Virginia Sportsman Spring 2021 by Summit Publishing

G. LOVE GOES FOR GRAMMY GOLD | SPRING ROAD TRIP GEAR | PHOTOS FROM THE PLAINS OF AFRICA | HELP SAVE MUSIC

SPRING 2021

airstreams in the desert Virginia Bird Dogs Going Toe to Toe with Wild Midwestern Roosters

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THE SPRING 2021 ISSUE

FEATURES

26 AIRSTREAMS IN THE DESERT

A fleet of deluxe trailers serves as the basecamp for a milestone birthday celebration in Moab.

40 THE 36TH AMERICA’S CUP

A British team tries to beat an Italian team for a chance to reach the final match of the world’s most prestigious international yacht race.

46 SAVING THE MUSIC

As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the livelihoods of musicians, the nonprofit Newport Festivals Foundation is helping provide financial relief. S PR I N G 2021 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

DEPARTMENTS THE SPRING 2021 ISSUE

V I R G I N I A- R A I S E D B I R D D O G S TA K E ON WILD MIDWESTERN ROOSTER PHEASANTS. PHOTO BY ROB MOORE.

THE SOUND G. Love's latest album, “The Juice,” gets a Grammy nod for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

DAV I D G U L D E N ’ S N E W B O O K O F “CONCERNED PHOTOGRAPHY” R E V E A L S W H AT ’ S L E F T O F K E N YA’ S W I L D E R N E S S .

52 OPEN SPACES

FILSON’S NEW FIELD FLANNEL I S E V E R Y T H I N G F L A N N E L- S H I R T LOVERS COULD ASK FOR.

16 OUTFITTED Winter is over—plot your escape and spring into the new season with a road trip! Our latest guide has the best gear to make your journey more enjoyable.

20 FROM THE FIELD A Virginia bird hunter gets his dog in shape for a big trip to the fields of Kansas and Nebraska. 6

VAS reviews “Nor Dread, Nor Hope Attend,” a photo collection from the plains of Africa by photographer and environmentalist David Gulden.

On the Cover

Iconic Airstreams provide the perfect getaway—in style.

WELL FED Hank Shaw, contributing editor, chef, hunter, angler, forager and wild-foods expert, shares his red coconut curry recipe.

64 RAISE A GLASS

CRAFT BREWS ARE FLOWING I N R I C H M O N D , V I R G I N I A’ S B E E R C I T Y. P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F S T O N E B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y

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T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

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The Spring 2021 Issue

E D I TO R -AT- L A R G E E R I C K A L L E N A N D G R A M M YN O M I N AT E D R E C O R D I N G ARTIST G. LOVE ENJOY THE DESERT HIGH LIFE IN M OA B , U TA H .

EDITOR’S NOTE R

ecently I read an interview with Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler, who believed coronavirus would be terrible for sales. Airstream shut down production in March and closed its new 725,000-square-foot facility. Things looked bleak. But when Airstream reopened on May 4, business boomed— and it’s easy to understand why. Ninety years ago, Airstream founder Wally Byam opened his first trailer factory in California. Today, his iconic brand still delivers what Byam originally wanted to sell: “A way of life.” COVID-19 changed our lives, but many are adjusting by getting creative and experiencing a new way of life. This issue features a few people who are doing just that. Travel trailers offer people a safe, socially distanced way to enjoy nature. Our cover story “Airstreams in the Desert” shares one man’s experience of bringing a small group of friends together in a remote location to enjoy fine food and drink, live music and outdoor adventures. And he turned to outdoor travel company Eleven Experience to make it happen. Eleven mobilized a fleet of Airstreams and support vehicles to create a Bedouin-style desert camp; Eleven’s village also included open-air tents for socially distanced gatherings, meals and live music. Contemporary blues artist G. Love and other musicians entertained the group for an unforgettable and safe experience. Garrett Dutton, whose performing name is G. Love, is a prime example of changing your game in a pandemic. Early in 2020, Dutton released “The Juice,” his 12th album. Early praise from fans and critics was tremendous. Dutton planned to promote the album and was going to spend much of the

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

year on tour. It was going to be a busy, important year. Then COVID-19 hit. Live music was one of the pandemic’s early casualties. Dutton reacted with a creative plan: playing smaller venues and private parties—often outdoors—and embracing the online live-music movement. On Nov. 21, 2020, “The Juice” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. The one-time street performer is finally being recognized as one of the best in the business, and he’s still busy playing smaller events across the country. Other musicians are not as fortunate. Fittingly, Spring 2021 also highlights the important work of the Newport Festivals Foundation (NFF), which fosters the legacy and expands the impact of the Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals through its renowned music educational initiatives. The NFF responded to COVID-19 by creating a fund that provides financial relief to musicians who are experiencing a loss of income as a result of the pandemic. Also in this issue, we are fortunate to share “concerned photography” from my friend David Gulden’s latest work, “Nor Dread, Nor Hope Attend” (Damiani, October 2020). Gulden graduated from Roanoke College, moved to Kenya and lived on a ranch that was the one-time home of celebrated photographer, artist and adventurer Peter Beard. Beard praised Gulden’s first book of photography as, “The best African wildlife photos yet.” I assure you my friend’s new work is equally stunning. It reveals what’s left of Kenya’s wilderness through the unique eye of a true environmentalist. Thank you for reading print.

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The Spring 2021 Issue | THE SOUND

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

G. LOVE GOES FOR GRAMMY GOLD STORY BY ERIC KALLEN

n early 2020, everything was coming together for Garrett Dutton, who is affectionately known as G. Love to his multitude of fans. He released his 12th album, “The Juice,” and the early praise for the new album was fantastic. I wasn’t that familiar with G. Love or “The Juice” when I first met Dutton. My music tastes are broad and unfocused; rarely do I know the name of the song I am singing (most likely with the wrong lyrics) or the album that it’s from. From my time spent on the Gulf Coast, I developed a love for the blues, but that didn’t factor into the conversations that I had with Dutton and his wife Kelsey when we first met on a trip to the desert. While hiking, we talked about kids and chickens (our families both have chickens in our backyards). We enjoyed drinks and beautiful sunsets, and we felt the thrill of nearly falling off mountain bikes as we coursed through a very technical desert single track. Down to earth and humble, Dutton is easy to get to know. He’s a rare person who shows genuine interest in those around him, and he doesn’t put on airs. But it wasn’t until Dutton picked up his guitar

DOWN TO EARTH AND HUMBLE, DUTTON IS EASY TO GET TO KNOW. HE’S A RARE PERSON WHO SHOWS GENUINE INTEREST IN THOSE AROUND HIM, AND HE DOESN’T PUT ON AIRS.

CONTEMPORARY BLUES ARTIST G. LOVE PERFORMS S O N G S F R O M H I S L AT E S T A L B U M , “ T H E J U I C E .” P H O T O BY ERIC KALLEN

S PR I N G 2021 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

and harmonica that I fully appreciated him as an artist. Listening to him play tracks from “The Juice,” I finally acknowledged the artist and album are special. Dutton also believes “The Juice” is special—and different from his other work. The album was produced by Grammy-winning artist and producer Keb’ Mo’ and features a long list of talented blues artists. After nearly 30 years in the music industry, Dutton has had his share of success but never a Grammy, the music industry’s highest honor. He wanted to rectify that with his new album. “I’m an off-the-cuff dude,” Dutton replied with his usual frankness when asked why his latest album was different from his other work. “When I make an album, it’s not always thought out in great detail, sometimes I just go with the flow.” Not this time. Dutton knew what he was doing when he pursued Mo’ to produce “The Juice.” The 68-year-old is a blues legend—and he has five Grammys to prove it. “After our first meeting, I knew this was going to be different. I sat across from Keb’, and he was direct and asked me what I was trying to do here. He asked what my goal was.” When Dutton said he wanted to win a Grammy, Mo’ told him that he was going to take a unique approach. “I had to make the sincerest and most connected record. Every lyric, every note, every performance had to be played with conviction and purpose. The whole thing had to be well thought out.” The process wasn’t easy for Dutton, but creating art never is. Under Mo’s direction, Dutton worked tirelessly to perfect the album. They built the album from the ground up, then tore it down and built it back up again. “Keb’ gave me a masterclass in the blues. Sometimes he would say, ‘That lyric sucks, do it again.’ It was hard work. But when we finished the last take, I knew it was worth it. I stand behind every note on this album.” The two collaborators released the album in January 2020. At the time, Dutton planned to promote the album and was planning to spend much of the year on tour in Australia, Japan, Europe, Canada and the United States. The year held a lot of promise and it was going to be busy—and important. In his early days, Dutton performed on the streets in his native Philadelphia and loves playing in front of a live audience. Live music and interacting with the crowd inspire him. “Performing live is part of my creative process. It brings a connection to the audience that motivates me. There’s a tension and a release in a live show. I love it, man.” With a full touring schedule and a hit album to promote, Dutton was excited to get started. Then COVID-19 hit. “I was in Santa Barbara with my band Special Sauce,” he said. L A I D - B A C K A N D E A S Y- G O I N G , G . L O V E ’ S T R U E G E N I U S C O M E S TO L I G H T W H E N H E P I C K S U P H I S G U I TA R AND HARMONICA AND PERFORMS. PHOTOS BY ALEX FENLON, THE ELEVEN EXPERIENCE

“The Juice” While G. Love’s latest album is above all about the blues, it still pulls from the funk, soul, R&B and hip-hop roots of his past. Appearing on the album is a host of big-name talent, including heavyweights Keb’ Mo’, Robert Randolph and Marcus King, just to name a few. The album’s message is positive, and the attention to detail that went into its creation is evident throughout. Light-hearted and fun, without being silly, “The Juice” is the perfect mix for a gathering of friends at an outside barbeque or a long car ride when you just want to sing out loud. 14

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

“When I heard the news, I was like, ES S E N TI AL TR ACKS ‘Holy shit, this is real.’” As he played his last show and “Go Crazy” – The tune said his goodbyes to his longtime has a hip-hop groove and bandmates, the full extent of what funky undertones, like was happening started to settle in. much of G. Love’s early “I’m a musician—I’m not making work. Keb’ Mo’s distinctive the rules. At first, I panicked a little. It voice adds to Dutton’s laidwas a lot to take in.” back, effortless vocals. For Dutton, panic is not in his nature and once he got home to Cape “Fix Your Face” – With Cod, he sat down with his wife Kelsey Keb’Mo’ on electric guitar, and they worked out a plan. His plan, this track is blues rock at like his life, revolved around music. its finest. A smooth, soulful Music venues and concerts rhythm gives this song an were some of the pandemic’s early almost country blues feel. casualties. Dutton recognized this and knew he had to get creative. That “Shake Your Hair” – This meant playing smaller venues and track’s pop-funk sound, private parties—often outdoors—and passionate soul backup embracing the online live-music singers and Dutton’s movement. rapping message combine “After 30 years in the business, to create a fun and I’ve learned to be fluid. Things uplifting song that will get happen. I invested in new equipment your toes tapping. for these online shows and adapted. It’s different, playing for thousands of fans from your living room, but it’s still about the music.” Dutton learned about the power of streaming and the love that his fans have for his music when he joined his old pal Jack Johnson for the Kokua Festival in April 2020. The two-hour livestream event was a benefit for Johnson’s Kokua Hawaii Foundation, which drew hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world to watch the artists perform. “Kokua was a trip,” Dutton said. “That was the largest audience I’ve ever played in front of—and I performed from my backyard.” Despite 2020’s challenges, Dutton’s spirits never wavered. Then suddenly, the musician who has given so much to his craft received the news he’d been waiting for. On Nov. 21, 2020, “The Juice” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. The one-time street performer is finally being recognized as one of the best in the music industry. “My heart is full, and I have so many people to thank. It’s such an honor to be recognized with so many other great artists.” It should come as no surprise that Dutton’s performing name is G. Love. The man behind the music is humble and appreciative for everything he’s already achieved. His overall message is one of love and respect—in a time when so many have lost so much and are struggling. COVID-19 hit musicians hard. It took a way of life away from them, but you wouldn’t know it from Dutton’s attitude—or from the tone of his new album. The more time I spent with Dutton, the more I was reminded that many musicians entertain, but great ones like him inspire us. The Grammy Awards are scheduled to air on March 14. I’m going to watch the program this year. You got this G.—and the Love is already coming back at you. Eric Kallen is the editor-at-large of The Virginia Sportsman. S PR I N G 2021 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

The Spring 2021 Issue | OUTFITTED

GEAR FOR THE GREAT SPRING ROAD TRIP After a few long months of winter, it’s time to plot your next great escape. Whether you’re heading to a river lodge deep in the mountains or the open waters of the coast, we’ve got the goods on new spring gear to make your journey more enjoyable.

BY ERIC KALLEN AND JEDD FERRIS

ICEMULE JAUNT [1] For quick trips down to the river or short hikes near home, the Jaunt is a convenient backpack cooler that easily holds a six-pack of brews or up to three bottles of wine. With durable construction and dependable insulation, it keeps ice solid for a full day, and the front zippered pocket is great for stashing essentials, like your keys or a corkscrew. $79.95; icemulecoolers.com

HYDRO FLASK WIDE MOUTH WITH FLEX STRAW CAP [2] Hydration is key when you have a long haul ahead. With Hydro Flask’s Wide Mouth bottle you can keep 32 ounces of your favorite beverage cold for 24 hours, thanks to tightly sealed double-wall vacuum insulation. The wide mouth is great when you want big gulps, but you can also add a new Flex Straw Cap for easy sipping when you’re on the road. $44.95 (bottle) and $12.95 (cap) ; hydroflask.com

TOPO DESIGNS RIVER SHORTS [3] Made for paddling trips, trail time or warmweather travel, Topo’s versatile River Shorts

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

work for all kinds of Southern spring endeavors. They’re made with quick-drying nylon, so you’ll never be damp for long, but the shorts are also outfitted with a touch of spandex, allowing you to move freely when any adventure calls. $79; topodesigns.com

PATAGONIA SUN STRETCH SHIRT [4] Virginia humidity hits quickly when spring settles in, so stay cool in Sun Stretch Shirt. The perennial favorite is part of Patagonia’s fishing collection, and accordingly it’s made with a breezy, tech-savvy material that won’t inhibit your casting motion. And with the airy, comfortable feel and casual look comes additional performance features, including two zippered pockets and UPF 30 protection for long days under the rays. $99; patagonia.com

SPORTDOG, FIELDTRAINER 425X [5] E-collars are invaluable for any dog owner who is looking to have more control over their pup. Even though e-collars were introduced to help hunters manage dogs in the field, today’s options offer a much broader appeal. The SportDOG Fieldtrainer 425x has many of the same capabilities the more expensive “hunting” systems feature, but its real audience is people who are introducing their dogs to in-the-field training or those hunting with close-working dogs. The palm-sized controller is uncluttered and easy to use; it offers a variety of customization depending on your needs. It’s also capable of working with up to three dog collars, covers a 500-yard range and is waterproof to 25-feet. The Fieldtrainer system is more than capable in the field without overwhelming the user with features and costs that more demanding hunters may require. $159.95; www.sportdog.com

GERBER ARMBAR DRIVE [6] Perfect for unexpected utility needs when you’re on the move, the Armbar Drive is a versatile multi-tool that comes in the convenient size of a pocket knife. In addition to a high-quality stainless blade, the compact design also includes key tools, including an awl, pry bar, bottle opener and a 2.5-inch driver with a two-sided bit. For such a functional piece, Gerber keeps the weight down to an impressive 3.1 ounces, and at a cost under 40 bucks, it’s light on the wallet, too. $39; gerbergear.com

4 5

BLUNDSTONE CLASSIC 550 [7]

Blundstone’s boots remain a time-tested staple for both travel and trail. They slip on and break in easily, but thanks to the waterproof leather construction and hearty soles, these Australian standbys will last for years. The Classic 550 is slightly updated from the wellknown original, retooled with a really comfortable footbed that’s designed for long stretches on your feet and able to absorb impact when you’re walking on or off road. $199.95; blundstone.com

OUTDOOR RESEARCH FACE MASK [8] Face masks are going to be with us for a while, so keep one on hand that’s ready for adventure. Outdoor Research—a stalwart performance apparel company—has you covered with a doublelayer mask made with an anti-microbial polyester fabric that includes a removable filter. It also features a roomy design that offers a little more breathing space than your typical mask, and thanks to features like a nose wire and adjustable ear loops, you can dial in a comfortable fit. $20; outdoorresearch.com

7 8

S PR I N G 2021 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

MIDLAND, X-TALKER TWO-WAY RADIO [9]

In today’s world, the cell phone has become the go-to method of communication for outdoorsmen and women. As reliant as we have become on these devices, they don’t do much good if you drop them in a trout stream or can’t get a signal. Midland’s X-Talker Two-Way Radio offers a great alternative: rugged and unfailing devices for communicating and monitoring the weather. These radios are super powerful and have excellent range and clarity over 22 channels. Midland’s Weather Scan+ Alert technology automatically scans through 10 available weather channels and selects the strongest one to make certain you receive all-important weather updates. Lightweight and easy to use, these GMRS radios are a great addition to anyone’s kit for sporting and outdoor activities. $89.99; www.midlandusa.com

JACK WOLFSKIN, JWP SHELL [10] Sometimes the best rain jacket is the one you have with you when it starts to rain. Jack Wolfskin’s new JWP Shell is designed with convenience and packability in mind. Manufactured from 100% recycled plastic, the windproof and waterproof JWP Shell can hold up in all but the most extreme conditions. A big part of the jacket’s functionality is its lightweight fabric, which makes it easy to cram it into jacket’s side pockets. This compact stuff sack allows you to have this jacket on hand no matter where you go. New to North America, Jack Wolfskin has been creating eco-conscious, high-quality clothing and gear since 1981. The JWP Shell is simple and stylish, and its compactness will appeal to urban commuters and hardcore hikers alike. $129.95; www. jackwolfskin.com

C.C. FILSON CO., FIELD FLANNEL SHIRT [11] There’s something timeless and endearing about a well-worn flannel shirt. Whether worn outside in the field or indoors on a chilly spring day, flannel shirts have long been a staple for sportsmen and women. Filson’s longstanding reputation for quality and durability is legendary. The brand’s new Field Flannel shirts are everything flannel-shirt lovers could ask for. Made from a mid-weight brushed cotton, the shirt is soft, strong and amazingly lightweight for a flannel. Available in five solid colors-including the eye-catching light shrub camo—Filson’s Field Flannel shirts are a classic in the making. $98.00; www.filson.com

IRISH SETTER, VAPRTREK BOOTS [12]

10 12

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

Hunters and outdoorsmen have relied on Irish Setter Boots for hard-wearing, high-quality boots that hold up in the field. Originally launched in 2014, Irish Setter’s VaprTrek line of boots have been praised for their light weight, durability and comfort. These versatile boots recently received an upgrade and now offer more insulation for colder temperatures and better traction and support for rough terrain. They also feature several selections for ease of use, including a BOA lacing system on some models. Available in a wide variety of men’s and women’s styles with a range of options, these boots offer something for just about anyone who spends time in the field or in the woods. $154.99$249.99; www.irishsetterboots.com

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S PR I N G 2021 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

The Spring 2021 Issue | FROM THE FIELD

Risin’ Up Virginia Bird Dogs Take on Wild Midwestern Roosters STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROBB MOORE

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

s a Virginia upland bird hunter and pointing-dog owner in 2021, it’s easy enough for me to curse our great commonwealth’s paucity of wild birds, down from the storied bounty of bobwhite quail that Virginia boasted just a few decades ago. What we do have in abundance, however, are the sort of resources to train bird dogs that are comparable to—or could be the envy of—any state in our nation. With that in mind, I suggest we instead view our state as a home base and world-class training ground that equips us to pursue the toughest wild birds in the United States. While training my Brittany, Lincoln, in Central Virginia, I couldn’t help but think of him as Rocky Balboa preparing to take on heavy-weight champions across the country. Now four years old, Lincoln is in his prime with experience on pen-raised birds, ruffed grouse, American woodcock and wild bobwhite quail. In 2019, Lincoln was named the U.S. Complete National Amateur Gun Dog of the Year. KNOWN FOR Despite last year’s success, our return trip to FRUSTRATING the fields of Kansas and Nebraska reminded me of SOME OF THE Rocky IV; like Rocky, Lincoln had unfinished business BEST AMERICAN POINTING DOGS, with an imported champion and worthy adversary— ROOSTERS RUN an avian version of Captain Ivan Drago—the wild UNSEEN THROUGH rooster pheasant, which is the wild game bird that TALL GRASSES ON eluded our bag last year. Known for frustrating some MUSCULAR LEGS, of the best American pointing dogs, roosters run WILDLY FLUSHING ON THE FAR SIDE unseen through tall grasses on muscular legs, wildly OF A FIELD LIKE flushing on the far side of a field like a missile sortie A MISSILE SORTIE when safely out of shooting range. WHEN SAFELY OUT To prepare for our trip, we upped our training OF SHOOTING RANGE. game on pen-raised roosters with our friend Neal Kauder at Orapax Hunting Preserve in Goochland, Virginia, and his Llewellin setters Blanco and Cutter. We selected destinations better known for wild pheasant contact over quail. We also invited reinforcements—friends who trained with us under Neal’s mentorship and Rick Smith’s tutelage at Orapax. Rodney Seay and his Llew, Huck, and Bret Efird and his wirehaired pointing griffon, Dutch, joined us in our second attempt to bag wild roosters. Rodney and Bret are also great shots, and their well-trained, obedient and talented dogs were welcome additions to our hunting party. Our team worked and trained hard together. Rocky’s pre-bout training took place in Siberia, USSR; Lincoln’s occurred in Virginia and culminated with a pre-trip pheasant exhibition hunt with our team at Orapax. Neal and I entertained Seay and Efird with tales from our failed attempts to bag wild roosters on our last trip and embarked on our journey with high hopes and the classic Rocky theme song playing in our heads. We drove for two days and had a fitful night’s sleep before the first hunt. As we feared, our first contact with rooster pheasant dashed our high hopes. The dogs tracked and pinned plenty of hens, but the elusive roosters again escaped the dogs’ points and our guns with their running escapes and aerial displays. We filled in the yawning gap of rooster success with a few coveys of quail, but a creeping worry began to grow. Would Lincoln and I lose the rooster battle once again? In each flushing rooster’s cackle, I swear I could hear Drago’s hushed threat, “I must break you.”

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( T O P ) S E AY, K A U D E R A N D E F I R D W A L K T H E C U T C O R N F I E L D S B A C K T O T H E T R U C K AT T H E E N D O F T H E D AY. ( A B O V E ) T H E A U T H O R A N D H I S B R I T TA N Y L I N C O L N W I T H O N E O F T H E W E E K ’ S H A R D - W O N W I L D ROOSTER PHEASANTS. PHOTO BY NEAL KAUDER

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But then the magic began to happen. Following overnight whiskeysoaked game plans drawn up to block and tackle roosters, we divided our team the next morning with two gunners and two dogs and simultaneously entered opposite sides of the fields. Within 15 minutes, we bagged our first wild-flushed rooster. A few more followed. Our wild-flushing success led us to wonder: is it possible for a pointing dog to get a sustained point on these wily birds, or would flushers better fit the bill? Then, our team was dealt a heavy blow: we had to place both Lincoln and Dutch on injured reserve because of paw-pad injuries from sand burrs. While our block-and-tackle method yielded more wild-flushed roosters in our bags, we had yet to flush any of them from a held point. We were also in danger of running out of dog power with more paw-pad injuries. The next day, we took Lincoln off injured reserve. By afternoon, our prize fighters were back in the game wearing rubber-boots that resembled boxing gloves to protect them from burrs. After some success on quail, we tried one last field before sunset. “HEY, RODNEY, Our dogs immediately got birdy, raising our hopes that LINCOLN’S ON a rooster was afoot. And then, a bunny bolted from the POINT,” I SAID. groundcover. We rolled our eyes and began to gather “I’M GOING IN. YOU MAY WANT our dogs. TO BE READY… Kauder and Efird headed back to the cabin, leaving JUST IN CASE.” Seay and me to wait for Lincoln, who was stubbornly rooting back into the cover. I decided to indulge him. “What’s a few minutes of fun as the sun sets?” I thought. My GPS handheld buzzed in my hand, signaling a point. Seay had his back turned to us, watching the start of the third spectacular sunset of the week. “Hey, Rodney, Lincoln’s on point,” I said. “I’m going in. You may want to be ready… just in case.” I pushed through thick chest-high grass and reached Lincoln, steady as a rock, eyes bugging. Nothing. Maybe another bunny? Maybe a single quail?

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I stepped in front of him and started kicking. One of the largest roosters I’ve ever seen erupted from the grass. Seay was as surprised as I was but managed to take the shot and the bird fell. Lincoln was still frozen in place, looking at me expectantly. I managed to keep my cool and gently stroked his side. “Fetch!” Lincoln plowed through the grass and gathered the rooster in his mouth. “Here!” It wasn’t his smoothest handoff, or mine, but we were both excited that it finally happened. The wild imported champion had fallen to the mat for the first time on a perfectly executed track, point, pin and hold. It was all I could do to not raise Lincoln’s paw in the air and declare him champion. Lincoln trotted back to the cabin with us in his rubber-boot boxing gloves, proud as a peacock. Seay and I strutted beside him; the bird slung like a championship belt over Seay’s shoulder. We were eager to tell our buddies about our win in the day’s dying light. Lincoln’s successful breakthrough presaged the rest of the week’s knockout rounds with the world champion upland bird of the Midwest, now on wobbly feet. Finally, our Virginia-trained pointing dogs boxed, pinned and held wild rooster pheasants. As the credits for the trip rolled, Lincoln and his buddies claimed their places as world-champion prize fighters. Like Rocky, they trained hard to knock out wild rooster pheasants, the Captain Ivan Dragos of the midwestern prairie. Robb Moore is a ninth-generation Virginian and a skippedgeneration bird hunter who lives in Richmond. He’s written online and print articles for Project Upland (projectupland.com) and its biannual sister publication, Hunting Dog Confidential (huntingdogconfidential.com). In addition to his day-job as a higher-education administrator at his alma mater, the University of Richmond, Robb also helps out as an amateur bird-dog trainer at Orapax Hunting Preserve (orapax.com) and blogs about his and Lincoln’s journey at amanandhisbirddog.com/blog.

( T O P ) S E AY, K A U D E R A N D E F I R D T O A S T T H E D AY ’ S S U C C E S S I N F R O N T O F A S P E C TA C U L A R M I D W E S T E R N S U N S E T. ( A B O V E ) T H E W E E K ’ S CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM ON A STRING—DUTCH (WIREHAIRED POINTING G R I F F O N ) , H U C K ( L L E W E L L I N S E T T E R ) , L I N C O L N ( B R I T TA N Y ) , B L A N C O (LLEWELLIN SETTER) AND CUTTER (ENGLISH SETTER).

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Airstreams in the Desert “A Way of Life” STORY BY IRWIN FLETCHER

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELEVEN EXPERIENCE

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lanning a milestone birthday is never easy. It’s even more challenging during a global pandemic, when it’s difficult to see people, go anywhere or do anything. Mindful of the virus, I envisioned a small group of close friends gathered in a remote location to enjoy fine food and drink, live music and outdoor adventures. I wanted to celebrate my favorite person’s 50th year on Earth as safely as possible. And I figured there was nowhere more isolated than the desert and no better outfit to pull this off than the Eleven Experience.

An outdoor travel company, Eleven Experience is known for its world-class lodges in secluded and idyllic locations around the globe. The group’s high-end destinations span continents and include remote properties in the Bahamas, Colorado, Iceland, the French Alps, New Zealand and Patagonia. No matter where you want to go, Eleven thrives on providing solutions that make any adventure memorable and comfortable— even one that takes place in the middle of the desert.

Our journey took us outside Moab, Utah, where Eleven mobilized a fleet of Airstream travel trailers and support vehicles, including a beer truck that served Colorado’s Irwin Brewing Company beer, its jalapeño-infused Mexican lager being my favorite. The Airstreams were a nice touch. In 1931, Wally Byam opened his first Airstream trailer factory in Culver City, California. Ninety years later, the iconic brand still delivers what Byam originally intended to sell: “A way of life.”

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My guests and I certainly experienced a way of life that turned out to be unforgettable. Airstreams symbolize and romanticize American travel, and their well-appointed interiors offered comfort and functionality for our stay in Utah. The trailers circled the Bedouin-style desert camp that served as home base for the birthday-bash getaway. For days, our living quarters’ stainlesssteel shells shimmered in the bright sunlight. Eleven’s village also included open-air tents for socially distanced gatherings, in which we ate meals prepared by Eleven’s chefs, drank and listened to internationally renowned musicians. As the warmth from the desert days receded into evenings, guests assembled under the high arches of the music tent. Bathed in the ever-changing colors of the stage lights, we were treated to a mindblowing display of musical talent. Grammy-nominated, contemporary blues artist G. Love put his incredible musical diversity on display. Sometimes he played alone; other times he joined British funk and soul band the Eddie Roberts Trio. He also sat in with the horn-led, rhythm and blues specialists the California Honeydrops. The musical acts assembled in an organized manner and took the stage to play their sets in a prearranged order.

Warm notes gave energy to the guests, and the musicians joined together to play as one. It was clear the artists reveled in the pure joy of making music and doing what they love most. On most nights, music played into the early morning hours, until the solarpowered generators clicked out, indicating that it was time to rest and retreat to Eleven’s custom, tricked-out Airstreams.

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PHOTO BY ERIC KALLEN

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While the luxury provided by the Eleven Experience is second to none, the heart and soul of the company lies in adventure. With a host of world-class guides leading the way, we were able to experience the outdoors in ways we never had before. In Moab, Eleven led excursions on mountain bikes, fourwheel vehicles and electric dirt bikes. Some days they led us on casual hikes to take in petroglyphs; other days featured more strenuous hikes to the summits of sandstone monoliths and up the steep walls of canyons. Many of the experiences left us refreshed and in awe of the desert’s natural beauty. The adventurous days left us in sight of our comfort zones, but never in them.

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Overall, we observed the natural beauty of the desert and experienced its mystical elements. The area Eleven used for the camp is a known energy vortex, which for millennia has presented a deeply spiritual landscape. I encountered feelings of peace, harmony and emotional rejuvenation; my guests shared the same sentiments. We said our goodbyes at the end of the trip and prepared to return to our normal, quarantined lives. We did so with bittersweet sadness and gratitude. We shared and celebrated a special event— and enjoyed a way of life like no other. I miss the sights and sounds. I miss my desert friends. Irwin Fletcher is an entrepreneur and adventurer. He enjoys spending time with his family skiing, mountain-biking, fly fishing and listening to live music. He’s also a big fan of Airstreams and is ready to hit the road again.

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(OPPOSITE) INEOS TEAM UK'S AC 7 5 R AC E B OAT B R I TA N N I A WAS CHRISTENED IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. (BELOW) INEOS TEAM UK IS LED BY SIR BEN AINSLIE, THE MOST SUCCESSFUL O LY M P I C S A I L O R O F A L L T I M E . PHOTOS BY C GREGORY

THE 36TH

AMERICA’S CUP A British Team Has a Chance to Bring the Cup Back “Home” for the First Time in History STORY BY JOAN WENNER

he America’s Cup is the pinnacle of yachting, a high-stakes, “win-at-all-costs” international sailing race. The race predates the modern Olympics by 45 years and is the world’s oldest trophy in international sport. The best sailors from around the world on the most advanced boats have competed for the coveted silver trophy since 1851, when the Royal Squadron of Great Britain proposed “a spirited race” around the Isle of Wight. The yacht that won the race was America, owned by John Cox Stevens, the first commodore of the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) and other club members. That first race took place 35 years before the car and 52 years before the inaugural flight of the Wright Brothers. Since then, the United States embarked on a 132-year winning streak in which U.S. boats successfully defended the trophy 24 times. This dominant run lasted from 1870 until 1983, when Australia II became the first successful challenger to win the trophy from the Americans. In more than 160 years since that first race off the coast of England, only four nations have won the “oldest trophy in international sport.” Although the America’s Cup originated in Britain, a British team has never won it. At the time of this writing, a British team might have a chance—and the Americans are now out of the race. *** The 36th America’s Cup Match will be held March 6 to 21, 2021, in Auckland, New Zealand. The match will see the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand racing against the winner of the

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PRADA Cup Final, which will either be INEOS Team UK or Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team. PRADA is the exclusive naming and presenting sponsor of all events comprising this year’s America’s Cup. This includes the Challenger Selection Series, officially named the PRADA Cup, which is a series of four round-robin races held Jan. 15 to Feb. 22, 2021. The design rule for the 36th America’s Cup centers on the daring AC75. Competitors are racing 75-foot monohull boats that sail four times the true speed of wind—up to 50 knots. More airplane than boat, the AC75 is a story of aerodynamics. Three challengers have launched their first-generation boats and are foiling successfully. These include Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (formerly Boat 2), INEOS Team UK Britannia and the New York Yacht Club American Magic’s Patriot. Formed in October 2017 by Bella Mente Racing, Quantum Racing and the NYYC, American Magic represents a joint vision to win the America’s Cup. The team name, American Magic, is a nod to the NYYC’s storied America’s Cup history: a combination of the boat the trophy is named for, and the first boat to defend it. The campaign was to win back the America’s Cup, reconnect the American sailing base with the premier event in the sport and

AMERICAN MAGIC SAILORS CLING TO THEIR CAPSIZED AC 7 5 YAC H T I N N E W Z E A L A N D ’ S H AU R A K I G U L F. P H OTO C R E D I T: C O R 3 6 | ST U D I O B O R L E N G H I

elevate the quality of competitive sailing in the United States. “With a return to a more relatable soft-sailed monohull, the 36th America’s Cup represents an opportunity to re-engage the grass roots of the sport and re-energize American sailing,” said Hap Fauth, CEO of Belle Mente Racing. American Magic’s America’s Cup campaign ended at the end of January in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland as it lost twice to Luna Rossa, which swept the best-of-seven challenger semifinal 4-0. Led by Australian skipper and helmsman Jimmy Spithill, the Italian team displayed exceptional tactical judgment and sailing ability to win the third race by 33 seconds, and a cruel mechanical failure cost American Magic any chance of winning the fourth race with the series at match point. Twelve days before the semifinal, Patriot capsized and came close to sinking. Many thought the boat wouldn’t be fully repaired with such a tight deadline. Thanks to the efforts of the American Magic crew and the assistance it received from opponents, Patriot was sailing 10 days after it capsized. This was an incredible comeback story alone, but American Magic’s story and bid for the cup stopped there.

THE CAMPAIGN WAS TO WIN BACK THE AMERICA’S CUP, RECONNECT THE AMERICAN SAILING BASE WITH THE PREMIER EVENT IN THE SPORT AND ELEVATE THE QUALITY OF COMPETITIVE SAILING IN THE UNITED STATES.

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The Defender Emirates Team New Zealand and its Version 2 AC75 named Te Rehutai now await the winner of the showdown between Luna Rossa and INEOS Team UK. The British team has a chance to bring the America’s Cup trophy home for the first time in history, but it faces a big challenge against Spithill and Luna Rossa. Spithill has been the skipper and helmsman behind two America’s Cup victories and believes that his new Italian team can reclaim sailing’s biggest prize. He won his first title in 2010, then followed up in 2013 with Oracle Team USA to win the final race from Emirates Team New Zealand. INEOS TEAM UK is backed by INEOS Founder and Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe and led by the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. INEOS TEAM UK is racing for Royal Yacht Squadron Racing. “We have only begun scratching the surface of the potential of these AC75s,” said Ainslie. “It is a fascinating challenge for us as sailors, and it should be a real spectacle for the fans watching here in New Zealand, back home in the UK and across the world.” The team’s 6.5-ton boat, Britannia, has estimated top speeds of more than 50 knots (93 KM/H, 57.5 MP/H) and is one of the most technologically advanced boats ever built. She took over 90,000

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design hours and 46,000 construction hours to design and build and is made up of more than 17,300 parts. “Our goal here in Auckland is to win the America’s Cup, and to do that we first need to win the PRADA Cup,” Ainslie added, looking ahead to the PRADA Cup Final. “That means beating the Italians, Luna Rossa, in a first-to-seven-win series over the next two weeks. They have been in this game for over 20 years, have been performing well across a range of conditions and do not seem to have a weak spot. They will be very tough to beat, and we will need to sail incredibly well to beat them.” Follow the action at www.americascup.com. Joan Wenner, J.D., is a longtime and frequent contributor to The Virginia Sportsman. She has a law degree and also contributes sailing and boating stories to other publications in the United Kingdom and Canada. She welcomes comments at joan_writer@yahoo.com. SIR BEN AINSLIE AND INEOS TEAM UK SAIL AGAINST I T A LY ’ S L U N A R O S S A I N T H E P R A D A C U P . P H O T O B Y HARRY KH

New York Yacht Club Honors Stephanie Robles In November 2020, the New York Yacht Club bestowed its highest sailing honor on member and worldclass sailor Stephanie Roble. Presented to the club’s sailor of the year, the Mosbacher Trophy is named for former commodore and two-time America’s Cup champion Emil “Bus” Mosbacher. It is the most coveted of the club’s annual trophies. Roble was raised in Wisconsin. She began sailing scows and dinghies on Lake Beulah when she was five years old. Roble fell in love with sailing and competing while in the Optimist class. After a successful junior sailing career, Roble attended Old Dominion University in Virginia, where she was team captain and received two All-American sailing honors. She was one of the few women competing as a skipper in the open division. As a professional sailor, Roble focused her career in the Melges 20, J70 and Etchells classes and has played crucial roles on the world stage as a teammate with a variety of roles: bow, tactician, strategist and helm. In 2014, she was recognized as the US Sailing Rolex Yachtswoman of Year, the highest award in American sailing. While the COVID-19 pandemic canceled a large portion of the Olympic-class sailing schedule—and postponed the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by a year—Roble and sailing partner Maggie Shea were still able to achieve significant success in the women’s skiff class. The two started 2020 by winning the bronze medal in the 2020 49erFX World Championship in Geelong, Australia. It was the first American medal in a 49erFX world championship. “I am extremely proud to award the 2020 Mosbacher Trophy to Stephanie Roble,” said Commodore William P. Ketcham of the New York Yacht Club. “Since graduating from Old Dominion University nearly a decade ago, Stephanie has thrown herself into elite sailing, succeeding in keelboats, match racing and now the 49erFX Olympic class. Stephanie and Maggie made the most of their limited opportunities to compete in 2020, and we look forward to following them on the road to an Olympic medal this summer. Stephanie is the youngest person and the first woman to win the Mosbacher.” “This is an incredible honor,” said Roble, who joined the New York Yacht Club in 2015. “It’s been quite the year, and we’re really excited about the results that we’ve had. It’s an absolute honor to represent the New York Yacht Club around the world. To be the first female to win this award is extra special.” Follow Robles continued success at www.roblesheasailing.com.

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The Newport Festivals Foundation IF YOU LOVE MUSIC, HELP SAVE IT STORY BY JOE SHIELDS PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NFF

he music world lost one of its cherished folk gods on April 7, 2020, when American singer-songwriter and master storyteller John Prine died from complications related to the coronavirus. He was 73 years old. Other musicians have lost their lives to COVID-19. There’s another harsh reality—it’s next to impossible for living musicians to make a living during the pandemic. They suffer a separate and lonely economic crisis of their own. “Unless you’re in the top one percent of the one percent of the music world, it’s difficult to earn money as a musician right now,” says Jay Sweet, executive producer of the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, and executive director of its nonprofit Newport Festivals Foundation (NFF). “Touring and album releases have been cancelled, and so have music festivals. The coronavirus took away live music, and these artists don’t have unemployment benefits and health insurance. They need help.” Sweet knows the music business. Prior to producing the Newport Festivals and running its foundation, he ran his own music consulting company and worked as a music supervisor in the movies. He’s also the former editor of Paste, a music and entertainment magazine. “As a kid I was obsessed with music, and fortunately my dad had an amazing record collection. He let me rearrange albums, and many had “Live at Newport” on the covers. Jazz, blues, Motown and rock n’ roll. Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Wilson Pickett and the Grateful Dead—these were some of the musicians whose songs became hymns for me. Music was my religion—and songs like ‘Uncle John’s Band’ were in my hymn book.” In 2007, Festival Network, a New York-based outfit that purchased the Newport Festivals from legendary festival founder George Wein, hired Sweet as a consultant. Two years later, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, which oversees Fort Adams State Park in Newport, where the festivals are held, voided the contract with the Festival Network. Wein quickly regained control of the festivals and retained and appointed Sweet as his successor.

D O L LY P A R T O N A N D B R A N D I C A R L I L E E N T E R T A I N F A N S AT T H E 2 0 1 9 N E W P O R T F O L K F E S T I VA L .

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“George Wein really trusted Jay, who helped him buy the festivals back,” says Newport Festivals Foundation Publicity Director Meghan Helsel. “Jay’s the former editor of Paste, and he’s a creative guy who really brought an editor’s eye to the festivals. Plus, he knew a lot about emerging folk, Americana and indie-rock musicians. George wasn’t familiar with these genres and some of the budding talents. So, this move turned out to be a great fit.” 2019 marked the Newport Folk Festival’s 60th anniversary since it debuted in 1959. The Newport Jazz Festival preceded its companion event by five years and was introduced in 1954. The NFF fosters the legacy and expands the impact of its festivals by supporting music education programs year-round, across the country. It relies on the money it makes each year at the festivals to carry out its work. Both festivals were cancelled in 2020 because of the coronavirus. “As devastating as it is to write these words, it’s balanced with a renewed sense of, well, ‘Hope,’” Sweet said in a foundation press release. “It’s Rhode Island’s motto for good reason, and it’s also the feeling our festival family constantly exudes when we come together in good times and perhaps more importantly, in difficult times. This community is truly unlike any other in music, and I believe we can emerge from this adversity stronger and more connected than ever before.” The NFF responded to the devastating toll COVID-19 has taken on independent musicians by creating the Newport Festivals Musician Relief Fund, which provides financial relief to musicians in the folk and jazz communities experiencing a loss of income as a result of the pandemic. The fund’s Revival grant is a one-time grant between $500 and $3,000 for artists to create educational content in partnership with NFF. Content is sent free of charge to music education programs. The Micro Grant is a one-time grant between $300 to $500 to cover a musician’s immediate financial concerns. Giving is already built into the NFF’s model. For each artist on either festival’s lineup, the foundation makes a donation on the artist’s behalf to an organization of their choosing before they hit the stage at Fort Adams. Last year, NFF provided financial relief to more than 450 musicians impacted by the pandemic. It also awarded more than 100 grants for music education programs nationwide. “We believe every person deserves access to music education, regardless of socioeconomic status,” adds Helsel. “Numerous studies have shown that music education helps develop communication skills, improve test scores and build confidence. By supporting music education initiatives across the country through our Artist Gives Program, we’re empowering students to reach their full potential and preserving the genres of jazz and folk music.” Helsel acknowledged the NFF made several grants to local music education programs in Central Virginia. One was awarded to Charlottesville’s Music Resource Center on behalf of Ed O’Brien, English guitarist and member of the rock band Radiohead. The Music Resource Center’s Musicians United to Serve the Youth of Charlottesville provides affordable music and dance after-school enrichment and education to Charlottesville-area students in grades six through 12. J AY S W E E T, E X E C U T I V E P R O D U C E R O F T H E N E W P O R T F O L K A N D JA Z Z F E ST I VA L S , A N D E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R O F T H E N F F, I S O N A M I S S I O N TO SAV E M U S I C .

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Another grant was awarded to the Harrisonburg High School Band on behalf of Harrisonburg-based indie-rock duo Illiterate Light. Singer-guitarist Jeff Gorman and drummer Jake Cochran have been playing music together since they met at James Madison University. The donation underwrote scholarships for students— from band camp for rising ninth graders and current high school students to college scholarships for seniors leaving for universities. The NFF also awarded a grant to JAMinc on behalf of acclaimed Richmond singer-songwriter Lucy Daucus. JAMinc brings professional musicians into public schools in Virginia to conduct assemblies, workshops and tutorials. The donation was used to underwrite the instructor fees JAMinc provides each artist. “Live music is a connector, and it brings people together to be present for a shared, collective experience—a singular feeling,” Sweet says. “That’s the gift of music. Think about it. At one point, our ancestors beat bones on animal hides to create music. It was the very first thing humans did that wasn’t critical for survival.” According to Sweet, hip-hop emerged after the New York City Department of Education cut music education from the publicschool budget.

F O R E A C H A R T I S T O N E I T H E R F E S T I V A L’ S L I N E U P , T H E F O U N DAT I O N M A K E S A D O N AT I O N O N T H E A R T I S T ’ S B E H A L F TO A N O R G A N I Z AT I O N O F T H E I R C H O O S I N G B E F O R E T H E Y H I T T H E S TAG E AT F O R T A DA M S .

“So what did the kids in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens do after school? They raided their parents record collections and started sampling over spinning records. Rapping was cheap and creative, and within three years those kids basically replaced R&B with massive hip-hop sales. My point is, when you cut music education funding, things change. I love hip-hop, but now with today’s computers and technology, I’m worried true musicianship is going to end. If you love music, help us save it.” For Sweet, church doesn’t mean religion. Common community is what religion is all about. And live music is the great connector that fosters community. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on musicians and what they’re able to build with their talents. If you share this religion, the time is now to say a prayer and support music education. To learn more and make a gift, visit www.newportfestivals.org.

Joe Shields is the editor in chief of The Virginia Sportsman. He is a writer and marketing executive based in Charlottesville, Virginia. His writing and photography have appeared in The Virginia Sportsman and other publications. He is also a gallery-represented artist whose work is found in private collections and several galleries in Virginia. Whether fly fishing or surfing, drawing or painting, he celebrates sporting life and culture in his narratives and art.

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The Spring 2021 Issue | WELL READ

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

“Nor Dread, Nor Hope Attend” Photographs from the Plains of Africa PHOTOS BY DAVID GULDEN | REVIEW BY JOE SHELDS

“Cameras will always be pointed at beautiful and unusual creatures, but how much deeper can the lenses penetrate?” David Gulden, Photographer and Environmentalist

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met David Gulden in 1991, when we were freshmen at Roanoke College. Memory is fleeting, but I recall he left after a semester or two and transferred to a university in Cape Town, South Africa, where he spent plenty of time surfing. Our college didn’t let him transfer credits, so he ended up graduating from Roanoke a year later than me. My friend enjoyed eating at the Olive Garden. I remember feasting on unlimited salad and breadsticks (we never ordered entrees) and listening to his stories about Africa. He spoke of safaris and paddling out in the shark-infested waters of Jeffreys Bay—a renowned surf spot in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Fortunately he survived, although when you look at his published photographs and body of work, you wonder how. Gulden’s connection to the land and wildlife of Kenya began when he was 15 years old, when he traveled there with his father on safari. This connection grew to advocacy, and the 66 black-andwhite photographs collected in his second monograph, “Nor Dread, Nor Hope Attend” (Damiani, October 2020), reflect this commitment to relaying the truth of the impacts of declining habitats—and showing the fierce beauty of the animals of the African plains and the expansive landscape itself.

( O P P O S I T E ) A M B O S E L I N AT I O N A L PA R K , J U N E 1 1 , 2 0 1 6 @ 8:10AM. WHEN AN ELEPHANT SHAKES HIS HEAD THIS W AY, I T I S A S I G N O F E X A S P E R AT I O N . I S U P P O S E I W A S P H O T O G R A P H I N G H I M T O O C L O S E LY F O R T O O L O N G . T H I S PA PA R A Z Z O W O U L D A P O L O G I Z E I F H E C O U L D .

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The photographer’s process signals his respect for the animals and their daily lives he witnesses. Gulden presents large-format images without digital alterations, such as compositing or changes to their physical reality. When taking photos, Gulden moves as close as possible using a 50 mm lens for half the images. He trusts the natural world to deliver. “When I photograph, I succumb to the beauty and to the science of the subject,” says Gulden. “I do not wish to create images purporting to be more beautiful than the reality being photographed. I do not try to make the old look new. I wish to show the timelessness of my subjects.” Gulden spends a considerable amount of time in the wild, waiting and watching. He believes this patience, combined with curiosity, sets his work apart. “As a photographer, I do not consider myself an artist. It is not art that I am making, but life that I am engaging. The only art I employ is the art of curiosity.”

( A B O V E ) M A S A I M A R A N AT I O N A L R E S E R V E , A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 8 @ 8 : 0 0 A M . I T R Y T O G E T C L O S E , T O G E T I N T I M AT E , B U T N OT S O C LO S E A S TO D I S T U R B T H E GAME; THE LAST THING I WANT IS TO SPOOK AN A N I M A L , E S P E C I A L LY A L E O P A R D , W H I C H C O U L D Q U I C K LY M E L T I N T O T H E S U R R O U N D I N G L A N D S C A P E NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN. I TRY TO BE INVISIBLE. IF I N E E D TO R E AC H F O R A D I F F E R E N T C A M E R A I H AV E T O D O S O I N S L O W M O T I O N , E V E N I F I H A V E O N LY A S P L I T- S E C O N D W I N D O W TO C ATC H A O N C E - I N -ALIFETIME FRAME.

( O P P O S I T E ) M A S A I M A R A N AT I O N A L R E S E R V E , A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 8 @ 8 : 0 0 A M . I N T H I S P H O T O , A Y O U N G L E O PA R D I N A B A L A N I T E S T R E E S E A R C H E S F O R H E R M OT H E R . I R E M E M B E R O N C E WATC H I N G A L E O P A R D F E E D I N G I N A B O S C I A T R E E . I T W A S E A R LY E V E N I N G A N D T H E L E O PA R D WA S S I L H O U E T T E D I N F R O N T O F A F A D I N G P U R P L E / O R A N G E S K Y. B E H I N D ME, APPROACHING RAINCLOUDS FIRED STROBES O F L I G H T N I N G . F O R A N I N S TA N T T H E C AT W O U L D B E I L LU M I N AT E D A N D T H E S C E N E W O U L D B E C O M E I N V E R T E D, L I K E F R O M A N E G AT I V E TO A P O S I T I V E IMAGE. THE TWO CONTRASTING IMAGES OF THE SAME S U B J E C T F L I P P E D B AC K A N D F O RT H . I D I D N OT H AV E A C A M E R A T H AT DAY B U T T H E V I S I O N S A R E E TC H E D I N M Y M E M O R Y.

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The notable Kenyan paleoanthropologist and conservationist Richard E. Leakey has campaigned for years advocating mindful management of East African land. In the book’s afterword, he notes the continuing troubling trend of human and animal populations moving in opposite directions in Kenya, and the very real potential reality that the animals held within the frame of Gulden’s photographs may one day soon disappear. “Can there be a future for wildlife under these circumstances? I am not optimistic. Environmental awareness is so much more than elephants, hedgehogs, and vultures; it’s more than national parks. The biologists, ecologists, and other scientific experts must be encouraged and facilitated in finding long-term solutions,” Leakey writes. Gulden’s direct and pure approach to the photographic process, along with his patience to search, find and sit out these moments, all combine to offer a rich view of Kenyan wildlife. But his images are more than beautiful images from the African plains. The landscape suggested beyond the picture borders implies a bigger story, and an implication of a wider, more tangled narrative of the environment, habitat and conservation at odds. I haven’t seen Gulden since our days at Roanoke. After college, he moved to Kenya, where he lived outside Nairobi on Hog Ranch, the one-time home of celebrated photographer, artist and adventurer Peter Beard. Gulden’s father was friends with Beard, who no doubt played an instrumental role in Gulden’s eventual development into the photographer he is today. The natural wonder and animals of Kenya continue to inspire Gulden. Today he lives with his wife and daughters in Karen, a suburb of Nairobi named after the Danish “Out of Africa” author Karen Blixen. His studio is there in a makeshift garage, but he spends a great deal of time in the wild. He is currently at work on safari in Tsavo National Park. “The Centre Cannot Hold” (Glitterati, 2012), Gulden’s first book of photos from the African plains, received widespread acclaim. Beard, who passed away in 2020, praised the collection as, “The best African wildlife photos yet.” Gulden’s latest work of “concerned photography” is equally stunning and shows us what’s left of Kenya’s wilderness through the unique eye of a lensman who’s more than a photographer. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Space for Giants, a nonprofit foundation working to secure the future of the African elephant. Learn more at www.davidgulden.com. Joe Shields is the editor in chief of The Virginia Sportsman. He is a writer and marketing executive based in Charlottesville, Virginia. His writing and photography have appeared in The Virginia Sportsman and other publications. He is also a gallery-represented artist whose work is found in private collections and several galleries in Virginia. Whether fly fishing or surfing, drawing or painting, he celebrates sporting life and culture in his narratives and art.

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

( L E F T ) A M B O S E L I N AT I O N A L PA R K , S E P T E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 4 @ 1 0 : 4 0 A M . H E S T O O D P E R F E C T LY S T I L L F O R M E . HE WAS TRYING TO FIGURE ME OUT WITH HIS SENSES: POINTING THE TIP OF HIS TRUNK TO SMELL ME, AND L I S T E N I N G F O R M E N O T O N LY W I T H H I S E A R S , B U T W I T H T H E PA D D I N G O N H I S F R O N T L E F T F O O T, W H I C H H E H A D L I F T E D S L I G H T LY O F F T H E G R O U N D .

“Death” by W.B. Yeats Nor dread nor hope attend A dying animal; A man awaits his end Dreading and hoping all; Many times he died, Many times rose again. A great man in his pride Confronting murderous men Casts derision upon Supersession of breath; He knows death to the bone Man has created death.

David Gulden and daughter Aysha at home in Kenya, 2020

DAV I D G U L D E N A N D DAU G H T E R AY S H A AT H O M E I N K E N YA , 2 0 2 0

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P H O T O B Y H O L LY A . H E Y S E R

The Spring 2021 Issue | WELL FED

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

Red Coconut Curry BY HANK SHAW

hai red coconut curry is a bedrock recipe you will want to know if you are at all interested in Thai food. It can be made with pretty much any meat or fish, and you can of course make this vegetarian too. While it can be incredibly spicy, red curry doesn’t have to be. It all depends on the curry paste. But it is always exotic tasting, at least to most American palates. Slowly fried onions and garlic, red chiles (hot or mild), lemongrass, citrus leaves, ginger and/or its cousin galangal, all mashed into a paste that is the soul of a good red curry. Of course, to be a proper red coconut curry you need coconut, too. And there are several ways to get there, as with the curry paste. The easiest for both, the weeknight meal rendition, would be to use a can of coconut milk and premade curry paste. If you have these on hand, you can literally make a red coconut curry in the time it takes to cook some jasmine rice, which, incidentally, is the rice you want with this curry. I have gone this route many times, and it makes a good dinner. As a hunter and an angler, chunks of fish or seafood, or thin slices of duck, goose, venison or pork (wild or store-bought) are all great options. Chicken is a go to for many Thai restaurants, and slices of pheasant, grouse or turkey breast are all good wild options. My recommendations for red curry paste are, in order: Mae Ploy, Maesri, and then the more commonly found Thai Kitchen. All are fine, but the only one I really like is the Mae Ploy. All can be found online or in Asian markets, and the Thai Kitchen can often be found in mainstream markets, too. Ditto for coconut milk. Any sort will do, just don’t get “lite” coconut milk. You need that fat. You can also make your own fresh coconut milk, which is pretty cool, but I honestly don’t find it to be so revelatory that it is worth the extra work. Making your own red curry paste, however, is worth it. There are lots of recipes out there for homemade Thai curry paste, and the beauty of them is that you can alter the ingredients to meet your needs, and for most of you reading this that means making it less fiery so you can use more in your red coconut curry. I’ll post mine soon. There are two ways to cook a Thai red coconut curry: With or

FEELING ADVENTUROUS? MAKE YOUR OWN FRESH COCONUT MILK! PHOTO BY TIJANA DRNDARSKI COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

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without an added fat. You technically don’t need one, and in many cases, you just boil the fatty coconut milk until its fat separates, and then you add the remaining ingredients to cook. I prefer to use coconut oil or unrefined red palm oil, which can now easily be found in supermarkets, to sauté the onions and aromatics first, then adding the coconut milk after. Red palm oil is less traditional, but it adds a nice color. Refined palm oil, which is used a lot in Thai cuisine, is very harsh on the environment, and I don’t recommend it. What you put in your curry is kind of up to you. You can make it barebones, with just the aromatics (ginger, garlic, hot chiles, maybe lemongrass), protein and fresh herbs, or you can load it up. I prefer the loaded version. Onions for sure, but bell peppers and peanuts are other great choices. Snow peas or green beans are good options, too, and I’ve seen things like bok choy and chickpeas in there as well. No curry police will come to your door if you put other things in there, though. You do you. One other ingredient you really need for a legit Thai curry is fish sauce. It’s salty and funky, and really makes the curry. Buy the cleanest, clearest one you can find; Red Boat is a great one in supermarkets. Three Crabs is a great fish sauce, too. I make my own from anchovies. Once made, red coconut curry needs to be eaten. It will store a day or two in the fridge, but it’s best made and eaten fresh. Hank Shaw is a chef, hunter, angler, forager and wild-foods expert constantly on the lookout for new things to gather, catch and eat. He is the author of four wild-game cookbooks: “Hunt, Gather, Cook: Finding the Forgotten Feast” (2011); “Duck, Duck, Goose: Recipes and Techniques for Ducks and Geese, both Wild and Domesticated” (2013); “Buck, Buck, Moose: Recipes and Techniques for Cooking Deer, Elk, Moose, Antelope and Other Antlered Things” (2016); and “Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail: Upland Birds and Small Game from Field to Feast” (2018). He is a contributing editor at The Virginia Sportsman.

T H E R I G H T F I S H S A U C E R E A L LY M A K E S T H E C U R R Y. B U Y T H E C L E A N E S T, CLEAREST ONE YOU CAN FIND. PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

RED COCONUT CURRY 2 tablesp o ons co con u t oi l , re d p a l m oi l or vegetable o i l 1 sm al l onion, s l i ce d root t o t i p 1 c lo ve g ar lic, mi n ce d

A 2-i nc h p i ece of g i n ge r, fi n e l y g r a t e d 1 to 6 Thai c hi l e s, c hop p e d 2 Citr us leaves ( op t i on a l ) 1 red bel l p ep p e r, di ce d

1. Heat the oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 2 minutes, then add the garlic, hot chiles and ginger. Cook another minute or two. 2. Pour in the coconut milk, then add the fish sauce and curry paste. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and add the bell pepper and citrus leaves, if using. Simmer 10 minutes. 3. Stir in the thinly sliced meat and peanuts, and let this cook until the meat is done, maybe 5 more minutes. Mix in the chopped herbs and serve with jasmine rice.

1 p int co conut mi l k

Visit honest-food.net for other recipes.

2 tablesp o ons fi sh sa u ce

NOTE

3 to 5 tablesp o on s re d cu rr y p a st e 1 p o und tender me a t , sl i ce d t hi n ( ve n i son or p o rk lo i n, duc k bre a st , c hi c k e n bre a st ) 1/4 cup ro asted p e a n u t s ( op t i on a l )

1/2 cup c ho p p ed ci l a n t ro or Tha i ba si l

Directions

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IF YOU ARE USING FISH, CUT IT INTO CHUNKS.

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The Spring 2021 Issue | RAISE A GLASS

VIRGINIA’S BEER CITY Craft brews are flowing in Richmond.

P H O T O B Y PAW E L K A DY S Z , C O U R T E S Y O F U N S P L A S H

BY JEDD FERRIS

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

o put it simply, craft beer is booming in Richmond. The Virginia capital city’s metro area holds more than 40 breweries, ranging from hip neighborhood brewpubs to sprawling farm breweries. Here’s a sampler of some of the best spots making excellent brews in and around RVA.

The Veil

On Tuesday afternoons it’s common to see loyal beer enthusiasts lined up on the sidewalk outside the Veil. That’s the day the popular brewery with an industrial vibe in Richmond’s revived Scott’s Addition neighborhood releases new cans, and often the fresh offerings don’t last long. With a loyal local following and national recognition, the brewery is known for crafting excellent high-gravity IPAs, creative stouts and an increasing number of sour and wild ales. Since opening the flagship location in Scott’s Addition in 2016, the Veil has added a second Richmond location in Forest Hill and a Norfolk outpost. In Richmond they also operate the Funkhaust Café, where they focus on wild barrel aging. MUST TRY: Taps and can releases at the Veil are consistently rotating

with fresh options. You can’t go wrong with any of their IPAs, especially the house offering, Master Shredder, or its “bigger sibling,” Eternal Shredder.

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Hardywood helped give the Richmond beer scene a big push when they opened in 2011. Now a well-established local favorite, the brewery makes a solid line-up of core beers, including Richmond Lager and the Belgian-style Singel, that are enjoyed across Virginia. And in recent years, they’ve also become known for cranking out in-demand limited can runs and seasonal releases, like the muchloved Gingerbread Stout. Hardywood’s original location, near Scott’s Addition, has

OPENED IN 2011, THE FLAGSHIP OUTPOST OF H A R DY W O O D PA R K C R A F T B R E W E R Y I S L O C AT E D I N R I C H M O N D ' S H I S T O R I C G E R M A N B R E W I N G D I S T R I C T. P H OTO BY K AT E M AG E E

multiple taprooms and an outdoor beer garden with bocce ball and cornhole. A second outpost, Hardywood West Creek, has a little more room to spread out, set on 24 acres overlooking Tuckahoe Creek. MUST TRY: Richmond Lager is a refreshing old-school lager that

goes down easy on warm days. In the cold months, track down Hardywood’s Gingerbread Stout, a seasonally released favorite that tastes like Christmas cookies in a bottle.

Final Gravity Brewing Co.

Final Gravity evolved out of Original Gravity, Richmond’s longrunning home brew supply shop. When owner Tony Ammendolia decided he wanted open his own brewery, he outfitted the shop with a two BBL nanobrewery where he now makes a wide range of beers for all tastes, from hoppy IPAs to dry stouts and light sessionable ales. The low-key location on Lakeside Avenue, near the Richmond Botanical Gardens, is also still the spot to pick up homebrewing essentials. MUST TRY: The Doppler Effect is a solid IPA, but if you’re in the mood

for a darker brew, sip on the Irish Goodbye, a rich stout with notes of caramel, chocolate and molasses.

The Answer Brewpub

Starting in the mid 1990s, An Bui fostered a craft beer community in Richmond at Mekong, his delicious Vietnamese eatery well known for featuring a packed roster of taps. In 2014 he decided it was time to start his own brewery, so he expanded with the Answer—a

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relaxed brewpub with two bars and 56 taps pouring great beers from across the country, as well as those made in house. In addition to top-notch options for hop heads, the Answer is also known for its “Joose” beers, flavorful kettle sours made with loads of real fruit. MUST TRY: The “Joose” beers are always rotating, so if you’re a sour

fan, try to catch the Wonton Triple Sour IPA, which comes in at a hearty 10-percent ABV and is made with a variety of fruits like raspberry and apricot.

Stone Brewing Company

In 2016, this California craft beer staple opened a big East Coast production facility and accompanying taproom in RVA’s Fulton neighborhood. A pioneering pillar in the West Coast craft beer movement, Stone has become an integral part of the Richmond beer scene, and plans are in the works to expand in the city with one of the brewery’s World Bistro & Gardens restaurants in the nottoo-distant future. MUST TRY: Fear Movie Lions is an unfiltered double IPA with tropical

notes that was created by Stone’s brewers in Richmond.

Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery

Venture a bit outside the city to this scenic farm brewery on a spacious, nearly 300-acre property in Goochland County. Lickinghole Creek opened in 2013, and since, the brewery has become known for scenery, sustainability and a selection of creative beers—many made with ingredients grown on site. The brewers at Lickinghole cover a wide breadth of styles, from barrel-aged stouts and Belgian quads to juicy IPAs and refreshing hefeweizens. Bonus: The brewery’s expansive terrain also holds a nine-hole disc golf course. MUST TRY: Time your visit with a release of Blueberry Obsession

Imperial Chocolate Stout.

L E F T: S T O N E B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y O P E N E D A L A R G E EAST COAST PRODUCTION FACILITY IN RICHMOND IN 2016. PHOTO COURTESY OF STONE BREWING C O M PA N Y T O P : S P E C I A L B E E R S A R E M A D E I N H A R DY W O O D ' S B A R R E L R O O M . P H OTO BY K AT E M AG E E

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2021

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A MODERN FARMHOUSE SITED ON 25 ROLLING ACRES WITH STRONG VIEWS

1451 SMOKEHOUSE COURT • $1,595,000 Sited on one of the 1st parcels to sell in Fray’s Grant, this elegant farmhouse features a 1st floor master as well as 4 more spacious bedrooms upstairs. Upon entering the house, you are greeted w/ soaring ceilings, fireplace & exposed beams. The lower level boasts an incredible bar & all-around casual entertaining space plus full bath. The space over the garage could be an apartment. The land is fenced for horses and there is a serviceable barn w/ tack/feed room. The acreage is comprised of 2 separate, buildable lots. Truly, this lot is stunning, w/ water & mountain view, plus sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. Loring Woodriff (434) 466-2992 or Rebecca White (434) 531-5097 A PRISTINE 45 ACRE FARM 15 MINUTES FROM CHARLOTTESVILLE COMPLETE WITH GUEST HOUSE, BARN & ARENA

3612 ROLLING ROAD • $1,750,000 This immaculate 4 bedroom with open floor plan overlooks rolling, manicured fields traversed by beautiful Quarry Creek and dotted by lovely sycamores and oaks. Systems in the home are of the highest quality and efficiency. The main house is enhanced by a lovely studio with kitchen and full bath plus a well-constructed multi-use barn. The house overlooks an incredible equestrian arena and the acreage is fenced and cross-fenced with the finest materials. 6 division rights and an ideal vineyard site! Loring Woodriff (434) 466-2992 or Bunny Camp Gibbons (434) 466-9940