What is the single most
important piece of (nonessential) gear for you to have in the field, and why?
Without a doubt my two
necklaces (they are on right now as usual). I have one from my mom that she
gave me 20+ years ago. It is a pendant of St. Michael, my mom is Catholic and
had it blessed by her priest. She told me, that if I wear it, I will
always come home alive from my expeditions. And you know? I have
not take it off once in 20+ years! Seriously. Then the other necklace
is of my daughter. It is a small carving of a girl. I put it soon
after she was born. So now, she is always with me when I am gone, every
moment. I have not taken it off in 11 years, she is 11 now, almost 12
years old.
What’s your favorite snack
to take in the field? (Does your subject matter or environment ever limit your
food choices?)
Definitely Clif Bars and
their products. Really, not just a plug for them. I have taken huge
amounts of their products on every expedition for over 15 years now. It
works, and works well and is perfect expedition food. Also, I am obsessed
with Justin's Maple Almond Butter!!! Lots of dried foods that cook quick, but
whenever possible real food, cheese, beef jerky, chocolate, etc.
Complete this sentence:
When I starting working with NAT GEO, I never thought I would be ....
...so fortunate to work with
such amazing people, make such awesome new friends, and get to experience and
share with and through National Geographic...Truly a life long dream come true.
In one sentence, describe
the most breathtaking view you’ve enjoyed while in the field. In your response,
tell us where it is and why you ended up there.
I will never forget when I was
on the side of the Ship's Prow, a huge, 2,000 foot, vertical granite wall in
Baffin Island, I was all alone soloing about half way up the wall, and this
angel-ghost-white-like arctic owl was circling around me in all its peace and
glory, snow gently falling, about -20 degrees, it was just the owl and I,
checking each other out, curious about who or what this other being was...It
was a gift from the Universe that is on the front walls of my mind.
What is the most
treacherous terrain/environment or unpredictable situation you have
encountered?
Definitely in
Afghanistan. I went solo to try and climb a first ascent on a big 1,800
foot rock tower. About 800 feet up, huge natural rock fall (a rock flake
the size of my garage door) almost sent me to my grave. It was the
closest I have come to death. The rock cut up my ropes and left me in tears.
I retreated with my tail between my legs...Yet, came back the next year and was
able to make the summit.
In three sentences or less,
how did you get involved with National Geographic? Do you have any advice for
those who would love to be in your shoes.
I never rationed passion, in
other words I stayed true to my passion of adventure and expeditions and
bringing those stories home via photography, videography and writing. I
had been pursuing this passion for 20 years when a dream of mine came true: to
start working with National Geographic. My advice is simple: 100%
commitment and optimism and patience with whatever it is you love, whatever it
is that creates organic enthusiasm. Why ration passion?
