Nothern Exposure

I grabbed my americano from the Frontside Grind this morning, something I treat myself to once or twice a week depending on the work load and the fog thickness in the brain.  I strolled across the street to IME to shop talk and update Rick & Celia Wilcox about the intense experience of being at Cap Trinite under a boulder during Irene on the night of our first wedding anniversary with three of my closest friends and of course, my hot hubby.  With being there a week prior, and no cell service, we had no idea Miss Irene was coming our way.  While filling them in on the "Saranne Wrap Bivy", I noticed the latest Climbing Magazine was on the counter.

For the past year Pat Bagley and myself zoomed up down and all around New England to scope out some fresh New England's 5.10 gems.  That being said, this piece took awhile to put together and it was really fun to see it in print this morning.  While I was photographing and checking out cliffs in Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine I realized how fun it was to zoom around to all these random cliffs I had never taken the time to explore.  As though I had almost forgotten that adventures can exist right in your backyard.  I'm not talking big wall/Himalayan (or even Cap Trinite?) adventures, I'm simply talking about going out to a new place and new rock that is out of the normal box for you.  We all get so settled into routine and convenience wherever we call "home", and it's totally understandable.  However, I hope this article inspires some to get out of their normal routine bubble and it brings some fresh air to your climbing world.  

Here is a sneak peek of some of the imagery from the 8 page photo spread in the October issue of Climbing Magazine.  You'll have to pick one up to check the rest out!

A lil' special thanks to all those who climbed, belayed or helped in some way.  It doesn't happen without y'all:  Pat Bagley, Janet Bergman, Kayte Knower, Jay Knower, Kevin Mahoney, Sam Bendroth, Emilie Drinkwater, Pete Fasoldt, Eli Simon, Jon LaValley, Bayard Russell, Pat McElaney, Katelyn Dolan, Jessa Hobson, and Ray Rice. 
Also a big thank you to Sterling Rope for their support and providing hot ropes throughout this project.

Urban Y'all!

Ok, ok.....take that title with a grain of salt....and the "y'all" gives it away anyways don't ya think?  But Urban Climber called me up to do a little interview.  I was a little apprehensive at first as I haven't done too many interviews, but figured what the heck, why not.  So I bought myself a pair of skinny jeans and ray bans to prep for the interview, and low and behold it just came out in the most current issue of Urban Climber.  Thanks guys, t'was fun!  I tried to give props to other creatives who currently inspire me, and also to our own local coffee joint- Frontside Grind.  Go find a copy and check it out!

Going The Distance

 
Just got the PDF from New Hampshire Magazine of the article Brian Irwin and I put together on Maury McKinney and his incredible swim across Lake Winnipesaukee in September of 2009.  Maury swam about 42 miles in twenty six hours.  Why?  For his passion for swimming, teaching others, and the dream to bring an aquatic center to the Mount Washington Valley! (http://www.whitemountainaquatic.com/)  This article is in New Hampshire Magazine's latest issue which also happens to be their "Best of NH 2011"- you can check out what is the best of the best throughout New Hampshire!  (http://www.nhmagazine.com/)  Super psyched that others can read and see Maury's passion and drive for his community and swimming, as he's a huge inspiration to so many.  Big props to Brian Irwin for making this piece happen too!  Pick up a copy and check it out!


 


 

2011 New River Rendez Vous

Sea of tents and New River Alliance For Climbers t-shirts.

Wow- what an event.  The New River Rendez Vous down in Fayetteville, West Virginia was such a BLAST.  In it's 9th year it is the ultimate climbers festival- where there is always something fun going on- just to mention a few there are demos, reps, tons of climbers, clinics, dyno comp, dessertapolooza, arm wrestling, sumo crash pad wrestling, slack lining, live band, free beer, live DJ, running races, and so much MORE!  The event has an attendance of 750+ climbers from all over the United States.  I headed that way as I had a few shoots lined up, and also the event is great for seeing old friends, making new ones, and of course- networking a bit.  But the ultimate purpose of the Rendez Vous is not just to throw on huge fun event for all- it's to raise money for the New River Alliance For Climbers.  What are they?  Well, in their own words they are:
  
A non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect climbing resources at the New River Gorge and surrounding areas.  All funds from The New River Rendez Vous go right back into supporting our goals of anchor replacement, trail projects, and advocating with land owners and managers to secure access to the climbing in the New River Gorge area.

This being said, the whole event is put together by local climbers who volunteer an INCREDIBLE amount of time to make this event what it is.  And they do it all in the passion for climbing and their community.  Wow- it just still blows me away, and is incredibly inspiring.
Thanks for such a awesome weekend!  Below are a few images from it.  If you're a climber- and haven't been, well be sure to make the trip next year.  It's totally worth it, and then some.  I can't wait- hope to see you there.

A lil' frisbee, a little slack lining!

Elaina Smith- one of the main event planners. You go girl! Festival goers checking out the auction goods.

Outdoor Research booth was HOT!

Local hardman- Pat Goodman. And who can resist a lil' bean sack toss? Highly addictive.

Tim Keenan- 'nough said, and festival peeps checking out one of the sponsor booths.

 Dessertapalooza! YUM!

More yumminess!

Alli & Regan, and Ian Achey chatting it up La Sportiva style.

Amy Pickering doing what she does best and Kenny telling the sea of climbers what's up.

The Access Fund 20th Birthday Cake and MC/DJ Odub.

Russ Clune in the Black Diamond booth, and Kartsen chatting up a storm.

Evolv Sports & Sterling Rope crew, and a portrait of JB I couldn't resist. Sorry JB!

Kris Hampton & Amy Pickering. Paul Robison chatting it up with JB from Sterling Rope.

The Patagonia booth arm wresting competition! JT & Britney get into it!

Kurt Smith right before the bouldering comp.

Dyno's & stunts were nonstop throughout the comp.

PSYCHED crowd!

Slideshow time! Amazing presentation about mountain top removal that is inching it's way towards the New River Gorge. And then a hilarious show by Matt Segal.

Night time at the booths.

Rhiannon & Ethan.....& Gus too.

 Rhiannon, Gus, & Ethan.

It was awesome to zoom over to Burlington a few weeks ago and do a really fun engagement shoot with Rhiannon & Ethan.  Our first stop was their favorite restaurant called The Daily Planet.  Next was the local market to buy carrots for their dog Gus.  Some animals just do not like camera's- but the good news is you can almost always win them over with treats, and carrots are Gus's favorite.  Then we headed downtown and wrapped things up by the water.  Thank you and congratulations Rhiannon & Ethan!  It was so much fun, and you two were troopers on that last cold weekend of February.

Inside the Daily Planet.

 Outside of the Daily Planet

Downtown Burlington.

Coffee shop stop.

 Playing around in the snow.

Keeping warm in the cold temps.

Making Gus pose down with carrots as his incentive.

Walking along the Lake Champlain. 

Checking it out with a kiss & a hug.

Miss Tulip

A month or so ago I met Miss Tulip very briefly.  She is the puppy of Carrie Scribner owner and talented florist of  Dutch Bloemen Winkel in Jackson, NH.  I was completely smitten as I had never met a French Bulldog- and a puppy one nonetheless.  Thus, I asked Carrie if we could get together to do some photos of the lil' pup, and also now the new mascot for Dutch Bloemen Winkel.  She immediately said yes, and last week we got together to take some pictures.  With treats in hand we had a great session with Miss Tulip.  Below are some of my favorites- though it was so hard to choose!