GPOWERSFILM Adventures: Quebec City Nordic World Cup

Gretchen Powers April 3, 2017

The history of Nordic skiing in my life in three sentences or less:

I was born on skis. I spent my younger years watching my dad wax skis for the US Nordic Combined team, making loops and zigzags with the bright pink, blue and purple waxes to keep me entertained. Despite the burning desire to be an Olympic skier that inhabits many a young Nordie I wasn’t really good enough to ski in college, let alone at any higher level. I turned to rowing in college to fuel my competitive nature and simultaneously learned I was pretty great at taking photos and making films so I poured myself into that instead.

Which brings us to 2017, wherein I found myself standing in a photo zone on the side of the World Cup race course in Quebec City shooting for the US Ski Team social media trying not to pass out as legends Marit Bjorgen, Charlotte Kalla and Jessie Diggins skied by warming up. Sure, it wasn’t the same thing as racing alongside these athletes, but for me, it was so much better. I attended the World Cup in a way I actually excelled. Keep scrolling for behind the scenes photos, our first EVER vlog and Kaleigh's worst joke she's ever made.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Friendly Canadians who helped us find a spot to park at our airbnb during a parking ban. Neverending fan-girl freakouts. Le Gruyere is actually delicious. Getting to wish our friends Sophie, Simi, Andy and Erika good luck in PERSON. Standing mere feet away from the FIS interviews with the winners. Running into some of our favorite members of the New England Ski Community and meeting a few for the first time I had only ever interacted with on social media. Blue bird days EVERY day. Rockstar Parking. Skiing on the Plains of Abraham as the sun was setting. Canada makes amazing GF pasta. Jessie Diggins shares my photos and calls me amazing. Unibroue variety 12 pack. Skiing at Mt. St. Anne in the best conditions we’ve had all year. Getting a selfie with Marit Bjorgen. Walking in Old Quebec. After party with all of the skiers. Albanese Gummy Bears.

“Well we’re out of spinach so we won’t have much Vitamin A today but we sure got enough Vitamin D” As Kaleigh inspects her sunburn.

For the rest of the action photos from the races: CLICK HERE

Getting Married This Summer Gift Guide

Gretchen Powers March 13, 2017

Wallet, purse, earrings, tie, money clip, bow tie, watch, necklace; what do all of these things have in common? If you’ve been in a wedding party recently you’ve probably received one of these things as a gift. As a sequel to my post on Munkpack’s Blog (Five Tips for Hosting an Outdoor, Adventure Wedding) Once you have the big event planned comes lots and lots of shopping. One of the things you may feel oblidged to purchase is a gift for your wedding party, parents, siblings or each other. Here are five of my favorite ideas for gifts will stand the test of time.

No 1. Enamel Mugs

If you have an instagram account you’ve seen these mugs – maybe not these exactly but a varietal of them. Emalco Enamelware based in Poland creates these mugs by hand – (you can check out a cool video on their website HERE) and most of the hip brands across the country are buying their enamel mugs from Emalco. Perfect for camping, road tripping and general outdoor merriment we recommend these as a great gift for either side of your wedding party. I especially love these bowl sized ones from Salmon Sisters that display an anchor on the side and the words “hold fast” on the interior bottom.

No 2. Timeless Knives

French-made wooden-handled knives – need I say more? Opinel offers a whole line of affordable folding knives. The Opinel No8 stainless steel blade is the most versatile blade in Opinel’s line of folding knives (the one featured here). In addition to being a reasonably priced, durable knife great for camping, or as a general pocket knife, the design is timeless and will keep your friends looking sharp for years to come. As an added bonus Opinel offers plenty of customization options for you to personalize the knives as you see fit.

No 3. Bags and Sachets

Known by many an adventurer for their bright colored, extremely rugged and durable packs, Topo Designs makes a few smaller items that would be a great alternative to the typical “clutch” or bag for your wedding party. For ladies I love the Accessory Shoulder Bag new for 2017 – big enough to fit all of the wedding weekend essentials while still sporty enough for a run around town or through the woods in less that optimal weather. For anyone else we are fans of the Trip Pack – an excellent size for a short jaunt. Easily fits a water bottle, wallet, cell phone, light extra layer and lots of snacks!

No 4. Blankets Big and Small

Whether you are looking for an extra special gift for your partner, your best mate or something fun for your adventurous honeymoon, Rumpl offers travel blankets in all shapes, colors and sizes. We are big fans of their throw sized blankets – perfect for hammocking, couch snuggling or an extra later in the tent and always keep one stashed in the car just in case. The blankets come in both traditional down and synthetic and sizes that range from throw to king. Or - if you are looking for something small as a favor of goodie for your wedding party – the Rumpl Beer Blanket is a fun gift as well!

No 5. Team Headwear

What’s more fun than “team” swag? (Um, nothing) Skida, known for their unique prints and cozy headwear would make a great gift for your whole wedding party particularly if a hike or other outdoor adventure is on the schedule for your big weekend. Their hats, headbands and bandanas are made in the USA, washable and super wearable and Skida offers team discounts if you order a bunch!

I could only pick my five favorites so I’m sure there are plenty of other rad ideas I’ve missed – think something should have been added? – please add it in the comments below! Cheers!

As always, while these goodies were sent to me, all opinions are my own.

She Explores Sent Me Into The 100 Mile Wilderness with a Stranger

Gretchen Powers March 1, 2017

Otherwise known as the most intense first friend date I have ever been on.

I love the outdoors and spending time with the people I love the most on a mountain or along the coast is where I am truly happiest - so it should come as no surprise that I tend towards adventure with new people as opposed to grabbing a cup of coffee or a beer. Prior to this multi-date ski trip my most intense friend date was with another woman I met on instagram, Kate, who two years ago I agreed to go on a "run" with after commenting on one of her photos on instagram. A run mind you, that turned into a ninety minute coastal slog-fest in which i was FREEZING because I was ill-prepared for the windchill (and the post-holing in running shoes). Two years and a dozen adventures later I'm happy to report Kate is one of my closest friends in Portland.

Kate's Photo of me on our first friend date.

In January She Explores sent me with Alexandra Roberts into the 100 Mile Wilderness of Maine to embark upon a hut to hut trip with the Appalachian Mountain Club. Prior to climbing into her car at 6 am on a frigid Wednesday I had only spoken with Alex briefly on the phone. She was bright-eyed and the contagious energy that radiated from her bright red pants had me feeling far more awake than usual given the hour and the outdoor temperature.

Coming from two different photography backgrounds but with a similar enthusiasm towards the outdoors neither of us had much of an idea what was in store. I claimed the ski in wouldn't take us much more than 90 minutes and that Alex would get a chance to see me in my happiest place - Boy have I never been so wrong about two things in my life!! Three and a half hours after we set off (after many stops for photo opps) and we arrived at the Little Lyford Lodge. I had forgotten how slow fish scale skis are on fresh, cold snow and I felt a tad guilty about how I had so confidently estimated how long the trip would take - a sauna and a few hot toddies later Alex forgave me. : )

You should definitely read the full article on She Explores, but I wanted a chance to share a few more of my photographs here. Have you been on an intense or exciting first friend date lately!? I'd love if you shared in the comments below!