With shades of brown and the overcast tendencies of mud season, it’s time to look for inspiration for future endeavors. Sometimes planning and anticipating an upcoming adventure provides as much fun as the actual trip. Here are some of the recent readings about the outdoors that have got me excited for upcoming trips near and far.
1. “Wayward” by Chris Burchard
Burchard is no stranger to outdoor enthusiasts. As one of the leading and most prolific adventure photographers of our time, his work has garnered campaigns for Patagonia, X Games, Olympus, and Apple to name a few. He has also appeared frequently in Outside, National Geographic Explorer, and Surfer Magazine as well as many additional publications. His new book, Wayward, is a collection of eye-catching photos and revealing personal stories behind them. You’ll travel with him to places like Norway, Iceland, and the Aleutian Islands where you’ll remember tales of hypothermia, destroyed camera equipment, and even a few nights in prison. It is sure to give you adventurous envy with stunning visuals to match. $40, chrisburkardshop.com, also available at Explore Booksellers in Aspen
2. “She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wilderness” by Jill Strobe
I’ve listened to the wonderful podcast She Explores hosted by Gail Straub for many years, and now there is an inspiring book for me. This book shares first-person stories of 40 women along with their artwork and photography. Their accomplishments span the gamut of mental health, motherhood, conservation, diversity, equality, inclusion, road travel, and outdoor-inspired creativity. It’s a beautiful collection of women’s stories about how adventure lives have changed themselves and those around them. $25, indiebound.org, also available at Explore Booksellers at Aspen
3. “Gardens”
America’s greatest idea, national parks, is perfectly celebrated in this remarkable collection of maps, ephemera, and pamphlets spanning over 100 years. Collaborating with photographer Brian Kelly, this book view also showcases nearly a century of art, cartography, and compelling visual history for gardens’ contribution to the evolution of graphic design. It has an addictive element of nostalgia. Ditch that beauty after rewatching the Ken Burns documentary about the national parks and you’ll be ready to hit the road in no time. $55, standardmanual.com
4. “Wilder: Live Adrift” Forrest Smith
Smith, a native of our beloved neighbour, Crested Butte, takes you deep into the woods, through mountaintops and on the open road in his wonderful collection of photography. His pictures look like they were taken in our backyard here in Roaring Fork. With a strong nod to Colorado, Smith ventures throughout the stunning and simple expanses of the American West as well as the mountains of Peru, Alaska, and Mexico. Be prepared for some intense roaming love. $45, shopcatalog.com
Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer and graphic designer and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.
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