Finding Winter Zen
The Explorers take a journey of discovery, which leads to taking a dip in icy waters, a yoga class and, ultimately, a deeper connection with friends.
Joe Klementovich, Photographer
Photographer Joe Klementovich (pictured at left along with writer Jay Atkinson) is one half of our adventurous team The Explorers. He specializes in environmental photography and he’s shot everything from Mt. Washington to the Everglades.
Who are The Explorers?
New Hampshire is famous for its wild outdoors. Tourism folks will say we’ve got it all, and who are we to argue? But what’s essential to any true adventure is something more than mere mountains, trails and ponds (wet or frozen). Adventure is best shared with like-minded folks who can remember details of your triumphs and your failures — and remind you about them later.
That’s where “The Explorers” come in. This tight-knit but ever-morphing gang of adventurers is led by our writer-photographer team of Jay Atkinson and Joe Klementovich, and each person they enlist for their creative treks adds something to the success of the outing and the fun of the retelling. Keep that in mind when inviting friends on your next wilderness hike. We’ve got plans for The Explorers going forward with a year’s worth of their explorations to share and some add-ons (like video clips and advice on gear and getting in shape). Installments of their adventures can be found here, so like any great exploration, one step into the wilderness can easily lead to another — and another. And never forget, fortes fortuna iuvat!
Limmer Boots: A Hiker’s Two Best Friends
NH's own Limmer boots will get you through just about anything nature throws at your feet.
Where There's a Will, There's Pawtuckaway
A vicarious adventure with friends harking back to those carefree days before the pandemic, courtesy of The Explorers.
The Realities of Rural Healthcare
How a 16-bed hospital and a group of dedicated doctors, nurses and paramedics manage the health and emergency needs of North Country residents and tourists.
Women's White Mountains Backcountry Skiing Retreat
Follow along on a skiing and yoga retreat for women led by Backcountry Bliss of Conway, and perhaps be inspired to embark on your own outdoor adventure.
A Mission to Preserve the Past
Steve Taylor intends to record and preserve the history of Plainfield — one story at a time.
Acting Your Age: John Davidson
One of a three-piece series from stars of the entertainment industry who live in our Lakes Region and still shine brightly in their “retirement” years. Actor, singer, songwriter and storyteller John Davidson reinvents himself as a troubadour.
The Explorers' Mount Wonalancet Winter Hike
All adventures are excursions into a mysterious realm between the familiar and the unknown. The best ones end with food and drink by a fire.
Yogapalooza
This month, The Explorers learn that a little yoga at the end of the trail makes a bike trek through nature’s fall colors even more awe-inspiring.
Walking with Willem
Chaya Harris of Outward Bound and volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro takes a walk with PBS' "Windows to the Wild" host Willem Lange.
City River Gone Wild: Paddling the Merrimack River Through Manchester
Our Explorers paddle the Merrimack from the red-brick canyon rapids of the Manchester mills to a calm, secluded island. As always, lessons are learned along the way.
Remote Camping at Umbagog Lake
A pristine lake awaits in the wilderness of Coös County, New Hampshire. The remote beauty of Umbagog Lake State Park, one of the newer additions to the state park system, is well worth the journey, and promises a summer adventure you won't soon forget.
Meet the Dedicated AMC Crews Who Maintain Our White Mountain Trails
Next time you’re hiking in the White Mountains, thank the Appalachian Mountain Club crews who go to great lengths to keep the network of trails accessible to hikers.
Trail’s End Pond Hockey
A rowdy band of adventurers sets out for a spirited game of ice hockey at zero degrees in the middle of nowhere. Why? Because they can.
The Last Real Trout Stream
For the outdoor enthusiast, the farther you travel into the wilderness, the closer you get to home.
Preserving the Old Ways
Winter logging by horse is obsolete, but a North Country native is keeping it alive.
Snow Bond
Three friends set out on three winter adventures. In one trip they hit the trails with both fat bikes and snowshoes and attempt to scale a wall of ice.
The Other Mountain Club
The Randolph Mountain Club, with its low-key, bare-bones approach to outdoorsmanship, keeps things real for hikers and has even been called New Hampshire’s best-kept secret.
