55 minute read
CARING FOR CACTI
TIPS FOR A PROSPEROUS, DROUGHT RESISTANT GARDEN CARING FOR CACTI + SUSTAINING SUCCULENTS
Words by Lauren Farrauto | Photo courtesy of Don Campbell
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As we move into summer and the dry Colorado climate compounds with scorching temperatures, the plants in your garden may be looking a little worse for wear (okay, maybe a lot worse for wear). If you still want to have an inviting outdoor landscape without the agony of killing yet another beautiful plant, maybe it’s time to revamp your yard with a succulent and cactus garden.
“Most cacti and succulents are used to this climate,” says Don Campbell, founder of Chinle Cactus & Succulent Society in Grand Junction. “With a bit of supplemental watering in the summer, they will thrive.”
Prior to moving to Grand Junction, Campbell was very active in Denver’s local cactus and succulent club. In just a short time following his move, he began leading cactus hikes and teaching classes on the basics of these varietals. Still craving more consistent cactus connection, Campbell decided to scout for interest in a succulent and cactus club with GJ locals. 35 people showed up to his first meeting, blowing his expectations away.
Now, over 20 people regularly attend the Chinle Cactus & Succulent Society. The group unites at monthly meetings and often take field trips to surrounding areas to investigate cactus sites. They recently had a trip to St. George, Utah at the end of April.
“Many people think having a cactus garden is maintenance free. That’s not true,” cautions Campbell. Yard litter like dead leaves can easily become caught in cactus spikes, and weeds are always a problem, even in unfavorable conditions. That being said, succulent gardens are typically easier to maintain than a vegetable garden, which requires consistent, specialized care. Other than basic maintenance and upkeep, the only demanding aspect of succulent care is watering. Don’t fret; Campbell has some easy tips to determine a healthy watering schedule.
“In summer, you may need to give them a little extra moisture, maybe 15 to 20 minutes
once a week. But, just go with Mother Nature and these plants will thrive,” he says. An easy way to check is dig into the soil and examine the moisture levels. If it’s completely dry, water a bit. If it’s wet, don’t water.
“Pay attention to the weather,” Campbell advises. He keeps a rain gauge outside to monitor precipitation levels and get a vague idea of how much his succulents have had to drink. He also recommends that water worriers consider what the winter has been like. A wetter winter means more water has soaked into the soil, and then you don’t have to water extra. More often than not, succulents are resilient enough to withstand a missed watering or two. Just be extra careful in the summer when high temps can toast your plants.
Now it’s time to start digging in the dirt! The first step to actually creating a succulent garden is picking out which plants you want to feature. Mountain ball cactus is seen up to 10,000 feet on the Grand Mesa, making them a great highaltitude option. Prickly pears showcase gorgeous flower blooms, and hedgehog cacti are known to be remarkably hearty. Sedums offer quality ground cover, while hen and chicks are great at storing water. When in doubt, ask your local nursery for some advice.
When planning the layout of your garden, there’s no right way to assemble your succulents of choice. Although, Campbell warns eager gardeners not to be too cactus happy. “Be a little cautious about how much you plant. I learned that the hard way,” he laughs. Otherwise, the garden beds (or front yard landscapes) are your oyster. “I’m a believer in doing what feels good and what looks good,” Campbell adds. “That’s what gardening is all about; it’s personal.”
Once you’re ready to make a home for your garden’s new additions, there is probably a bit of overhaul that needs to happen to ensure the success of your plants. Swap out the existing dry clay soil with something more conducive to growing life. Campbell also recommends a little bit of course sand as a great addition to promote drainage. Top the area with about a 1/4-inch of loose gravel, step back and admire the beautiful, healthy landscape you’ve created. :
HAPPINESS COMES IN DIFFERENT FORMS!
Find yours at Bookcliff Gardens
755 26 Road, Grand Junction 970.242.7766 bookcliffgardens.com Follow us online
RESTORATION GIVES FURNITURE NEW LIFE
SOULFUL COLLECTIONS
Words by Jenna Kretschman | Photos courtesy of Soulful Collections
When Danielle Bradley graduated from college with degrees in biochemistry and criminalistics, she never imagined that, seven years later, she would be a full-time, awardwinning furniture artist with her own furniture restoration and interior design company, Soulful Collections.
After college, Bradley decided to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughters and passed time by fixing up old furniture as a hobby, something she learned from her mother.
“When I was a kid, my mom used to restore furniture, because we just didn’t have the money to buy new furniture,” Bradley says. “I learned from her and thought it was just really neat that she does that. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and got a lot of practice, and over the years, my skillset has definitely developed.”
Eventually, friends began to take notice of Bradley’s eye for design and hired her to restore their furniture pieces, and Soulful Collections was born.
“Word just spread. It was referral after referral. I was selling really cool pieces on Facebook Marketplace, then I started a website and then I started a nationwide Etsy shop,” Bradley says. She rescues old or unwanted midcentury modern style furniture from clients, secondhand shops, garage and estate sales, or even the side of the road. She cleans it, repairs it and formulates an artistic vision for the piece. Then the transformation begins; using paint, wallpaper, hardware, carpentry and other creative methods, she revives the furniture into a unique, fresh statement piece ready for a new life.
“I sketch up a plan of what I think I want to do, but sometimes as I’m doing the work I come up with a completely different plan. My inspiration is whatever’s on my mind, what I’m feeling, what music I’m listening to, what’s in my heart or what’s going on in my life. That’s projected onto a piece of furniture. It’s a very emotional thing,” Bradley explains.
Of the thousands of pieces she’s restored, one of Bradley’s favorites is a dresser and desk set that once belonged to a client’s grandmother. It was an emotional and gratifying moment when the client and her father returned to pick up the finished pieces.
“Her dad came to pick it up with her (it was his mother’s furniture), and I just remember the reaction I got from her dad,” she says. “He was crying, because it was something sentimental that his daughter could now use and was designed for her space. That is one of my favorite memories.”
Bradley uses furniture artistry not only as a creative outlet, but as a way to combat waste and promote sustainability.
“I really think we need to focus on sustainable furniture and avoid throwing things out in the landfill. You can rescue these guys. I hate for pieces of good furniture to go to waste,” Bradley says. “A lot of the pieces you might have in your home that you don’t love the look of, we can redesign those and make them look like something out of a magazine. You don’t have to buy something brand new.”
Soulful Collections began as a furniture restoration business and has since evolved to offer other services, like interior design and real estate staging featuring Bradley’s custom furniture. She is now sponsored by various paint and paint brush companies and has won several national awards as a furniture designer. Bradley hopes her success as an artist inspires others to follow their passions.
“Biochemistry just wasn’t my true passion. I followed what my heart was telling me, and it was to be an artist. I love what I do,” Bradley says. “I really want to encourage young girls and stay-at-home-moms especially; don’t be afraid to be an artist if it’s something your heart is in.” :
To purchase a unique furniture piece or to learn more about Soulful Collections, visit soulfulcollectionsdesign.com or @soulfulcollections on Instagram and Facebook.
ROSÉ RHUBARB MOJITO
Words + Photo by Jayme Henderson
Maybe you’ve made the
same gardening mistake I have. Planting mint, rhubarb and strawberries in a small, backyard garden seemed like a good idea at first. Let’s just say that the overabundance of produce definitely fueled my creativity and fondness for these delicious, yet prolific, sprawling plants.
One of my favorite warmweather cocktails incorporates all three of these summertime ingredients — a seasonal spin on the classic mojito. With the addition of a rosé-based syrup, this cocktail is delightfully complex, refreshing, reminiscent of the tropics and well worth the minimal effort required to muddle the fruit.
This recipe yields one cocktail, but it makes an eye-catching pitcher
drink when batched for a crowd. :
ROSÉ RHUBARB MOJITO
3/4 ounce rosé rhubarb syrup (see recipe below) 2 mint sprigs, plus garnish 2 strawberries, coarsely chopped, plus garnish 2 ounces white rum 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice Splash of soda or seltzer
1. In a mixing tin, combine the rosé rhubarb syrup, mint sprigs and strawberries. 2. Muddle together until well-juiced, and add a handful of ice along with the white rum and lime juice. 3. Shake well, pour into a tall glass and fill with ice (you can optionally strain off the solids). 4. Top with soda or seltzer, and garnish with a sliced strawberry and more mint.
ROSÉ RHUBARB SYRUP
1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup dry rosé wine and 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped rhubarb. Over low heat, bring to a slow simmer, stirring along the way, until the rhubarb begins to soften, around five to seven minutes. 2. Let cool, strain and press out the solids. 3. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Fall in love with local food
YEAR-ROUND FARMERS’ MARKET & SPECIALTY GROCERY
BASALT 227 Midland Ave. / 11A Basalt, CO 81621 970-927-7650 FRUITA 212 E. Aspen Ave. Fruita, CO 81521 970-858-3597
SUMMER RECIPES
Words by Maureen McGuire | Photos by Cat Mayer
In the summer, I rely heavily on salads to feed my husband and myself. The desert heat makes it so that I only really want to bake after the sun has set and the air has cooled off enough to open the windows.
I love the summers in Western Colorado. The temperatures may be problematic for some, but my early bird tendencies allow me to accomplish many things before the heat of the day. Afterwards, I am happy to find shade, eat something light, drink something refreshing and truly relax. This routine feels at harmony with our climate. We have an amazing wealth of fruit in the summers, and among the things that you can’t find in the grocery store are fresh, tart cherries. Our household often has a fruit dessert with ice cream instead of dinner, which was baked at night a few days prior. I’m sure gourmands and gourmets could argue the finer definitions between a cobbler, slump, crisp or buckle, but they all highlight summer fruit at its prime.
I am lucky enough to be able to pattern my days to match the environment around us. It is peaceful. It is a lesson and experience that I wish more of our society would adopt. It helps me live with my environment instead of fighting it so much.
SERVES 4
2 large broccoli crowns 3-4 green onions 1 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup cheddar cheese 1/2 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds
DRESSING
3/4 cup light mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 3 Tbsp lukewarm water 2 Tbsp vinegar 2 Tbsp sugar Salt and pepper to taste
1. Combine dressing ingredients and let sit in the refrigerator while assembling salad. 2. Chop broccoli crowns, green onions and cheese into 1/2 inch pieces. Add cranberries and seeds. Toss with chilled dressing and chill at least one hour. 3. Serve over greens, if desired. Keeps in the fridge up to five days.
To store for a short time, as for a picnic or brown bag lunch, put the ingredients tossed in the dressing in the bottom of a large jar. Top off the jar with the lettuce. To serve, just turn out onto a plate or bowl.
AGAVE LIMEADE
SERVES 2-3
1/2 cup agave nectar 1/2 cup lime juice 3 cups cold water Ice
1. Put lime juice, agave and water in a large jar with a lid, and shake until well mixed. 2. Serve over ice.
ADVENTURE FURTHER WITH
CLUB CARBOY
Access Carboy Winery’s most coveted award-winning wines and a host of other benefits.
SERVES 6-8
5-6 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted Up to 1/4 cup tapioca flour 1 cup sugar 1 tsp almond extract
TOPPING
1 cup almond flour 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 cup oats 1/2 cup sugar 2 Tbsp butter, melted 2 Tbsp yogurt
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Mix cherries, almond extract and sugar.
Rest one hour. Depending on how much juice there is, adjust the amount of tapioca flour. (It seems like frozen cherries require more.) A good rule of thumb for fruit filling is 1 Tbsp tapioca flour to 1 cup of juice for a thick gel. 3. With your hands, mix topping ingredients. It should be a dry cookie dough texture. If too moist (depends on humidity), add flour 1-2
Tbsp at a time until the dough reaches the desired consistency. 4. Fill an 11 x 9-inch cake pan with fruit mixture. 5. Pat on crumble topping without submerging it. 6. Bake 45 minutes to one hour or until topping is golden. :
Words by Kristen Grace | Photo by Timberwolf Photography
THE BOOK OVER AND UNDER THE CANYON
BY KATE MESSNER
Summer is settling in Western Colorado, and the warm sun is beckoning adventurers to discover nature’s wonders. Kate Messner’s Over and Under the Canyon, for ages 5 through 8 (although enjoyed by people of all ages), takes readers on a thrilling adventure around one of nature’s most magical stages — a desert canyon.
The story depicts majestic, winged creatures that soar above the canyon, such as hawks, eagles and kestrels. It also introduces the diverse animals that roam the canyon floor including banded geckos, desert kit foxes and coyotes. The book concludes with biographies on each of the featured animals making it an excellent educational tool for curious minds.
Messner created the book to encourage families to explore nature. “When you explore together, you create a shared experience and a shared appreciation of the natural world, and there’s a wonderful closeness in that,” she explains.
The book leads readers on a morning walk through the desert, dancing through wildflowers at dusk, and wraps up with a fireside supper under the stars. Messner proclaims, “I always hope that a child reading Over and Under the Canyon … feels like they’ve been along on the hike.” Her poetic language, accompanied by Christopher Silas Neal’s vivid illustrations, accomplishes exactly that.
THE BEVERAGE POOL PARTY FROM WAVE DRINKS
Over and Under the Canyon will inspire you to get outside, so you’ll need to balance your sunny, summer adventure with a refreshing beverage. Pool Party from Wave Drinks pairs perfectly. Although this drink is featured on the “Kid’s Favorites” menu, it’s approved by people of all ages.
Pool Party is made with Sprite and blue raspberry flavoring, creating a bright, cobalt blue color and pungent, sweet flavor. To make it extra exciting, the drink contains Sour Patch Kids candies, resulting in an ideal intermingling of sweet and sour flavors. This drink is adventurous and vibrant, fulfilling all your summer beverage wishes.
Wave Drinks is a Colorado family-owned business that makes unique drink mixes, cookies and pretzels. You can find their drive-throughs in Fruita and Grand Junction, where customers can always expect exciting, unique flavor combinations. Wave Drinks is known for adding flavor shots, creamers and fruit purees to sodas and sparkling waters.
“First and foremost, we want our customers to have a happy experience,” says owner Celeste Quarnberg. Wave Drinks is always trying new drink recipes, according to Quarnberg — especially combinations suggested by customers. Many of the drinks are named after local places (such as bike trails) and events going on in the area.
This summer, enjoy Western Colorado’s most gorgeous, natural wonders with a delightful beverage from Wave Drinks. :
S+B’S INSTAGRAM + PODCAST PICKS
Compiled by Cabrini Klepper
National Park After Dark If you love murder mysteries and the outdoors, this podcast awaits exploration. Most episodes feature haunting historical stories and tales of the unknown. Occasionally, the hosts add light to the darkness by sharing inspirational stories of perseverance.
@continentaldividewinery Based out of Breckenridge and Fairplay, the awarded Continental Divide Winery appeals to all dog and wine lovers. Head over to the world’s highest altitude winery to witness mountain wine and furry patrons.
The Confessional New York Times Bestselling author — Lutheran pastor in Denver and recovering alcoholic — Nadia Bolz-Weber, hosts a podcast about reaching rock-bottom then rebuilding. Bolz-Weber interviews successful professionals such as soccer players, doctors and actors about overcoming their darkest moments.
@carbondale_claycenter
Connect to your creative side and delve into the ceramic world. Utilize the Carbondale Clay Center’s Instagram to spark creativity as well as to learn about classes, workshops, residencies, lectures and gallery exhibits.
First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing
Imagine overhearing two people discussing the craft of literature at a coffee shop. Stationed outside of Aspen, Mitzi Rapkin interviews various writers on their craft and discusses topics of their work in this literary podcast.
@pineproductions Pine Productions displays various events they host — from Beaver Creek FOOD & WINE Weekend to Alpine World Ski Championships to simple weddings. Whether you want to host or attend, you’re sure to find inspiration here.
JAMES LOUT | GRAND JUNCTION PET PHOTOGRAPHY
Words + Photos by James Lout
Five years ago, I had never photographed pet portraits before, unless you count chasing my cat around trying to get him to stay still back when I first started with photography. My main subjects had been portraits and high school seniors. So, on a whim I reached out to the local Roice-Hurst Humane Society and got in contact with the director and now good friend, Anna Stout. I told her I had never photographed pets before, and I would love to volunteer to try and photograph dramatic portraits of shelter pets. To my excitement she agreed, and that started one of the most rewarding partnerships and projects I have ever done with my photography. Since we began, Roice-Hurst has now used the images we’ve created on both of their vans. We even put together a calendar for 2021 and 2022 and are in the process of creating a new calendar for 2023. I hope you enjoy these images as much as I had creating them. Besides the puppies with the camera and the poodle, the rest were shelter pets. :
James Lout is a portrait and pet photographer in Grand Junction, CO. He started his business in 2013 in Tucumcari, NM and moved to Grand Junction in the summer of 2015. He specializes in dramatic and artistic portraits. jameslout.com
SPARKS FLY STUDIO WELDS INTENTIONAL, FUNCTIONAL ART SEWING WITH FIRE
Words by Lisa Blake | Photos by Jeremy Poland
Growing up, Tim Navin watched his father meticulously create heirlooms in his woodshop, hand-making all the furniture in their home, carving the family dining room table from repurposed oak legs and leftover scraps from Doug Jones Saw Mill.
These tasteful, subtle designs left a mark on Navin, spurring him to found Fruita’s Sparks Fly Studio in a one-car garage in 2020. The welding artist and Fruita native carries his dad’s love for creating purposeful pieces and crafting functional art through custom metal fabrication. His industrial-style furniture tests the limits as to what can be done when sewing with fire.
“Art and creating, as cliché as it sounds, has been a passion since I can remember,” Navin says. “I grew up loving to draw, paint and work with any tools I was allowed, or not allowed, to get my hands on.”
Raised on a farm north of town and graduating high school in 2000, Navin spent a few years on the Front Range before returning to his first love, Fruita. He now has a 10-yearold daughter and lives near his parents and his sister and her family.
Navin, 40, recalls picking up a welder out of necessity, nabbing a job at a local welding shop 15 years ago to help fund an expensive Jeep hobby. Side projects here and there have kept his creative spark alive, maintaining the someday dream of creating and pursuing his longtime artistic passions. One thing has stuck throughout the years: His father’s notion that pride comes from something built versus something bought.
“Thankfully, it has never left me, and I feel more comfortable in my own skin than ever, so the timing is turning out to be nothing short of magic for me,” Navin shares.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he took a long look at his own mental health, what it takes to raise a daughter and what he needed to allow his creativity to crack wide open. Sparks Fly Studio launched in the fall of 2020, and at the start of 2022, Navin partnered with fellow tradesman Lyle Inman and moved into a 4,200-square-foot space along Fruita’s main drag.
Sparks Fly tackles projects ranging from custom metal fabrication to repurposed art design. Local realtor and entrepreneur Jen Taylor contracted the studio to transform 10 vintage campers into riverfront glamping pods along with functional art and décor for the multimillion-dollar El Jet’s Cantina + Sky Outpost development in Grand Junction.
Sparks Fly Studio is gaining a reputation for intentional design. “I want people to touch my art and ponder with a smile how it was made,” Navin adds. The business is still relatively new, and they’re working to get the name out. The studio works with a lot of new homeowners and remodel clients, creating custom handrails and personalized touches. One project involved adding moveable shelves and potholders to
create an ever-changing Zen garden plant wall in a split-level entryway. Navin finds inspiration from being present in nature. A close encounter with a bald eagle while paddle boarding prompted a sculpture currently in the works. “If something makes me smile, that is when the wheels start turning,” he says. “And sometimes, it just goes back to the ‘built not bought’ mindset. Then, inspiration transitions to challenge. That has truly been the most rewarding part of working for myself — the creative freedom to just let it flow.”
One project in particular will stay with Navin forever. He had installed a handrail on a front porch for a longtime Fruita resident in her 90s. She was delighted to be out on her sunny porch again and expressed gratitude with an afternoon of iced tea and cookies.
“We sat there talking for the rest of the day,” he recalls. “I can’t think of a better compliment than gaining a grandma.” :
JOHN CALDEN BOOTS
AT THE SOLE OF IT ALL
Words by Laura Mills | Photos courtesy of John Calden
As the summer months begin to meet us warmly, it’s time to plan our hikes, repair our gear and let the excitement for upcoming adventures build. With the previous season’s wear becoming apparent on that well-loved pair of boots, it might be time for something new. Colorado is home to many gear experts and makers, yet few surpass the knowledge and skill of bootmaker John Calden.
Residing in Estes Park and working out of his shop for the last 40 years, Calden has had the opportunity to outfit some of the world’s best hiking and mountaineering experts. Dr. Thomas Hornbein, author of Everest: The West Ridge and namesake of the Hornbein Couloir, David Breashears, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest more than once, and Jeff Lowe, accomplished alpinist with over one-thousand first ascents, are just a few of the athletes he’s assisted.
What about these boots makes them so special? Other than the labor of love Calden puts into each pair, they are a custom boot encompassing elements of the best gear on the
market with a unique style. Over the years, Calden has repaired and produced many boots ranging from hiking, backcountry skiing, mountaineering and everything in between; he has put his personal touch on thousands of pairs in a plethora of styles.
Calden starts off with a carefully designed fitting process that he has perfected. Stopping by his shop for a personal fitting and conversation is the way to go. With his positive yet realistic outlook on the world, humility and gratitude are common adjectives that come to mind when thinking of him. Not able to make it to Estes Park in the near future? He will send you an at-home measuring kit that has been fool-proof throughout his 40+ years of boot making.
Calden has many measurements he accounts for, one of which starts where the laces do, not far back from the toe. This results in no lacing adjustments across the top of the foot, allowing plenty of room in the toe box. Some could say this leaves room for sliding and slippage of the foot, but due to the meticulous customization of each boot, slippage and break-in time are nonexistent. Calden carefully selects a fiberglass support shank that lives between the base and sole of the boot. These keep the boots light, strong and limit the possibility of rust and breakage over time. Next comes the sole; Calden has been using Vibram soles for his whole career — #100 lug soles to be exact. This particular brand of soles is made of rubber compounds, meaning the rubber is treated to harden or soften according to its use. Using these soles allows Calden to create boots from size three to 20 in all lengths and widths.
It would be an injustice to the boot design to not mention its double-tongue element — something Calden introduced to allow the wearer to continue making customized adjustments to the boot depending on the type of sock they wear or the activity the boot is intended for.
Calden’s clients are a mix of avid mountain men and women and those with specific needs, such as different sized feet, particularly high or low arches and custom fit orthotics.
Though Calden clearly has a skill for boot making, that was not his original passion in life. When Calden was studying criminology in his hometown of Oakland, California, he took a leather crafting course, resulting in his first creation — a belt. As time went on, Calden developed a love for leather work and would make belts, mend and repair leather for his family and friends, and began making sandals. While on vacation in Estes Park, Calden’s boss at the time encouraged him to stop by Komito Boots — a boot fitting and repair shop owned by boot making expert and avid climber, Steve Komito. Komito and Calden had much in common, leading Comito to offer Calden a job on the spot. The timing wasn’t right for Calden, but in the coming years he would find himself back in Colorado for good.
In the summer of ’72, Calden spent a year developing his boot-making craft while, in true Colorado style, living in the back of his pickup truck in the woods with his dear pup Huckleberry. Come spring, he found himself working for Komito repairing boots in his Estes Park shop, which soon turned into renting out a corner of the shop and developing his own unique style. From there, his career was truly born. Today, you can find Calden still making boots in his shop with grandchildren playing at his feet. When he’s not in the shop, Calden and his wife enjoy fishing, skiing and traveling together. He made it known that this career has not been about the money, but rather the experience of getting to know a wide variety of people all over the world that share a common love of the mountainous lands we have a hunger to explore. :
Interested in getting a pair of your own? Stop by Estes Park or check out johncaldenboots.com.
Shinyribs
ENJOY LIVE MUSIC ALONGSIDE THE COLORADO RIVER AGAIN
PALISADE BLUEGRASS & ROOTS FESTIVAL IS BACK
Words by Sharon Sullivan | Photo by Wyatt McSpadden
Western Colorado is known for its wonderful live music in the great outdoors; one of the first major musical events to kick off the season is the Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival, which happens June 10-12, 2022.
The festival takes place in Palisade’s Riverbend Park, set beside the Colorado River, with views of the iconic Mt. Garfield to the northwest and Grand Mesa looking east. Festivities kick off Friday with an array of Colorado artists beginning at 3 p.m. with singersongwriter duo Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears, who play fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo and upright bass.
The Red Mountain Boys follow at 5 p.m., with The River Arkansas taking the stage at 7 p.m. Rapidgrass, a band that blends classical, gypsy, bluegrass, pop, swing and other world rhythms, will close out Friday’s performances.
Opening on Saturday at 11 a.m. will be the duo The Lowest Pair, followed at 1 p.m. by Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs — a band voted Best Bluegrass Band by Bozeman Magazine from 2017-2021. A North Carolina-based ensemble, Acoustic Syndicate, will perform at 3 p.m.
The Grammy-nominated, all female, string band Della Mae takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. The group is not a traditional bluegrass band; instead,
they call themselves a “string or Americana” band, says singer and guitar and washboard player Celia Woodsmith.
Della Mae has performed previously in Palisade, and they’re excited to return, Woodsmith says. “We took a winery tour. It’s a great little festival.” (Check the website for information regarding festival-related events going on that weekend, like winery tours and bourbon tastings, as well as paddleboard and rafting experiences).
Jamestown Revival will close out Saturday’s music, with a show starting at 8 p.m. The group’s founders, Zach Chance and Jon Clay, began playing music together while they were teenagers growing up in Texas, where they both began writing songs at age 15. Clay plays electric and acoustic guitar, slide and dobro, while Chance plays piano and acoustic guitar.
“We don’t claim to be a bluegrass band. Although, we’re inspired by it and pull from the genre,” says Chance. “We call ourselves an Americana roots band pulling from blues, R&B, country and traditional folk.” In Palisade, they’ll have a full band including Ross Holmes of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
The music and fun continue Sunday with The Dirty Grass Players opening at 11 a.m., followed by Brothers Comatose performing at 1 p.m.
At 3 p.m., the Austin-based, nine-piece band Shinyribs will take the stage. (After seeing this high-energy group perform in Ridgway, Colorado a few years ago, I’m especially looking forward to this show!) Founder Kevin Russell — who sings, writes most of the songs and plays guitar and ukulele — grew up in southeast Texas: “a pocket of Louisiana culture,” he describes. Along with country, soul and rock-and-roll, their music is heavily influenced by New Orleans, gulf coast and rhythm and blues. “I love the alchemy of mashing genres together,” Russell shares. “It’s what makes American music so interesting.”
Steep Canyon Rangers will close out the weekend with their performance starting at 5:30 p.m.
Food vendors will be present at the festival, as well as locally crafted beer from Palisade Brewery and cocktails made from gin, vodka and whisky from Peach Tree Distillers in Palisade. While you can bring your own food to the festival, outside beverages are not allowed. Free water is available.
Three-day festival ticket holders may also purchase camping passes until spaces sell out. In the campground, the music often continues into the wee morning hours — occasionally with festival artists joining in the jams.
The town of Palisade provides free shuttles to transport festivalgoers to local wineries and other festival-related events around Palisade. Bicycling (consider bringing your own bike) is also a fun way to get around town.
Stand-up paddleboard yoga is offered on Saturday, and morning yoga on the grass is available both Saturday and Sunday. Paddleboards and kayaks will be available for rent throughout the day on Friday and Saturday. A float trip is another option via Palisade River Trips and Rapid Creek Cycles. :
Check out the website to purchase tickets and for more information: palisademusic.com.
WINERY & TASTING ROOM
202 Peach Avenue / Palisade, CO 81526 / 970.464.2185
The Winery & Tasting Room is located in the heart of Downtown Palisade. Named after an old English pub, the indoor space and large outdoor patio is a place to come and relax, to chat and enjoy a glass of wine, and have a bite to eat at Le Snack food truck.
We are open daily.
Humble wine for the curious mind...
MONTROSE
BIG AMPHITHEATER READY FOR BIG SOUNDS
Words by Gus Jarvis | Photo courtesy of Rotary Amphitheater
All eyes (and ears) around the Western Slope will focus on Montrose this summer as a full lineup of music comes to the new, beautifully designed and strikingly large Montrose Rotary Amphitheater in Cerise Park.
Completed last November, the $2.8 million facility, managed by the City of Montrose, can hold upwards of 5,000 people. Unlike other large venues on the Western Slope, the facility’s purpose is not to generate revenue through event ticket sales, but rather, to serve as an asset to the community in the same manner as other city parks and facilities. With its expansive stage, infrastructure built for food and beverage vendors and the space to hold a large crowd, how big can music lovers dream when it comes to hosting popular musical acts?
“I think really big,” says Montrose public works manager Jim Scheid. He compared the venue to Grand Junction’s amphitheater at Las Colonias Park, which has attracted acts like Travis Tritt, ZZ Top, Whiskey Myers and Snoop Dogg. “This venue is different, but I would shoot for those kinds of acts. It’s capable and has a similar size, but there’s a different environment here. Montrose is a hub for Telluride, Ouray, Delta, Gunnison and Crested Butte. We have that regional pull here, and this amphitheater could pull more of those mountain communities in.”
Scheid admits there is a lot to be seen before those kinds of acts take the Rotary Amphitheater stage, but exciting, diverse music is already set to fill the air as the popular Montrose Summer Music Series finds its new home this summer at the amphitheater. The sounds of blues, country, reggae and zydeco will be featured on the first Fridays of June, July, August and September as part of this summer’s free music series. For series Director Dave Bowman, the new venue has unique specifications to attract all kinds of different acts.
“It’s going to offer up the ability to do a lot more than four- and five-piece bands,” he shares.
“The stage is big enough to hold symphonies. Really, the only limitation is creativity and imagination. You could hold dance performances and movies. The sky is the limit as far as the type of entertainment you can put out there.”
Bowman adds that he’s especially impressed with the architecture of the amphitheater; both the head architect and the electrical engineers are musicians who designed it with a focus on the best audio amplification.
The 2022 Montrose Summer Music Series lineup starts on June 3 with blues, funk and soul saxophonist Vanessa Collier with Crazy Like a Fox opening. On July 1, the zydeco sounds of Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble will hit the stage with local bluesman Kipori Woods opening. On August 5, Cody Hibbard will take the stage with Ridgway band Little Giant opening. Finally, on September 2, reggae grooves from Niceness will be featured with Ghost River band opening. All shows will feature a host of local food and beverage vendors. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the opening act starting at 6 p.m. Headliners start at 7:30 p.m. “This is going to be our first big test,” Scheid believes, adding that several promoters have toured the facility with the interest in bringing music to the new stage. “It will be great to see what we’ve envisioned become a reality.”
Pickin’ Productions founder Rob Miller echoes Bowman’s excitement for the venue. Pickin’ Productions produces popular concert series throughout the West Slope, including Paonia, Ridgway and Moab. While he couldn’t provide specifics on any scheduled shows for the Rotary Amphitheater, he’s excited about, and in the process of, planning future shows.
“Pickin’ Productions has formed a strong team composed of a handful of music industry people, all independent, all based in Western Colorado,” Miller says. “We’re working on putting together some exciting shows at the new amp!” :
Stay tuned for more lineup information from the City of Montrose. Visit the Montrose Summer Music Series Facebook page and Pickin’ Production’s website at pickinproductions.com.
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ORGANIC SOURDOUGH BAKERY
KULINA LANI
Words by Sharon Sullivan | Photos courtesy of Kulina Lani
Avariety of artisan breads cool on racks behind the counter at an organic sourdough bakery in Grand Junction. In the cold case are sandwiches — egg salad stuffed baguette, a baguette filled with an olive tapenade, roasted turkey on a croissant, baked ricotta smothered in roasted sundried tomato puree on focaccia. All breads and pastries, including cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, coffee cakes and muffins, are made with sourdough starter.
A steady clientele has grown each week since Pam and Shane Harsh opened Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough Bakery in November 2021. Customers appreciate the bakery’s dedication to using organic and local ingredients whenever possible. The shop is located at 664 North Ave. #4.
“We hear over and over from people that they’ve been waiting for something like this,” says Pam Harsh, who grew up in Paonia with a mother who baked with sourdough all the time. She recalls her fruit farmer grandfather, Shyrl Knight, always keeping a sourdough starter, which is created by allowing flour and water to ferment to become a leavening agent — a technique used by bakers for tens of thousands of years.
During that fermentation process different types of bacteria eat gluten and sugars contained in the grain; the resulting carbon dioxide
allows bread dough to rise. Gluten levels drop significantly during the fermentation process; thus, many people who are gluten-intolerant consume Kulina Lani bread with no problems, explains Pam Harsh.
Fermentation causes the sugar level to drop, too, which makes sourdough bread a lowglycemic choice. “We have diabetics who shop with us,” as well as people who’ve been sensitive to gluten, Pam Harsh adds.
“When you use commercial fast-acting yeast, you skip all of that just so it can be made fast. Commercial yeast has 75,000 parts per million of gluten in a loaf,” she notes. “My loaves have 12 parts per million of gluten.”
Pam Harsh recommends the doublefermented porridge loaf to people who’ve been avoiding bread due to gluten. She named it porridge for its mix of ingredients: spelt, buckwheat, oats, amaranth, rye, flax seed and heirloom wheat.
“Gluten is hard for our bodies to break down,” she explains. “I left commercial yeast long ago. I use sourdough for everything — pastries, pizza, pie crust.”
Kulina Lani purchases its grains locally whenever possible. For example, the Jefferson Wheat loaf is made from grain grown in Hotchkiss (Jefferson refers to the seed strain). Spelt grain comes from the Cortez area. All grains used at the bakery are milled fresh in-house and grown organically on rich, biodiverse soils.
For its sandwiches and quiches, Kulina Lani uses organic eggs from Field2Fork Farm in Palisade and organic veggies from Field2Fork and Gro Fresh 365, an organic garden and greenhouse in Grand Junction. The bakery sells candy carrots and lettuce greens from the farms.
The bakery also serves organic and locallyroasted coffee from Roastiva in Grand Junction.
Additionally, Kulina Lani offers kombucha from Grand Jun Beverage Company, owned and brewed by Sarah Wood. “She makes a signature flavor for us,” Pam Harsh shares. “Her fermentation and our fermentation are a beautiful partnership.”
Harsh met her husband Shane in Greeley where he owned an organic farm before moving to Hawaii’s Big island.
Kulina is Hawaiian for “corn” and Lani means “heavenly” or “from Heaven.” Kulina Lani was the name of a farm and bakery the couple owned in Hawaii where they spent seven years farming, baking and raising three kids.
In Hawaii, Harsh, who has always loved to bake, began making bread for sandwiches for a friend’s gourmet grilled cheese food truck. People began asking where they could purchase loaves of the bread, which led to selling sourdough bread in farmers’ markets full time on the Big Island. “On the first day we sold 40; on the last day (four years later) we sold 500 loaves.” The couple moved back to Colorado in 2020.
Pam and Shane rise early to arrive at the bakery by 2:30 a.m. where they work 14-hour days, six days a week. Harsh calls her crew of 13 “the best staff on the planet” — talented professionals who “have a heart for really good food.”
Harsh says they don’t mind keeping baker’s hours. They spend their days doing what they love with employees they appreciate and respect. “We love this; it’s what we do,” she says. “We enjoy our team.”
The bakery is closed Sunday and Monday — the day they bake for wholesale accounts like Bin 707 Foodbar, Devil’s Kitchen Restaurant and Bar, Café Sol and Rooted Gypsy Farms. :
Open Tues. - Sat. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 970.539.5444 / kulinalani.com
VAIL VALLEY’S PREMIER MEAT & SEAFOOD MARKET
the corner @ edwards 56 edwards village blvd / 105 edwards, co 81632
pasture-raised beef & lamb free-range chicken seasonal sustainable seafood and so much more
970.926.3007 cutvail.com
adventure + experience guide Special Advertising Section
RockyTrax Adventure Rentals RockyTrax offers camper, overlanding and dual sport/dirt bike rentals. Additional services include camper delivery and set up, self-guided rides, base camp lodging and off-road riding lessons — just let them know your needs! rockytrax.com 970.361.0402 Western Slope SUP Discover Western Colorado’s iconic sandstone river canyons with Western Slope SUP. Let WSSUP’s expert instructors be your guide on daily or overnight river adventures. Based in the North Fork Valley, WSSUP offers stand-up paddle river tours, whitewater rafting and rentals. westernslopesup.com 970.872.2352 Timberleaf Trailers Timberleaf offers a variety of beautiful, handcrafted teardrop trailers that are perfect for your next outdoor excursion. Lightweight trailers that are easy to tow and come in a variety of designs to fit your style. Visit their website to learn more about these unique teardrop trailers and customize the perfect one for you! timberleaftrailers.com
COLORADO ANGLING COMPANY
Established in 2016, CAC has grown into a one-of-a-kind fly fishing experience. They pride themselves in their senior guide staff and access to some of the most exclusive water in the Eagle River Valley and the entire state. CAC strives to create a unique experience with a private chef, private water and private cabin on the banks of the Eagle River. Picture yourself enjoying a chef-inspired lunch and creme brûlée riverside — why wouldn’t you? CAC permitting allows endless float and wade trip opportunities on the Colorado, Roaring Fork and of course the Eagle rivers. They value the connection with their clientele and strive to create life-long memories and life-long relationships. LET COLORADO ANGLING COMPANY HOST YOUR NEXT EXPERIENCE ON THE WATER.
coloradoanglingcompany.com 970.368.5959
adventure + experience guide Special Advertising Section
MOUNTAIN BIKING TRIPS IN UTAH
Don’t let the name fool you, Holiday River Expeditions knows biking! Known for running world-class rafting experiences for 50+ years, they also outfit epic mountain biking adventures through the most beautiful parts of Utah. A must on any biker’s bucket list is the White Rim Trail bike tour in Canyonlands National Park — a trip for intermediate-level riders. For an advanced experience, ride deep into the Maze, a remote region of Canyonlands National Park. Biking here offers impossibly beautiful landscapes and is strictly regulated to preserve its wilderness values. The October San Rafael Swell bike and stargazing trip will take you to Utah’s “Little Grand Canyon.” All these biking trips are fully catered and van-supported, leaving you only having to carry yourself along the trails. 3-5 day trips start at $820 per person. Learn more at bikeraft.com/ mountain-biking-trips/. 801.266.2087
WET DREAMS RIVER SUPPLY
Wet Dreams River Supply is Grand Junction’s and the West Slope’s only river and paddle sports specific retailer. They offer whitewater rafts, fishing rafts, inflatable SUPs, inflatable kayaks, whitewater kayaks, fishing kayaks, recreational kayaks and all of the accessories to complement your paddling needs. They also make their own sewn accessories to complete your expedition and daily rafting rigs. Their house-made products have been tested by private outdoors enthusiasts and professionals on every continent around the globe.
418 S 7th Street l Grand Junction, CO wdrsgj.com 970.640.0737
YOU ARE WHAT YOU ABSORB
GUT CHECK
Words by Sarah Wood
Our guts are getting a lot of attention these days. Our overall health and wellbeing is directly affected by not only what we eat but by what we absorb. As part of my own health journey and continuing education on the fermented food and beverage business, I recently started working with Jacqui Edgerly, owner of Nettles Nutrition. Edgerly is a functional nutritionist, nutritional therapy practitioner and clinical herbalist who helps outdoor enthusiasts struggling with fatigue and digestive discomfort heal their gut and regain their energy, so they can get back to the trails.
Edgerly is no stranger to being active in the outdoors. She is a former professional Big Mountain Skier from Aspen and, through her own journey to health and connection to nature, has found a path to help others.
“As outdoor enthusiasts, it is absolutely essential to support the gut,” says Edgerly. “Every cell in the body relies on the digestive system to function optimally.” Edgerly utilizes a number of diagnostic tests and works individually with each client to learn their lifestyle habits. “I look at the whole body and piece together a client’s diet, lifestyle, functional lab testing, blood sugar balance, mineral levels, adrenal health and detoxification status to develop a plan to support the entire system,” she explains.
Because each of our microbiomes are as unique as we are, getting individualized treatment is important to understanding how to improve our health. Without this balance and support, Edgerly warns, we are all at risk of malabsorption, joint pain, food reactions, low energy and constipation just to name a few harmful effects.
“We need nutrients such as fats, protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals for the body to be a well operating machine. If we are not absorbing these key drivers of the body, we can end up with lethargy, brain fog, anxiety, inflammation, low hormone levels and can be more susceptible to injury,” Edgerly adds.
It is important to note that there are a wide range of factors that can contribute to or deteriorate our overall gut health and wellbeing. It takes time to build health, just as it takes time to erode it. Edgerly may work with clients for six months to over a year or more depending on the conditions and factors at play. It can be hard to know what step to take first, and Edgerly suggests your local farmers’ market is a great place to start. It is a place to connect to the farmers, the food being grown and to learn more about the practices being used.
For instance, local produce grown organically and with regenerative farming practices are shown to have higher nutritional density. Here in the Grand Valley, Field to Fork Organic Farm in Palisade offers a four-season, organic, low/ no till farming practice with a wide array of produce, meat and fruit options. Rooted Gypsy Farms and Farm Runners gather wonderful local farm options in their CSA programs, as well. While we are digging into the practices used to grow our fresh food, Edgerly also reminds us to read the ingredient lists in the pantry and reduce the number of highly processed, preserved and packaged foods we buy.
Including a variety of fermented foods and beverages throughout our weekly meals can be helpful, as well. These foods and beverages can add a probiotic boost to the gut microbiome where diversity in types of “good” bacteria is important. Local producers such as Ozuke out of Hotchkiss and Feisty Kimchi in Grand Junction provide some tasty kimchi options. Luv Box Foods in Durango ferments a plethora of products
including miso and tempeh. Kulina Lani Organic Sourdough Bakery in Grand Junction offers fermented breads and sandwiches that are gut friendly and ready for the trail. Of course, while there you can enjoy a glass of Grand Jun — my local honey and green tea based jun kombucha — for a refreshing probiotic beverage. As you start to stock your home with whole foods and fermented options visit Edgerly’s blog (nettlesnutrition.com) for recipes to help keep you inspired in the kitchen.
Last, but certainly not least, Edgerly encourages us to “take time to rest. You deserve a pause and a breath. This is where healing happens.” :
JACQUI EDGERLY’S FAVORITE ON-THE-GO NUTRITION
When we are out backpacking, hiking and camping, we have limited ways we can prepare and carry our meals. As I stand in front of the shelves at the local grocery store, I have to admit, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide what to put in my pack. Edgerly suggests that the same rules apply — less processed and more whole food ingredients. n Nuts n Fruit n Avocado with sea salt n Banana and nut butter n Sweet potato, sea salt, olive oil n RX brand bars n Epic brand bars
Keeping Western Coloradans Active For Over 20 Years
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Disclaimer: All information presented here is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration, and it is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction whatsoever. No action should be taken solely based on the contents of this article. This information isn’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease, nor is it medical advice. One should always consult a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary and/or lifestyle change.
CANYONEERING IN SOUTHERN UTAH
GET IN THE WILD
Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy of Get In The Wild
As my heels tentatively contacted the peaks of the extraordinary rock formations, my heart rate spiked while staring down at the 90-foot canyon beneath me. Still, I prepared to descend the steep slope — triple checking my harness and carabiners. To no surprise, doubt and a paralyzing reluctance flooded my veins. My guide, Christopher Hagedorn, instructed me to meditate, paying special attention to my breath. I let the soft hymn of the desert wind quiet my scattered headspace. Hagedorn has been a guide in the red rock canyons of southern Utah for over a decade. This was probably his thousandth time helping a beginner like myself repel into a canyon in Goblin Valley State Park. Inhale, exhale, my breath started to steady.
Hagedorn founded his guiding service, Get In The Wild, for just this purpose: to take small groups to off-the-beaten-path spots to discover not only something new about the outdoors, but themselves. His wife and business partner, Melissa Phillips, taught us about breathwork atop a glorious mountain in Capitol Reef National Park the day before, and the tool was proving handier than initially expected.
The iconic duo’s philosophy of “never assume” instantly soothes worriers like me when it comes to safety and near staggering heights. But despite trusting Hagedorn, who was my belayer, and his impressive line of gear and experience, fear of the unknown is not only natural, but expected.
Despite every bone in my body holding on for dear life, I made my way down the sandstone lair, breath by breath, truly feeling all the support in the world. Inhale, exhale, I released an outward sigh of relief as my toes finally kissed the earth minutes later. I immediately turned to hug Phillips and together we called back up to Hagedorn, “Off rope!”
Get In The Wild facilitates adventures like this all across southern Utah and Washington year-round. The wilderness education and adventure travel company offers canyoneering, hiking, photography and multi-day adventures in addition to its wildly popular Yoga In The Wild sector.
For the adventure junkie, a canyoneering expedition might be just what the doctor ordered. The sport is a type of mountaineering that involves traveling in canyons using techniques such as rappelling and scrambling. While Western Colorado is no stranger to the sport, southern Utah is an ideal destination not only because of its plentiful options, but rich history and distinct topography, making it well worth the trip. Hagedorn and Phillips make sure to inform their guests of the geological formations and bountiful flora and fauna during each expedition. Get In The Wild has eight guides total, and all lead guides maintain a Wilderness First Responder certification. Together, they have a 100% success rate. Get In The Wild believes anyone can benefit from an outdoor adventure, regardless of age, shape, size or ability. The outdoor outfitter has taken everyone from a blind person, those with hip and knee replacements and someone with Parkinson’s to even the Utah governor’s family on a canyoneering expedition. Whether you’re 3 years old or 80 (both ages they’ve worked with), Get In The Wild has you covered. : n Spend the night at the Red Sands Hotel & Spa, located about 200 miles from Grand Junction.
The newly renovated property is an ideal basecamp to explore the stunning surrounding geography. It features an onsite restaurant, yoga room, star deck, pool and full-service spa to recover in after a long day adventuring. redsandshotel.com
n Grab a well-deserved dinner at Hell’s
Backbone Grill & Farm in Boulder, Utah. The remote restaurant is a 2022 James Beard
Award semifinalist — and one taste of their outstanding farm-to-table meals will make it clear why! hellsbackbonegrill.com
Book your next adventure at getinthewild.com. Learn more about canyoneering in Utah at visitutah.com.
GEAR PROFILE
HIMALI
BORN IN NEPAL, BASED IN BOULDER
Words by Cabrini Klepper | Photo courtesy of HIMALI
An International Friendship Breeds Sustainable, Charitable Climbing Gear
In 2014, native Coloradan Dave Schaeffer crossed paths with Nepali Tendi Sherpa at the base of the highest peak in South America. Instantaneously, an international friendship began and the premium mountaineering apparel brand HIMALI followed.
Schaeffer discovered rock-climbing in high school as a place to channel his excess energy. At 17 years old, he started his own climbing hold company, following in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps. Schaeffer and Sherpa meeting is an event Schaeffer describes as, “The tipping point for both of us.” Certified IMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Association) and 13-time Everest summiteer, Sherpa comes from a family of monks in a small Nepali village called Saisima. He grew up watching his Nepali community make a living in the mountains. Without receiving much credit, Sherpa cleaned trash, set power lines and put in days of hard work to better his hometown. Now, Sherpa is better able to support his family and community through his climbing career.
“Tendi has always had a huge heart, an incredible work ethic and a strong desire to help lift his community up in any way he could,” Schaeffer describes. “This combination of generosity and mountain experience deeply aligned with what I wanted this brand to be about; it was a very natural partnership. I couldn’t ask for a better co-founder.”
Although mountaineering is the core of HIMALI, you don’t have to be a mountaineer to get HIMALI’s core message — pushing your limits and fueling your passion to explore wild space, according to Schaeffer.
“We have CEOs who get up before work to mountain bike, NASA scientists, college students, entrepreneurs, weekend warriors and vagabonds who all connect to the brand,” Schaeffer adds. “We welcome everyone.”
Sherpa and Schaeffer built HIMALI on the pillars of performance, community and sustainability. Every piece of gear, brand partnership and media clip reflects one of HIMALI’s three core values. The HIMALI logo is the letter “H” and encapsulates the number 14. This specific logo reflects the Himalayas — home to the 14 tallest mountain peaks on the planet — which serves as a reminder to create quality gear capable of withstanding the world’s highest and harshest demands.
PERFORMANCE
HIMALI believes our world’s wild spaces shouldn’t be taken for granted. This pillar seeks to inspire people to reach bigger than assumed possible — to encourage people to achieve peak performance in anything meaningful to them, such as career, meditation, mountaineering, you name it.
“Our beginnings and the core of our brand is mountaineering, but the message is greater than that,” Schaeffer explains. “We create gear that is built to support your biggest pursuits and to give you confidence as you chase your potential.”
Currently, HIMALI is sold in over 40 countries across the world. Because mountaineering is a niche sport, big peaks attract people on a global scale. Additionally, Sherpa’s guiding company regularly leads people on international expeditions. HIMALI’s pro and ambassador programs also make up an integral part of perfecting gear performance and building the HIMALI community. The pro program is about getting design feedback from athletes of varying sports, after they’ve thoroughly worn the freely given product. If the product surpasses athlete expectations, it’s ready for consumers. The pro and ambassador programs enable HIMALI to keep improving every step of the way.
COMMUNITY
Support, mentorship and guidance are important aspects of the climbing community. HIMALI uplifts global communities by partnering with varying social programs, as well as donating portions of gear to people who need and use it. One prominent partnership is with the Tendi Sherpa Foundation (TFS), which works to provide rural areas of Nepal with opportunities for education and to create safer working environments — to support humanitarian efforts and give people the foundation to thrive.
Communication is another critical facet of HIMALI’s emphasis on community. This explains HIMALI’s phenomenal overall media presence, evident on their Instagram and blog.
“We want people to really be able to understand what we are about and to know we put care, thought and attention into every part of the process,” Schaeffer shares, “from initial concept to execution.”
SUSTAINABILITY
HIMALI uses high-performing, recycled materials and fluorocarbon-free waterproofing. They source from Responsible Down Standards (RDS) suppliers and partner with bluesign® system. Additionally, HIMALI seriously considers material selection and chooses their manufacturers thoughtfully. Manufacturers for HIMALI hold themselves to the highest environmental and ethical standards in the clothing industry. :
himalilife.com
GEAR PROFILE
DIAMONDBACK RELEASE 5C
Words by Kim Fuller | Photo courtesy of Diamondback
Whether we acknowledge it or not, brand loyalty is a thing. It’s not that it’s helpful or logical for anyone to feel “connected” to gear that sports a certain logo, but isn’t it true that emotion and nostalgia bring us back to brands over and over again, year after year?
I didn’t grow up riding Diamondback Bikes, but in 2017 I demoed and bought a Diamondback Clutch 2, a women’s specific and all-mountain steed. My first day out on the bike was spent on Gooseberry Mesa near St. George, Utah. While my riding is more advanced now than it was then, the punchy slickrock and technical obstacles would likely still present similar challenge to what I felt that spring. But even through the hardest parts, I felt like my bike had my back.
It’s half a decade later, and my riding is ready for an upgrade. Buying a mountain bike is a big deal, considering all the choices and the hefty price tags on the market. Diamondback became an easy point of reference, and it didn’t take long for the Release 5C to shine through. We can talk specifications, but when it comes down to it, this really is quite the bike and the price is right. I did my own research and then learned a little bit more from an interview with Michael Brown, vice president of product development for Diamondback.
“The geometry of the Release is set up to tackle many levels of terrain,” Brown explains. “The approach we took when planning this bike was to create a bike that excels on the descents, feels like a dream in the twisty bits and is second to none on the climbs.”
The geometry and suspension differential creates a balanced feel on the Release, and the 150 mm of travel is ready to tackle anything. Couple that with the shorter 130 mm travel rear end and here is a bike that enables riders to really take advantage of flicking the bike around, feeling more in control and playful as they happily maneuver through buff or rough trail.
Brown says the Level Link Suspension system found on the Release 5C is “crafted for the climbs.” With the short link that is “inline” with the chain under sag, unwanted reduction in pedal performance is eliminated.
“Quite frankly, the Release is just as happy to hit a feature-filled double black diamond trail as it is a bermed-out flow trail and the twisty rocky and rooty trails,” he adds. “As a ‘mid’ travel bike, it is capable of so much more, or less; it excels on all trails.” After riding my new Release 5C a few times (and happily rocking the vibrant color called Orange Vibe Gloss), Diamondback does feel like my brand, and I’m happy to have their back the way they have mine. :
The Release 5C is $5,200. diamondback.com
