Author: James Edward Mills

5Point, Adventure Media Review, Film Festival, Interview / 22.04.2013

[caption id="attachment_51584" align="aligncenter" width="413"] 5Point Film Festival executive director Sarah Wood (left) and the team prepare for the April 2013 event; Photograph by Corie Spruill[/caption] The 5Point Film Festival running April 25 to 28 in Carbondale, Colorado, kicks off the adventure film festival season and sets the stage for the rest of the year. By presenting a wide range of movies that push the definition of adventure, the film festival aims to inspire the community—young and old, and of all ability levels—to define what their own next adventure might be. Unlike...

Book Review, Interview, Podcast / 19.04.2013

At the age of 26 best-selling author Cheryl Strayed strapped on a backpack and hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. Over the course of 94 days she traveled from Mojave California to the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks Oregon, just outside of Portland where she lives today. Four years after loosing her mother who died of cancer Strayed ventured  into the wilds of nature in order to find a part of herself she felt was missing. With absolutely now experience in backpacking she made the impulsive decision...

Adventure Activism, Adventure Media Review, Breaking News, Environmental Journalism, Environmental Protection, Film Review, Life Out Loud / 18.04.2013

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300"] photo by Pete McBride[/caption] Though many destinations around the world aspire to be number one, the Colorado River was named to the top of an inauspicious list. Named in a newly released report from the conservation group American Rivers along with many great tributaries across the nation this mighty waterway is the most endangered river in the United States. Sharing company with rivers from the Black Warrior in Alabama to the Kootenay the runs through British Columbia, Montana and Idaho each is under threat from...

Adventure Activism, Adventure Media Review, Commentary, Cool on Kickstarter, Diversity, Expedition Denali, Film preview / 10.04.2013

In June of 2013 the first team of African-American climbers will attempt to reach the highest peak in the continental United States. The project called Expedition Denali aims not only to demonstrate the long standing presence of black athletes on the adventure scene, but to inspire a new generation of young people to embrace the enduring legacy of minority participation in outdoor recreation and environmental conservation. The face of mountaineering is about to make a dramatic change. Though typically dominated by white men the sport of climbing is taking...

Business, Interview, Life Out Loud, Madison, Magazines, Stand Up Paddling, SUP The Mag.com / 08.04.2013

SUP evangelist Gary Stone has been in business since 1984. His shop Paddleboard Specialists is a fascinating study in the course of evolution surf sports has taken to transform itself into a popular activity with broad appeal. Originally at a retail location called Isthmus Sailboards in Madison, Wisconsin, Stone started off selling boards for windsurfing. By 1996, Stone opened shop in a new spot where he could service a growing national audience by way of mail order, and today, Isthmus Sailboards is a remote showroom. Stone does a steady...

Adventure Media Review, Climbing, Film Review, Fun Film Friday / 05.04.2013

Few films successfully convey the true spirit of the ecstatic existence. A new short by Fitz Cahall reveals much of the mystery behind the idea that at the heart of a life well lived is joy and the serious work of play. Called simply 35 the movie depicts the birthday challenge of climber Derek Craig. In celebration of his natal anniversary he attempts 35 pitches of hard desert rock climbing from dawn until well after sundown. As he ticks off each ascent to mark the years of his life...