Global Explorers has partnered their nationally recognized Leading the Way program with the Mexican nonprofit Ojos que Sienten. Their goal: to reach the higher limits of 17,159-foot Iztaccíhuatl and, in the process, to break down barriers and misperceptions about disabilities. This trip is made possible through the support of numerous sponsors, including Unilever. Thanks to the generosity of Fundación Televisa and Fundación Cinépolis, an eye operation will be donated for every participant who reaches the summit.

Global Explorers

Students Alysha Jeans and Andrew Johnson check out the ruins of Machu Picchu on Erik's 2006 trip with Global Explorers to the Super Inca Trail. | Photo Courtesy of Erik Weihenmayer

Coinciding with the release of the Spanish translation of Erik's memoir, Touch the Top of the World, and the Mexican premiere of one of his films, this climbing expedition is about much more than just a fun trip. Not only will students explore a social and cultural exchange between Mexico and the US, but they will also examine the shared contexts of disability. A unique part of the project will be a collaborative art project with photos from the expedition taken by blind team members. These photos will then be posted to an online gallery as part of a continuing tactile and visual project of artwork created by blind students. Additionally, Ojos que Sienten will be hosting "Dinner in the Dark," where blind students serve their guests in complete darkness. This gala dinner is open to the public and gives the blind students an opportunity to share the experience of blind culture with their teammates and community.

Erik Weihenmayer - Global Explorers

Jameyanne Fuller, Erik and Josh Pearson smile for the camera on the Cordillera

Huayhuash, Peru. | Photo Courtesy of Erik Weihenmayer

Joining Erik on the climb is his long time climbing partner and friend Jeff Evans. Jeff and Erik have climbed together all over the world, from Denali in Alaska to Mt. Everest. The team will be accompanied by various prominent leaders from Mexican companies as well as US Army Specialist Steven Baskis, who lost his sight while conducting combat operations in Iraq when an electronically formed projectile exploded near his vehicle in May 2008.

The roster for this trip will be finalized on October 6, 2009. If you are interested in joining this team, contact Shannon at Global Explorers: 877-627-1425 or shannon@globalexplorers.org.

Global Explorers is excited to announce a call for applications for their 2010 summer expeditions: Rim to River Grand Canyon Expedition and the Yucatan Leadership Program, Maya Yucatan, Mexico. Join an unlikely team of blind/ visually impaired and sighted students and embark on an extraordinary journey of science, culture, leadership and service.

Leading the Way student Rob Blachowicz rides on Erik's shoulders through a side canyon on the 2008 LTW Grand Canyon trip. | Photo Courtesy of Erik Weihenmayer

The Global Explorers Leading the Way program was developed in partnership with Erik as a way to integrate the blind/VI and sighted communities and to challenge all students to discover their full potential. The program shatters expectations, spreads awareness about living with disabilities and equips students to use adversity to their advantage.

What are you waiting for? Applications for 2010 summer expeditions are due November 15, 2009. To learn more, nominate someone, or apply online, visit:
www.globalexplorers.org or email Shannon@GlobalExplorers.org

Erik to Speak at Eastern Mountain Sports Stores in NYC and Boston, October 6 and 7.

On October 6 and 7, Erik will be presenting at the Eastern Mountain Sports Stores in SoHo, NYC (10/6) and Harvard Square in Cambridge, Mass (10/7). He will share stories, photos and videos from his vertical adventures off the beaten path from his climb of Losar, a 3000 foot line of ice in the Himalayas to his unsupported ascent of a Dolomite rock face with another blind climber. Both shows start at 7:00pm.

For more information on the times and locations, click HERE to check out our Calendar.