Destinations

Climbing, Destinations, Special Events / 20.05.2010

After 20 years of attending consumer climbing events I thought I’d seen it all. But over the weekend I came across a gathering that is one of a kind. I’m not one for hyperbole so believe me when I say that the New River Rendezvous is the best outdoor adventure festival I’ve ever been to. I know that I’m going out on a limb for making such a bold statement. And in the interests of full disclosure the organizers invited me to Fayetteville, West Virginia for the soul purpose of reporting on their event. But without qualification the NRR brings together the most essential elements of promotion and advocacy to encourage the enthusiasm of those eager to lead an active lifestyle through outdoor recreation. Biased only by my sincere enjoyment of this truly great event here’s an account of what happened.
Climbing, Destinations, Outdoor Recreation / 10.05.2010

I have excellent hearing. It’s a skill honed from good genetics and a lifetime of listening. Professionally first as a salesman and now as a journalist, I’m practiced at paying attention. The Joy Trip project is my view of the world I observe, an online chronicle of what I hear. Later this week I’ll cast my attention to the New River Rendezvous in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Over three days this annual rock climbing festival celebrates the culture of the active lifestyle. With slideshows, adventure films and clinics on outdoor expertise this event promises to inspire excitement and enthusiasm. I promise to share with you what I discover, what I see and hear.
Africa, Climbing, Destinations, Ethiopia, Film Review / 28.03.2010

From the outset writer, mountain guide and now filmmaker Majka Burhardt admits she could have found a better place to climb. In her new movie “Waypoint Namibia” she went looking for an experience that goes beyond climbing for climbing’s sake. “I have a theory these days that you can make adventure additive,” says Burhardt as the film opens “You can go beyond pure physical adventure and get cultural understanding out of it.” Much of adventure over the last century has held a very tight focus on singular objectives. Summit bids to claim a first ascent of high mountain peaks most often take clear precedent over building relationships with the local population. Though on many expeditions adventurers limit their contact with native people to hiring cooks and porters Burhardt and her small team literally went out of their way to engage those they met and learn something about their civilization.
Destinations, Outdoor Recreation, Quote of the day, Yosemite / 02.09.2009

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” David Attenborough ~ British broadcaster and naturalist (1926- ) Photo by James Edward Mills...