He Climbed to Heights Like No Other

Reg Spittle Leave a comment
Jim Whittaker, atop Mt. Everest’s summit, in 1963.

Who was the first American to summit Mount Everest?

Who was REI’s first full-time employee?

Who was REI’s second CEO?

Who dedicated his life to preserve iconic wilderness places?

Who has been called America’s best climber ever?

Jim Whittaker, who recently died at 96, lived a life filled with adventure and purpose.

His compelling story, told by freelance writer Mike Lewis, appeared last week in an REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) co-op publication. Click on his name to join me in learning about a man of unequaled distinction.

More Than a Million Pages! Infinite Thanks!

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

Kindle Unlimited members have read more than a million pages of my books.

In fact, readers have sent the number well beyond the seven-figure mark and 2026 has recorded even higher numbers than previous years. (Kindle Unlimited is a monthly subscription program that allows free access to books online at Amazon.)

These figures do not include books that non-members have ordered, downloaded, or picked up in bookstores. I could never have imagined such support and interest in my work. My books would have to be around a long, long time to reach Stephen King levels, but I continue to be more grateful than you can imagine.

I have not done this alone. It was my wife Sue’s idea to walk the Camino, which was our first trek, and her cover design, editing, photography, and artwork that elevated my drafts to books readers choose.