“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.” – Jimmy Carter
Things are pretty rough right now. Each day, we wake up with a new, alarming set of headlines. Whether the subject is women’s rights, religious extremism, homegrown terrorism, global warming or the international refugee crisis, the amount of negative energy we are exposed to on a daily basis is exponential and downright exhausting. Our personal rights, our public lands, our communities, our bodies and our beliefs are challenged on a daily basis. Some people revel in this unrest, getting fired up on social media by posting clips and links that spread intolerance, while others try to cope by retreating deep into nature, away from all the mixed messages to a place where things seem more simple and straightforward. You can’t keep tabs on the man-made havoc when you are deep in the woods and right now, especially right now, this disconnect can make or break a rational human being.
This issue was crafted with that sentiment in mind, and reflects upon the meaningful connections we build with our friends, family and partners while enjoying the healing benefits of nature, both online and in real life. When we share our passion for being outdoors with the people that matter most, those bonds are inherently strengthened and we can focus on the positive events unfolding right in front of us. Within these pages, you will find stories and images touching on accessibility, solitude, brotherhood, inclusion, love and loss. We will explore familial bonds that have spanned 40 years of outdoor adventures, the highs and lows of relationships in the backcountry, a conservationist’s mission to take back the land, and narratives from creatives who decided to go it alone.
The roads steering us away from the bright lights of the city often lead us to discover facets of our personalities we didn’t even know existed. When we come face to face with these interpersonal relationships in a space that allows us to think and reflect without judgement, we can discover our true selves. Mother nature is all forgiving and for that we are eternally grateful.
This article was originally published in RANGE Magazine Issue Four.
Illustration by Marcus James.
XX Jeanine