Friday, January 23, 2015

Brian Dickinson: Must Blind Descents Be Made Alone?

Everyone's Story welcomes former US Navy Air Rescue Swimmer, and now author, Brian Dickinson. I've always been fascinated by people who can brave the elements of nature and take chances on exploring where some of us can only dare participate via books or movies. But, that's what I admire about this week's guest: Brian encourages us all to honor the unique gifts that God has blessed us with, whether it's mountain climbing, writing, or helping to make a child smile. Please take the time to visit with Brian this week as he shares about his experience on the world's highest mountain, as told in his non-fiction book, BLIND DESCENT, a Tyndale House publication. Do check out his amazing BookGiveaway! Both Brian and I look forward to hearing from you.



BookGiveaway:
Brian is offering 1 hard-cover edition of his true-life account, BLIND DESCENT to 1 randomly drawn commenter (U.S. residents only). The winner will be announced here on Friday, January 30th between 5-6 PM EST. To be entered in the Giveaway, please leave your contact information within your comment





Surviving Blind and Alone on Mount Everest by Brian Dickinson

On May 15, 2011, I soloed the top of the world.  It took over a month to properly acclimate to the extreme altitude in the death zone, consisting of a 38-mile trek to basecamp and multiple partial climbs up and down Everest (climb high and sleep low).  This process allowed my body to produce additional red blood cells, which in turn carried more oxygen so I could survive higher on the mountain.  I never intended to climb to the top alone, but I had to make a serious decision at 28,000’ when my climbing Sherpa, Pasang, felt ill and went back down.  We had a conversation there, calculated the risks and decided it was safe for Pasang to wait there (he ended up descending to high camp), and for me to head up alone.  In the mountains you live and die by the decisions made based on the information you have at the time.

Those last few hours alone, putting one heavy foot in front of the other, were filled with peace and satisfaction.  Around 6am when I pierced the top of the 29,035’ summit with my crampons I felt everything from joy and relief to exhaustion.  I made a quick radio call down to some lower camps to let them know I had made it and then took some pictures.  I then gathered my gear to head down and a couple steps into my descent everything went completely white.  I dropped down, grabbing the rope I was attached to and assessed the situation.  I was snow blind.  Due to a goggle malfunction the previous day on Lhotse Face, as soon as the sun rose and banked onto the ice, it fried my cornea.  At that elevation there’s only a third of the air and ozone protection as there is at sea level.  With snow blindness it typically takes 24 hours to heal, I wouldn’t fully regain my eyesight for over a month.  At that moment I didn’t panic, I thought of my navy training to never panic but to focus on the mission at hand, so I got up and slowly started making my way down the mountain.  Everest has fixed lines, which are ropes anchored to rock / ice and I was attached to that rope with safety devices attached to my harness.

As I made my way down the mountain I felt a calming presence around me.  It’s as if I wasn’t alone.  I never spoke to anyone, but I just felt that there was someone beside me during the descent.  I slid down the famous Hillary Step, took a major fall down the South Summit and eventually ran out of oxygen at 27,500’ after continual climbing for over 30 hours.  As my mask sucked into my face I ripped it off, dropped to my knees and surrendered to God.  I simply said, “I can’t do this alone, please help.”  At that moment I felt unexplained energy enter my body and was lifted to my feet.  I blindly attached a spare oxygen bottle, which had previously failed and I got a positive flow of air.  Without overthinking it I made my way down the remaining vertical 1,500’ to high camp where Pasang helped me back to the tent.  In total what should have taken 3 hours to get to high camp, took me over 7 hours. 

I’ve always been a big goal setter, pushing my limits beyond what seemed possible.  To me, that’s living.  I grew up very adventurous in a small town in southern Oregon and then served 6 years in the US Navy as an Air Rescue Swimmer, stationed in San Diego, Ca.  After getting married and moving to the Pacific Northwest for graduate school, I took to the mountains.  I worked in technology firms like Cisco Systems and Expedia, but escaped into the Cascade Range to fulfill my need for adventure.  Having two kids changed my perspective on life, but it didn’t change the way I was wired.  I definitely had a new sense of responsibility, which factored into the calculations of my risk taking.  To most, climbing high peaks is an insane invitation to certain death.  To those closer to the sport it couldn’t be more opposite.  God created us in a unique way and we must understand and utilize our uniqueness to truly live life to the fullest.  The key is to identify your God-given talents then use them in a way that honors God, fulfills your life and helps you create a legacy to inspire others.


Brian's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Imagine snow-blindness on Everest? Meet author & former US Navy Air Rescue Swimmer @BrianCDickinson (Tweet This)

Everyone has a story: What did @BrianCDickinson do when blinded and alone on Mount Everest? (Tweet This)

#BookGiveaway of BLIND DESCENT by @BrianCDickinson (Tweet This)

Author's Bio:
Brian Dickinson served for six years as a US Navy Air Rescue Swimmer before he moved to the Pacific Northwest to get his MBA and pursue his passion for extreme sports and mountain climbing. He has climbed in expeditions on the highest peaks of the seven continents, including Mount Everest, with the majority of climbs in the Cascade Mountains, near his home. He uses his climbs to help raise money for charities such as the AIDS Research Alliance, visit orphanages and as an opportunity to share his faith with others around the world. Brian, his wife, JoAnna, and their children, Jordan and Emily, live in Snoqualmie, Washington. Brian is the author of Blind Decent.

Places to connect with Brian:





24 comments:

  1. Amazing story. Cannot imagine climbing Mt. Everest, much less alone. But I do agree God made us to live our lives to the fullest.

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    1. You're so right, Pat! As always, I appreciate your visits.

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    2. Thanks Patricia. Everyday is an opportunity to challenge ourselves to continually grow and experience this amazing world.

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  2. What an interesting story. I had heard of snow blindness but you made it real in your story today.. would love to read this book..
    dkstevensneAToutlookDOtCoM

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    1. You're in the drawing, Deanna. And I'm also glad when you visit.

      Brian's story is certainly inspirational, for sure. It also provides for a fresh perspective of life, and perhaps what it was meant to be.

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    2. Deanna, snow blindness is somewhat common in mountaineering due to the increased exposure although I had never had it before. It was very painful, scary and fortunately not permanent. I feel blessed every day to have survived this experience. God is great!

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  3. Sounds scary. I like safety.
    tormhake @ netzero. com
    Mary Hake

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Mary. Though I'm uplifted by Brian's hold onto God's hand, and his encouragement that with God we will accomplish what He wants each of us to achieve, I'll leave Mount Everest climbs to the pros like Brian!

      Hope to see you again.

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    2. Definitely scary. Fortunately I was safe in the hands of God.

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  4. Wow, what a story! I've always been fascinated with heights, so I would probably love this book!

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    1. Patti, with an amazing location, adventure, risk, and inspiration, how could Brian's book go wrong?!

      Always a pleasure to see you.

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    2. Thanks Patti. My wife is deathly scared of heights, so we balance out pretty well. Fear is a relative term and I certainly have fear and respect of heights. It's those that have no fear that worry me.

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  5. Brian, first of all, thank you for your service to our country! Your story is incredible... if there's anything better than fictional suspense, it's the real thing. And yours is not only suspenseful it's inspirational. I echo what Patti said, WOW. Elaine, thank you for featuring Brian at Everyone's Story this week!

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    1. Kathy, I'm so glad you enjoyed Brian's feature. His story is definitely well worth sharing!

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    2. Thank you Kathy, I appreciate it. I'm very blessed to have survived Everest and help inspire others through my experiences.

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  6. Brian, as a citizen of the USA, I want to say thanks. Your book sounds great and I'd love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Here's my info...joyfuljelatgmaildotcom

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    1. Jackie, thanks so much for visiting Brian and me today. You're entered in the drawing for Brian's awesome book!

      Hope to see you again.

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    2. Thanks Jackie, best of luck in the drawing!

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  7. Brian, thanks for the encouragement to be the best US we are! Having a son who climbs, I can resonate to your story and would love to win a copy. gkittleson at myomnitel.com

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    1. Gail, thanks for visiting this snowy January evening (well, snowy at least here). With a son who climbs, Brian's book would be a great read for you… here's hoping!

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    2. Gail, thanks for your message. I know my mom gets stressed out over my climbs, but they realize it's who I am and just pray for my safety. I hope you are able to have peace with your son's adventures.

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  8. It's true January out here in the NE--the howling wind is hurling the wind with a ferocity I haven't seen in a long time. This spells one thing: it's the perfect time to curl up with a book! And Brian Dickinson's BLIND DESCENT is an amazing one to do so, for sure.

    Brian, thanks for guesting on Everyone's Story this past week. I hope this opportunity blesses you with many more devoted fans and well wishes.

    Thanks for the Giveaway of your book, BLIND DESCENT. The winner is…

    Jackie!!! Congratulaitons, Jackie. Both Brian and I will contact you directly.

    Blessing to all.

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  9. Thanks Elaine and Brian! I'm so excited and can't wait to read Blind Descent!

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    1. I'm thrilled for you, Jackie! And thanks for subscribing to Everyone's Story.

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