New Adventures, But First, a New Website

June 19, 2019 Ryan Smith

Jen discovers why McAfee Knob in Virginia is one of the most photographed destinations on the Appalachian Trail.

It’s June, and for those of you who are keeping track, it was March when I last posted an update on my blog. It’s a habit I don’t want to fall victim to, and for good reason. Time slips away easily in the warmer months, and it can get increasingly harder to set aside a chunk of the day to sit down and purge. Writing updates took a backseat to other projects that commanded center stage this spring, including building and launching the new website you’re reading this update on.

Setting and Sticking to Our Goals

March 19, 2019 Ryan Smith

Jen ascends the open slabs on Mount Crawford in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest.

March in New England is a month of change that’s hard to miss: the snow begins to melt, migrating birds return to the region to nest and breed, and daylight hours continue to grow longer than the dark nights. Our beloved sports teams change too. The Bruins and Celtics are pushing to get into the playoffs in the final weeks of their seasons while the Red Sox prepare for opening day in warmer climates.

In our outdoor adventure world, Jen and I are forced to look higher up in the mountains for spring skiing opportunities as the valleys green and the snow-covered hiking trails emerge from their frozen slumber. Soon, we’ll trade skis for hiking boots.

Climbing for a Cause: Raising Money and Awareness for On Belay

January 24, 2019 Ryan Smith

On Belay, Inc., supports children with parents or loved ones who’ve been affected by cancer.

Two years ago, almost to the day, I began donating my time as a volunteer photographer for a nonprofit called On Belay. Nothing satisfies my artist soul more than seeing my work enhance the mission of an organization that supports youth with parents or relatives who’ve been affected by cancer. Having been diagnosed with the disease in my 20s, I can relate to some of the challenges On Belay kids face and immediately knew volunteering was what I was called to do. Little did I know how much these kids would unknowingly support me as much as I would support them.