I recently had a long conversation with famed climber and dedicated warrior for the planet, Ron Kauk. I met him in Yosemite where he is showing a beautiful film called “Return to Balance – A Climber’s Journey”. I expected an awesome film full of extreme climbing and yes there were many incredible climbing shots but the message of the film was about nature, the environment and water. Later in an hour long telephone conversation I got a pretty good look at who Ron is. I’m in the ski business and constantly bombarded with extreme egos and over the top athletes. That is not who Ron is. Ron has a true spiritual love for rock,
he plays in the outdoors like a fawn or a playful coyote pup.

His concern for our water situation and the increasingly low snowfall really made an impression on me. He talk about how all living creations, including us, spent so much of our day providing for our families, providing food, water and shelter to ensure a healthy future for our off spring. Every living creature on this earth is dependant on water, a natural resource that none of us can live without.

I am dedicating my gallery, "Earthmates" to Ron Kauk and his natural love for this place we share with all living creatures. I invited all to send photographs that express conservation or demonstrate misuse of our planet and its' natural resources.

I am going to work hard to make a difference, thank you Ron, for your inspiration.