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Someone asked me the other day if I stay in touch with the folks in my films. I said “yes, always.” I tend to get pretty emotionally invested. I don’t really know any other way. Yesterday I reunited with @allie.bianchi and @welcome2_mylife [Greg Durso] from Best Day Ever at Mountainfilm for the first time since filming in Vermont. I had been home tinkering on another movie puzzle while they’ve been traveling to festivals all over the world. I hear stories of standing ovations, champagne spraying, silly Q&A questions and broken femurs along the way. Lots of “wish you were here” photos that I adore. I hope @bestdayevermovie makes a difference. I hope it opens minds to the need for thoughtful adaptive trail solutions. But for me, I’m just grateful to have new friends. A heartfelt thanks to all who collaborated on Best Day Ever - As Michael Gardner often quoted: “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

About a year ago, I got a call from my close friend @elfrerichs. She’s the enigmatic movie boss at Arc’teryx. She asked if I’d consider a unique film project for her and photo God, @_drew_smith_ . They said it was about the friendship between two quietly extraordinary alpine climber boys named Michael Gardner and Sam Hennessey. Just a couple fellas who don’t take themselves very seriously, despite their undeniable prowess. Michael, Sam, Drew and Eugenie had a vision for the story - but that vision became less clear when Michael died on a climb in Nepal in 2024. Alas, the decision was made to stay as true as possible to the film Michael wanted to make. A film about “the spirit,” as Michael and Sam referred to it. The spirit that radiates from a once in a lifetime friendship. This film is made for their community, all those who loved Michael and everyone who climbs with style, grace and humility. Deeply honored to screen my 23rd film at Mountainfilm this weekend with Co-Director Drew Smith, Teeth to the Wind. 📸 by Drew Smith

FILM SPOTLIGHT: Best Day Ever | Thursday Night, April 23

‘Best Day Ever’ follows the stories of adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso (@welcome2_mylife) and Allie Bianchi (@allie.bianchi) as they navigate the relentless challenges of their disabilities and embrace the tremendous support, friendship, and joy they find in their rural Vermont riding community. Watch them navigate disability and regain independence with humor, attitude, and grit on mountain bike trails that dismantle ableism, build community, and become a blueprint for trails anywhere.

@bestdayevermovie
Directors: @bernebroudy & @ben_knight

These poor bastards had to drop into a hilariously steep mogul run in complete darkness to get speed and barrel towards a disgusting ice swamp and then get completely blinded by my strobe. Photographers are silly. I can’t recall what year this was, but I think the interweb was just catching on. Love and miss you, Gabe.

Fresh eyes.

Fresh eyes.

Fresh eyes.

Not sure I ever actually shared the trailer for my latest film, Best Day Ever. I think it’s screened at 20 festivals so far since its premiere in October. I don’t attend screenings much anymore, but I love getting reports from the street gang about audience reaction and Q&A’s and awards. I feel ridiculously fortunate to be a part of projects like this. Stories that can actually create some positive change. Huge thanks to all who collaborated on this one: @bernebroudy @richmondmountaintrails @bec_wojtecki @welcome2_mylife @allie.bianchi @threepeaksmedia @scottbarberfilm @stefanjbeaumont @tylerwilkinsonray @spenceradventure802 @joeyschusler @cleod9music @chriscresci @kelly.brush.kbf @ktstj

Happy Solstice to those who celebrate. 🧚‍♀️

Happy Solstice to those who celebrate. 🧚‍♀️

Happy Solstice to those who celebrate. 🧚‍♀️

Happy Solstice to those who celebrate. 🧚‍♀️

Happy Solstice to those who celebrate. 🧚‍♀️

Happy Solstice to those who celebrate. 🧚‍♀️

Happy Solstice to those who celebrate. 🧚‍♀️

When you realize you could count on one hand how many photos you have of the whole street gang. Photo by @burnyourart

Rare bird sighting. This elusive warbler is typically only found at altitudes above 8,000 feet, but was spotted in Ocracoke eating a bag of Lays Dill Pickle flavored potato chips dipped in jalapeño pimento cheese. @burnyourart

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

Personal most intense mosquito experiences so far: #1 Kamchatka, Russia #2 Portsmouth Island, NC. Trying to convey the feeling this place gives me.

The gentle side of a big spinny cloud visited us this week and tried to create a new inlet on our highway. Nbd, all is well - but I keep thinking about how orange Voldemort is stiffing western NC on Helene relief. 😑

The gentle side of a big spinny cloud visited us this week and tried to create a new inlet on our highway. Nbd, all is well - but I keep thinking about how orange Voldemort is stiffing western NC on Helene relief. 😑

The gentle side of a big spinny cloud visited us this week and tried to create a new inlet on our highway. Nbd, all is well - but I keep thinking about how orange Voldemort is stiffing western NC on Helene relief. 😑

The gentle side of a big spinny cloud visited us this week and tried to create a new inlet on our highway. Nbd, all is well - but I keep thinking about how orange Voldemort is stiffing western NC on Helene relief. 😑

The gentle side of a big spinny cloud visited us this week and tried to create a new inlet on our highway. Nbd, all is well - but I keep thinking about how orange Voldemort is stiffing western NC on Helene relief. 😑

The gentle side of a big spinny cloud visited us this week and tried to create a new inlet on our highway. Nbd, all is well - but I keep thinking about how orange Voldemort is stiffing western NC on Helene relief. 😑

The gentle side of a big spinny cloud visited us this week and tried to create a new inlet on our highway. Nbd, all is well - but I keep thinking about how orange Voldemort is stiffing western NC on Helene relief. 😑