Unexpecting
In her early 20’s, Rachel James would run 10,000 vertical feet every week and ski deep into the Alaskan backcountry in her free time. When her life took an unexpected turn, she drew on her experience in the outdoors to help her navigate the most difficult chapter of her life. When the world feels like it’s closing in on you, where do you find your strength?
Music: If Walls Could Talk by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto • The Landing by John Berry • Moon Shimmers by John Berry • Oecumene Sleeps by Kai Engel • Labyrinth by Kai Engel • Happy Little Dance by Ken Christianson • Firediary 5 by Ken Christianson • Delivered by Brendan O’Connell • Tracks provided by Free Music Archive or with permission from the artists.
Shenanigans
When Scott Guinn received a letter in the mail from his friend Mike Flanigan, he didn’t expect to find a page-long, typed challenge to climb 10 tricky boulder problems within an hour at the nearby bouldering area. Gauntlet thrown, Scott stepped up to the task, launching what’s become an epic series of challenges that keeps building their friendship through adventure.
Most recent Covid-19 Isolation Challenge
Mike’s Lost Creek Wilderness Challenge
Scott’s most recent success on Santee (completed problem 4, Jump Start, which was the amended problem)
The original Santee and Flagstaff Challenges are all GoPro footage and are not on Youtube.
Music: If Walls Could Talk by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto • Shenanigans by Cordelia Zars • Nothing by Kai Engel • The Biddy Bong Song by Publish the Quest • Billy’s gonna pull down by Bradley Carter • Home by Publish the Quest • Falling Into You by Little Glass Men • Delivered by Brendan O’Connell • Tracks provided by Free Music Archive or with permission from the artists.
The Shorts — Number 67
When Ryan Smith set out to hike all sixty-seven 4,000 foot mountains in New England, he expected to be finished in a handful of years. But life threw him a curve ball. A shooting pain in his groin led him on a different kind of journey with his body, his partner, and his understanding of what is important.
Find Ryan at Rooted In Light Media
Music: If Walls Could Talk by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto • Would this Fire by Jason Tyler Burton • Spare Parts by Bradley Carter • July by Kai Engel • Delivered by Brendan O’Connell Tracks provided by Free Music Archive or with permission from the artists.
The Great Indoors
In an unprecedented time, a lot of us are confined to our homes, yet looking for ways to connect, to create and to be of service. As our community tries to adapt to a quickly shifting reality, it seems like a good time to slow down and have a conversation. Here’s to doing our part, looking for the positive, and finding ways to support each other. We’re in this together.
Ideas for supporting our communities during these tough times:
- Educate yourself with and follow the CDC guidelines
- Follow the advice of and donate to the World Health Organization
- Check in on neighbors, older individuals and those who live alone
- Donate money or blood to the American Red Cross
- Support a local non-profit or extend your reach with Charity Navigator or Charity Watch
- Donate to Feeding America or to a local Food Bank, Meals on Wheels
- Order take-out (and tip well)
- Help provide medical supplies with Heart to Heart International
- Donate or make Personal Protective Equipment for healthcare workers
- Support Covid-19 testing at University of Washington Virology Division
- Contact your local school and see if you can help with food distribution
- Help keep children healthy and safe with UNICEF or Save the Children
- Help provide food and learning support with Boys and Girls Club of America
- Don’t do unnecessary backcountry travel
- Send the letter with Love for the Elderly
- Don’t hoard food or supplies
- Donate to the Covid-19 Arts Emergency Relief Fund
- Donate to or buy a gift card from a local guide service
- Donate to the Humane Society or your local zoo
- Find your favorite artists, bloggers, and musicians on Patreon or Bandcamp
Music: If Walls Could Talk by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto • The Wall Cahall by Fitz Cahall and Cordelia Zars
Tracks provided by Free Music Archive or with permission from the artists.
The UnderDonkey
Leadville, Colorado is a mecca for endurance racing in the United States and home to some of the country’s hardest trails and toughest athletes. In the summer of 2019, ultra runners Marvin Sandoval and Buttercup became unlikely partners and show us what happens when you combine a love of sport, hard work, a 10 foot lead rope, and a dash of crazy. One thing Marvin learned, “hang on and see what happens.” Follow Marvin and Buttercup here
Music: If Walls Could Talk by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto • Angeline The Baker / Leather Britches by Bradley Carter • Back where I belong by Bradley Carter • 550 by John Berry • High Country Waltz by Bradley Carter • The Last Wild Mountain by Bradley Carter • Primary Colors by Ken Christianson • Cloud Layers by Cordelia Zars • Polybear by Little Glass Men • Brooks by Kai Engel • Delivered by Brendan O’Connell Tracks provided by Free Music Archive or with permission from the artists.
