Picture your retirement plan: sandy beaches, cozy cabins, and endless relaxation. But for Neal Kirby, a 71-year-old Centralia resident, that’s not the dream. He’s not one for beaches; instead, he craves the thrill of conquering mountain summits worldwide. From Mount Rainier in his backyard to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Kirby has climbed some of the tallest mountain peaks in America. But recently, he added a new feather to his list of achievements – a cover page feature on Mountaineer Magazine.

Breaking boundaries and conquering peaks

We can date back Neal Kirby’s adventures to his childhood, when he was fascinated by nature’s wonders. Growing up in a Navy family, he moved around a lot but eventually settled on Whidbey Island. On the island, he fell in love with nature. Further, his love for nature deepened during a memorable road trip to Utah’s national parks with his grandmother. Now he loves adventure sports and mountain climbing.

Later Kirby became a teacher but faced challenges with alcoholism, eventually seeking treatment and embracing sobriety. Now sober for almost four decades, he has found a new purpose in life. He now helps other addicts in recovery. As a leader in One Step At a Time (OSAT), he mentors individuals in recovery programs, teaching them the art of mountaineering and empowering them to reach new heights in life.

In short, Neal Kirby’s mountaineering journey is nothing short of remarkable. He has scaled the majestic Mount Rainier multiple times since his retirement and completed the monumental feat of conquering all five of Washington’s volcanoes in a single summer.

When he reached the summit of Mount Rainier he described the experience as “And it was just gorgeous.” And we certainly believe it must have been.

Climbing against all odds

Kirby’s adventures haven’t come without challenges. Once he fell from the Mount Rainier ascent due to bad weather. However, despite setbacks and naysayers, he never stopped conquering mountains.

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At 71, many of us would opt for a more laid-back lifestyle. But Kirby believes that age should never be a barrier to exploring the beauty of the world around us. We can only learn from such resilience and approach our life in this manner as well, no matter the obstacles.

Furthermore, Neal Kirby’s story inspires us to live life to the fullest, challenge ourselves, and embrace the great outdoors. As we read about his incredible journey, we can’t help but wonder, what mountains are waiting for you to conquer?

So, dear readers, we leave you with this question: What’s your next great adventure? Lace up your hiking boots, prepare for new heights, and let the mountains be your playground.

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