Kismet & Cacti

Have you heard of the Kismet Rock Foundation? They are awesome! Their mission statement is:

Kismet offers comprehensive courses in rock climbing and mountaineering to children who, because of financial limitations, would not otherwise have access to such an education.

They are having a celebration evening this Saturday at Cranmore Mountain in North Conway. There will be live music, dancing, a silent auction, wonderful food, and great people including some of the kids from the program! If you are looking for something wonderful to do this weekend you should come check it out and support such an inspiring organization. You can order tickets until Friday, May 16th by contacting Janet at: janet@kismetrockfoundation.org or call her at: 603.986.9457

Below are the photographs I am donating for the silent auction. They are a set and are 5x10 each. I got a little intrigued by all the cacti on my trip out to Arizona this spring. Can you tell? Hope to see some of you folks Saturday evening!

Scha-WAN-gunks

I just spent some time in New Paltz, New York shooting and had a great time. Saw some old friends and was introduced to some locals I hadn't met before. They were all great people who were strong and psyched! One example is Liza Mills. She's a mother of a 16 month old boy and here she is crankin' at the Near Trapps in the "Gunks". Inspiration right there for you! The Gunks is a blast and get's you pumped! I forgot how steep it can be! It is such a blast! Go check it out!
Liza Mills on Transcontinental, 5.10b @ the Near Trapps.

Short & Sweet

I'm in Connecticut visiting family and took some "preggo" pictures of my sister in law, Liz. It was a beautiful afternoon on the beach and just wanted to share a couple of shots. I can't wait until the due date!

Mud, Muck, & Moose

This past weekend was the Mud, Muck, & Moose Trail Run at The Bear Notch Ski Touring Center in Bartlett, NH. It was muddy, mucky, and no moose in sight, but it seemed just psyched to suffer and have fun at the same time! I mainly went to photograph it because a few good friends were running to raise money for a foundation called, The Perfect School Project. Before I knew it I was saying- "Whoa! There's Pete, Lynn, Jamie, Gabe, Marc, Jane, and Suzy!" There were so many people I knew, yet had no idea they were planning on running this race! They all seemed to have a blast with 5 river crossings, 20 inches of snow in the woods, and 40 degree rainy weather! I'm definitely signing up next year! To see even more pictures visit: Mud, Muck, & Moose Trail Race!


Pete Ostroski crossing the finish line & coming in 3rd place.



Sara Thibault psyched after completing the race and helping raise over $1,000 for The Perfect School Project. Any interest in helping out? E-mail Katie Smith @ kesmit01@yahoo.com

Familiar Faces

Above in order from top to bottom: Mike Veazey, Doug Madara, James Collins, and Mike Veazey.

Just a few portraits of friends while I was in Arizona this past March. So many things are important in life.....but friends are at the very top. Luckily my friends know that my camera may just swing around in front of their faces and click away at any time. Yes, I can be a very mean friend.... but seriously, thanks guys!

The 48th State

I went out west for a little bit this past March. A break from cold New England was just what I needed without really knowing it. My top three favorite things about the trip: Good friends, amazing climbing, and new exploring. Below is a pic from a place called The Dry. Those three favorite things are all captured in this shot. I think I'm going to be out there for a little longer next year.....
Mike Veazey taking the whip at The Dry.