ENTOURAGE - #29 > MAY 2009

Meliss a Strong

We needed a Hueco aficionado to straighten a few things out for us, a reliable source that would help us further understand what’s going on over there in our desert oasis these days. In comes Melissa Strong and all our prayers (and questions) were answered. “My husband Adam and I are lucky enough to spend our winters in Hueco,” says Melissa. “We have dreams of our own desert home, but for now, we’re happy in our camper and running off of solar with a water tank. We’re also co-owners of a Hueco Tanks guiding concession, The Wagon Wheel Co-opt. When not in Hueco or traveling, we live in Estes Park, CO, where we work and play. We’ll climb in Rocky Mountain National Park every second we can . . . until the snow flies in — then it’s back to Hueco!

Damon Corso

Here’s a little food for thought from our man, Damo: “Teamwork. We may not have team colors, raging fans, or a stadium to play every game at, but I’ll tell you what — we are all on the same team. Without your teammates, that project may have never been found; that hold ten feet up may have never been brushed; that heinous fall may have broken your ankle; or you may not have found that last bit of motivation to latch the final thank-god hold. The same goes for us photographers. Without my teammates I may have never noticed that angle, or realized a red shirt would look better than the green one. I may not have remembered that memory card before a three-mile hike in to the desert, and maybe I would’ve never had that second chance to refine the shot that makes jaws drop. So, remember, next time you hit the boulders, be thankful for the hundreds of teammates you have at your back, supporting you in every way possible. Come to think of it . . . maybe we should get some jerseys made. Anyone talk to Nike lately?”

Andy Mann

Andy has done it again. This always- psyched dude is committed to being in the right place at the right time and bringing home the killer imagery. Between his time shooting photos in Hueco Tanks and Colorado for us this past month, he and the Yama Studio team have also been hella busy with other big plans. They launched a new website and booked the world-premiere date for their two-year film project, Rocky Mountain Highball. The big night is Monday, April 27th at the Boulder Theater. Be sure you get your tickets early! Visit rockymountainhighball.com for some added eye candy and complete event info. Also check out andymann.com to follow Andy’s journeys and get an eyeful of sick pics.

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