The Journey Begins – Michael Meets Machu Picchu

Hi, I am Michael McCulloch, a retired NASA aerospace engineer and blind member of Achilles International Houston.  I have partnered with Achilles Houston to help train and guide me in undertaking my latest project called, “One Step at a Time.”

This project is a 4-day hiking trek along the classic Inca Trail to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, Peru (approximately 27 miles and scaling two nearly 14,000 feet mountain passes).  Along the Inca Trail, there are stunning combination of Inca ruins, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety.  The trail goes over high passes with unforgettable views, through cloud forest, and finally into subtropical vegetation. The total time of the trip including travel to/from Peru and acclimation to altitude is approximately 8 days.  The Trek is currently planned for late April 2019.  [UPDATE  12/15/18  Due to issues with Inca Trail permits, the trek is now planned for June 2019.]

I began my training and preparation for this adventure back in April 2018 and will be posting to this site every couple of weeks or so.  I would love for you to follow along on my journey and share this on your social media by clicking on the buttons on the right and at the bottom of this page.

In addition to the actual Trek, I am planning to produce a short documentary film of the adventure.  I am in search of a videographer who is willing to donate his/her services and equipment to capture the Trek in addition to my training preparation.  Additionally, the videographer will assist in logging all video/photos in preparation for the documentary post-production.  All travel expenses for the videographer to/from and while in Peru (airfare, lodging, food, transfers) will be paid.

I am also in search of an individual or media company that is willing to produce the documentary film at a reduced cost ($5,000, negotiable).

I would appreciate your prayers and good wishes during my training and travels.  I would also appreciate your financial support in the production of my documentary film.  Your donations will help inspire and empower the blind to explore new ​physical activities and experiences, overcome barriers and see there are no limits to what they can achieve.  The film will also challenge stereotypes of blindness and other disabilities in an abled-body world.

DONATE   All donated services may be claimed as a tax-deductible donation in kind to Achilles Houston, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Thanks for joining me on my journey!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton