Hot Off The Press

This past spring I received a phone call from Jim Shimberg. Jim is one of the nicest New England climbers I know- he is always the most psyched and most humble. Hopefully you'll get a chance to meet him and you will instantly see what I mean. But he called me up and it went something like this. "Hey, Annie! Yeah, yeah- we were talking and we thought it would be really cool to have Ted Hammond on the cover- yeah you know a piece of history on the cover. Not of this ol' fossil, but of Ted- do you think you could do that?" Now, I may have opted to put a hot crankin' babe on the cover, which is a guidebook ritual in the climbing world. But, this was a classy and classic request. Additionally, I was psyched to meet Ted and also get some pictures of him too. It seemed fitting to get him on one of the most well renown routes in Rumney, and also a route he FA'd some years ago. Now, Ted is a busy man, as we all are- and he had 3 hours of time to shoot this one afternoon. There is a quick window of when the light hits Flyin' Hawaiian just right in the afternoon, and we nailed it. A big shout out to all those who have been working on the new guide book (Bob, Daphne, Ward, Shimberg, and others!). Self publishing isn't an easy task to take on- thanks guys! Shouldn't we start working on the next one now? ;)

Time Flies

Uh, summer? Are you there? Where did you go? I'm not quite sure where it went, and how we are already in the middle of September. Alas, here we are and summer flew by. And last weekend I was making a much past due visit to my family. I spent the weekend with everyone but I spent the most with my nephew, Brady. It was such a blast, and he was totally obsessed with the light switches. As I left driving back up to New Hampshire I could hear him and his new favorite light switch word, saying- "off....off....off....off....off...."
Just thought I would share a few of the little bugger.


A very happy Brady.


Papa Greg and son Brady having a silly moment- not to mention papa's hair.


Checkin' something important out.

Growing Gills

I just finished documenting Maury McKinney swimming 42 miles in just about 26 hours here in New Hampshire. Yes, I said "swimming"! He swam across the longest part of Lake Winnipesaukee, and then turned around and swam back. Why did he do this? Not for himself, but to raise awareness and funds for the White Mountain Aquatic Foundation. Maury along with many others are hoping to bring a pool/aquatic center to the Mount Washington Valley here in New Hampshire. All that live or visit here know how incredible this place is. However, one thing we are lacking in our community is water sports that could change the lives for children, elderly, injured, and those that have a passion for water recreation. What an amazing addition it could be- I am all for it. Lastly, a big thank you to Maury and all those who helped.

All smiles right before his initial departure.


Maury getting his groove on in the early morning light.


Maury after his swim letting us know how many miles he swam with pruned fingers n' all.


The whole support crew! It couldn't have happened without them! Thanks everyone!

Hot Ice

Just had a friend bring to my attention that one of my shots is up on the new Patagonia site! You can see some of the high quality hielo we get here in New England! Not to mention with only a 10 minute walk! Damn that's hot, but really, it's freakin' cold! But also check out Patagonia's apparel, they are a rockin' company with incredible values, especially this day and age. I'm always psyched to work with them.

Swamp Donkey Disco

Katie Smith showing her sassy side at the Disco.

For many years now there has been a classic climbers party up here in New Hampshire, known as The Swamp Donkey Disco. To find out what a "swamp donkey" is click HERE. It has always been hosted on Cannon Cliff up here in New Hampshire. Without a doubt it's a night full of good people, fun, and always expect a little bit of an adventure to reach it. Last year I brought up my camera and a couple of speed light flashes, along with my pocket wizards. I whipped these out real quick of some classic characters that made the journey to it last year.


Bayard Russell, always welcoming all to the Swamp Donkey Disco.


Sam Benderhoff wants YOU at the next Swamp Donkey Disco!


Joe & Karen Cote psyched to be celebrating on Cannon!



Ethan Lemieux playing the air guitar in good form.

When It Rains...

...it pours. Yep, we've been having a very soggy summer here in New Hampshire. It's been rough, but then I saw something on my way home. The fog was playing with the mountains while the reeds were looking at their own reflections. Frogs were croaking, and the half moon was slowly rising behind me. I pulled out the tripod and a few lenses. I exposed this image for the fog, so the brights were not blown out and thus making the swamp dark and peaceful. It didn't take long for the mosquito's to find me, but before they drove me out I was able to snap a few shots. For me it was a small reminder to embrace the weather, get out, and capture what it may bring.