Thoughts about…

Creative Streaks

I had full intentions of writing an essay for this month. However, the fact is that I’ve been in full-blown video production mode for many weeks now. And I just don’t want to break that rhythm.

Actually, I’ve been on a creative streak ever since I returned from last month’s elk hunting trip. Believe it or not, neither I nor my best friend even saw an elk the whole trip! We weren’t alone in that respect, though, as very few other hunters we encountered saw any either. But there was still so much to see! So, this month I’m presenting a bunch of photos from that trip.

In addition, I’m including in this newsletter the YouTube videos that I produced this past month. I don’t know if I can keep this pace up in the long-term, but I’m going to give it a go! And, just to be clear, I don’t actually expect you to watch all of my latest videos but it would nice if you at least checked out a couple of them 🙂

I seem to be carving out a niche with my cross-country skiing videos. There are lots of technically-oriented cross-country ski videos for people looking to become better racers. And, there are probably just as many videos created by novice xc skiers who’ve never taken a lesson but like to share their winter adventure. As much as I appreciate both ends of that spectrum, I’m building something that lies between the two.

As you might expect, I tend to infuse everything I do with a vision of something greater than the sum of its parts. I’ve always seen myself as a bridge between people and/or ideas, someone who’s willing to explore new combinations of old elements in an effort to create something unique. So I’m embracing that approach as I create these short films, incorporating technical skills, metaphorical concepts, and my love of the great outdoors.

This award goes to a group or individual. Each of us carries a last, best place in our hearts–that part of the landscape that forms a bond with nature, that nurtures our growth and restores our spirits. We know these places when our passions are engaged to protect them and secure them for future generations. This award goes to a leader who has exhibited outstanding leadership in protecting the Sierra’s best places.

Past recipients of this Frank Wells Last Best Place Award are heavy hitters in the environmental world here in the Sierra Nevada, so being nominated and then actually being selected as the winner of this award was totally unexpected and … very cool! Definitely a wonderful surprise, and encouragement to continue embracing this life of naturalism and stewardship. To the left is the note that accompanied my award from Jenny Hatch, the Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Alliance.

I won’t bore you with the myriad reasons for my recent push to grow my YouTube channel. Suffice it to say that it’s hammer time, and I’m going to publish as many videos as possible this winter. I’ve also been performing an overhaul of my channel (better playlist organization, updated thumbnails, and adding closed captions) as I create more short films, so check it out when you get a chance.

Please subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already. Thank you 🙂

Thanks for being a part of my life. Until next time…

-Jared Manninen

Tahoe Trail Guide is an online resource for hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the Lake Tahoe region. In addition to trail data, I offer backcountry “how-to” articles and information about the local and natural history of Tahoe. Tahoe Swag is a collection of art and design products I create based on my love of the outdoors and appreciation for Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.

If you like any of the images I post in these newsletters, please contact me. I’d be more than happy to upload them to my RedBubble account so that you can order prints and other merchandise featuring the images.