It’s June, and for those of you who are keeping track, it was March when I last posted an update on my blog. It’s a habit I don’t want to fall victim to, and for good reason. Time slips away easily in the warmer months, and it can get increasingly harder to set aside a chunk of the day to sit down and purge. Writing updates took a backseat to other projects that commanded center stage this spring, including building and launching the new website you’re reading this update on. Coming out of a long winter, I felt like it was time to give my website a fresh look, and with that, a new platform to showcase everything that is Rooted in Light, including my sporadic musings. One big change is my photography archive will grow this year as I wrangle my digital library into shape—a multi-year pet project of mine that seems to never die. And folks new to my work will also see more of the writing, design, and video projects I’m working on and the creative services Rooted in Light Media can offer.
Before we jump into this month’s update, I have one quick ask: if you like what you see and you want to stay up to date with our travels, projects, and everything in between, consider signing up for Rooted in Light’s newsletter. For those who followed me on Wordpress, my apologies, but you’ll have to sign up again. Subscribers will receive discounts on media packages, including photo shoots, and will be entered into drawings to win Rooted in Light swag. I don’t like emails either, but I promise you, these updates are meant to entertain and to lighten up your day.
On that note, let’s dive into the June update.
One major project that was recently put to bed is the spring issue of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests’s member magazine, Forest Notes. This 44-page special recreation issue features an exclusive pull-out map and guide and a completely redesigned layout. I wrote some stories, especially my favorite about where to pick wild blueberries in New Hampshire, shot some accompanying photos, and assisted our magazine designer in creating a more modern layout. Let me know if you’re interested in receiving a copy. I’d be happy to share a publication that inspires people to get outdoors.
The spring issue of The Forest Society's member magazine, Forest Notes, and its exclusive map and guide insert.
A peak inside the spring issue of The Forest Society's member magazine, Forest Notes.
The pull-out map from the spring issue of Forest Notes magazine.
The pull-out guide from the spring issue of Forest Notes magazine.
In May, Jen and I traveled to Roanoke, Va., for an Appalachian Trail Conservancy Stewardship Council meeting. I sit on the council’s Youth and Diversity committee and travel every six months or so for meetings in towns and cities located not far from the trail. Since we had never been to Roanoke before, we extended our trip by four days to see the city, the trail, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our M.O. is to pack as many things as we can into these trips, and as a result, Jen and I usually come home in need of more time off. It’s a slippery slope and this trip was no different. One fond memory, which wasn’t photographed thankfully, is of us running up Roanoke’s Mill Mountain, home of the largest free-standing star in the world, in a deluge. The heavens opened up as we pulled into the trailhead, but the heavy rains didn’t faze these New Englanders. It’s not like anyone was going to recognize me running with my shirt off anyway, right? Sparing you the details, here’s a look at some of the more picturesque spots we hit along the way.
Folk band Nobody's Business entertains the crowd at the historic Floyd Country Store in Floyd, Va.
Built in 1903 and now managed by the National Park Service, Mabry Mill is a popular destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.
Jen traverses through a grassy bald on the Rock Castle Gorge Trail in the Rocky Knob Recreation Area, Virginia.
Finally, just last week, Jen and I made it out for the first time this year with On Belay, a nonprofit based out of Newmarket, N.H., that supports kids with parents or loved ones who’ve been affected by cancer. Through outdoor adventure programming, On Belay youth have the opportunity to get out for a day of exercise and laughter and to be around others who can level with what’s going on in their life. Jen and I love photographing these courageous kids, and we always walk away from the day feeling like we made a difference.
An On Belay participant begins her climb up to a high-ropes obstacle.
An On Belay participant is tied into her harness before beginning to climb.
An On Belay participant is lowered after completing a high-ropes obstacle.
On Belay participants goof off on a climbing obstacle.
Looking ahead, Jen and I are heading north with friends later this month to hike in the High Peaks Region of Maine on the Appalachian Trail. This 3-night, 4-day backpack involves summiting eight 4,000-plus-foot mountains. These are the last mountains I need to climb to finish the New England 67 4,000-footer list. If you’re into stats, that’s more than 135,000 feet of elevation gain and many pairs hiking shoes. I started this list 10 years ago, not knowing I’d have to scale many more mountains, literally and figuratively, in my life by the time I finished. It’s a lot to reflect on, but I’m going to enjoy writing about it and showing some priceless photos in my next post.
Thanks for reading and until next time, peace and love,
Coming Up:
Reflecting on Hiking New England’s 67 4,000-Footers
From The Open Shutter Archive:
Grow Your Roots:
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