Journey

Publisher

Jaunt Media Collective

Editor-In-Chief

Kim Fuller

Managing Editor

Lexi Reich

Assistant Editor

Lauren Farrauto

Creative Director

Chelsea Connolly

Creative Consultants

Kitty Nicholason + Robyn Britt

Partnerships

Bobby L’Heureux

Community Engagement

Dear Readers,

JUST AS MOUNTAINS are climbed one step at a time, narratives are written as moments are woven together, piece by piece. The articles in this “journey” issue inspire deep discovery and exploration of the Vail Valley, from thoroughly sourced features to eloquent personal essays.

With every stride forward, we move in the direction of transformation, because it’s quite true that the only constant is change. From starting businesses and starting families, to adventuring in the local backcountry or around the world — every journey reminds us that we are always shifting from one state of being to another.

“Your Guide to Mushroom Foraging in the Vail Valley” on page 82 was not only the impetus for this issue’s cover, captured by the amazing Abby Dykes; it was also a reminder to take more time along every journey to look a little more closely you never know what’s just under a fallen pinecone on the forest floor.

The more challenging steps of individuals and entire communities are also taken here. “Mental Wellness in the Mountains” on page 98 unearths the reality of many who are struggling — your friends, neighbors, kids, partners. When living in this world can feel uncertain and overwhelming, stories of transformation and growth provide us with hope.

Find uplift on page 28 with “Biohack Longevity: How to Live Healthier + Happier,” and Corrie Crane’s impressive path of sobriety and training for Leadville’s “Race Across the Sky” on page 30. This issue is full of resources for you, from postpartum tips for mountain mamas (page 46) and co-parenting goals for families (page 44), along with nods to notable gear, local style, art and food, plus tips for visiting nearby and faraway destinations.

We make magazines, because we know the power of authentic storytelling isn’t lost on humanity, just as an epic quest and even a walk around the block can leave someone changed.

So, valued readers, keep turning the pages, and be sure to enjoy the journey.

In

Gratitude,

Kim Fuller with Bobby L’Heureux

Jaunt Media Collective jauntmediacollective.com

Laura Mills

Digital Editor

Kristen Grace

Intern

Riley Tedesco

Contributors

Townsend Bessent, Kristen Blizzard, Whitney Brofos, Julia Clarke, Tom Cohen, Abby Dykes, Kaitlin Emig, Sandy Ferguson

Fuller, Kim Fuller, Kristen Grace, Courtney

Holden, Kira Johnson, Ayla Katsorchis, Laura Lieff, Cameron Martindell, Laura Mills, Kimberly Nicolletti, Madison

Rahhal, Lexi Reich, Maddie Rhodes, Becca Saulsberry, Jace Stout, Riley Tedesco, Tracey Van Curran ,T.J. Voboril, Jennifer Weintraub, Agostina Zampieri, Ian Zinner

Cover Photographer Abby Dykes

Website coveredbridgevail.com

Social @coveredbridgemag

Partnership Opportunities

Email bobby@jauntmediacollective.com or call 815.414.9642

Proudly produced + printed in Colorado.

Thank you for supporting local media!

Jaunt Media Collective 2077 N. Frontage Road

Suite D

Vail, CO 81657

® 2023 Covered Bridge Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion may be

PHOTO BY KIM FULLER

1. Whitney Brofos Photographer bywhitneyrae.com

2. Jennifer Weintraub Writer + Photographer @the.outdoorista

3. Sandy Ferguson Fuller Writer, Editor, Illustrator + Photographer alparts.com

4. Chelsea Connolly Creative Director @thechelseaconnolly

5. Kaitlin Emig Writer @sunflower_lion

6. Laura Mills Writer + Community Engagement @l.millsy

7. Julia Clarke Writer juliaclarkeyoga.com

8. Maddie Rhodes Writer @maddiebucketzz

9. Kristen Grace Writer + Digital Editor @kristengraceyoga

How long have you been a photographer, and how are you currently finding inspiration in the craft?

My stepmother was a professional photographer who encouraged me at a very young age and gave me my first film camera when I was about 10. Later in life, I decided to follow a dream to Vail where I had an opportunity to work as an on-mountain photographer. This was about nine years ago where I found my platform to learn how to capture with an incredible group of photographers who also taught me so much along the way. Currently, I find inspiration in so much of what is around me, a dream of living in this beautiful place as well as the people that I have grown so close to who teach me every day. Inspiration expresses itself through opportunities to capture a moment that embodies some sort of emotion. It means everything to me that I may have the chance to communicate through a photograph in this way.

Tell us about this mushroom foraging session — what are some of the types you discovered, and then did you all cook them up?

We went hunting at a spot in Breckenridge mid-August where we found so many beautiful varieties: yellow, white and purple coral, puffballs, turkey tail, porcini, shingled hedgehog, devil’s tooth and a ton of chanterelles, which is what we were out there for. We cooked all of the chanterelles with thyme and butter to complement some dry-aged steaks.

What do you remember about this shoot that stands out to you? What details, like the time of day, lighting, angles, etc., helped you capture such awesome images and highlight the experience of foraging and the art of photography?

This shoot stood out for me specifically, because in preparation for an upcoming photoshoot at a darker restaurant, I decided to bring my flash. To play with flash photography in nature is something that I never really do, because I'm very comfortable with natural lighting. This was a fantastic experience to capture so many beautiful varieties all while working with different lighting techniques! +

@sleepy_shutters abbydykes.smugmug.com

Slifer Smith & Frampton

Kim Fritzler | Kelly Moser | TJ Davis

970.328.2550 | K2@Slifer.net K2VailValleyRealEstate.com

What does Journey mean to you?

Kayla Webber Owner of Revolution Power Yoga

“To me, the journey is what it’s all about. The winding road from one junction in our lives to another is where everything happens. We can have a destination in mind, sure. However, on my journey through this life, I’ve found that if I stay open to all possibilities, doors that I never even knew existed started opening. My journey has twisted and turned, and my ‘destination’ keeps changing. I’m not even sure if I have one anymore! The journey from a solo-prenuer to the owner of a wellness/yoga studio was a big rite of passage and a journey in its own right. I attribute this new role and honor to staying open to every piece of my journey thus far. If you stay present on your journey and open to possibility and opportunity, you never know what amazing places you could end up!”

Donovan Sornig Director of operations for Craftsman Brew Co.

"The journey through life, both personal and professional, is filled with happiness and celebrations, challenges and hardships, that are the foundation that will ultimately define our human experience. This is why I love living in the mountains and working in the hospitality industry. The day might start off on a mountaintop and then finish in a dining room — two different worlds that are both magical and fascinating in their own way. Everything from an early morning summer dew or the crisp mountain air at sunrise to the laughter from people in the dining room celebrating life with loved ones. For me, being present creates the richest memories and most meaningful experiences throughout any adventure or regular day. Trust the path, and enjoy the journey."

Erin Perejda Supportive care services manager and licensed clinical social worker at Vail Health Shaw Cancer Center

“Journey: the path of discovery and evolution that each one of us will experience in our lives. Our journeys consist of chosen plans and unexpected detours. Many parts of our journey will be beautiful experiences that fill our lives with joy, yet some will be tragic and difficult. I have both experienced and witnessed this to be true. I have come to learn that allowing the joy and fear, the beauty and pain, to coexist is something that we are all called to learn to do. I am reminded of this through the daily work that I am fortunate enough to do within the field of oncology, and I am constantly in awe of the ability of the human spirit to courageously adapt along the way.”

PHOTOS BY KIRA JOHNSON