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In Print

A sampling of published work, by Sylvia Karcz

Bilt •

Meet the Gaudettes

There’s a young Burr Oak tree slowly growing in Richard and Lynne
Gaudette’s Biltmore Lake backyard, and its name is Raymond. Inspired by Raymond Burr, the
leading actor of the 60s/70s television show Ironside, the tree is only about six feet tall at the moment, but its reach is substantially larger; much like the steadfast, wheelchair-bound detective that Burr plays in the series. And, just as many large-growth trees with several- hundred-year lifespans are, Raymond is a beacon of hope for the future. An ode to equal parts endurance, strength, and optimism.

“It’s not about what you get out of it. It’s about what you do to accomplish it,” Richard says. “I plant a tree that I know I’ll never see fully grown. But someday, somebody’s going to be able to sit in the shade of that tree.” Lynne adds that they even created a seat made out of stones for that future generation. They know it’ll be some time before their vision comes to fruition, but for Richard and Lynne, this ability to see the magic of something long before the seams are stitched together has always guided them.

In a sense, it’s the epitome of paying it forward, which makes perfect sense coming from the Gaudettes, because they’ve spent close to a lifetime doing it with their talents, artistically and professionally...
Biltmore Living Magazine •

Meet Wendy Newman

Wendy Newman sees colors and patterns like a musician hears the intricate layers of a song. At any given time and in any given place, the lifelong creative is observing and absorbing the world around her with an inquisitive eye not many take the time to hone. It’s a gift that has propelled her to become the multi-faceted artist she is today.

“Even if I don’t consciously process it all at that moment, I just know it when I see it,” Wendy says of her ability to recognize, at once, the beauty around her and its potential. It’s as if she has feelers extended in every direction, experiencing her surroundings as an energetic vibration; one that calls out for artistic creation. And despite the dynamic nature of her design, her method is fairly straightforward. “Beauty is all in the eye of the beholder, but that’s what inspires me. One, to appreciate it, two, to create it, and then three, to live within it. To make whatever I can out of the most simplistic form of beauty.”
Biltmore Living Magazine •

Meet The Mannings

It’s easy to imagine The Manning family leading double lives as superheroes. The four of them huddling together in hand-painted capes when dusk falls, solving mysteries in secret languages or engineering a time capsule out of finely cut cardboard scraps. Fingers orchestrating ideas like wands; glitter and glue and melodic words on sticky notes garnishing tables, walls, their cats, each other.

The hyperbole comes as an effortless thought. The Mannings, after all, have a gift for sparking imagination. They’re that artsy family on the block whose Halloween costumes you remember for years to come; the type of people who phase out their dining room to make a crafting room instead. Wandering through their house, you’re apt to find towers of books, art supplies, collectible figurines, and fabric spiders with styled hairdos.

But none of this is really surprising. Matthew is a renowned comic book author, having published over a hundred works. Dorothy is an art director- turned-photographer and a 3-D production extraordinaire. Their two daughters, Lilly, 13, and Gwen, 10, are
the perfect confluence of their fanciful brains and gentle hearts. And like all
good superhero narratives, together, they compose one of the most brilliant character contradictions in storytelling: that at day’s end, they’re probably just like you or me. A tight-knit family of humble, neighborly humans that savor the simplicity of daily life and the connections it breeds.
ROAM •

Jill Flint Profile // Roam Magazine

Actress Jill Flint of the popular new TV series Royal Pains has this reoccurring dream in which she finds herself being chased by flesh-eating zombies and aliens. "The dream starts out really scary, but then I realize I"m dreaming, and I become a ninja," she says. "And I fight zombies. It's like a video game. I start doing things I normally wouldn't be able to do."

And while this dream of hers could, in reality, symbolize many different things, there's something about Ms. Flint that makes it quite easy to jump to the conclusion that these strong, butt-kicking qualities she displays in her dream state - and very often on the screen- are anything but imaginary.

Raised in a small, one-stoplight town in New York State, where people never lock their door, everybody knows everyone's car, and a child's teacher is apt to be the same as their parent's teacher, to some, Jill may appear to be the prototypical image of a small-town girl venturing off to, well, the big city. But Jill is not your typical success story....
New York Moves •

Eddie Redmayne Profile // New York Moves Magazine

Eddie Redmayne’s young career is truly on the cusp, so it seems appropriate that at 26 he’s finally ready to move out of his family home and into his own place – a loft in the culturally progressive Bankside neighborhood of London. True, he may not be a household name just yet but take a look at this actor’s short yet undoubtedly impressive resume – or, if you prefer, at those lips – and you’ll get the feeling that his big screen fortune is about to change very soon. Funny thing is, he probably has no idea.

And there is no question that whatever is on Redmayne’s upcoming agenda, it is bound to continue catapulting him to new levels. As someone who is seemingly fearless when it comes to playing slightly deranged oddballs and an expert horse riding, Tudor-esque Elizabethan (“There comes a moment when you’re just like, ‘Okay, enough.’”), this Brit has already created a buzz with his one-of-a-kind character portrayals. He is well on the way to cementing himself as a true standout amongst a new generation of talented young actors.

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New York Moves •

Topher Grace Profile // New York Moves Magazine

Topher Grace has long shed the boyish innocence and charmingly gawkish boy-next-door fragility of his days as Eric Forman on That 70’s Show, and at 33, is barreling full force into uncharted territory like never before. Currently on stage for the first time in his professional career in the much raved-about Broadway production, Lonely, I’m Not, and having racked up an impressive list of films from every genre and budget level in just a few short years, it’s fair to say that Grace has escaped the time capsule curse of syndicated-television-sitcoms fully unscathed. Instead, he has proven himself a chameleon of all trades. And he’s just started getting to the good stuff.

With a roster that boasts noteworthies such as In Good Company, Spider-Man 3, and Traffic – as well as big upcoming releases like The Wedding – and roles ranging from drug-addicted teens and serial killers to motivational speakers and FBI agents, Grace’s career is void of the all too common Hollywood penchants toward one-track caricatures. “I love that I didn’t expect to be in a play, and now I’m on stage in New York. It’s exhilarating,” Grace says about his affinity toward jumping into new experiences and projects. In the inventive Paul Weintz-directed play, he plays a young financial “ninja” who reevaluates his life after a mental breakdown in the corporate world, and finds solace in a hard-working blind businesswoman, played by Olivia Thirby. “It’s like going to the gym and working some new muscle system. You’re sore, but you can also feel the growth. And that’s what so great about this business, is that everything is a little “gypsy” as an actor. Everything is a new thing all the time, and I dig that.”

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ROVA •

Lessons in Wyoming, from the Water // ROVA Magazine

In a canoe on a lake in Yellowstone National Park, things were not going as planned. The sky was bleeding
into darker shades of sunset, and I was gripping my paddle so tight I could hardly feel my
fingers. My partner and I weren’t exactly singing each other’s praises, because relentless winds kept
shifting our floating vessel toward the shoreline to our right—not where we needed to go—and I’m sure we each thought the other was to blame.

Our friend, solo in another canoe, was overcoming his
own battle with a defiant headwind, drifting further and further from us. We had yet to cross the ever‑darkening, increasingly choppy expanse of Lewis Lake, and it looked like a daunting task. I kept telling myself that cliché about adventure being at its truest form
when things don’t go as intended, but I still craved the silence of no wind, and the feeling of my feet shuffling on land.

How I ended up in a canoe on a windy lake in Wyoming, though, is essentially a story about rolling with the punches, and it’s one that begins a few states away and several months earlier, in California...
New York Moves •

Brian Cox Profile // New York Moves Magazine

Brian Cox is a survivor. Having risen from the most humble of beginnings to combat five decades worth of reinvention in theater, television, independent cinema, and Hollywood blockbusters, the man is an acting legend every bit deserving of his somewhat camouflaged heavyweight title. He has graced theater stages across the world and fine-tuned his resume with a mix of supporting roles in mega-hits (The Bourne Identity, 25th Hour, Troy) and standout performances in cult favorites (Manhunter, LIE, Adaptation, Running with Scissors), and at 65, he doesn’t show any sign of stopping.

Currently wrapping up the Broadway play That Championship Season, his role as a basketball coach who hosts a reunion of a championship-winning high school team is no strange departure for Cox. He once again finds himself on stage, tackling a difficult character – at times a racist, an anti-Semite, and a right-wing bully – and a difficult subject manner. “There was a time when I was playing a lot of these characters that were unlikeable, but I realized that it was a privilege; that I was given the opportunity to really work on these people, and look at them and where they came from, and why did they end up the way they did… One of the things about our job [as actors] is that we’re not in the business of judging, we’re in the business of presenting. People stand in their own right, no matter how foul they may be in terms of their sensibility. And everybody is a human being; we essentially have everything in common, we share everything. But we make choices in our life, and some choices take us in one direction, and some choices take us in another, but there’s this essence, which is common to us all. Personality is something else; personality is what makes the differences and sometimes, what makes people perverse and flawed. But I think that you have to be able to see the human condition and make the necessary observation of humankind without judging them.”

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Meridian Magazine •

Exploring the Exumas // Meridian Magazine

You could spend weeks boating from one Exumas cay to the next and not set foot on them all, so we recommend adopting the relaxed pace of Bahamian life and starting with some of the most celebrated destinations –many of which are listed below– first. For orientation’s sake, the Exumas island chain is divided into three regions: Great Exuma, the largest of the cays by far, and host to both the international airport and the capital of Georgetown; Little Exuma to the south, a 12-square-mile long islet connected to Great Exuma via a small, one-lane bridge; and the Exuma Cays, the remaining hundreds of mostly uninhabited and private islands that spread out over 120 miles. Many of the unnamed cays and coves belong to the Exuma National Land and Sea Park, a marine reserve- and a visual feast!- created in 1958 that protects one of the largest barrier reefs in the world.
New York Moves •

Art & Culture REVIEWS // New York Moves Magazine

The Films of Charles and Ray Eames

Though they were primarily noted for their architectural contributions and pioneering furniture pieces throughout the mid-twentieth century, this six-volume DVD set shows a whole other dimension to the visionary marriage-team of Charles and Ray Eames by recognizing some of their most inspiring work in film. Whether it’s a journey through time, space, and everything in between in “Powers of 10,” a look into the world of toys in “Toccata for Toy Trains,” or a one-of-a-kind historical piece about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire in “Atlas,” this collection is like a stunning sequence of visual orgasms that manages to combine everything from art, science, history and autobiography in a subtly brilliant kind of way that will make you ooo and ahh at throughout.

That's the Way I See It
by David Hockney

Whether he’s working on set designs, morphing photographs into fax-machine experiments, or painting everything from California swimming pools to the Grand Canyon, to say that David Hockney is unconventional would be an understatement: his whole life is basically one big art project. In his second autobiography of sorts, Hockney takes the same intelligence, charm, and creativity of his art to reflect on love, life, and 18 years of design that have ultimately made him one of the most prolific and elusive artists of the past century. Even for those who aren’t immediately familiar with his talent, this collection of colorful personal pieces and essays will leave you wishing that you had a David Hockney of your own in life. And this book is a perfect way to get that.

Boundaries
by Maya Lin

It’s no surprise that Maya Lin’s writing is a lot like her architecture. Subtle in power, graceful in design, and compelling in impact, “Boundaries” gives readers a truly inspiring introspection into the mind of one the greatest architects of our day. Lin writes on what it was like to devise the groundbreaking (and at-one-time controversial) Vietnam Veterans Memorial when she was still a senior at Yale University, on what it’s like to blend the boundaries of culture, art, and design, and on how her imaginative process translates into her work. Lin’s book is a beautiful extension of her design-fueled life- a scrapbook, as she calls it- and it’s definitely something to be appreciated, both as art in itself and as a refreshing personal abstract.

Starck
By Ed Mae Cooper, Pierre Doze, and Elizabeth Laville

Philippe Starck just wants to make you feel good. Really. As someone who once said that the best way to make the world a better place is by replacing beauty with goodness, take his advice and do your part of experiencing the good by journeying through this one-of-a-kind assortment of enlightening commentaries and entertaining designs that capture Starck’s inspiring lifestyle. It doesn’t matter if he’s making chairs, watches, toothbrushes, toilets, or hotel interiors, this designer’s beloved creations are vibrant and aesthetically provocative in a way that make us feel helplessly “cool.” And I don’t know about you, but that definitely helps make me a happier (and therefore, better) person.

3rd Ward Brooklyn

Talk about a true artist’s haven. With over 20,000 square feet of creative facilities in Brooklyn’s ever-so-artsy East Williamsburg neighborhood, the 3rd ward community will inspire you to drop everything you’re doing, and well, try out everything you’re not. Whether it’s sculpture, welding, sound, photography, or woodwork that sparks your interest, this art enclave offers a diverse range of month-to-month classes and intensive workshops that will teach you how to make everything from a set of funky textile prints to your own string guitar. Or, if you simply feel like experimenting, just show up and do your own thing in their range of various design studios and spaces. Although membership is not necessary to be part of this art sanctuary-of-sorts, imagination, on the other hand, is absolutely required.

The Art Studio NYC

It is said that artists are partly born with that innate ability that allows them to make even the most complex art pieces look so damn easy to create. But for those of us who aren’t necessarily as inclined to become the next Picasso, it doesn’t hurt to explore just how far a few art workshops can take you. Offering oil painting, pastel, collage, drawing, and mixed-media classes for all ages and abilities (no shame allowed here), The Art Studio will help the artist in us all break free and leave you wondering whether you’re at an intimate soul-freeing, mind-clearing therapy session or at an actual art class. And for those looking for some serious self-expression, try out one of the studio’s creative retreats in locales like Costa Rica, where the inspiration will flow faster than those cold beers you’ll be drinking during sunset.
ROVA •

An Ode to Movement // ROVA Magazine

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was: the faster you accept that you’re not always going to feel 100 percent ready to do something, the faster you’ll get to actually doing it.

My friend was two glasses of wine in as she told me this, and I was slumped cross-legged on a couch petting our house cat, explaining a deeprooted yearning that was at a boiling point: to quit my part-time, “just a paycheck” desk job, buy a box truck or retro trailer, and start selling vintage clothing in a more adventurous, all-consuming way—one that aligned with my passion for travel.

I’m pretty sure my friend rolled her eyes. This wasn’t the first time she was hearing this ramble, and she seemed somewhat annoyed that I was still talking about this idea without making proper headway. I was a confident young woman, after all—one who had no qualms about taking a spontaneous trip to Central America for a month by myself, or organizing a big charity art show even though I knew next to nothing about putting on charity events or art shows.

My friend leaned in close, pinning me with her blue eyes. “Stop overthinking things,” she said forcefully, making the cat bolt. “Everything will be fine, and you have enough.”

It felt like a roar.
New York Moves •

Chris Cooper Profile // New York Moves Magazine

The 13 or so seconds in which Chris Cooper accepted the 2003 Oscar for his role as a toothless orchid poacher in Adaptation speaks volumes. As his eyes grew big and his voice began to faintly quiver during his final moments, the actor raised his award, and with millions watching, shattered the divide created by the television screen. "In light of the troubles in this world," Cooper said, overcome with passion, "I wish us all peace."

And you believed him. It's the kind of timeless a-ha moment that inspires immediate admiration for someone you undoubtedly recognize and have come to appreciate but whose name you may not even know. Yet, while the years have passed and the roles have kept coming- Cooper has been in well over 30 films, including A Time to Kill, Syriana, Breach, The Patriot, American Beauty, The Town- those final moments of his Oscar acceptance speech still succinctly describe the man behind the nominations and the decades-worth of underrated film roles. With the quiet demeanor of a midwestern Marlboro man and the sensibility of a worldly scholar, Cooper carries the everyman in his success as an actor; his subdued Missourian drawl, his stints as a cattle rancher and all-around handyman, the unwavering devotion of a father who, despite tragedy, continues to fight for a greater good in memory of his son.
New York Moves •

Sarah Shahi Profile // New York Moves Magazine

If one of the greatest displays of female endurance is giving birth, it’s fair to say that Sarah Shahi has earned extra points for some true Southern willpower. While the Texas-bred star of the new USA series, Fairly Legal, is not shy about speaking her mind about everything from environmental conservation and child bullying to immigration policies and tax-cuts, what really evokes her emotions is the slightest mention of her nearly
two-year-old son, William Wolf. And Sarah is proud to note that in an age that bombards people with faster and easier and more comfortable fixes to, well, everything, she decided to go the natural route with her pregnancy: her husband delivered their son right at home, in a guest bedroom tub.

“No drugs, no nothing,” Sarah describes. “It was amazing, and just so incredibly empowering as a woman. To know that in a world where we are so quick to give shots and go the hospital and schedule C sections, it was just me and my baby, and Mother Nature took over. After I did that, I was like, ‘Oh shit, I can do anything now.’”

But then again, Sarah has never really been the apprehensive type. The 31-year old L.A. native initially came to Hollywood on a whim and has been gaining momentum for nearly a decade now, especially with roles like Carmen, the feisty DJ on Showtime’s The L Word, and detective Dani Reese on NBC’s Life. “It’s kind of like a paid personality disorder,” she says about
her profession. “That’s my favorite thing about it… the different skins you get to wear.”

And whether she’s playing a recovering addict, a high-school teacher, or a stripper, one thing remains a constant in her acting roster to date. “The things that draw me to a character are their flaws,” she says. “I don’t like playing people that are perfect. For me, what is interesting is watching a character struggle and fight for something.”
New York Moves •

Erika Christensen Profile // New York Moves Magazine

Erika Christensen is very excited about her new cycling craze. With bike rides consistently averaging 40 miles or more, the 28-year-old actress is, literally, always in motion. Erika has been acting since her young teen years, crossing seamlessly from television to film productions both large and small, and in many ways, she has shown evidence of that same determined and explorative spirit from the very start.

While most audiences may recognize her face from impressive roles in movies such as Swimfan, The Upside of Anger, The Perfect Score, Flightplan, and most famously, Traffic – as Michael Douglas’ troubled, drug-addicted daughter – Erika Christensen’s career has been going strong for decades. The initial choice to pursue acting, she explains, was basically a “no-brainer” from the start.

“I had seen it not from the side of an audience member going, ‘Wow, I want to do that,’ although that happens to me all the time now. I had seen it from the side of being on stage,” she says of her first intro to acting as part of an amateur performing group in Los Angeles. “Seeing people’s faces in the audience and then feeling the rush that I got from being on stage and connecting with people and being creative – that’s what really made me go, ‘This is what I want to do.’ And I want to keep doing it.”

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Meridian Magazine •

THE 63rd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

There’s good reason over 100,000 boating enthusiasts venture through the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) gates every October: it’s a blockbuster yachting event that’s crowned the largest and most spectacular in-water boating display across the seven seas, and there’s nothing quite like it in the world!

Held along Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful Intracoastal Waterway in seven distinctive venues– and just minutes from sun-soaked beaches and exciting downtown thrills–we hope you mark your calendars, because the show runs October 26th through October 30th, and it’s bound to leave an impression with all that’s scheduled on deck. So whether you’re a yachting aficionado, maritime professional, or simply have a lifelong love affair with all-things-sea, don’t delay: buy your digital FLIBS tickets, plan your course, and join us in letting dreams set sail in the “Yachting Capital of the World.”
ROAM •

Crossing Over: Famous U.S. Bridges // Roam Magazine

Let's be real here. The first thoughts that come to mind when you think about bridges are probably along the lines of overpriced tolls and 20-minute traffic delays during rush hours. But let's look a little deeper and reflect on the real purpose of these often beautiful, mostly-underrated man-made marvels that decorate our landscapes.

Bridges, in more ways than one, make our world go round. From the times when they were composed of sticks and stones to today's modern-day architectural masterpieces, bridges have been created with the best intentions and destroyed in the face of some of the world's worst threats to humanity. Yet, the majority have proven to stand the test of time and continue to be enrichments to millions of people every day. They shape our economies, join our lands, and define our skylines like no other engineering structures out there. And for the most part, they're everywhere.
New York Moves •

Naomi Harris Profile // New York Moves

Something seems oddly appropriate about the image of a young Naomie Harris standing in her living room and preaching stories from her children’s Bible. Maybe it’s that certain comforting, cough-drop quality she exudes while speaking, or maybe it’s simply the subtle live-by-my-own-rules attitude she makes so effortlessly appealing and inspiring. Either way it’s pretty clear that in the near future, plenty of people will be listening to what this actress has to say.

To many, Naomie is the person behind unique characters like voodoo priestess Tia Dalma from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and post-apocalyptic survivor Selena in the thriller, 28 Days Later. Since she began acting at age nine, she has amassed an impressive range of script choices – including roles in Miami Vice with Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, Street Kings with Keanu Reeves, and August with Josh Hartnett – proving that she has the talent and drive of which acting greats are made. But what makes Naomie stand apart most of all are the brains that she displays off the screen.

And although her film choices up to this point may label her, to some, as the go-to for the perfect strong and assertive female-type, Naomie is quick to note that she prefers not to be boxed into such a category. “I’m drawn to women who are multi-layered and complex, as we as women are,” she says. “We’re not one-dimensional; we’re not just the sex-object. No woman is ever as simple as that[…] and no one’s just a hero.”

“Everybody has their dark side,” Harris continues. “Everybody also has their light side. Even the worst human being that you can think of, at some moment in time, has shown immense kindness and generosity. We’re just all so complex, and that’s what fascinating to portray.”

Raised by her mother in North London, Harris has known acting was in the stars for her from the start, it seems. She has also, however, had to overcome her share in order to see her name written in those same stars. “My mum had to be the mother and the father to me, the nurturer and the provider,” she says about her single-parent upbringing. “But it did give me an immense amount of respect for women, and I didn’t feel like – I still don’t feel like – you need a man for, really, anything. You can do pretty much everything on your own.”

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New York Moves •

Gillian Jacobs Profile // New York Moves Magazine

Actress Gillian Jacobs is all about measured risk, so it makes perfect sense that she is currently doing something that she has never quite done before: a comedy series. For the instinctively witty and all-around fizz-pop-natured Gillian, such a move was bound to happen eventually. Nonetheless, as someone who has made playing the likes of strippers, street prostitutes, child abductees, drug addicts, and other vulnerable souls somewhat the norm, the present career shift is a much-welcomed move that shows the promise that resonates from such chameleon-esque variation. And even though the 28-year-old Pittsburgh native may be a self-professed “worrier” who refuses to take her ranking as one of acting’s new breed of talented performers for granted, if the past few years are any testament of what Gillian is capable of achieving in the future, she should not have much to worry about at all.

From her days as a rambunctious kid with a passion for reading children’s versions of Shakespeare plays – “[I was] a little dramatic, as my mother might say” – to a Juilliard graduate quickly hailed as a standout thanks to her New York City theatre performances, Gillian has quickly learned that the ability to transform into different characters and adapt to different scripts is a very important asset, both on and off the screen. “Sometimes it’s fun to do a part that you’re not quite sure you can pull off – something that you may think is beyond your ability – and you can push yourself to see if you can do it. And then it’s also fun to just be really silly sometimes,” she says of the roles she has chosen thus far in her young career. “Your approach as an actor is sort of similar for both. But I haven’t had to research any more drugs or fake heroin in a while.”

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Online Content

Writing created for the internet sphere, by Sylvia Karcz

Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

Beat the Winter Slumps with Outdoor Time to Boost Mood and Well-Being

Getting outside during the colder winter months may require a bit more motivation for a good portion of us, but trust when we say: it’s worth it.

Time and time again, studies have shown that spending time outdoors for ten minutes or more a day can significantly reduce stress levels and fire up the feel-good hormones and chemicals in our bodies. Multiply that by several potent moments or micro-adventures a week —be it a walk in your local urban park to bird watch or a full-day snowshoe hike amongst old-growth trees— and you can imagine that our mind, body, and soul will really reap the benefits and be changed for the better.

Especially if you feel like the winter slumps keep knocking at your door, part of the solution may be as simple as spending a little bit more time outside each week. Read on as we dive into the top few reasons why outdoor time boosts mood and promotes a lasting sense of overall well-being that’ll help you keep thriving this winter season.
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

Let’s Talk About Hydration— and How to do it Properly!

Human beings need water to function, it’s as simple as that. Proper fluid intake is responsible for how efficiently our bodies operate —whether we’re walking two miles or twenty!— so it’s important to take hydration seriously.

Now let’s dive into why. Up to 78% of our body is composed of water, and when we exercise or move in general— we sweat, because it helps cool the body and keep it at a safe operating temperature. This act of perspiring, however, in conjunction with plain ole breathing (which amounts to us losing about one cup of water each day!) removes much-needed H20 from our blood plasma. Consequently, that lowers the amount of oxygen our muscles and cells can
receive and thickens our blood. Lower oxygen in blood, muscles, and cells equals cramps, headaches, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Essentially, your heart has to work a lot harder when you’re dehydrated. Replacing the liquids lost through various bodily processes, then, ensures our bodies can continue to perform smoothly at their highest levels.

But: hydration isn’t as simple as it seems, friends! We can do several things to hydrate optimally and ensure we get the replenishment needed. Here are the three biggest tips to keep in mind when quenching your thirst in the outdoors.
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

How to Increase Endurance for Summer Adventures —and Beyond

I recently mentally committed to a particular bucket-list hike that’s been on my radar for years, and it has me diving into the science of endurance like never before. I’ll be covering approximately 43 miles in two days with roughly 11,000 feet of total elevation gain —more than I’ve ever done in such a short timeframe— so needless to say, it has me in a preparation-conscious mindset, super committed to taking my endurance up a notch over the coming months.

So, I’ve been doing my research. I’ve been looking at different training modules, potent micro-adventures, and picking the brains of incredibly fit athletes who thrive in Type II fun to devise an endurance-increasing plan of action for the summer. One that will leave me with a sense of strength and empowerment for undertaking my hiking objective. And all the future ones to come.

If you’re in a similar boat and looking to challenge your aerobic and anaerobic capabilities —be it for a certain summer trip, or, just in general— read on for three simple but tried-and-true tips for increasing your endurance so that you can go bigger, longer, and further, no matter what your dream adventure looks like.
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

Take Your Next Date Outdoors with these Date Ideas

Whether you’re head over heels for a new crush, years deep in a special partnership, or simply want to celebrate a meaningful friendship, there’s something unequivocally unique about summer love. Maybe it’s the warmer weather, extra time outdoors, or, the simple fact that longer, brighter days allow for more quality time adventures with your beloved.

Whatever the reason, summer never fails to feel oh-so-sweet, and it’s exactly why we think there’s no better time to plan some memorable outdoor-centric dates. Read on for a few creative ideas to spice up your summer and add that extra spark to your relationship!
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

How to Stay Safe When Adventuring Outdoors During Winter

When temperatures drop, daylight hours wane, and blistery weather becomes a weekly occurrence, it’s normal to want to hunker indoors and focus more on planning outdoor adventures rather than living them. Being active outside during winter months, after all, usually takes more gear, more preparation, and a little more, well…work.

But hear me out, fellow movers and shakers: don’t let winter be an excuse to stay indoors! It’s worth every ounce of energy trying to make those cold-weather adventures happen, and they often offer some of the most exhilarating, connected, and rewarding experiences in nature.

Preparedness, however, is critical when venturing out during winter months, and even the shortest, most straightforward hikes shouldn’t be taken lightly. Heed these tips for staying safe when planning your next winter escapade!
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

Outdoor Movies and Documentaries to Inspire Your Next Adventure

Outdoor journeys come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s climbing a high-elevation peak, a 100-mile bike ride, or a short but potent bucket-list hike in your hometown, there’s no single parameter that defines the act of getting active outdoors. If you’re out in nature and moving with intention in a way that feels right for you, that alone is success and enough to be stoked about!

But: what if we ramped things up a bit? What if we pushed ourselves a bit further and a bit harder, past our comfort zone? What if we undertook something that redefined our relationship to challenge and tested our willpower on an entirely new level?

This short roundup of outdoor-centric films and documentaries shows the unwavering spirit of passionate, nature-loving folks who took on some pretty incredible feats. We hope that they’ll leave you with that heart-racing feeling that preempts a grand adventure idea, but also, with a certain affirmation that our bodies and minds are truly full of limitless potential. With the right attitude and the right training —or heck, sometimes even no training!— we can venture to places beyond our wildest imagination. And there’s no better time than now to say YES to that idea.
Alp Insider •

7 Best All-Mountain Snowboards To Elevate Your Ride In 2024

Spend enough time on a snowboard and you’re bound to form your own riding style. Maybe you’re a dedicated carver looking for freshly groomed tracks, or a powder hound weaving tight trees in search of fresh lines. Perhaps you’re hooked on park and the process of nailing a certain trick. Or, speed’s your game, and you’re flying straight through the steeps.

Also possible: you’re stoked on it all equally. Every nook of the resort riles you up, no matter the conditions and no matter the terrain. If this kind of creativity and versatility sounds like your approach to riding —but buying several specific-terrain boards isn’t exactly an option— you need a daily driver to match your ever-changing flow.

That’s where all-mountain snowboards reign supreme! Designed to tackle a bit of it all —from groomers to park to a little powder— all-mountain snowboards are the multi-tool of our snowy world. And they’re the best choice for those looking for a one-quiver board that can adapt to varying types of terrain.

In this guide, I’ve featured some of the very best all-mountain snowboards out there to really elevate your riding journey.
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

Safety Tips for Hot-Weather Hiking

If you’ve ever been on a hike in what feels like triple-digit temps, with waning water, clothing soaked in sweat, and spirits teetering on exhaustion, it’s possible that you’ve questioned: should I even be out here?!

The answer depends on many factors, but it must be known that hiking in hair-dryer-hot heat is no joke, and a situation can very quickly turn very, very ugly if you’re not prepared. I spoke to a Wilderness EMT (who does ultra-marathons in Death Valley for, like, fun) and a Search-and-Rescue agent (who has worked in extreme desert heat along the southern border for over a decade) and gathered their top safety tips for hot-weather hiking.

And so, here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to do some outdoor adventuring in the heat. Being prepared and minimizing risk are paramount, so heed the advice of the pros, friends, and recreate safely.
Alp Insider •

8 Best Women’s Hiking Boots For All Trails & Terrain

Whether you’re chasing elevation on exposed high-desert slopes or winding through muddied pine-forest trails, hiking is nourishment for the soul. I’m sure you know, though, ladies, that the wrong gear can easily turn a delightful jaunt into one you wish was over.

Especially when it comes to hiking footwear, having quality boots and shoes that can handle whatever terrain and weather is thrown your way is paramount. It’s a simple equation: happy feet equal happy trails.

If you’re bogged down with options, fret not. I’ve compiled my top reputable picks so you can pick the best of the best.
Alp Insider •

Lessons From My First Solo Backpacking Trip On The Trans-Catalina Trail

On my first visit to Santa Catalina, a sparsely populated 22-mile island located 22 miles off Southern California’s coast, I knew I would return one day to hike through it.

Granted, I didn’t see much on that inaugural visit other than the seaside town of Avalon; one of only two on the entire island. But the sweeping ocean views were enough to win me over. When I stopped in the visitor center before boarding my ferry back, I found a map of the Trans-Catalina Trail, and instantly longed to complete it.
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

Our Favorite U.S. Hiking Destinations for Spring Wildflowers

Nothing announces Spring for outdoor enthusiasts like pops of vibrant flowers breaking through on the trails. And what better way to celebrate the season –and the act of getting somewhere with the power of our own two feet!– than by planning a hike to admire wildflowers at their peak.

For those looking for a bit of inspiration, here are a few of our favorite hiking destinations across the U.S. for Springtime wildflowers. As always, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles on every hike. Don’t walk on, pick or disturb plant life, stay on established trails, and be a steward of the lands you love.
Baltoro •

Best Easy Winter Hikes in the Northeast U.S.

There is no winter quite like a northeast winter. Sure, the western states take the stage when it comes to sun-drenched, high-elevation winterscapes, but I’m here to tell you that the Northeastern U.S. is dotted with its own share of pristine winter wonderlands. More than enough to keep hikers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts knee-deep in cold-weather adventures all season long.

With idyllic wooded forests, stately mountain ranges and lakes, and a balance of quirky and historical towns within earshot of major metropolises, the Northeastern U.S. may be moody and unpredictable at times, but it packs in a lot of charm even when there’s not a lot of snow. Ready to hit those trails while keeping it mellow? Read on for some the best easy winter hikes in the Northeast U.S! Even though this list keeps the mileage low, you’ll still want to prepare with proper footwear and extra layers.
AvalancheOutdoorSupply •

How to Incorporate Sustainability into Your Outdoor Adventures

Adventuring responsibly in the outdoors -and with purpose- has never been more important. Our environment keeps us alive, keeps us inspired, and keeps us thriving every single day, and especially as outdoor recreationalists, it makes sense for us to be the most fervent stewards of and advocates for the lands we love. By connecting our enjoyment of wild spaces to our protection of them, we can help be the catalysts for shaping a more sustainable future. It sounds like a tall order, we know. But i
klubb mag •

What to do in Telluride in the Summer

Tucked in an ancient glacial valley in the San Juan Range of the Rocky Mountains- in what is easily one of the most striking box canyons in all of Colorado- the mountain town of Telluride has changed many hats over the course of its history. Transforming from the quiet, venerated home of the Ute people- who called the area the “The Valley of Hanging Waterfalls”- to a rowdy 19th century mining camp, to one of the most esteemed year-round destinations in Colorado. The mineral-rich and peak-rich lo
Amazing America •

Amazing America's Guide to Marfa, Texas

With the charm of a single-stoplight West Texas town and the quirky-creative energy of an artist commune, Marfa has garnered a bit of hype over the years and become quite the in-vogue destination. Once a mere stopover on the way to remote Big Bend National Park and points south, the artsy, high-desert city in the Trans Pecos region, where mountains and desert meet, started to draw artists and resourceful entrepreneurs in the 1970s. It hasn’t really stopped since. These days, Marfa is as alluring
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

10 Amazing Winter Road Trip Destinations

Itching to hit the road this winter? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite wintertime road trip destinations for the adventurous and active-at-heart.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK | MAINE
Skip the crowded trails, limited parking, and at-capacity campgrounds that come with warm-weather visits to Acadia National Park. For utmost tranquility, a winter road trip to Maine’s coastal gem provides an idyllic New England experience.

Expect the same million-dollar views, mixed with snowy backdrops. For avid hikers, the park’s spruce and pine-lined trails will feel like crossing into a fairytale winterscape- one you’ll have (mostly) to yourself! Find loads of cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing options, too. Or, try ice climbing the park’s frozen oceanside cliffs with a local guiding outfit.

Before arriving to Acadia’s gateway of Bar Harbor, stop in a few of Maine’s other historic harbor towns, like Ogunquit, Boothbay Harbor, and Camden. Winter provides a peaceful saunter through their quirky shops, quaint mom-and-pop eateries, and secluded beaches.
Changing Gears •

How to Live in a Van Without a Refrigerator (and Keep It Healthy)

It was about a week into traveling through Texas during a late Spring heat wave that I really started to learn some valuable lessons about food storage. Nothing, after all, forces you to think outside the box quite like consecutive 105+ degree temperatures, full sun, and a very basic food storage setup that’s equipped for anything but extremes.

What I’m alluding to, of course, is living out of a van without a refrigerator.

LIFE WITH A COOLER
I’ve always been keen on simplicity. When I first left my home state of New Jersey for that open road, I had no toilet, no shower, no heating or AC system, no sleek pull-out storage drawers, and certainly no fridge; and I made it work. Three years later, home is still situated on wheels and I’m still making do- and dare I say, thriving?!– with a simple cooler-and-ice setup. Am I merely eating ramen noodles, granola bars, and pre-packaged meals all the time? Am I eating out all the time? Or am I just….not eating?! No way, wayfinding souls. I’m a vegetarian with a healthy appetite that worships fresh produce, tries to stray away from overly processed foods, and loves to cook, and I’m a firm believer that all it takes is a bit of planning and some minor adjustments in how we approach our food and cooking habits to eat just as well on the road as in a stationary home kitchen. And all without a refrigeration setup.
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

Tips for Staying Motivated & Staying Outside During Winter

I’m convinced that there are two types of people in this world. Winter sport fanatics with science-defying reptilian skin that start howling when those first below-zero days of the year hit, and: the rest of us. (And I say that as someone who really really loves activities involving frozen water in all forms.)

The simple fact is that keeping the stoke high during the winter months can be hard sometimes. The days are shorter, and colder, and adventuring outdoors takes far more clothing, planning, and preparation. It’s only natural that enthusiasm teeters and we need an extra push from time to time. Especially when heading outside on days that aren’t storybook-perfect.

Trust that keeping your body moving during these long, temperamental months is key to sustaining inspiration and health during the winter, both physically and mentally. And finding ways to get your endorphins firing will pay off.

Need a boost? Heed these winter-tested tips for staying motivated and staying outside on the frostiest of days, and help kick those winter blues to the curb.
Baltoro •

5 Essential Features on a Ski Backpack

Seasoned skiers and snowboarders venturing into the backcountry will attest that a good ski backpack is the backbone of any adventure. Whether you’re touring up backyard slopes for some quick laps in fresh powder or gearing up for a multi-day glacial traverse, you want to ensure you have the right pack for the journey.

We suggest you look no further than our tried-and-true Impetrogear modular base and its performance-forward Ski Pack attachment. Created by skiers for skiers, its durable, dependable design ensures comfort and safety is at the forefront of every ski outing. No matter what type of terrain you’re exploring.

Read on for the five most essential features we prioritized when engineering our ski backpacks.
Amazing America •

Amazing America's Guide to Yosemite National Park

Naturalist John Muir famously once said that “no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite.” If you’ve ever ventured into the prized central-eastern California park for yourself, you probably understand the sentiment. From awe-inspiring monoliths and groves of ancient Sequoia trees, to high-elevation lakes, meandering rivers and wildflower-strewn meadows, the glacially-carved region is one that leaves quite a lasting impression.

Spanning nearly 760,000 acres of the western Sierra Nevada
Baltoro •

10 Best Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

From spiny granite peaks and glacial snowfields to azure blue high-elevation lakes and fairytale rainforests, the diverse climates and terrain of the Pacific Northwest comprise one of the most unique wild regions in the world. While you could probably spend a lifetime on trails in the greater area and still not see it all, we’ve rounded up ten of the most awe-inspiring hikes in the Pacific Northwest for every type of adventure, whether you’re craving a challenging thru-hike in the alpine or a mellower riverside jaunt with a swimming-hole reward. No matter which routes you find yourself on, they’ll surely leave a lasting impression. Read on for the beta basics so you can start dreaming of- and planning!- your next Pacific Northwest hike right away.
Avalanche Outdoor Supply •

Best Fall Training for Winter Sports

You may be thinking that summer isn't even technically over, and the winter days of fresh powder are still a long, unpredictable road ahead. But we’ve seen this amongst our peers before, and before you know it, you could be that person who ends up sitting out an epic chute on the mountain or turning back early on a burly 15-mile trail because, whoops, you’re not quite as in shape as you thought and the leg-burn has overcome you. So trust us when we stress that strength and endurance do not build
Boondock or Bust •

The Best Places for Boondocking in the United States

The notion of primitive camping in wild places is not for everyone, but for adventurous, intrepid travelers that don’t mind the mystery and gentle grit of off-the-grid living, the United States offers boundless opportunities for campers and RVers to experience some of the country’s most impressive natural areas- all without dipping into your wallet. From BLM public land (Bureau of Land Management) and National Forest service roads to wildlife areas and state parks and everything in between, here
AvalancheOutdoorSupply •

Ways to Celebrate National Mountain Climbing Day

Mountain climbing tends to evoke images of exposed alpine scrambles and demanding snow-capped summits, but it can really be any act of ascending a mountain, and there’s a piece of it available for every skill set and in every locale.

So whether you’re in trail runners on high desert scree or decked out with crampons on a frozen waterfall, rock climbing granite slabs or bootpacking high elevation ridgelines, or, simply hiking up your local mountain in whatever way is possible for you, isn’t the
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