Seven summits, one extraordinary journey

In July of this year, Bryan Hill stood on top of Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Russia. He, along with Michael Neal and Lonnie Bedwell had accomplished what many would not believe possible. They had succeeded in climbing the seven highest peaks on seven continents. While it is true that standing at the summit of a mountain is an accomplishment few people will ever experience, standing atop the highest peak of the highest mountains on all seven continents is rarer still. Hill and Neal, founders of the nonprofit "Sightless Summits," led Lonnie Bedwell, a blind Navy veteran and extreme athlete, to the top of the World for the seventh time. Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson and the Carstensz Pyramid, while each presenting their own demands, proved that no obstacle is insurmountable when faced with a strong support team. This is a journey they began four years ago. Hill, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee and Neal, of Oregon, met in 2020 while climbing Mount Shasta in California. While some may call it a chance meeting, others believe it was a destiny in the making when the two climbers joined forces in 2021 to create "Sightless Summits", a nonprofit with the mission to inspire and serve disabled veterans and others through project- based adventures after meeting Lonnie Bedwell. In 2022, Hill, Neal and Bedwell reached the top of Denali and that was only the beginning. Bedwell was blinded in a hunting accident in 1997. His mission has always been to inspire others to live boldly and embrace life with confidence. Turning tragedy to triumph, he became a voice for the Blind Veterans Association, and in 2015, he was named the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. His depth of vision, understanding his calling in life, has become an inspiration to many. Climbing the Seven Summits brought these extreme athletes one goal closer to completing one of the world's most elite challenges-The Explorer's Grand Slam, an extreme adventure that pushes human endurance to its limits. &emsp;&emsp;In 2025, they completed the journey to the South Pole, leaving the North Pole the final goal to completing the Grand Slam. The trio have plans to tackle the North Pole in April of 2027 when a small window of about four weeks will mark the timeline. &emsp;&emsp;Hill has ties to Robbinsville where his parents Keith and Karen Millsaps Hill grew up and attended Robbinsville High School before making their home in Knoxville and raising their family. They own a home on Lake Santeetlah and split their time between Knoxville and Robbinsville. Hill's love of the outdoors came from hours spent with his dad exploring the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. After pursuing an education in physical therapy, Hill moved out west to California where he was inspired to climb his first mountain, which proved unsuccessful but gave him the drive and tenacity to begin this journey. A journey that has led him to some remarkable friendships including Neal and Bedwell. Hill describes each mountain as incredible and full of challenges that tested him in a different way. His greatest experiences came from the people he met along the way. Hill explains, "The Seven Summits gave me unforgettable adventures, but they also reminded me of something even more important. Most people, no matter where they live, simply want the same things. To care for their families, help others when they can, and share a little kindness with someone passing through." Across different languages, religions, cultures and continents, the team was met with smiles, and the world felt a little smaller, a little kinder. As they prepare for their trip to the North Pole in March/April, they will continue to inspire others with their journey. Wherever adventure takes these young men, they will share the message of Bedwell, "We are able to adapt and do so much more than we think if we simply work together." Currently, Blueline Media Productions has partnered with Common Ground Films to produce a film, "Beyond Vision," a feature-length documentary about Bedwell and his adventures. They are currently fundraising for the project. For more information about "Sightless Summits", Lonnie Bedwell, or "Beyond Vision," or to donate to the project, go to www.commongroundfilms.org.

Seven summits, one extraordinary journey

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