I was fortunate to be invited on Erik’s historic “kayaking blind” journey down the Grand Canyon in September 2014. At camp one late afternoon, we began discussing the idea of coauthoring a book about his life since descending from the summit of Mount Everest. Without really knowing exactly how we’d pull it off, we embarked on a very ambitious project together. There were moments near our final deadline when it felt like I’d been in a tiny tent on a mountainside with Erik for an entire year. It was a slog, and we worked long, hard, sometimes hair-pulling hours together. In the end, I have become as impressed by Erik’s intellectual capacities, his vision and his philosophies about life, as I have been by his athletic accomplishments. He is a transformative person, and it’s been an honor to be involved at such an intimate level with his story, his family, and his team. So thanks to Erik for entrusting me to help tell this remarkable story and for taking me along on this incredible journey.

Thanks especially to the Weihenmayer family for always making me feel at home on my visits, and making me feel like a part of the family.

My dear friend John Larkin has been a first reader on all of my books and he gave his honest, attentive, and sage wisdom on every page of the No Barriers book. Muchas gracias, Juan!

Also, cheers to my dear Free Range Writers, who are always with me.

Finally, to my wife, Camie, and my children, Logan and Hunter—your ceaseless support buoys me when I’m flailing in rough waters. You allow me to do what I most love: write stories.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

ERIK WEIHENMAYER is an athlete, adventurer, motivational speaker, and the bestselling author of Touch the Top of the World and The Adversity Advantage. He cofounded No Barriers USA, which empowers people to break through barriers, find their inner purpose, and contribute their very best to the world. Erik lives in Colorado. You can sign up for email updates here.

BUDDY LEVY is an author, educator, journalist, and speaker. His books include Labyrinth of Ice, Conquistador, River of Darkness, Geronimo, and American Legend. He is a clinical professor of English at Washington State University. He lives in Idaho. You can sign up for email updates here.

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