@kurt.refsnider is on day 60 or so of his exploratory tour of the Orogenesis route- touted as the longest mountain bike trail in the world, which stretches 5,029 miles from British Columbia to the tip of Baja. He’ll be the first to complete it in its entirety upon arrival in Cabo towards the end of autumn.
Some facts about Kurt-
•He is a PHD geologist who studies glaciology, he may unexpectedly stop at any moment to observe a moraine or random rock
• His calm demeanor might lead you to believe he listens to nothing other than Beethoven or Mozart, but in fact he basically only listens to Metal
• He also happens to be one of the foremost long distance mountain cycle riders. Having speedily traveled across mountain ranges and continents alike
• He is taken. Sorry ladies
I was so lucky to strap on a set of bags to my bike and spend a couple of days chasing him through my favorite mountain range.
@orogenesiscollective@patagonia_mtb
Talus Camp- Big Horn Mtns Wyoming. August 25.
If we werent sitting in it (talus), we were sleeping in it. If we weren’t sleeping in it we were eating in it. If we weren’t eating in it we were likely walking on it. If the weather lined up, we climbed on the mothership. A couple weeks in the vertical with some good people accompanied by lots of laughs.
@zaquesmyth
Josh Wharton
Michael Larson
@patagonia_climb
Desert Musings
Where there is water, you find life. Something like 85% of vertebrates use these riparian corridors for survival in the desert southwest. Over five sun drenched days, with scorched skin, chapped lips while covered head to toe in the finest of red dirt, I traversed over pass and through red canyon traveling through 3 National monuments and 2 National parks, nearly all by dirt. It’s said that home is where the heart is, this place induces flutters and arrhythmia like few other places for me.
An old friend flys over, a guttural croak and the sound of wind passing between feathers reminds me that I have arrived. Past the guardian Cottonwood, which holds an entire ecosystem in its roots, trunk, limbs and leaves; a keystone species I continue down canyon looking for shade. As the hot sun finally starts to fade, a welcomed coolness creeps in. Others arrive- yellow and wilson’s warblers, yellow breasted chat and if you listen closely- there’s the unmistakeable sound of a towhee digging amongst last years leaves and this years detritus. Finally at the very end of the canyon, the descending unmistakable tones of canyon wren ring amongst the red walls. Day complete, tomorrow we say hello once again.
#YourPublicLands
1- An old friend
2- Guardian
3-A better metaphor for the desert?
4- Canyon bottom.
5-An ecological and cultural travesty.
6-Time is humbling.
7-photons in neon form.
8-the song of a canyon wren, a visual.
9-the moment when the air cools
10-canyon bat, a crepuscular species
11-palette of color
12-vertebrates in blue light
The Corner- aka Samish Unit West 90
A refuge for wintering avifauna and a respite from the weight of a heavy world. Evening dog walks with a well of grief, a single lens, lots of slow shutters, and a desire to feel the forces of nature. Sharing seems like the right thing to do.
Thinking about making a run of prints. Give me a ✌🏼 if you might be interested. Much love ❤️
Grampians, Aus 2015.
An old friend, @wizfineron recently resurfaced here. A post of his had me daydreaming and remembering a trip to the other side of the world nearly a decade ago. An era of simpler times, budding friendships, endless travel and the idea that the singular thread of rock climbing can bring so many of us so close for a lifetime, filled my brain and completely distracted me for a few days.
Reflections:
1: Wiz exposed on Groove Train
2: Pulling rope on the BIG last clip of GT. The equippers of these routes would leave massive runouts between bolts. Scarcity? Ego? Or perhaps to ward off FA suiters?
3: Sulphuric-crested cockatoos (loud AF)
4: Van life and an Australian Milkyway
5: Sound up here as @alexandermegos feeds out more slack for a victory whip.
#redbullillume
@rab.equipment
Chum Salmon return to freshwater. I’m currently obsessed with this wonder and have been searching out streams to witness these final migrations from the sea. Turns out it’s a big year for Chum.
Also known as “Dog Salmon” Slide 3 shows the teeth that form along with the kype during freshwater metamorphosis.
I’m sure most are familiar with the story but Anadromous salmonoids are responsible for one of -if not- the largest cross ecosystem transits of nutrients on earth. 🤓 🤯
#PNW #ChumSalmon
Summer collides into fall. A visual diary.
1- The Watchman, a Great Blue Heron surveys Chuckanut Bay
2- Chinook defends his redd
3-Wisdom
4-The cycle begins again
5-widgeon and mallards from the north
6-Sunset and sandpiper
7-Fleeting
8/9- Rachis, barbs, and barbicels of a HY Merlin Falcon. RIP
10- Handheld and blurry eyed
In 2021 the million acre Dixie Fire burned in Northern California for 105 days. This mega fire impacted many communities of the Lost Sierra including Greenville, which burned to the ground. During a trend of bigger, hotter and scarier wildfire the Dixie currently takes top prize in California. Nearly everyone in the region has been affected by these large scale fires in some way. Some have lost their homes, others were evacuated and many more have emotional trauma associated with these disasters.
Fire Lines explores how the forests of Northern California have arrived at this place of frequent high intensity fire; an ecosystem flipped on its head. We tell the story of how the Mountain Maidu Tribe historically stewarded the land through fire and how the arrival of the gold rush and fire suppression have changed the ecology of this place. All is not lost though, through the vision of Greg Williams (@yubaman ) and @sierratrails , we learn how trails and recreation can make a difference. Connecting these economically isolated communities via 550 miles of single track with intention as fire breaks, lines for prescribed burning and management can bring a sense of empowerment to the region.
This story easily could have turned into a utilitarian visual representation of a white paper. Instead, Greg shared his family story and discovery of his own indigeneity. This vulnerability has created a story of hope as told from the heart. A powerful gift of emotion to this film and the world.
There are so many people to thank from the making of this film, but most importantly I want to thank Greg, Myles and Kenzy for your shared love and openness. Second (by a tiny margin!) is @gordonklco who’s unwavering work ethic, intelligence and support is the foundation from which this story stands. Most importantly though your friendship has become so important to me in my life. Thank you.
Without the editors that worked endlessly at all hours and for so many months, we would literally have nothing watchable. You two are the uncelebrated heroes of film. Much love and so many thanks Ethan Boehme and @arborealis
Link in Bio- watch on the BIG SCREEN please!
- continued in comments ⬇️
