Photo of the Week # 14

"Moore" Adventure ~ October, 2009

Dad and me at "Sugarland Overlook" in Grayson Highlands State Park!

Modern Day Explorer Comes to Winston-Salem!

Columbus, Magellan, Lewis & Clark... Meet Jon Bowermaster

I think most of us generally think of "explorers" in the past tense, as if there is nothing left on the planet to be discovered! How 'big' of us, right? I know I'm guilty as charged. There are still plenty of unexplored corners of the world, and tomorrow, October 26th, residents of Winston-Salem, NC, will have the opportunity to meet a modern day explorer. Jon Bowermaster is a National Geographic Explorer/Adventurer and award-winning writer and filmmaker. It has taken Bowermaster a decade to complete his film project, "OCEANS 8," and - tomorrow - he will present two slide shows, the first at Forsyth Country Day School, a local private school, and the second at Wake Forest University, on the effects of climate change in Antarctica.

For his "OCEANS 8" project, Bowermaster and his team explored bodies of water near the Aleutian Islands, Vietnam, French Polynesia, Chile/Argentina/Bolivia, Gabon, Croatia, Tasmania, and lastly, Antarctica, the focus of his slide shows and the capstone film to his project. "Terra Antarctica" is currently a finalist in the Blue Ocean Film Festival. View the trailer for some stunning footage of this arctic landscape:



The presentations are sponsored by National Geographic, Mountain Hardwear, and Great Outdoor Provision Co. Since the slide show at Forsyth Country Day School is limited to students and faculty, you should try to make it out to the one at Wake Forest (assuming you are a Winston resident...). It will be held at 7 pm in the Annenberg Forum in Carswell Hall.

Bear Grylls and How He's Changing Everything

Mission: Renaissance

Bear Grylls is mostly known for performing outrageous stunts and eating disgusting foods in his survival series, Man vs. Wild, which I frequently bring up on this blog. A while ago he suffered some weighty criticism when the media labeled him a fraud and blew the reality behind his show way out of proportion. While the negative media attention was pretty strong, Grylls handled it well and was honest with people about the "behind-the-scenes" life of filming an outdoor survival show. To make a long story short, it takes 12 days to film an hour's worth of adventure, and he generally spends 2 of those 12 days literally "surviving" in the wild. It is television, after all. There are liability concerns and logistics to deal with.

Luckily, he recovered from the conflict and so did Man vs. Wild, which continues to put out quality episodes on the Discovery Channel.When push comes to shove, the quarrels about authenticity and production techniques are really beside the point. The show is designed to entertain, and while he can't vouch for the television executives, Gryll's motivations are sound and noble. Bear Grylls is the real deal, a man concerned with the future of children across the world. His show has inspired hundreds upon hundreds of young people around the world to venture into the unknown again! And these days the "unknown" is as close as the backyard. Grylls, the new "Chief Scout" in the UK, is a role model for children (and some adults! can I get a show of hands??). It also seems, as time goes by, Grylls becomes ever more comfortable discussing his Christian faith, which you can witness in the video below. Here is a guy - incredibly famous - yet giving the glory to God... and on national television!



I will never forget the episode when he is stranded on a plateau somewhere in the wilderness of Patagonia, sheltered behind a rock. The stars are out; it is windy and nearly freezing; and he's got a fire going. Alone, he pulls out the hand held camera and talks about his faith in God and how nights like this one remind him how small he is while also revealing how big his God is... As he says on occasion, he "cherishes" these experiences and looks to God for his strength.

In the next video, Grylls talks about his new book series for young adults, which gets me very excited! Not that I intend to read them - although I wouldn't rule that out necessarily, because I imagine they are pretty fun! - but it so encouraging to hear him talk about these books, what they mean to him, to children, their focus, and what he hopes they will accomplish.



In this technology driven culture (exhibit A, right?) we need more people like Bear Grylls. We need to inspire optimism and activity. We need to get young people (and ourselves) outside, away from the computer screens (MUST-BLOG-LESS, UGHH) and into the fresh air. There is so much joy to be found in the simple things of this world.

Thanks, Bear, for reminding us.

Bear vs. Cougar

From "The Bear" (1988)

The other day at school, a co-worker sent out this video to show to our students. I ended up showing it to every student I had that day on the grounds that it is AWESOME! Exciting, educational, and really well made. If you have a minute, check it out. You will not be disappointed.

Photo(s) of the Week # 13

October, 2009

Grayson Highlands State Park, VA

Sugarland Overlook

(Note the massive Christmas tree farm!)

(Wild pony near Mt. Rogers)

Both photos by George Moore (Genesis Studio Photography)

Nor'easter on the Mountain!

This Just In.... 60 mph winds - Sir Evan Blown Off the Mountain!

Hyperbole is my claim to fame. Okay, so I wasn't blown off the mountain, but boy was the wind strong up there! My Dad and I didn't make it too far up Mount Rogers, but we did explore Massie's Gap, where this video takes place. Check it out!

There's a lot more to come, but since I don't have the time to write up a full article just yet, here are a few more photos from our adventure.

(Dad taking photos in the Virginia Highlands:
Note the mist creeping over the mountain...)

(The Aviators are no more *deep sigh* ~ Suppose these "Mountain Shades" will have to do...)

(Who wouldn't want a log cabin on the side of a mountain?!)

Sneak Peak: Early Autumn Adventure with Dad

Smell the Woodsmoke and Taste the Glory of the Mountains!

Sir Evan here! Just got back from an adventure with my Dad in Southwest Virginia, where we explored the backcountry near Abingdon and Damascus and also made our way to Grayson Highlands State Park. The weather was uncooperative initially but cleared up this morning, providing us with some spectacular views of the Virginia highlands. From the photo, you can see how the vegetation is further along at the higher altitudes. We were blown away by the vibrant colors. Anyhow, more to come soon, so keep your eye on the horizon!

(Sugarland Overlook, Grayson Highlands State Park, VA)

Over the Mountains and Through the Woods, to Good 'Ole Virginia I Go!

October is Hiking Season...

On Friday, October 9th, I'm heading to Mount Rogers to meet my friend, Dan Stevens, on the Appalachian Trail. Some of you might remember that I mentioned "Cancer Takes a Hike" a while back. Well, Dan is spearheading this 'expedition,' in memory of his brother, Andy Stevens, another friend from my Blue Ridge days and a fierce spirit who we all miss dearly. Andy was still with us during Cancer Takes a Hike '08. The hiking endeavor was his dream, and he worked tirelessly to make it happen, garnering support from major sponsors, such as Mountain Hardwear, Suunto, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, MSR, and Thermarest, among others.

(Andy "Chemosabe" Stevens)

In 2009, Andy is hiking alongside us in spirit! Many friends and fellow hikers will join Dan on his 165 mile backpacking journey, meeting up with him at random places along the trail. This year I am glad to be joining Dan for nearly 3 full days!, since I could only participate for one day last year. Others will be joining us from Friday night to Monday morning, including my old college roommate, Josh Brown!

(Cancer Takes A Hike '08)

Be sure to take a look at the Cancer Takes a Hike website (link above), as it details more information about Andy Stevens, his passion for the outdoors, and his determination to fight colon cancer. There you will also find a mileage calendar so you can track Dan's progress, a list of the '09 participants (which is not up-to-date just yet), and information on how to donate to the Colon Cancer Alliance if you feel so inclined.

Stay tuned for a full trip report in the coming weeks, and get outside, too, if you can. October is hiking season!