Expressive, Outdoor Portraits by Kate Densmore

So, a few months ago, my best friend Kate puts up a photography website.  I knew she dabbled in photography and I looked forward to seeing her get the site up and running with some of her stuff.  Today, I checked back at the site and was downright floored – she is spectacular!  This is not the stuff of dabblers.  If you are looking for portrait photography in the Colorado Springs area, please check her out at www.katedensmore.com.  An experienced hiker and skier, Kate is likely to take your portrait session outside for results that are anything but average.  She has experience photographing with man’s best friend and is sure to capture the connection between you and your pooch.  Her ability to take your interests and express them through photography is fantastic.  Whether buying a Christmas tree or dropping into some backcountry powder, I highly recommend you invite Kate on your next adventure to capture those rare moments.

I can’t wait to see her other work.  Kate, please post a comment here when it is up and running!

Outdoor Portrait Photography Colorado Springs

One of Kate Densmore's Expressive Outdoor Portrait Sessions

3rd Flatiron

Climbed the 3rd Flatiron today with Matt and Dave.  That was the first time I’d done the 3rd and it was a fun cruise-fest.  The descent down the scree, however, was a miserable icefield… probably WI1.   :)

What are you going to give your favorite Kayaker or Canoer for Christmas?

We have scoured the web to find the most interesting and unique kayaking and canoeing gifts for paddlers! Check out our gifts for paddler’s page. You'll find kayak and canoe t shirts, Christmas ornaments, paddling posters and art prints, license plates, crossing signs, street signs, novelties, car accessories, toys, jewelry, games, puzzles, and more!

Glacier Gorge Ice & Conditions Photos

Took a hike today up into Glacier Gorge to swing tools and check out the Black Lake Area.  Super glad we didn’t take skis….would have been a scrape-fest.  And was, for the folks who tried.  All Mixed Up looks quite thin.  We climbed a sweet one pitch WI2-3 just below Black Lake, sticking to the left side.  I think the climb is named “Reflections” but it wasn’t the WI3-4 that Mountain Project claims.  Afterwards we checked out the Black Lake Slabs which appear to be in but thin, especially at the top.  West Gully looks pretty good.  We’ll definitely head back up there for some more winter fun.  Can’t hope for too many days with weather like today, though!

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Canoe, Bike and Trek Adventure Race

If you are looking to burn off some of that Turkey you’re gonna eat for Thanksgiving, then you need to check out the Pangea Turkey Burn Adventure Race. This canoe, bike and trek race is on Saturday, November 28th at the Wekiva Falls Resort in Sorrento Florida. Canoeing is on the Wekiva River and the bike and [...]

Stamina, Smoothness, Power: Use Your Core Part 1

Talk to any sports instructor these days and inevitably the conversation turns to the core, the muscle group that connects the upper and lower torso to the arms and shoulders. An all-too-often underutilized source of power, the core -- which includes the abdominals, hip flexors, obliques, lower back and latissimus muscles (note that the arms aren't included) -- is the muscle group which the

Stamina, Smoothness, Power: Use Your Core Part 2

The best way to improve your paddle stroke is by learning to paddle from the core. The core, or that muscle group which includes the abdominals, obliques (the muscles over your hips), hip flexors (the muscles at the front of your hips), and the lats or latissumus muscles which run from behind your armpits to your hips, are an all-too-often underutilized muscle group among sea kayakers.

Stamina, Smoothness, Power: Strengthen Your Core Part 3

As  described in part 1, the core, or that muscle group which includes the abdominals, obliques (the muscles over your hips), hip flexors (the muscles at the front of your hips), and the lats or latissumusmuscles which run from behind your armpits to your hips, are an all-too-often underutilized muscle group among sea kayakers. Many paddlers, even those with years of experience under their

Strengthen Your Core Part 4: The Dumbell Lat Row

The core, or the muscle group which includes the abdominals, the obliques (the muscles over your hips), the hip flexors (the muscles at the front of your hips), and the lats or latissimus muscles which run from behind your armpits to your hips, are an all-too-often underutilized muscle group among sea kayakers. Of all those muscles, perhaps the most difficult to gain an awareness of are the

Strengthen and Paddle from the Core Part 5: Plank Variation #3

While the plank is a fine exercise for increasing core strength and paddling from the core,  time will come when you'll want to try the variations on this effective and fundamental drill. Variations on the plank are helpful for several reasons. For one, after several several of the plank your core muscles will adapt and the plank will become easier. Once your muscle fibers become accustomed to

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