The Shorts — Cardboard Canadian
Cardboard Canadian
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/104288688″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=false&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”300″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]If you’ve ever stuck your thumb out to catch a ride, you understand the highs and lows of hitchhiking. Passing cars, sandy highway shoulders, cardboard signs, and a belief that mental telepathy can lure cars to slow down are tools of the trade. After hitchhiking in Canada and Arizona, Graham Waugh thought he’d easily catch a ride from Needles to Joshua Tree. He didn’t account for the nearly deserted 100 odd miles on California’s highway 95. He scrawled “Canadian” on his last piece of cardboard, and only then did he discovered something wonderful.
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.
Unseen But Felt
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.
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.
Tales of Terror
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.
The Shorts — Packing
Packing
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Music: The Funeral Bell by David Karsten Daniels, Fight the Big Bull • Eleanor Speaks by Oh No Ono
Music provided by IODA Promonet.
