The Shorts — Hey, Bear!
Hey, Bear! “We traveled in an ode to that particular brand of privileged American adventure, the cross-country drive, funded in equal parts by savings from crappy after-school jobs at a camping store and graduation money from loving parents,” writes Graham T. Beck. Fresh out of high school, Graham and his friend, Tim, headed to Yellowstone […]
The Shorts — Castleton Fall
Castleton Fall While climbing Castleton Tower, Brendan Leonard watched a climber cruise past him, take on a piece of gear, and then fall onto a ledge right at his feet. The immediate moment had Brendan dealing with the logistics of how to help someone when you’re a pitch off the ground and initiating a rescue […]
The Shorts — Just Make it Happen
Just Make it Happen Ever managed to talk yourself into an adventure or a job only to realize you have gotten yourself in way over your head? Sometimes these scenarios lead to embarrassment. Sometimes they begin horror stories. But, sometimes, they provide unexpected opportunities for growth. In 2007, Jen Altschul talked her way into a […]
The Shorts — Pedaling to Silence
Pedaling to Silence Greg May signed up as a rookie for the 24 Hours of Exposure at the heckling of his friends. But as he stood on the start line he felt under prepared, under biked, and overweight. “Probably not the thought you want before your first 24 hour mountain bike race.” Though Greg wanted […]
The Shorts — Don Manuel’s Nails
Don Manuel’s Nails In 2010, Seth Adams worked in Ecuador with Round River Conservation Studies. He was there as part of an effort to show the locals the importance of conserving the surrounding forest and wildlife. Yet, the longer that he was there, interacting with locals like Don Manuel and Stu, the more he began […]
The Shorts — Dream, Interrupted
Dream, Interrupted Steve’s typical weekend would make any dirtbag jealous. Concerts by the river, sunrise climbs, hiking a new trailhead just because. He’s living his own version of the dirtbag dream; the one he wanted to achieve for so many years. Until one day, he realized the dream he chased, wasn’t all that he’d imagined […]
The Shorts — Meditation in Motion
Meditation in Motion “A friend of mine said that it was worth getting a budget flight to Morocco just to eat an orange. After that you could turn around and fly home content.” Writer, photographer, and surfer Mat Arney was ready for a break from his routine; and really ready to go surfing. While driving […]
The Shorts — One Last Hike
One Last Hike “My father would collected me in the summer and we would range farther in our explorations of the West. We would find small towns on the edge of wilderness and he would tell me, ‘If I ever disappear, look for me here.’ These trips nurtured a love of the outdoors that I […]
The Shorts — Parking Lot Players
Parking Lot Players Next time you’re out at a popular trailhead, take 30 minutes, crack a beer and take a look around the parking lot. You’ll start to see that there are a few distinct types of people you can meet in the parking lot. Each has their merits that can help you achieve a […]
