After finishing Day 1 at 4 a.m., the team had covered 34 miles and 10,000 feet of elevation gain in 21 hours. Weighing their options, they concluded that the compounding physical demands and mental strain posed too great a risk of injury to press on. Failing to accomplish a goal is never easy, but sometimes the most disciplined decision is to stop. And if you never fall short, your goals aren't ambitious enough. The team had been gathering data and reading the mountain throughout those 34 miles, and recognized that wisdom meant knowing when to stop. In that light, the Wonderland Trail Challenge became something meaningful in its own right: 21 hours of determination across one of the most stunning landscapes in the country.

“We are unsure of the outcome, that’s why we accept the challenge.”

Dan compares the Wonderland Trail to the experience of a blind student entering college for the first time.

• Each experience is exciting and intimidating.
• There are few role models or peers to connect with.
• Success requires learning to work as a team.
• They demand constant resourcefulness and adaptability.

Whether it is a technical river crossing on a trail or a challenging college calculuscourse, the challenges of navigating without sight become quickly apparent. Yet, with the right attitude, lots of perseverance, and the right people beside you, it istruly incredible what seemingly impossible obstacles can be overcome