An Essay on the Origins of the Kashmir Conflict

The modern day interpretation of the Kashmir conflict is predominantly an ideological one—Muslims versus Hindus—however, it didn't begin as such. Through power and international politics, it has become this way. Another significant aspect to consider in the development and resolution on the Kashmir issue, is the Valley-centric nature of the leadership and government that largely neglects the significant Pandit, Dogra (Hindu) and Buddhist populations. Through all this, the conflict is largely seen as India versus Pakistan, with little consideration for the interests of the people living in Kashmir, or those who have fled the violence as refugees.

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From Dough to Woe- The Story of Naan

In India, despite the chaos, there is a rhythm. Jarvan, the naan baker at a popular street side restaurant in New Delhi, has that rhythm. Many comment on how the colors of India are vibrant, but so are the sounds. So are the rhythms.

After arriving in Delhi, I had a day to spare before my flight to Srinagar. For the most part, I ran around haggling at markets for all the small things that were excess weight on an international flight- shampoo, soap, batteries, etc. By early afternoon I was spent and went for some food at my favorite restaurant in Pahar Ganj. Sitting there eating, the sounds and the scenes were just awesome, with Jarvan Clapping away baking naan in the open air kitchen on the street. With nothing to do for the afternoon, I came back with my camera and hung out, trying to capture some of the sounds of the smaller metronomes of this city.

Kashmir Revisited

Simon Thomson, a friend who I traveled and skied with last winter in Kashmir, finally got around to putting together this video of our trip. Four days away from heading back to Kashmir, this gets me doubly excited.

Chasing That Feeling- Christmas Party Ski Trip

The Assiniboine Lites and Landscapes Christmas trip is an annual affair for blowing off steam after the summer and fall seasons of hard labor. Once it is all over and only winter lays before us, we venture into a backcountry hut for week of ski touring and partying.

This year the Assiniboine crew headed into McMurdo Cabin in the Purcell Range, south of Golden. It started out good but not epic, then the it went blue and -30°C and was too cold to really get out there. But then it settled into a constant state of snowing for four days straight. And that's when we really starting venting and blowing out the stress of a summer landscaping for some, and hanging christmas lites for others.

A veritable smorgasboard of festive faceshots is the perfect gift to one's self I would say.

Found that Feeling

The past weekend redefined epic. A 9 hour sled approach up to the Davie Whyte hut had us digging for hours, wandering the meadow in a blizzard and stumbling into the that hut at 5am while it continued to dump. A few hours of sleep had us back on track to venture out into the great white deep, and was it ever deep. Need I say more...

Finding that Feeling

I have been offline for a while here. Life is super busy working in Calgary hanging Christmas Lights to finance my trip to Kashmir this coming winter to make a film with b4apres. I spent the last 2 weekends in Banff at the Banff Mtn Film Festival watching a copious amount of great films. All work and television though left me really eager to get out and breathe some fresh mountain air.

Colin Puskus and I ventured into a hut over the weekend just gone to get our ski legs underneath us and run my new video camera. I picked up a Panasonic HVX 200 P2 from the Sweetgrass crew in Banff and am excited to get some experience with it. Below is a quick edit from the weekend with my new favorite toy.

I can't wait for next weekend.

Art and Science Collide- James Balog

James Balog is an acclaimed nature photographer for National Geographic among others. In this "TED Talk" he explains his work creating time lapses of receeding glaciers and the implications of climate change. I'll let me him explain the rest.

Haglofs Catalog

I just got a copy of the new Haglofs winter catalog with a collage of my photos from Kashmir this February. There are a few shots of Ptor's in the mix also. Many of the shots were taken on our base camp trip into Aru, a remote village in Kashmir. Our crew consisted of Haglofs creative director, Roddy Darcy, Haglofs athlete and globe trotter Ptor Spricenieks, their wives Katelijne and Karin, Steve and myself. Very stoked on the outcome.

Haglofs is a Swedish outdoor company making extremely nice outerwear, sleeping bags, packs and a myriad of other products. Check out their webite at www.haglofs.com

Whistler's Ragin' Cajuns- The MDK Posse

I wrote this piece 2 years ago and pitched it to some ski magazines. All the editors knew Matty, Dom and Slicer, but no-one could find a place to publish it. Maybe becasue these types of characters exist in every ski town and it would open the door for every ski bum story, but none I am sure, are quite like these three.

Since then, they no longer live under the same roof, Slicer has had knee surgery, Dom a reconstructed wrist from mountain biking and Matty doesn't compete anymore. One thing is still the same though, they ski as much as they can together.

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There is no shortage of uber-talented shredders in Whistler, but few possess the infamy of the MDK Posse. It stems not just from their skiing, but also the uniquely distinct orb that they form as a trio. They are a soap opera, a ski-de-force, and a brotherhood of grommets with spaghetti sauce running down their chins. They are Matty Richard, Dominic Melanson and Kris Cormier.

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Published in the Swedish Ski Magazine Aka Skidor

I learnt today that a photo Jordan Manley shot of me skiing up the Duffey two winters ago was published in a Swedish ski magazine Aka Skidor. The full page shot on the right side is yours truely.

This was an amazing day of skiing where we simply went exploring above and around the Anniversary Glacier. We spent a night at Keiths Hut and ski toured both days finding some incredible snow and magic light. This was on of my favorite ski trips that season.