DAVE NICHOLSON:  

Grew up in a family with the love of the outdoors where I was taught the skills for extended off grid existence. Along with the typical 'camping/backpacking' that one would assume, I also excelled at traditional rock climbing, leading routes up to a 5.8 and following up to a 5.10 from Seneca Rocks, W.Va. "Pleasant Overhangs" to Eldorado Canyon, Co. "Bastille Crack" to Rocky Mountain National Parks multi-day face climb of 'The Diamond' on Longs Peak, to Sea Cliff climbing in Big Sur, Ca. among many, many others. I've also had a life long love affair with sailing and the water in general, sailing extensively on 3 of the 5 Great Lakes as well as multiple runs from Rockport to Providence and back, many excursions on Chesapeake Bay, Pamlico Sound and on the Cape Fear Terrace. And one lovely adventure throughout the Bahamian Islands. In the winter season we were encouraged to spend as much time on the slopes as humanly possible. EVERY DAY we were encouraged to be outside, and in every way, make as little impact as possible. L...Expand for more