Mark Twain once said, “But we are all insane, anyway. Note the mountain-climbers.”

I had never heard of this quote from Mr. Twain before but I fear that he may be right and that I may now be headed on the path to insanity! Don’t get me wrong there is no doubt that there may have already been a bit of craziness in me. Just look at all the bizarre things we have listed in our Adventure Activities & Experiences Bucket List! But recently, I volunteered to do something really insane, soon I’ll be Climbing Devil’s Tower!

Now when I put things on the various lists of The Bucket List Project, sometimes I add them impulsively! I mean rock climbing in general isn’t necessarily outside of my personal abilities. Since my youth in the Boy Scouts, I always liked being in the mountains backpacking and climbing. But climbing Devil’s Tower? Well that is a whole new level!

What is Devil’s Tower?

For those who don’t know, Devil’s Tower is located in the Black Hills, near Hulett and Sundance in Crook County, northeastern Wyoming, above the Belle Fourche River. It was officially declared the first national monument in the USA, on September 24, 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Now it isn’t just a remarkable landmark in Wyoming. For many Northern Plains Indian Tribes, it is also a very sacred site with many different stories and traditions tied to it. Here there are often ceremonial rituals, including sun dances, sweat lodges, and prayer and artifact offerings celebrated. It is also known by different names like Bear Lodge Butte, Aloft on a Rock, Tree Rock, or Great Gray Horn among others. 

But most Gen X-ers like us, are likely familiar with Devils Tower because it was featured in 1977’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, after an alien mothership descended upon the rock formation.

In terms of actual structure, the butte stands at 867 feet (265 m) from summit to base, with a summit 5,112 feet (1,559 m) above sea level. The top though is slightly dome shaped and rocky, with native grasses, cactus, and sagebrush. Plus, the boundary of the whole National Monument encloses an area of 1,347 acres.

Mark Twain said, We are all insane, anyway. Note the mountain-climbers. Perhaps, that's true but is climbing Devil's Tower to Find a Cure for #ALS insane? You decide! #ClimbingForaCause #EndALS @ALSTennessee @SteveGleason Click To Tweet

So Why Does Anyone Want to Climb Devil’s Tower?

According to Mark Twain, anyone climbing Devil’s Tower must be insane right?

Well, he may not be too far from the truth! I mean anyone who knows us, knows that we are often a bit crazy or missing a few screws.

But in our commitment to accomplish our various bucket list goals, something unique has occurred: the opportunity to help others!

All of this may sound a bit confusing so let me backtrack a bit to a few months ago.

See, in order to tick Climbing Devil’s Tower off our bucket list, I had to do research on how to make this happen. In doing so, I found out that Darcee’s cousins, Chris Nolan had once climbed Devil’s Tower. So, I reached out to him for advice & guidance on what it would take (you don’t really want to know cause it is wild)! Thankfully, Chris was not only gracious with his time but also information on when he had climbed.

Then something happened…a Spark! 

While talking with him, he suddenly asked if he could join me in the Climb so that we could do this, AS A FAMILY! Of course I said yes but it didn’t end there. An idea popped up on how together, we could attempt climbing Devil’s Tower to do something important for a cause that is very personal to both of us: ALS!

Climbing Devil’s Tower for a Cause

For those who don’t know, Sean Nolan is the brother of Chris and Darcee’s cousin. In 2016, he received the devastating news that he has ALS. Of course this could have crushed him. But it didn’t. Instead, the United States Army Veteran took control by becoming an ALS Research Ambassador so he could educate others with ALS. Plus he wanted to teach the public about the importance of clinical trials and ALS research. 

It is his efforts and work to help others that is inspiring us to take on this daunting task. But we both also have personal reasons based around Sean for climbing Devil’s Tower.

Why Chris Nolan Wants to Climb Devil’s Tower (AGAIN!)

This part is in Chris’ words:

I’ve given some decent thought to this…I thought, why WOULD I want to climb Devils Tower?

For me, it’s a fairly multifaceted answer…And honestly a good part of my why is that I don’t want to live with regrets, as I have enough of them already… I can envision me looking back on my life and saying I wish I would have done that… And I would rather not face that later in my life when I’m in capable of doing anything about it. Also a big part of me is an achiever… I love to accomplish things, I love to do things that not everybody in the world has done and stand out a little… I love making a difference… And this will make a difference in somebody’s life by bringing attention to a disease that we frankly, need to spend more time, Money and effort on curing… And while I refuse to accept the fact that it might be too late for my own brother… it is a possibility. But my feelings are that if we can keep even one person from being imprisoned in their own body by a disease that renders them immobile, nonverbal and eventually lifeless… Then I can’t express to you how much of a win that would be for me…

Why Eric Gamble Wants to Climb Devil’s Tower

Back in 2018, I, Eric was invited to a massive family reunion at Mallo Camp & Hotel  in the beautiful Wyoming Black Hills. It was here at the infamous Thompson Family Reunion where I met not only my future family but a very unique individual, Sean Nolan.

Now to Darcee & her amazing family, Sean is their goofy cousin with a great sense of humor. To his friends, he is an adventurous family man who served in the Army during the Persian Gulf War with honor.

But to me at first, to my own fault, I saw a man with ALS.

Now, being from New Orleans, I know of ALS due to the efforts of the former Saints player, Steve Gleason who has ALS. I have also seen the famous movie, “The Pride of the Yankees” which details the life and career of famed baseball player Lou Gehrig who also had ALS or what has been coined as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. But to be honest, I had never met ANYONE in person who was dealing with it.

Thankfully, something unexpected happened. Despite his physical appearance to me, Sean never gave the impression he was struggling. He emanated strength, joy, and a bit of mischief! It was inspirational!

A few years later, Sean would inspire us again by showing his support for both Darcee & I at our wedding! He danced with Darcee, shared with me the success to a Happy Marriage, and even caused a bit of mischief. To both Darcee & I,  having him there was such a wonderful gift. 

How You Can Help Us Make a Difference!

In talking together, Chris, Darcee, & I (Eric) wanted to do something impactful & give back. Now, Sean doesn’t actually need any money. Luckily, despite all of his challenges, he has a great support team. But for those who know Sean, you know he is an ALS Research Ambassador. He advocates often to educate others with ALS, the public about the importance of clinical trials and research and has lobbied in Washington DC for support of Veteran’s with ALS.  Plus as you can see in the photo above, his is not afraid to Challenge Me (or all of us) to Fight for a Cure! 

Therefore, we are asking for your help to get his message out there. 

Donating to Climbing Devil’s Tower for a Cause

We have chosen to support 2 organizations that help people living with ALS and countless others through advocacy, support and ultimately bringing an end to the disease. In our goal we hope to split your donation 48/48/4. (Uh what kind of wonky math is that?)

So of course, your donations raised on our GOFUND ME PAGE will go directly to 2 charities. But GoFundMe does charge an admin fee of 2.9% + 0.30¢ per donation. Therefore the breakdown will go like this:

1) For Chris: 48% of your donation will go towards an ALS foundation based out of Tennessee: The Tennessee Chapter of the ALS Association 
2) For Eric: 48% of your donation will go towards an ALS foundation based out of New Orleans: The Steve Gleason Foundation
3) For GoFundMe: 2.9% + 0.30¢ per donation of your funds will be taken for an admin fee from GoFundMe. You can see their official admin Fee Structure here: https://www.gofundme.com/pricing. We are allocating 4% just to be safe. But we will be split anything GoFundMe doesn’t take between the two charities.

To learn more about the details or even better to make your big fat donation click here:

The Devil is in the Details

So on July 17,2021, Eric & Chris will be partnering with Devils Tower Country Tourism & Devils Tower Climbing  for a full day of Climbing for a Cause! Along with our special Guide, aka: Lifesaver, Therapist, & Drill Sergeant, we will tackle all 867 feet of Devil’s Tower & hopefully, together with your help, make a big difference to those living with ALS!

Is climbing Devil's Tower on your Bucket List? See how 2 guys are climbing Devil's Tower in Wyoming to support all who are battling #ALS! #ClimbingForaCause #EndALS @ALSTennessee @SteveGleason Click To Tweet

Still have a question?

I mean do you still have questions outside of whether or not we are certifiably insane?

No? Well for now, remember:

1) Donate at our Climbing for ALS GoFundMe Page HERE! Every cent counts in helping these great charities.
2) Spread the word by hitting those share buttons! We need help from your friends, family, social media, colleagues, rich uncle, or whomever. Seriously, the more the merrier.
3) Follow the Bucket List Project on Facebook or The Bucket List Project on Instagram 
(Darcee will be posting up pics of our progress, success, & even our training if you really want to see Chris & Eric CRY!)

Lastly, thank you! To be honest, this whole experience is a bit scary! But if we can overcome our fears and climb to the top of Devil’s Tower, together with your support, maybe one day we can help find a cure for ALS!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Bucket List Board!