TFB 014 - The Next Adventure w/ Dave McClung

In this episode of *The Fort Builders*, I sit down with Dave McClung. At first glance, this conversation starts with a recent trek to Everest Base Camp. Eight days of hiking, high altitude, Sherpas, tea houses, and standing nearly 17,600 feet above sea level beneath the tallest mountain on Earth. But as we talked, it became clear that Everest is really just the latest chapter in a much bigger story. Dave has spent a lifetime pursuing experiences. In his 50s, he got serious about hiking and began tackling trails and adventures around the world. Since age 62, he's hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon more than 40 times, completed portions of the Colorado Trail, hiked to Machu Picchu twice, explored England coast-to-coast, walked the Camino de Santiago, climbed Mount St. Helens, and trekked countless miles alongside his wife Linda. But hiking is only one part of the story. Dave grew up in Louisiana as the son of a pastor before serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, flying more than 200 combat missions. Later he built a successful legal career, transitioned into executive leadership, turned around struggling construction companies, and eventually served as president of a college in Massachusetts. What stood out to me is that none of these transitions seem accidental. When we dug into his family history, Dave described generations of people who were always willing to move, explore, and pursue new opportunities. His great-grandfather left Arkansas for what was then Indian Territory. His family never stayed in one place very long. They simply kept moving toward what was next. That same spirit still shows up today. Whether he's revisiting Vietnam decades after the war, planning cruises through Southeast Asia, exploring India, or standing at Everest Base Camp, Dave approaches the world with curiosity and gratitude. One of my favorite moments comes when Dave reflects on all the places he's visited. Rather than naming a favorite destination, he talks about being amazed by both the beauty of the world and the resilience of the people who live in it. From the Himalayas to Africa to Vietnam, he's learned that travel isn't just about seeing places—it's about understanding people. As we talk about often on *The Fort Builders*, we're all building something. Dave's story is a reminder that building a meaningful life doesn't stop at retirement, and it doesn't happen by accident. It comes from staying curious. From continuing to move. And from always being willing to say yes to the next adventure.