The Dirtbag Diaries

The Summer break is coming up in August and I will be out gathering stories. We’ve got some cool stories already planned for next fall, but there were a couple of ideas I wanted to work on and I’m hoping to get people’s input.  So if you’ve got an idea or a story that fits within these concepts, let me know by dropping us an email.  The Dirtbag Diaries is driven by listener input. Your thoughts matter.

1. Partners – I’m hoping to compile a story about partnerships.  We rely on our closest friends and our significant others to motivate for adventures and endure epics.  Those shared experiences can result in some funny and serious moments. If you’ve got a story about a favorite climbing partner or a story you’ve heard, it would be great to here about them.

2. The Economy – I’m curious. How has the economic downturn impacted the Dirtbag Nation?  In difficult economic times have the mountains and rivers become more important or something that you can’t afford. For most of us, wilderness has always provided us a viewpoint on which to reflect on our lives. The natural world can provide important perspective on life in the flatlands.  Has the economy impacted you directly?  Let me know. I know we are all looking for escape, but sometimes it’s worth covering important topics from our perspective. After all, who else out there is going to do it?

Megan Sturdy first wrote me about a year ago. She had two distinct and seemingly incongruent passions – climbing and curing cancer. In Sturdy’s mind, there was no reason that her dual passions had to conflict. I invited her to participate in 2009’s Year of Big Ideas.

A PhD student in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Illinois in Chicago, Sturdy has figured out how to harness the energy of our community to further her lab’s research into Cyanobacteria’s potential role in curing cancer. Sturdy created a system for climbers to help collect water samples from high alpine lakes in order to test chemically unique strains of Cyanobacteria. Now, she has targeted the remote and isolated island of Samoa and its alpine lakes for her next collecting trip. The trip will require grants, a little dirtbag ingenuity and a good-old-fashioned climber’s gathering.

On Saturday June 6th, Sturdy, with the help of Muir Valley owners the Webers (Rick Weber is in the midst of his own struggle with cancer), will hold a climbing scavenger hunt and fundraiser. Teams of two will start climbing. At the top of each route, competitors will find clues that will lead them towards their next route.  “I want to throw the angst, fear and competition dread out the window,â€� Sturdy wrote. “This is about climbing camaraderie.â€�

There will be prizes, BBQ and events to keep the little ones busy. So if the Red River Gorge is in your neck of the woods, check it out. It’s events like these that make our community so special.  The dirtbag you’re tied to might be curing cancer when she’s not cragging.

When: Saturday, June 6th
What: A scavenger hunt to raise money for cancer research.
Suggested Donation: $20

For more information, links and directions to the event visit Climbing for Cancer Research.

The Chill Program is a non-profit, learn-to-ride program for under-served youth in urban areas across the U.S. In short, it's a kick-ass program started by Jake and Donna Burton of Burton Snowboards fame that gets 2,200 youth who have never ridden before and probably wouldn't have the opportunity to do so other wise out on the slopes. It's not some photo-op program either.  The Chill people do it right. This isn't just a chance to try snowboarding; it's a chance to learn. The program last six weeks. Participants receive lift tickets, rentals, transport to the mountain, lessons and most of all a pretty unforgettable time. 

I've been involved as a volunteer for Chill for about three seasons now, and am always blown away by the impact it can have (You might remember this Story). Snowboarding isn't going to solve the world's ills, but this program can have a pretty powerful influence on some (certainly not all) of it's participants.  Most of all...it's a frickin blast to volunteer.  Check out their site for locations. I'd highly recommend it for people looking to get involved in their communities.

Music Today

Matt & Kim
"Yea Yeah" (mp3)
from "Self Titled"
(iheartcomix)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody
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The Blakes
"Two Times" (mp3)
from "The Blakes"
(Light In The Attic)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody


Substantial
"Day in the Life (feat. Steph)" (mp3)
from "My Favorite Things"
(QN5, Inc.)

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International Rivers emailed last night.  The construction of dams in the Rio Baker watershed is underway. Despite not having formal approval to begin the project, HidroAysen has built a workers encampment, started blasting and building tunnels. 

Please, if our latest episode, the Adventurer's Parable rang true, please take a moment to help. Here is some more information from International Rivers:

Thanks for your time.

The Rio Baker hangs in a delicate balance. I won't get to into depth here as numerous groups have gathered together to fight the dams. Please click on the links. You too can contribute to the preservation of the Aysen Region.  Numerous groups have taken up the cause. Conservacion Patagonica has already helped preserve a half million acres and established a National Park in Argentina.

Consider taking a few moments to draft a letter to Enel, the Italian power giant that is now spearheading the power project.  Berkley-based International Rivers has a wealth of information and resources for getting involved without ever having to get up from your desk. The Diaries sponsor, Patagonia, also has information for contacting the Chilean government and helped Brian and Emily return to the Rio Baker in 2006 with a generous Dirtbag Grant. We can make a difference.



Here are the cuts from the latest edition....

Ultre
"Struggle and Nothing" (mp3)
from "The Nest And The Skull"
(Audiobulb Records)

Buy at iTunes Music Store
Stream from Rhapsody


Blind Pilot
"Go On, Say It" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

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Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album



Gentleman Reg
"We're in a Thunderstorm" (mp3)
from "Jet Black"
(Arts & Crafts)

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Stream from Rhapsody
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The Books
"When we're fishing" (mp3)
from "I Land"
(Tratore)

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Marching Band
"Don't Go" (mp3)
from "IODA SXSW Opening Day Bash Sampler 2009"
(ioda)

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Stream from Rhapsody
More On This Album

I've gotten a bunch of emails pointing out I had overlooked something. In Mr. Smart Goes Big (Year of Big Ideas 2009), two of the contributors have really cool projects in the works.

Megan Sturdy is a climber and scientist working at the University of Illinois Chicago. She has figured out a way to incorporate here two seemingly incongruent passions -- cancer research and climbing -- into a singular project. Last year, Sturdy launched Climbing for Cancer Research. Her mission is two-fold. First, Sturdy is hoping to travel to Samoa where she can employ her climbing skills to reach lakes containing rare strains of cyanobacteria, which she uses in her research (I'd explain but it's above my pay grade). Second, she wants to get climbers involved in the collection process. Check out what you can do to help. Sounds kind of fun.

Also Shane Robinson of Episode 15 fame is taking part in The Kamchatka Project. A team of ripping boaters who also happen to be scientists, photographers, filmmakers and marketing types hope to shed light on the world's richest wild salmon spawning grounds deep inside Kamchatka Peninsula. Kayaks will be the vehicle. Conservation is the mission.

The Dirtbag Art Department just sent this over -- T-Shirts are available. Finally...I know you all have been asking for some time now. Visit Walker's Etsy Site, which implements Pay Pal for easy payment. He has  a few different designs, so check them out. All proceeds go to supporting the Diaries. Think of it as an NPR tote bag but way cooler...

Pre-Order by the end of the month to be the first to get one.

A note from Walker:

100% genuine Dirtbag Diaries paraphernalia is here. Fitz Cahall, the brains behind DBD, asked me to make some shirts. He yelled from the mountain tops "Yo Little Brother, make some shirts, and make 'em good." Mind you this was from a mountain top so it might have gotten a little garbled.

If you enjoy looking good and shredding the gnar or sitting under a tree watching the wildlife then this may be the shirt for you. I hope you enjoy it.

* Please specify your size! (XS-XL)

* The Dirtbag Diaries shirt is printed on a 100% cotton t-shirt (sweatshop free) using water based inks and environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals.

* This shirt is pre-order only. Once we get enough orders we will print a batch. At the very most it might take a month. Thanks for your patience.

Finally, we’ve got a special treat for you – The Crusade Enhanced. Photos by Jason Hummel, Sky Sjue and Ben Manfredi. Video by Phil Fortier.  There are some sweet shots from over a decade of Cascade steep skiing. Skiing these peaks is a feat in itself – stopping to take the photos is another epic task in itself.

The file is big, so you’re going to need a fast connection and a little patience. I won’t bore you with the details, but our first foray into video and photos was interesting. Walker did a great job producing. Hope you all enjoy. Thanks for the patience.




Or Click here for the smaller version and pop-up player and continue your journey through the Google Machine.

Great friendships often begin in the most average ways. Sometimes just a simple introduction during an after work climbing session can lead to a lifelong friendship. 

Since that first handshake, Anya Miller has become a collaborator, a climbing and ski partner and precious friend to both Becca and me.  She’s continually made my text look better with her unique illustrations and even helped drag me out of the Joshua Tree backcountry after I busted my ankle. I’ve watched her grow as both an artist and athlete. Now, I’m excited to have her join the Dirtbag family. 
 
“All These Thingsâ€? provided the perfect opportunity for Anya to design for us. Becca’s old sledding hill is less than a mile walk from Anya’s home. An architect by training and a designer at heart, she gathered together old photos of Becca and integrated them into the design.  In the last year, Anya launched her own design company, Mindful Creative, and quickly followed it up by starting a subsidiary greeting card company, Ewe Me Us, which features eight different designs. If you like what you see, you can reach her through Mindful Creative. Click here and here for more greeting card designs.

As some of you may know, Walker Cahall handles most of the design work here at the Dirtbag Diaries, and as the name suggests, he is my brother – seven years my junior.  Now, all the older brothers out there know that complimenting a younger sibling is a risky and delicate business. Their heads may balloon with pride before eventually imploding like a dying galaxy. When Walker began destroying me in video games, I was forced to retire in order to save him from himself.  I may have to do the same with mountain biking if Walker keeps pedaling hard. It's just my little way of upholding the big brother status quo.  

Right now though, I’m going to put two decades worth of strategic dead arms and psychological warfare on the line and say it – little brother went big.  

While he works as a graphic designer and technical illustrator, Walker is first and foremost an artist with a strong environmental component to his work. His work -- especially his prints and experimental digital pieces – are awesome. The concepts so clever. Conflict of interest you say? As I clearly explained above, complimenting is not in my best interest, and I’m not the only one who thinks this 23-year-old’s work has merit.  In 1996 at the age of 10, Walker had his first gallery show. That same year, Art News ran a full-page article on the young prodigy. This week, Portland-based clothing company Nau has featured Walker’s series on sustainable energy on their web site. Completed two years, the series took months to create. I’d post it here, but I have to send you to Nau’s site – the Collective.

P.S. For those big brothers out there, relax. According to this NY Times article, we will always remain atop the dog pile, so have a little sympathy. I send this link to Walker at least once a week, so that he doesn't beat himself up too badly.

P.P.S. The next episode will be out shortly.

The photo-enhanced version of Datos Insuficientes is up and running. The Range Life’s Andrew Oberhardt and Todd Gilman milked their hard drives to come up with a set of images to fit with Shane’s words. It’s the only way to get a sense of scale. El Rio Apurimac, which roughly translates into divine oracle, is massive. Look for the details. Check out the high water mark on the canyon walls. It may take five to ten seconds to load.


You’ve got two options:

Click here for the full-sized version:

Or Click here for the pop-up player and continue your journey through the Google Machine.



If you liked what you see here, you should definitely check out this short movie on Shane Robinson’s Abysmo trip. Along with some epic whitewater, the short features what must be one of the world’s most burly truck rides.  Also check out the Vacation to Hell -- it's definitely one of the more creative expedition ideas out there.

The next episode is on the way. In the meantime...how is this for an iconic image? Photographer, thinker and Dirtbag Diaries contributor, Blake Gordon snapped this photo while experimenting with his night photography set up. Photo District News in conjunction with National Geographic Traveler selected two of Blake’s images in their 2008 World of Focus contest. Captured in the Canyonlands National Park, Utah, the image above won in the “Wilderness Photographyâ€? category. A second photo from the same trip earned the honor in the “Extreme Explorationâ€? category.   

My hunch – this isn’t the last we’ve heard from Blake.

Blockhead -- Duke Of Hazzard (mp3)

The Gene Drayton Unit -- Teenage Kicks (mp3)
Buy at eMusic

The Mexican Institute of Sound -- OK! (mp3)
Buy at Rhapsody

The Pinker Tones -- Karma Hunters (mp3)
Buy at Napster

Manu Chao -- Rainin in Paradize
Buy at Manu Chao Pre-Order Store
Amy Millan -- Look Up (mp3)
Buy at eMusic
Jodi Martin -- 15 Minutes Out To Sea (mp3)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Loquat -- Swingset Chain (mp3)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Numbers -- Mind Hole (mp3)
Buy at Kill Rock Stars Store

Photographer Corey Rich went into his archives to bring you more defining images of the world's best athletes chasing adventure around the globe. Tommy Caldwell free climbs the Nose. Barrett Christie carves it up on Mt Baker. It's just the beginning. Click here to watch the improved slide show. 

If you liked what you heard...
Birdy Nam Nam -- Engineer Fear from their self titled album
Elliot Smith -- Needle in the Hay from the album "Elliot Smith"

Additional music provided by Patagonia's very own Sus Corez. Check out more her music at her myspace page.

While he is not traveling the world, the very-talented Jacob Bain also sings and plays in Seattle-based band Trolls Cottage.  Check them out on the web at www.trollscottage.com. They've got a new EP coming out at the end of this month.

We're also very fortunate to have the input of Sus Corez. When she isn't hard at work in Patagonia's photo department, Sus is making music with an organic edge.  You can visit her at http://myspace.com/suscorez.

For those interested in learning a little bit more about music from this weeks episode.

Download "Born On The Cusp" (mp3)
from "Set Free"
by The American Analog Set
Arts & Crafts

• Stream from RealNetworks / Rhapsody

More On This Album

Download ""My Sword Hand's Anger"" (mp3)
from "National Anthem of Nowhere"
by Apostle Of Hustle
Arts & Crafts

• Buy at iTunes Music Store
• Stream from RealNetworks / Rhapsody

More On This Album
My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-f96145349b0bddaa8d344ca170334371}

Electronic rockers Ghostland Observatory provided music for Episode Three. If you haven't heard of this Austin, TX duo, you're missing out. They've routinely earned rave reviews for their two full length albums Paparazzi Lightning and Delete.Delete. I Eat Meat, but it's their raucous, energetic live performances that have triggered a growing wave of fans. Check them out at http://myspace.com/ghostlandobservatory or at their home-grown label, www.trashymoped.com.