MEET THE CAST
In the spring of 2018, Anna became the first female paraplegic to summit Mount Hood and ski down independently in a sit ski provided by Hawkeye. We will follow Anna this year as she continues her Climb On Project - tackling a first ascent of Mount Baker in the North Cascades of Washington State.
Anna’s story illustrates a strong and unyielding leader. She brings a lighthearted and comical attitude to her relentless ambition - taking on challenges, dreaming bigger adventures, and having fun, while defying what others deem impossible.
Through her 20s, Anna was working and living in the backcountry full-time, scrambling over scree fields and battling through mountain mahogany to track mountain lions through the northern Sierra Nevada and surrounding ranges. She spent her free time road-tripping across the west, exploring remote granite monoliths, climbing sandstone cliffs, and absorbing all the freedoms, which only these wild places could provide. Nature was an essential part of her diet, and after a paralyzing climbing fall, that nutrient was nearly taken away.
Danielle survived the highest fall on record from 300 feet while climbing in 2011. Through her injury she has found a new appreciation for nature and wild places. We will follow her around the White Rim Trail of Canyonlands National Park, as she attempts a multi-day bike trip she has been dreaming for years. She rides a handcycle provided by Hawkeye.
Danielle defied death and is determined to make the most of her second chance. Her story illustrates a heartfelt resilience and determination. “I don’t like to say ‘I can’t,’ or ‘I am limited,’ but it can be extremely difficult to get off the pavement when you use a wheelchair. When I get on my mono ski or hand cycle, I just feel so free.”
Danielle grew up in the not so small Long Island, New York. Her upbringing consisted of trips to the mall with friends, but occasionally her dad would take her to the nearby hills and introduced her to rock climbing. In college she worked at the rock wall and soon found herself traveling to places like South Africa, Mexico, France, Canada, and all over the American west, to find remote wilderness areas that provided pristine rock and a unique adventure.
In 2014, Josh's anchor failed while he was ice climbing near Alpental, WA - causing him to fall 35 feet and break his back. As a former wilderness educator and mountaineer, his deep roots in the outdoors have kept him a wild and untamable spirit. He continues to push his physical and mental capabilities - cultivating adventures and sharing his passion for nature with friends.
Since his injury, he’s wanted to row his own raft down the Salmon River. This year he’s going to take on the challenge. We will follow his evolving journey and how he uses equipment provided by Hawkeye to keep his connection to nature alive.
Hawkeye is a retired correctional officer and long-distance hiker who grew up along the Appalachian Trail in northern Maine. He has completed the Triple Crown of long-distance hikes twice.
Working in the correctional system, Hawkeye saw many people who had squandered their freedom. Witnessing such loss drove him to help people with disabilities try to get theirs back.
Hawkeye is charismatic and full of humor. We will follow him on a new trail he has pioneered through the San Juan Mountains to reveal his own connection to nature, while he introduces us to the incredible adaptive community and some of the individuals he supports.
Florence Williams - author of the "The Nature Fix" - is a journalist, writer, podcaster and public speaker.
She is a contributing editor at Outside Magazine and a freelance writer for the New York Times, National Geographic, Slate and numerous other publications. Her public speaking includes keynotes at Google and the Smithsonian.
We will talk with Florence to discuss her findings in "The Nature Fix," which translates the scientific evidence supporting why wild places make us happier, healthier, and more creative.
Channing Cash was born in Laos and attacked by a bull at the age of three, breaking her back. Her parents moved her to the states at the age of five to receive better medical care.
Channing has overcome numerous challenges growing up with paralysis. Her positive attitude is an inspiration. We use her story to introduce the broader adaptive community and resources available for individuals living with disabilities.