Author: James Edward Mills

Adventure Media Review, In Memoria, Life Out Loud / 11.02.2014

Doug Sheffer was the kind of silent hero you’ll never know until after he’s gone. A talented and courageous helicopter pilot he was best known by those photographers and filmmakers he faeried across the scenic western landscape near his home in Colorado. Long time friends Anson Fogel and Peter McBride remember him as an enthusiastic and patient guide whose steady hand at the controls made for excellent pictures cast against the blue ski where he loved to fly. Tragically killed in a helicopter cash a few weeks...

Adventure Media Review, Film Review / 10.02.2014

As daytime temperatures creep slowly up above zero it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by a single notion. We still have at least six weeks of winter ahead of us. Frigid cold weather has made it difficult to get outside and even the most active among us have to dig deep to well up enough motivation for a morning jog, a few kilometers of cross-country skiing or an afternoon of ice climbing. But just when you think you can’t stand another day of the bone numbing chill a...

Adventure Activism, Adventure Media Review, Cool on Kickstarter, Diversity, Environmental Journalism, Film Review, National Geographic, National Parks / 07.02.2014

At the heart of every great adventure there is a love story. And for National Geographic Young Explorer Juan Martinez, the long journey from the streets of Los Angeles to the craggy peaks of the Grand Tetons took a romantic turn on the day he met National Park Ranger Vanessa Torres. Both dedicated to introducing a new generation of American citizens to outdoor recreation Juan and Vanessa have begun a life together in service to the wild places they cherish as well as members of their community whose...

Commentary, Travel / 26.01.2014

I love to fly, but I hate flying. And on this current round trip from Madison to Salt Lake City I really hate flying Frontier. Perhaps the anger I feel should be directed toward all airlines. For all I know the fucked up and frivolous fees they charge for the most basic travel amenities are common to United, Delta and the rest. But with every add-on purchase I’m inclined more and more to travel by car and high-speed rail can’t come fast enough. I’m prepared to take a fair...

#ORShow, #ORWinter, Business, Life Out Loud, Outdoor Retailer / 23.01.2014

After a really long day at the Outdoor Retailer Show I'm up early to head back over to the Marriott for the breakfast meeting of the Conservation Alliance. The keynote speaker is National Geographic Explorer in Residence Wade Davis. His book The Sacred Headwaters is an amazing photo essay that details the struggles of protecting our last remaining pure wilderness areas from destruction and I'm really looking forward to hearing his comments this morning. As the saying goes arrive tired leave inspired! It's hard not believe that anything is...

#ORWinter, Business / 21.01.2014

Even after all the preparation you can't help but be a little thrilled when you dive into the fray. Pounding away at my laptop with just an hour before heading to the All-Mountain Demo at Solitude Ski Resort the 2014 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market is officially underway. My job is to report in realtime the events of each day as they unfold. Through the social media mainstream I get to navigate the exciting flow of images and messages as they wiz by in flurry of energy and enthusiasm....