The Escape Vol. 46

We’re stumbling feet-first into spring, shaking life into legs with the vigour and pent-up wild energy reserved for this time of year. The seasonal shift into double-figure temps and the gift of bright skies and a warming sun. Damn, we’ve missed this feeling.

March feels like a good one. A warm handful of days offered up with the promise of adventure; mountain passes to tide lines, forest tracks to fireside seating arrangements. The Escape Vol. 46 treks through a thoughtful chat with two inspiring women, an intro to the Touch Grass community, a love letter to the US National Parks, and sounds to accompany the lot.

Between waves and trees, salty-skinned with laces tied - cracking a knowing smile to the rising sun. Spring, we could kiss ya. 

The first in our new Trail Talks series: thoughtful and inspiring walk-and-talks with women who live for the outdoors - adventurers, trailblazers, and fresh air seekers with stories worth sharing.

Follow along in Lise’s footsteps, with or without a bonnet, at @woman_with_altitude. We’re stoked to support her mission. Freshta’s story has inspired us all, give her a follow at @freshta_ibrahimi and stay tuned for her upcoming Everest attempt.

Touch Grass is a London-based outdoor community for queer women and non-binary people of colour. Each trip, the group shares their experiences through a reflective ‘camp letter’. After a recent ascent of Mam Tor (Mother Hill), founder Toni sent hers our way. Here’s a snippet:

Dear Passenger,

The cold air brushed our cheeks, and our eyes wandered upward, searching the vast darkness for familiar constellations. We settled on Orion’s Belt, its three stars neatly aligned against the endless black. Just beyond, Mars flickered with a faint amber glow, distant yet impossibly bright...

The US was the first country to establish a National Park—Yellowstone, in 1872. Today, there are 63 National Parks across the country, providing endless wonder and a sense of freedom that doesn’t come easy in this modern world. Green space, worthy of a love letter.

Sam Jones (@nomeatdisco) with a hearty offering of stew goodness. Ear flaps down on the Daytime, Dometic supplying the cooking gear—bon appétit.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

(Serves 4)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp chipotle paste

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 large sweet potato, cubed

• 150g red lentils

• 500ml veg stock

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 tin white beans

• Juice of 1 lime

• Fresh coriander

METHOD

1. Heat the oil in a pan, slowly fry the onion and garlic until soft.

2. Stir in chipotle, cumin, and smoked paprika—cook for about 1 min.

3. Add sweet potato, lentils, stock, and tomatoes—simmer for 20 mins.

4. Stir in black beans and lime juice to finish—serve with fresh coriander.

Note: Serve with a spoonful of Greek-style plant yoghurt to cool the spice down if it’s a little spicy…

A more in-depth breakdown of our tree planting and protection commitments over Green Friday ‘24. Thanks to your support, we’re seeing huge restoration efforts in the Pacific Northwest across the states of Oregon and Washington, as well as California. Thousands of acres of restored native forests, the creation of wildlife habitats and key improvements to water quality—read the journal for more:

An aural wave of springtime scene setting provided by Maribou State, Palace, Dope Lemon and a handful more. Easy listening.