A Single Step

Colin Smith and Andrew Floor met within the drug & alcohol recovery community. They both found common ground in the outdoor culture - hiking and climbing became a common routine. After hearing about the Pacific Crest Trail, Andrew made it his goal to prove that he was strong enough to hike the entire length. Colin, being open to any sort of adventure, decided to join. They spent a year preparing and planning the logistics for the five months on the trail and began their trip on April 24th 2013.

Both characters found emotional relief at their lowest points on the trail. Their past experiences and behaviors re-emerged in vivid memories as the trail allowed them the time to reflect. The long days were spent in isolation, hikers travel at different rates and only connect at campsites or water caches. This allowed time for Andrew and Colin to develop healthy and insightful emotional responses to the interviews throughout their strenuous travels. To hike the full length of the PCT one must average approximately twenty miles per day, if not the weather in northern Washington will close mountain passes. This slow countdown applies added pressure to the daily routine. As the two men spent more time together, their friendship slowly dwindled until they completely separated due to differing ideologies about the purpose of their pursuit.

The pivotal climax for both characters takes place in isolated circumstances, After taking numerous breaks away from the trail, Colin Smith looses track of his miles and his reasoning to continue north. This leads to a physical collapse while visiting Portland Oregon. In late August Colin returns home for fear of relapsing, he had completed 2000 miles of trail. Andrew remains focused on his goal and continues to move further north, anxiety mounting as he becomes pressed by the early winter which tests both his physical and mental strengths. Andrew completed the last 30 miles in untracked snow, he arrived to the northern terminus on October 4, 2013. It took him 5 month and 10 days.

500 Miles

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Raen Wine - Carlo & Dante Mondavi

The creation of wine abides with time. The slow growth of a vine to maturity takes years and can test any individuals capacity for patients. This very strength of perseverance and commitment carried those producing Napa Valley wines out of the prohibition and into a multi-billion dollar industry. At the helm of that industry was a family, the Mondavi’s. For generations the Mondavi’s have looked for new ideas to carry their wine into a each era, their exploits have risen and fallen, and above all else they have found success as innovators. Time again has led us to a new generation, one that must start from the roots and grow outward.

Carlo and Dante started learning the family business in their early years. Does that mean they were drinking under age? Probably, but it’s California, they’re fine. The Mondavi family continues to innovate through the decades and the two brothers have been nipping at the vines to use what they’ve learned. “To make a good wine, one must start with good fruit”- A simple fact repeated throughout their youth, to acquire the good fruit is a secret not many can obtain. Through generations of handshake deals, the two brothers acquired the land to grow the grapes and they’ve used their well known lineage to help produce their first yield.

The Sonoma Coast is a unique terrain, a influence of elevation and climate, variables that are special to winegrowers. Different seasons offering vast amounts of tones and textures. These elements offered Carlo and Dante a special site for the genesis of Raen. A idea of a wine that influences a youth movement. To show that young winemakers can still have a harvest, and that the estate model isn’t the only method.