BANFF, BOOKS & BEARS
The publication of Northern Horizons was in many ways, the realisation of a lifetime’s ambition. And if being shortlisted for an award at Banff seemed surreal, taking the guidebook category win was simply beyond anything I’d imagined at any point in the years of graft that went into its production.
There is a long list of people who deserve my thanks, not only for their help and guidance during those years, but for contributing to what culminated in an incredible week in Banff and the chance to meet some of those who have inspired me since childhood.
Acutely aware that I was going on stage in front of some of the world’s best alpinists, climbers, runners, writers and film makers, I was trying pretty hard not to make a complete idiot of myself. I think I managed it, mostly. Apart from that awkward moment with Lynn Hill, which I’ll not mention.
An inspiring week in many ways then, not least thanks to the opportunity to get to know Guy Robertson and Hamish Frost a little, who were great company and through whom I met a variety of interesting folk – Hamish and Guy’s climbing, films, books and photography will need no introduction for those familiar with the Scottish winter climbing scene among other things. Already their impressively weighty tomb, the recently launched Great Mixed Climbs of Scotland, has been received to great acclaim from many of the world’s best climbers.
Meeting a Grizzly in the woods was less enjoyable – I didn’t hang about. And it spooked me for the remainder of the trip. But it was also a joy to sense the vast scale of these wild mountains and the life among them. I’ll be back. I doubt it will be to collect another award, though I have a feeling Guy and Hamish might.
A few pictures then, from the awards ceremony and the short runs I managed in a week of films, hills, snow, bears, awards and presentations among some seriously talented people at the #banffmountainfilmfestival last week.
