23/04/2009 by mtnspirit
Concord, NH, USA
“A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the state of New Hampshire by the owners of Mount Sunapee Resort, who had lobbied for years to expand and develop condominiums. Judge Diane Nicolosi made her ruling late Friday, several weeks after canceling a trial between Tim and Diane Mueller and the state.” Read more via Judge dismisses Mt. Sunapee lawsuit.
“This is a major victory in our efforts to protect Mount Sunapee State Park,” said conservationist and public land advocate Tom Elliott.
Elliott is also an organizer for Friends of Mount Sunapee, a watch-guard group that steadfastly opposed the Mueller’s leasehold expansion plan.
Article: Courtesy of Sunapeenews.com
Editor’s Note: I’m a founding board member of Friends of Mount Sunapee, and although not as active while abroad, am warmed, not only by this decision but by the thought of how far we’ve come with with a shift in land preservation awareness in Sullivan County, NH. When we first considered raising our hands in opposition to Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: adventure travel, Dexter R. Richards, Early Winters, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, FOMS, Friends of Mount Sunapee, Holistic Living, Land Conservation Successes, Mazama, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, Peru, Randy Richards, Spiritual, SPNHF, Sunapee, Sustainability, The Power of Place, Tim and Diane Mueller
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Leadership, Power of Place, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
23/04/2009 by mtnspirit
R Richards, MSI's Founder, Director
Due to MSI Director, R. Richards’ plans to spend “a bit” more time in New Zealand, he is seeking concession/commercial use permits in order to lead programs in Mt. Aspiring National Park and other areas on the South Island. Department of Conservation, (D.O.C.), (a combination of Forest Service, and Park Service), have given a nod that the permit process could be a go for the organization, given all needed documents are presented and the prerequisites and qualifications are there to apply. A concurrent step is to investigate either setting up a New Zealand non-profit organization, or to continue under MSI’s U.S. status.
True to form, Richards has launched the New Zealand MSI website in preparation of launching the NZ programs, “to get the word out.” Says Richards, “We’re getting some good signs, responses from the public and D.O.C.” He adds, ” There seems to
Glacier & Mountain Experiences on the Horizon
be a strong interest and market for Peru. I can see MSI running trips in both directions, Kiwis to Peru, Utah, Alaska and New Hampshire, Chimu Inka Peruvian Music to New Zealand and Yankees to the South Island to see what Mt. Aspiring is all about.” One particular interest that Richards sees on the horizon is targeting youth in Auckland and Wellington who suffer from Nature Deficit Disorder. “There’s a strong need to get our youth connected to the mountains again.” Richards says, ” New Zealand is not immune to technology taking over young people’s concept of reality. I think we can help.”
Tags: adventure travel, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Zealand, Peru, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability
Posted in MSI News, New Zealand | Leave a Comment »
23/04/2009 by mtnspirit
MSI's New Webpage on Sunapee's OB Program
The MSI/Sunapee High School/Outward Bound Scholarship Program, now in it’s fourth year gets a new webpage. There is a host of information: past recipients, donors, an overview and goals of the the program and where to find out more. The program is gaining some traction both with students, the community and with Outward Bound’s scholarship department. Thanks to former Recruiter and Scholarship coordinator Charlie Reade who helped MSI’s Executive Director R. Richards set up the program, a number of students have had a trip of a life time.
Image: Brian Baily-Mountain Yoga
On the webpage are pics from Brian Baily’s Rock/Backpacking course in Colorado, and Hanna Baade’s sea kayaking program on the coast of Maine. Baade was the first recipient of the scholarship which was first supported by Sugar River Bank. More recently, Rotary International (New London, NH) and other organizations are aiding the effort.
The program is one of MSI’s first “service projects”, aimed at giving back to the community in which MSI is incorporated, and the director’s hometown. In all aspects of MSI, we incorporate a service component, whether it be a board meeting, a program to Peru or at the administration level. Again this inspiration comes from Outward Bound and Kurt Hahn in the first place.
On Rappel: North Cascades, WA, USA
You can check out the web page, and who knows, you may even be inclined to jump on the bandwagon and donate!
Donations can be sent to MSI’s office at:
Mountain Spirit Institute
POB 626
Sunapee, NH 03782
USA
Tags: Brian Baily, Dexter Richards, donate, Experiential Education, Hanna Baade, Mountain Spirit Insititute, Outward Bound, Scholarships, service projects, Sunapee High School, Washington State
Posted in Climb/Ski/Mntneering, Experiential Education, MSI News, Service, Supporting MSI, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
18/04/2009 by mtnspirit
Governor's Bay, Picton, NZ
Early Bird Catches the Shot
We were to catch the ferry from New Zealand’s South Island to the North island. The Ferry first weaves its way from Picton Harbor, through a long sound, before opening out into the open water between north and south islands. The passage is seen in the image at right. The crossing takes about 3.5 hours, which departed at 8am. We encamped on the Queen Charlotte Drive just west of Picton, and this early morning sunrise of the sound started our day.
Tags: adventure travel, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Governor's Bay, Holistic Living, Meditation, Mountain Spirit, mtnspirit.co.nz, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Peru, Picton, Randy Richards, Solo, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability, USA, Utah, wilderness yoga
Posted in New Zealand, Power of Place, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
18/04/2009 by mtnspirit
Tom Bogdan & his Prius taxi
A Wellington, New Zealand taxi company called “Green Cabs” has thought of a better business plan. They have a fleet of Toyota Prius’s not only in the nation’s capital but in two other cities as well. According to taxi driver Tomislav Bogdan, pictured at right, Green Cabs has forty-five Prius taxis in Wellington alone. When we asked about the price comparison of taking the Prius taxi versus a non-hybrid we were surpised to learn the rates were actually cheaper. Bogdan adds, “The rate around town is NZ$2.50/kilometer (About US$1.50), which you won’t see our competitors offering such a price. The operating costs are cheaper, less gas! We are getting very low in-city fuel consumption rates because of the hybrid.”
Cool Graphics promote sustainability
The bright green Prius sports a cool logo, big global graphic, a catchy phrase stating “Safer for you and safer for the environment”, and a driver with matching green tie. The model Tom was driving was a 2007 standard Prius, with right side driver’s wheel of course. I doubt the paint color is standard!
Maybe other capital cities will encourage and invest in such green taxis, if they’ve not done so already. City managers take note. For information or if you’d like to take a ride in a bright green hybrid taxi you can contact Green Cabs at http://www.greencabs.co.nz
Posted in Climate Change, Leadership, New Zealand, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
18/04/2009 by mtnspirit
Wanaka ReStart Store
A group of women in Wanaka, New Zealand saw a need for a better way to recycle perfectly good items that were going to the landfill. That’s when they decided to do something about it and started the “ReStore” a number of years ago. The store is a success story in that it serves a vital function in reducing the landfill flow, allows a source for people to purchase used items, and allows the community to re-think their priorities on what happens in the use-cycle of their stuff. The ReStore is actually called Wanaka Wastebusters (www.wanakawastebusters.co.nz) and their store is a feast for the eyes.
(Image: Dan Robertson, an employee of Wanaka Recycling, exits the ReStore to tend the recycle bins)
Wanaka Waste-busters Glass
There’s a cult following in Salt Lake City Utah of Deseret Industries stores, operated by the Mormons. Most of the author’s wardrobe comes from high quality used clothes from Deseret Industries. Talking to others who frequent the Deseret Industries stores is like sharing a rock-climbing or alpine adventure story. And all of my favorite clothes are those from “D.I.” as it’s affectionately called amongst Utah locals.
(Image: The glass recycle bin and containers for household items and building materials at Wanaka Wastebusters)
In Wanaka, the ReStore looks like any other thrift store but it’s part of an in the center of the town recycle center. They’ve got recycling down to a fine art. A huge percentage of New Zealanders recycle and it can be seen in the activities at Wanaka Wastebusters.
Wanaka's Angus Ho at "ReStore"
Project Team Member, Angus Ho is soft spoken but talks intensely about his project, Get Real.org.nz which aims at educating people and government in reducing and eventually eliminating plastic bag use at stores throughout the country. Ho has set up an info board and laptop where citizens can sign a petition for legislation on the subject. The following are a few Q&A from the Wastebusters newsletter, (Yes, they have a newsletter):
Angus, what do you do in your job?
Angus Ho: I promote and design projects and campaigns. I set up the green Christmas Presents Campaign and the Recycled Envelope Campaign. I’m also doing waste check-ups for households and businesses. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: adventure travel, Angus Ho, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, getreal.org.nz, Holistic Living, Meditation, Mountain Spirit, mtnspirit.co.nz, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Peru, Randy Richards, recycling, Solo, Spiritual, starting a recycle store, Sue Coutts, Sunapee, Sustainability, town dumps, USA, Utah, Wanaka ReStore, Wanaka Wastebusters, wilderness yoga
Posted in Climate Change, Leadership, New Zealand, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
18/04/2009 by mtnspirit
Lake Outlet Campground, Wanaka NZ
Lake Outlet Campground in Wanaka, New Zealand might look like your every-day campground in a stunning setting, tucked in amongst the low windswept trees alongside the shores of Lake Wanaka, but I assure this is no ordinary campground. Owners Glenn Tattersall and Tracy Addison happened to be at the right place at the right time a few years ago when they expressed interest in taking over the campground from landowner and operator Liam Urquhart. According to campground employee Joshua, Urquhart no longer was interested in running the campground, apparently the land developers caught word of his intentions and offered him millions for the lakefront property. ( Private lakefront property ownership doesn’t exist in New Zealand due to a national law called the Queen’s Chain that declares all land, starting from the high water line at the shore and going 40 meters (120 feet) back are public property and right of way. This also goes for rivers. The public is allowed to use this land for recreation and fishing access.)
About that time, enters Tattersall and Addison. The owner had no interest in selling to developers and with a lot of work was able to come up with a thirty-five year lease which not only provided Glenn and Tracy with a way in which to operate the campground, but put the land in protection during the next 35 year lease.
The author’s father once owned a lakefront campground near Fisher’s Bay in Sunapee New Hampshire, USA, in the mid 1960’s. The tents eventually gave way to million dollar homes in the form of a “funnel development “ called Oakledge. (The term “funnel development” is used for subdivisions which use a small amount of lake frontage to sell and support a large number of home lots away from the lakefront. This shared access allows many homeowners access to boat docks, beaches, launching ramps etc. Funnel developments were no longer allowed in the early 1970’s in New Hampshire, USA)
In the free market , it was an obvious course of events, as tents wouldn’t pay the bills as much as a subdivision. So I had personal experience of the value of what Mr. Urquhart and Tattersall and Ms. Addison had accomplished at Lake Outlet.
And Lakeside is no mere campground. Tattersall states his goals in running the operation – “We are making this operation as green as possible. Through our improvements and renovations we will be installing energy efficient appliances in the renovated green building of the main shower and kitchen complex.
Tentsite: Working with nature, not dominating it.
We are also working with the landscape rather than dominating it. Our tent and RV sites are interspersed around the existing trees and we intend to plant more trees.” He concluded, “This land is locked up in preservation for the next 35 years, and we’re proud to have had a part in that.” Of course none of this would have been possible without the stalwart vision and forward thinking of the landowner.
Tags: adventure travel, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, Glenn Tattersall, Holistic Living, Lake Outlet Holiday Park and Campground, Meditation, Mountain Spirit, mtnspirit.co.nz, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Peru, Randy Richards, Solo, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability, Tracy Addison, USA, Utah, Wanaka, wilderness yoga
Posted in Conservation, Inspirational People, Leadership, New Zealand, Power of Place, Service, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
08/04/2009 by mtnspirit
From MSI board member Cindy Heath:
“To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.
William Hazlitt (1778-1830) English Essayist
Tags: Friendship, love, Mountain Spirit, Quotes, Willam Hazlitt
Posted in Quotes, This Just In Department | Leave a Comment »
08/04/2009 by mtnspirit
Guillermo Seminario
We have one or two more spots for our July 12th trip to Peru.
MSI starting running programs to Peru in 1998 and R. Richards had been high altitude guiding for some years prior to that on Aconcogua and Huascaran and Ecuador’s volcanoes for Alpine Ascents International. Although there are some mountaineering and glacier experience programs on the books, (keep an eye out for New Zealand and Peru), this trip will be a cultural exploration and connection with the local people and areas of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Nazca.
Family Cari - Amantani
We will be staying with Richard Cari and his folks on the Island of Amantani at the Kantuta Lodge. Guillermo Seminario will be our host for most of the trip. This will be our tenth year in Peru, and are grateful of all the wonderful friends and family we now have in this soulful country. Says R. Richards, “I’m also looking forward to getting back to Huaraz to visit with my godchild and his family at Restaurant Salud Y Vida.
Tags: Aconcagua, adventure travel, Alpine Ascents International, Amantani, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Ecuador, Experiential Education, Guillermo Seminario, Holistic Living, Huascaran, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, Peru, Richard Cari, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability
Posted in Experiential Education, Mountain People, Peru, Spiritual, Traveling | 1 Comment »
08/04/2009 by mtnspirit
Ice Bridge Collapse
By Alister Doyle, (Reuters) – An ice bridge which had held a vast Antarctic ice shelf in place for hundreds of years at least shattered on Saturday and may herald a wider collapse linked to global warming, a leading scientist said. “It’s amazing how the ice has ruptured. Two days ago it was intact,” David Vaughan, a glaciologist with the British Antarctic Survey, told Reuters of a satellite image of the Wilkins Ice Shelf. “We’ve waited a long time to see this.” The satellite picture, by the European Space Agency (ESA), showed that a 40-km (25 mile) long strip of ice believed to pin the Wilkins Ice Shelf in place had snapped at its narrowest point of about 500 meters wide off the Antarctic Peninsula.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Climate Change, Dexter R. Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Global warming, Ice Bridge Collapses, Mountain Spirit, mtnspirit.org, Peru, Randy Richards, Sunapee, Sustainability
Posted in Climate Change | Leave a Comment »
“This is a major victory in our efforts to protect Mount Sunapee State Park,” said conservationist and public land advocate Tom Elliott.
Mountain Spirit's Blog 