Local Father Climbs Mt. Elbert with Son with Autism

Mike Procter with his son Michael

Mike Procter and his son, Michael, who has autism, decided to go on a road trip and hike the two highest peaks in the lower 48 states of the U.S. Unfortunately because of COVID-19, they decided to change their trip and play it safe, traveling to less populated areas. 

Michael was diagnosed with autism when he was 12 years old and wasnon-verbal. Raising Michael has been quite a journey and of course quite challenging. When Michael was born, Procter called him his greatest gift, his joy and his pride. These feelings still stand true today.

Procter wanted to take his son to see some of the world’s greatest wonders.  On their way to Mt. Albert, they stopped at Mammoth Cave to appreciate and enjoy the cave and trails. They then went to Arkansas and they excavated for diamonds. They had an amazing time and were able to find one quarter of a carat diamond.

Michael has been challenging all his life’s difficulties, one of them is trying to climb Mt. Elbert in Colorado. Daily training is very important and is key for these big climbs; you have to build the endurance and aerobic capacity. This is why Procter got rid of his car and they walk everywhere. As part of their training they would walk 4 to 5 miles every day regardless of the weather conditions. 

“I wouldn’t want to do life with anyone else. Without him, I don’t know where I would be, he’s my only kid. He’s my best friend. We do everything together. One day I would like to take Michael to the Swiss Alps and with enough training I believe Michael can do anything” said Procter to WRTF.