In the final chapter of this three-part Kilimanjaro series, Steve Baskis shares the emotional and physical realities of making the final push to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and returning home afterward. Through exhaustion, altitude, cold, illness, and trust, Steve reflects on what it means to climb as a blind veteran and how teamwork becomes essential on the mountain.

This episode also features a powerful conversation with guide Celiann Gonzalez, who shares her experience supporting blind climbers through the expedition and the life-changing moment when temporary snow blindness forced her to rely on others for guidance herself.

Together, they explore disability, resilience, vulnerability, adaptation, and the lasting impact of adventure long after the climb ends. This episode concludes the Kilimanjaro story project and highlights the importance of communication, trust, and challenging assumptions about blindness and what is possible after loss.

To follow future adventures, podcasts, videos, and community projects, visit https://blindendeavors.org

After a long journey across continents, Steve Baskis and the climbing team arrive in Tanzania to begin their ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. What follows is a raw, immersive look at life on the mountain—where weather, altitude, illness, and exhaustion test every member of the team.

Through field recordings captured along the trail, listeners experience the climb step by step. From the logistics at the national park gate to the muddy trails, cold camps, and long days of hiking at altitude, the mountain quickly reminds the team that reaching the summit will require resilience, trust, and teamwork.

Along the way, the expedition brings together an extraordinary group of climbers, including fellow blinded veterans Lonnie Bedwell and Aaron Hale. Aaron, who is both blind and deaf, approaches the mountain with remarkable determination after completing an ultra-distance run across Tanzania to reach the base of the climb.

For Steve, the mountain is also an opportunity to document what adventure sounds like when experienced without sight. Through conversations, environmental sounds, and candid moments from the trail, listeners hear the rhythm of the climb—the rain on the trail, the voices guiding each step, the laughter among teammates, and the songs of the Tanzanian porters who call Kilimanjaro home.

But as the team pushes higher, the mountain begins to take its toll. Weather slows progress, the trail becomes slick and unpredictable, and illness spreads among the climbers. At high camp, exhausted but determined, the team prepares for the most difficult part of the journey: the midnight summit push.

In the next episode, the climbers step into the darkness to attempt the summit of Kilimanjaro.

To explore the full Kilimanjaro Story Project—including the Endeavor Journal blog posts, the full three-part podcast series, and additional media from the expedition—visit: https://blindendeavors.org/on-the-mountain-to-tell-the-story-a-blind-endeavors-foundation-mission-to-kilimanjaro/

In Episode One of this three-part series, host Steve Baskis begins documenting an extraordinary expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro — the tallest mountain on the African continent.

Three blind veterans, Steve Baskis, Lonnie Bedwell, and Aaron Hale, prepare to take on one of the world's most iconic summits. Each man carries a powerful story of resilience, service, and rebuilding after vision loss, and together they are setting out to challenge both the mountain and the limits others place on blindness.

In this opening chapter, Steve introduces the mission behind the series, shares what it means to document the climb from a blind perspective, and sets the stage for what lies ahead. Listeners will also hear directly from climbers Lonnie Bedwell and Aaron Hale in personal phone conversations recorded during the preparation phase.

This is not just a story about reaching the summit — it's a story about what is possible after loss.

Follow the full expedition story and ongoing updates here:
https://blindendeavors.org/on-the-mountain-to-tell-the-story-a-blind-endeavors-foundation-mission-to-kilimanjaro/

To explore more content and updates, visit:
https://blindendeavors.org

In this episode of Endeavor to Connect, host Steve Baskis is joined by his partner Ally for an honest, experience-based conversation about relationships that include blindness or visual impairment. Together, they explore how communication, independence, and mutual respect shape healthy partnerships—especially when visual cues are absent. Topics include first impressions, common misconceptions about blindness, balancing support versus caregiving, adapting to daily life, and learning to communicate clearly through tone, language, and trust. This episode is designed for partners, friends, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper, more realistic understanding of blind–sighted relationships. This conversation only scratches the surface, and future episodes will continue these discussions with additional voices from partners, caregivers, and the blind and visually impaired community. Stay tuned as the conversation continues.

In this episode of Endeavor to Connect, host Steve Baskis shares his personal reflections on the connection between blindness and mental health. Drawing from his experience of losing his sight during military service in Iraq, Steve talks about the early challenges of recovery, the feeling of isolation, and the process of learning to adapt. He discusses how blindness affected his independence, relationships, and mindset — and how small steps forward helped him rebuild confidence and find purpose. This conversation offers an honest look at adjustment, awareness, and the importance of movement and mental balance in everyday life.

In this episode of Endeavor to Connect, host Steve Baskis sits down with Joe Mornini, Executive Director of Team River Runner, to explore the power of adaptive paddling for veterans. Joe shares the origins of Team River Runner at Walter Reed in 2004, its growth to 45 chapters nationwide, and the unique "Out of Sight" programs that empower blind and visually impaired veterans to thrive on rivers, lakes, and oceans. Steve reflects on his personal journey—from early struggles with paddling after injury to tackling rivers across the country and even the Grand Canyon—thanks to the skills, community, and innovation fostered by Team River Runner. Together, they highlight the upcoming 21st Annual Biathlon in Washington, DC, and the importance of connection, teamwork, and shared experiences both on and off the water.

Learn more about Team River Runner and get involved at [

www.teamriverrunner.org

In this inspiring episode of Endeavor to Connect, host Steve Baskis sits down with fellow blind veteran, adventurer, and motivational speaker Lonnie Bedwell. From summiting towering peaks and kayaking the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, to mentoring others in adaptive sports, Lonnie shares his pursuit of the Explorers Grand Slam—a challenge to climb the highest peak on every continent and reach both poles. Together, Steve and Lonnie reflect on the power of community, the innovations that make adventure possible, and the mindset that turns obstacles into opportunities. Whether it's conquering mountains or mastering daily life skills, Lonnie's message is clear: take another step, because moving is living.