Brian Dickinson, a Snoqualmie Valley resident, adventurer, and author, has captivated readers with two remarkable works: Blind Descent: Surviving Alone and Blind on Mount Everest and Calm in the Chaos: True Tales from Elite U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers.
Beyond their thrilling narratives, these books reflect the resilience and values shaped by Dickinson’s experiences both globally and right here in the Valley.
Blind Descent Highlights Triumph Against All Odds
In Blind Descent, Dickinson recounts his solo summit of Mount Everest in 2011, an achievement overshadowed by a life-threatening challenge. Snow blindness left him unable to see during his descent, forcing him to rely on his training, faith, and determination.
“I was on the top of the world, completely alone and blind. Nobody was coming to get me. Without panicking or overthinking the moment, I got up and started slowly descending,” he recalls.
His ability to remain calm came from his Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer background, where he learned never to panic, assess situations carefully, and act decisively. “That ability helped in my seven-hour blind descent, even when I ran out of supplemental oxygen. There was a 99.99% chance I wouldn’t survive, but I never allowed those thoughts to cloud my brain as they can easily cause debilitating panic,” he explains.
Using his other senses and sheer resolve, Dickinson found a way to take one more step forward each time, ultimately surviving a descent few could have imagined completing.
The Snoqualmie Valley, where Dickinson has lived for years, is a source of peace and inspiration in his life and writing. “Most of my inspiration comes from getting off the grid and hiking the local Snoqualmie Valley peaks. It’s amazing how just stepping away from the realities of the world for a few hours will bring peace of mind and unlock our God-given talents.”
Calm in the Chaos Explores the Lives of Heroes
With Calm in the Chaos, Dickinson focuses on his time as a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer. The book, released in October 2024, provides an unflinching look at the high-stakes world of rescue missions. From daring ocean recoveries to saving lives in extreme conditions, the narrative captures the physical and mental demands placed on these elite service members.
He reflects, “People in general don’t operate well in oxygen-deprived environments, in high seas with a ferocious helicopter overhead, while a panicked survivor is attacking you in the open ocean. That’s why the military search and rescue roles are rated as some of the topmost dangerous jobs in the world.”
Dickinson explains that the role demands physical strength and mental and emotional endurance. “The mental and emotional side of training is what gets you through. Physically, most in the program should be able to build to the necessary needs of the job; otherwise, they would have been weeded out prior to the official course. A rescue swimmer must possess the mindset, decision-making, ability to remain calm, and to do everything in their power to save the lives of people they don’t even know.”
Writing the book was a collaborative effort with his wife, JoAnna, a counselor who provided wisdom and insight for the lessons in each chapter. “It was such a gift to write this book together, adding our combined experiences and perspectives to enhance a common purpose,” he shares.
The Snoqualmie Valley’s strong sense of community parallels the camaraderie Dickinson describes in his book. “The Valley community is awesome for raising a family and finding friends with similar adventure goals. My family has attended Church on the Ridge for 19 years, and we’ve always found a great community there, plus some of our closest family friends.”
A Unified Theme of Resilience
Though the settings and circumstances differ, Blind Descent and Calm in the Chaos are united by a common thread of resilience. Dickinson highlights how everyone faces their own challenges and how these stories of survival and perseverance can resonate personally. “Everyone faces major challenges in their lives. I don’t expect others to compare descending Everest blind and alone to what they are facing. However, their issues are just as intense as what I went through as they are personal and real to them.”
His writing is both therapeutic and impactful, helping him process personal traumas while offering readers a source of hope. Dickinson emphasizes the value of journaling as a tool for understanding and working through pain. He describes writing as a therapeutic process that helps him confront and release the hold of personal traumas, fostering healing.
Readers’ positive responses to his openness about vulnerability have encouraged others to embark on their own journeys toward healing and liberation.
Reflections on Resilience and Community
Brian’s works are not just accounts of remarkable feats but deeply human stories that inspire and uplift. Blind Descent invites readers to reflect on personal challenges and the power of belief, while Calm in the Chaos offers a rare glimpse into the lives of unsung heroes who risk everything to save others.
His connection to the Snoqualmie Valley, from its trails to its community, makes his work especially meaningful for local readers and adventure enthusiasts. “I’ve traveled and climbed around the world, and in my opinion, we live in one of the most amazing places on the planet. It just takes the effort to get out and explore.”
Whether you’re drawn to tales of survival, military heroism, or personal growth, Dickinson’s memoirs offer a powerful reminder of the strength of perseverance and the beauty of the places we call home.
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Awesome article.