Dec

What We Had

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/104289328″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]Mark Rutherford and John Merritt grew up sharing the same sand box. As they grew up, they each followed separate paths. John had a successful career in the Chicago financial world. Mark moved to Alaska and raised a family in tiny cabin he built with his own hands. Twenty years ago, Mark began a successful adventure fly fishing guide service in the Bristol Bay region. An avid fisherman, John got in touch with Mark and scheduled a trip. On that first trip, John revealed that he had been diagnosed with M.S. Ten years prior, doctors told him he had seven years to live. That first trip marked the beginning of decade of trips, each more adventurous than the last. Today, we are headed up stream to the confluence of several lives. Friendships are a bit like rivers–when they converge, they swell into something greater.

Music:

Becca and I are stoked to share the new release from We Are Augustines. We have been awaiting this debut from some of our favorite musicians. We Are Augustines is the continued collaboration between Billy McCarthy and Eric Sanderson, formerly of Pela who we loved rocking out to in Seattle. We love the powerful lyrics and fist-pumping beats. They are every bit as passionate about their music as we are about the outdoors. Check out their website for their incredible story of family, loss, and perseverance motivated by a love for music.

Other cuts include: Capsular by Moon Holiday • This is Not a Pipe by Franz Nicolay

Music provided by IODA Promonet.

Dec

The Shorts — Cardboard Canadian

Cardboard Canadian

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Music: Cumberland Breeze by The Snakes • Ghost Bridge by Invisible Allies • Not in Love (Featuring Robert Smith) by Crystal Castles

Music provided by IODA Promonet.

Nov

Unseen But Felt

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/104287961″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]This last fall, Becca and I embarked on a trip of a lifetime. We began on foot in Sequoia National Park and hiked north through Yosemite. Along the way, we would climb as many routes as our rations, our bodies and the weather would allow. It was a slightly inefficient approach to a climbing trip that begged an explanation. To those who asked, I offered a slew of reasons. My heroes, John Muir and David Brower, had taken the same route. I wanted to prove we are capable of world class adventure in our backyard ranges. Those closest to me knew better. I was trying to save myself. At its core, The Diaries has always been about the joy of wild places and our community’s profound optimism, but at times contributors have stepped forward to provide stories about personal struggle, sorrow and depression. The Diaries has embraced both the light and the dark, because ultimately The Diaries are a reflection of me. Today, I present my own story. It may be hard to believe, but it happened.

Music: You by Gold Panda • White on White by Fredrick • The Smoke by Home Video • Poor Animal by Zola Jesus • Our Hearts by Firehouse

Music provided by IODA Promonet.

Nov

The Shorts — The Lost Art

The Lost Art

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Surfer. Waves. Design. Surfboard. In 25 years of surfing, Will Ranken never thought much about how those four elements interrelated to one another. When he needed a new board, he would buy one off the racks, hand over the cash, and soon he was paddling into the line up again. That was the status quo, until he read an article about making and shaping wooden surfboards. He writes, “Buying a new board suddenly seemed so boring. Like I was missing out on the really important part, like I was only pretending to be a surfer.” Will designed and cut and sanded a board. He worked on it tirelessly. Flew back and forth the country to attend workshops until the day finally arrived. It was time to paddle out. Was it love at first surf?

Music: Machete Gang Holiday by Firehorse • Underdog by Bradley “Chum” Carter (Climber and a musician. How he keeps his fingertips in shape, I’ll never know) • As The World Turns (Featuring Olivier Daysoul) by Trek Life

Music provided by Bradley Carter and IODA Promonet.

Oct

Tales of Terror

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/104286688″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]It’s that time of year. Leaves line the sidewalks. Darkness tugs at the soul. A cold wind blows. Today, we present Tales of Terror, two stories from the most terrifying moments of our contributor’s lives. This year’s contest winners reminded me why I love working on the Diaries. Sometimes the stories are serious. Sometimes they’re funny. They come from all over the world. Our first story was recorded in the field somewhere in Afghanistan. The second comes from my old stomping ground–Tahoe. Despite the differences, both stories are the result of passion, imagination and creativity. Today’s contributors reached these terrifying moments because they have chosen to live both the width and length of their lives. Thanks to everyone who participated. We had great submissions this year. Becca and I really appreciate it. Happy Halloween!

Music: Dead Man Walking by Tumbledown • Snow & Taxis by Gold Panda • Battle Axe (Featuring Mu) by The Left • She’s Wearing That Costume by Head Like a Kite

Music provided by IODA Promonet.