Fayettechill Blog

Spring is in the air and over at L A Y E R S, have been working on some photo projects with us featuring in the Spring 2015 collection! The most recent shoot is this awesome explore day with Tenille and Ashley Jones. These girls have so much personality and our cameras loved them! Some of these can be seen throughout Fayettechill’s website and social media. Here’s some of our favorites:

                   Ride Mountains - Charcoal and Mountain Club - Coral

                                        Journeyman Dry Bag Backpack

                                                        Campo Hat

Photos by L A Y E R S

Spring is in full swing, and here are a few of our favorite shots from the season so far!  Whether your hiking, floating, or just swimming around it’s the perfect season to get back outside and explore.

                              Shot Features - Mountain Club Tank Top

                                        Shot Features - Mongrel Shorts

                                     Shot Features - Kayak Cub Tank Top

       Shot Features - Arboles Hat, Rising Sun Shirt, and Mongrel Shorts 

                                             Shot Features - Diamante

Allison Fox is a designer based out of Santa Barbara, California who has worked closely with the Fayettechill in house production team to create our Summer’s Women Line.  She’s worked with successful name brands such as Neft headwear, and specializes in high end women’s wear.  Allison provided key insight for Fayettechill Women’s Line, and we’re proud to present the result.

FC - How did you get involved with Fayettechill?

A - Oddly enough I ran into Chris Woollis (FC production team) at a coffee shop in our hometown, Santa Barbara, and out of catching up on life, travels, and our respective projects, a collaboration emerged.

FC - What were your goals setting out?

A - I set out to create a line which fuses Fayettechill's strengths of impeccable fabric, make, with contemporary silhouettes and playful graphics.

                                  Raglan Tee - Coral and Stellar Blue

FC - What general feel did you aim to encapsulate with these new products?  

A - The playful spirit of the brand, and versatility of the product. My vision of the women's customer is radiant, spirited, and adventurous. The product aims to reflect that, and be the perfect accomplice piece for her adventures.

                                          Racerback Tank - Coral

FC - What function do you see the Racerback Tank fulfilling?

A - Besides being on trend and comfortable, it reflects the sportiness of the Fayettechill woman. It is versatile enough for yoga, and hiking, but refined enough to layer up and wear to the pub at night.

FC - There are a ton of vibrant colors in this line.  What kind of leeway does Summer give a designer that might not be available in colder months?

A - Fayettechill utilizes color brilliantly. Naturally, the women's line mirrors the men's and is infused with vibrant Summer tones. There is always room for color no matter the season, but generally outerwear is the focus of winter months and a more subdued palette is used.

                                      Boyfriend Tank - Heather Grey

FC - The art and cut of the Boyfriend are unique as well.  What makes it better suited for women over your more typical tank top?

A - This is our fun-loving edgy festival piece. Positioned as your old-favorite go to.

                                           Brooke Shorts - Black

FC - At the other end of the spectrum, how is a more simple design like the Brooke developed?  What were your big goals for the only women’s specific bottom product?

A - The design simplicity of Brooke is very much intentional. This is a beautifully constructed hybrid short intended for all activities.  It’s a 4- way stretch polyester.  This quick dry material is designed for maximum flexibility to allow comfort and functionality.

                                           Raglan Tee - Bluejay

FC - How did you go about finding that balance between fashionable and practical with all these?

A - We studied the market, trends, and then used the brand values to reign it in and make sure it was equally functional as aesthetically pleasing.

FC - What are you looking to add in the coming lines?

A - I'd like to see the line expand on the foundation we've built, adding more hybrid styles and growing outerwear and accessories.

FC - Favorite piece of this line?

A - This season the boyfriend tank resonates with me most. It is an edgier silhouette, highly functional, and fun.

Summer is here, and with it we are proud to announce several new blends totally unique to the season.  We have made our shirts lighter and better than ever, produced in the USA, and more eco-friendly as well.  Below is a quick guide through the initiatives we have focused on this year, and what it all means.

                                       Mountain Club - Harvard

Many of the shirts this line have a brand new 50% organic cotton 50% recycled polyester blend that is as soft as any shirt can get.  Others use a 90/10 favoring organic cotton for a more sturdy feel, and these details are always available on any item’s product info.  Not limited to shirts, our tank tops now feature the same lightness so crucial in Summer as well.

                                        Horizon Bear - Charcoal

We are beyond excited to announce that all of our shirts, tank tops, and women’s products in this line were made in the USA.  We strive to work with American suppliers with every product, and enjoy the many benefits of doing so listed here.  So take comfort in knowing that with every shirt, tank, or women’s line purchase, your money is helping support businesses across America.

                                        Shakamerica Sticker

By using organic cotton and recycled polyester, we make a product that we are proud of not just in aesthetics, but in production ethics as well.  Supporting the organic cotton farming industry helps us build a brand based on environmental sustainability rather than just raw profit.  Recycled polyester comes from items such as plastic bottles, and offers the highest quality product with no moral strings attached. 

                                      Mountain Club - Prussian Blue

These products and practices reflect our core values as a brand.  We hope that by sharing them, you learned a little bit about what we stand for.  If you ever have any questions about how our products are made, the lines of communication are always open through emailing [email protected], or messaging us on our facebook page.  

                                         Dead Chill - Charcoal

                         Observatory - Black                Tejano Hat - Blue

                                         Kayak Cub - Yellow Sand

Belgium born but raised all over, Joelle Storet (@joelleeleoj) has burst onto the Fayetteville art scene over the past five years.  You don’t need to go to a gallery to see here work however, as it highlights several favorite Fayetteville spots.  From outdoor murals along the bike trail, now iconic walls within bars, and numerous successful shirt designs, the city is adorned by the products of her mind.  Sitting down for an afternoon at Puritan Brew Co, we asked Joelle about her newest designs, and a little bit about her story so far.

FC - So tell us a little about the long road that has led to Fayetteville?

J - I was born in Belgium, and lived in Austria for awhile.  Germany for a bit too.  Moved to NWA years ago.

FC - Does Fayetteville feel like home yet?

J - Yes.  I’ve traveled all over, and for a while it was hard to identify with a culture.  After settling into Fayetteville for a few years now, it has become home.  

FC - You’ve got some new designs that are a departure from your previous works like the detailed totem.  What influenced this design?

J - Fayetteville is a very diverse city with a progressive and young population.  With that they have a lot of folk tradition, and when you mix that you get the cultural identity of the city.  

After meeting people with different Native American backgrounds in the area,  I learned things from them.  Little stuff like understanding not to hunt at night, historic stories, and just knowing their ways around the lands.  Like snakes for example, the whole “yellow and black leave it alone jack, red and yellow will kill a fellow” phrase.

FC - Do you prefer to start with a central figure, and build your world around it, or vice versa?

J - It changes.  Old photographs, random pictures, most of the time I have no idea where I’m going.  Once you’ve been doing something for years, it just comes naturally.

FC - You blend divergent sources such as mythology, pop culture, and historic figures.  How do you decide who goes where between them all?

J - I studied Cultural Anthropology, was political science major for a bit, and then art history.  I’m drawn to the Pygmalion myth;  where he creates a statue, it comes alive, and he falls in love with it.  Even though Pygmalion created her, he doesn’t consider her as a work of art, but rather something untouchable.

If you you want to make it with the giants, you have to take risks with it.  I like turning Art into a kind of science.  It’s not so much how good you are, but the cultural influence behind the art.  I think it’s required to have a mission.  

FC - Although drawing makes up the bulk of your work, you’ve expanded into body painting, mural painting, and even some work with clay.  What drew you to these other mediums, and do you see yourself expanding further in the future?

J - I do because I always thought the most essential way to expand yourself is to diversify.  Start with one thing, and move on to another.  I don’t want to bore people - that’s my goal - I’m too interested in people.  I have a fear of boredom.  I think people, even strangers, are important and you learn about yourself through them.

FC - How do you differ in your approach to a piece meant to eventually be on clothing?  

J - It’s more of the notion of having an item you can identify with, but to me having it on clothing is no different than a tattoo.  It’s self expression.  Having a design that is more than meets the initial eye connects people unconsciously.

FC - The bear designs on Fayettechill shirts have been wildly popular the past few years.  Although it’s not the first bear to ever be on a shirt, it has taken a unique life of its own.  How did it come about so?  How would you describe it’s character?

J - Well bears have a lot of fat on their bodies.  Therefore, they have that lazy aspect.  It’s like a giant sloth.  Bears chill, and they wander.  I think Fayettechill and the bear match.  I love seeing it around town, it gives me a comforting sense.  Bears also have a very local feel to them.  It goes back to getting a teddy bear as a kid thing, I think.

FC - The color blue seems to be prevalent throughout much of your work.  Has this always been the case?  

J - I just like it because it’s one of the most expensive colors ever made.  The syntax you can use with it, the history of it amazes me, and to create blue eyes is just beyond.  It’s a very emotional color, and one that affects everyone because it’s something we rely on everyday.  

FC - In what situations do you prefer color to be completely absent, and why?

J - It goes back to the effect of the person’s kind of influence.  If it’s more of an iconic status, I keep it black and white.  It makes it seem engraved.  Like you wouldn’t have one of Charlie Chaplain in color.  It’s a fixed view that everyone understands.

FC - Since you’ve been here, how has the Fayetteville changed?  The art scene in particular?

J - It’s not so much the art scene because there’s already so much you can do.  It’s wonderful to see local artists painting the manholes, and the scene is growing just like the city is.  

You have more people coming in, and that means more artists. People like Art Amiss, the Idle Class, which a brand new magazine that promotes artist, Community Creative Center, Baum studios in Walton Arts Center are all doing great work.  It’s nice to see these groups of artists getting together.  Fayetteville Underground have been doing amazing things for years now too.

FC - How does the city of Fayetteville itself inspire you as an artist?  

J - It really does in so many ways.  I had a hard time growing up associating with anywhere.  As soon as I found myself and grew out of it, the university really help me find people to relate with, and it’s becoming an international place.  I love Fayetteville for its acceptance of me.  It’s my home.  

It has influenced me a lot because of the locals, I can relate to them and their travels.  A lot of them are similar to me in that respect.  It’s so youthful and almost ageless.

FC - What advice would you give to any aspiring artists out there?

J - If there’s a chance coming at you, take it.  Follow your gut, and respect yourself along each other.  At the same time be patient, because things will get better over time, but most of all be very very patient.

FC -  What about to yourself ten years ago?

J - Don’t tear your ACL, because that just sucked.

Spring is here, and with it a full season of the Yoga Adventure Series.  We had our first class of the year last month at the top of Yellowrock trail pictured below, and it went even better than expected.  After days of scattered rain beforehand, there was a perfect gap in the morning weather for our class to take place amidst the fog.

If you couldn’t make last month’s class, another one is right around the corner this Friday.  Going to a brand new secret location, we will meet at the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse at 5:45am, and leave no later than 6:00am.   Led by certified Yoga Deza instructors, the class guarantees an energized start to the weekend.  All experience levels are welcome, and we will return to the Smokehouse no later than 8:30am.

Like any good climbing trip it started with a hangover. We woke to blurry eyes and snowflakes, a stark contrast to the desert sky to come. We spent the last few hours of the morning with those closest to us. For not many things in life can match the caring touch of a woman. Packed and ready the night before made the late morning transition (and leaving bed at the very last minute) inevitable. After our short shuttle to the airport we said goodbye, and headed for Vegas.

We arrived at the airport expecting delay, for dirtbags tend to purchase economy, even when an airline is the subject matter. Turns out cheap tickets usually lead to cheap (and full) planes. It cost $350 each for round-trip flights and a rental car so of course we waited without complaint. We waited, and drank coffee. A habitual morning addiction to slap sense into the sometimes senseless. We waited, and thought of our destination. Not for lights, women, nor gambling like most, but for a challenge. The high desert walls beckoned to us climbers to test ourselves against them. Today marked the first day of our seven day climbing trip, and it seemed everyone else could tell. I’m not sure if it was my 70 liter Andinista packed to capacity, or the climbing helmets strapped to our carry ons. Nonetheless Nik ended up handing out a business card long before we’d even boarded the plane, but really this came as no surprise.

On the plane we sat beside an eclectic eighty something year old lady in a blue sequined hat. We passed the time by looking at pictures of her grand kids and imagining what was in store for this group of twelve (all born around the dawn of the second World War) as they descended upon Sin City. I ordered whiskey to calm the nerves. I turned up the beats and turned down the cares for we would have plenty of that in the days to come.

I woke to the sound of scraping. Tired from jet lag, it took my mind a few moments to gain its bearings on the world around me. That scraping was the sound of snow and ice sliding off our tent. Nik repeatedly punched the ceiling of our tent to mend it back into its normal position. We had woke with the tent nearly touching our faces. Unbeknownst to us three inches of snow had dropped that previous night. It seemed no climbing would be done this day, which is a normal occurrence on climbing trips into the mountains. Nonetheless, the desert was beautiful covered by this winter wonderland. A stark contrast to the blood red rocks and cacti that covered the horizon. We made our coffee black and our oatmeal thick as we waited for our hands (and my feet) to thaw. We contemplated our options.

No matter how much you have planned, evaluated every option, or seem prepared, sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. I live for that. You see, like Lionel Terry once said, we are in essence “conquistadors of the useless”. Men who throw themselves against what inevitably means little to nothing, at least to most. Lionel went on to be the first person to climb both Makalu in the Himalaya, and Cerro Fitzroy in Patagonia. I won’t spend the time to explain these feats, just trust me. So in our useless nature, our modern day vagabond mindset, we did what anyone like us would do. We left.

We headed to our new destination, a place neither of us had ever been, a place neither of us thought we would go. California. Joshua Tree National Park is a place far from the high desert sandstone of Nevada. A granite mecca of southern California. We hoped for better weather and a warmer climate. Two days on the oversized granite boulders would give the snow in Nevada time to melt and the stone to dry. It seemed like a logical approach. It was an adventure after all.

When we first arrived late in the afternoon we were itching to climb. We hopped on a two pitch 5.7 called Overhang Bypass to test the stone, the grade, and the style. You see, every area in climbing is different. Whether it be overhanging limestone, multipitch sandstone, or huge granite domes. All of them have their individual qualities, their textures, and their movements. Each uniquely different, special from the last, and it takes time to learn them. Like a lover, their subtleties you remember, the little things you cherish. Each unique and special in their own way.

We came to climb traditionally (trad). A style of climbing in which a leader places his own protection (usually spring loaded cams, or metal nuts) from the ground up. Unlike the more prolific activity of sport climbing, most of the climbs have no pre-placed, or permanent, protection (i.e. bolts). You have to make your own way. Judge your abilities against the stone. Analyze the route in front of you and behind. Methodically prepare your movements and your protection. Can you climb five feet higher before placing a piece? Will you need that protection higher on the climb? Higher into the unknown. It is a game of gambles and like our trip, our adventure, things rarely go according to plan.

The next day we topped out on one of the tallest climbs in Joshua Tree. We enjoyed seventy degree sunshine, tank tops, and sandals. That day was Nik’s first “real” multi pitch and first trad climb of over a ropes length… ever. We each got to enjoy the sharp end, climb through hanging belays, and get a little elvis leg in places (a phenomenon of a leaders inability to keep their leg from shaking). At the top we soaked in the sun with a local and her Colorado climbing partner before navigating the way down for them (though we’d never been there before). We headed out of California and back to Red Rock Canyon where we’d hope for adventure and better weather than before.

We set up camp and drank Fireball. It was dark and the crisp winter air had come far too soon. It was Wednesday night, and our plan for tomorrow was to scout the approach of Inti Wantana, a twelve pitch route that led up the face of Mt Wilson in Red Rock Canyon. Mt. Wilson is a monolith, a seven thousand foot mountain just outside of Las Vegas. Its main appeal is its’ eastern face. Twenty four pitches, nearly three thousand feet of fifth class climbing. The El Capitan of Red Rocks. Our proposed climb was a Grade V 5.10c. With our gear, our rope, and our rack ( total amassed trad climbing gear) there would be no other way to describe it than simply committing. There could be no retreat, no room for error. The climb required a two and a half hour approach through cacti, desert brush, and involved fifth class scrambling (soloing with full backpacks). Even after the approach and the full three thousand feet of climbing any of three descent options off the summit would take three plus hours. That is if done without error. Hardly an easy task especially at night (when we would most likely be attempting the descent). Commitment at its finest.

This is why I climb. This is what I have progressed to in my aspirations. From a simple pad person (boulderer) focused on the hardest single move I could do, to a total test of body and mind, of planning and preparation. The necessity to execute as flawlessly as possible when it mattered most so that we could expose ourselves to the least amount of risk. For in this arena, risk can never be eliminated in its entirety. Not here. Not with objectives like this.

So we scouted. We elected to use Thursday, an entire day of our trip, to find and decipher the approach and half of the descent. In other words we gambled. Time versus attempt. Days versus objectives. Our target was a shorter climb to Wantana’s left (south) on the same eastern face. It was a seven pitch 5.9+ trad line that shared half of the descent with every climb that reached Mt. Wilson’s summit. In other words, when we returned by headlamp for Inti Wantana before the sun crested the eastern horizon, we would know the way up and down.

Our day started late on Thursday, another adventure in our midst. I received a call from Mike Hoover, my boss at the Outdoor Connection Center, that beared great news. He offered me a graduate assistantship at the University of Arkansas’ recreation program. Pending my acceptance into grad school, I would receive my masters for free. This would be at the same institution that set me on this path, living this lifestyle in the first place. I was elated and the 9am start didn’t seem so bad at the time.

With full packs the sun baked us for over two hours. We trudged up the mountain to its base. The “scouting trip” turned into a sufferfest of cacti (in my hands and thigh), boulder hopping, and backpack soloing. A great start to the true mountain experience. For this is how it always is, all the perceived romanticism of mountains and their summits are forged by these lesser known realities. By blood, sweat, and tears. By burning muscles, self doubt, and sometimes a little “What the Fuck?!” A time of beautiful masochism or as some term it, secondary fun. It was testing, it was fun, and it was remote. Though we were only a few miles from Sin City, we were (and felt) entirely alone.  

By noon we finally stood at the base of the climb. We could finally start the “real” climbing. Faster than we had ever wanted, ever realized would happen, we were in it. Exactly where we wanted to be. Exactly why we came. We were at our limits. The trad leads were more difficult in grade and in style than we had ever experienced. A lovely look into the sharp end, into the self. The going was slow, careful, and precise. Our reason for coming had already been accomplished. The approach had been scouted. From the start, route navigation was extremely difficult and time consuming. At three hundred feet off the ground we made the decision to call it. At 2pm we wouldn’t make it to descent by sundown, and if so we wouldn’t have the energy (nor equipment) to attempt Inti Wantana later this trip. So we bailed. After multiple chockstone rappels (an anchor of wedged rock) with our single rope we were at the base. By 6pm it was buffet time. Vegas style. It was a welcomed luxury to our oatmeal and grocery deli sandwiches of the last four days.

The following day, we elected to climb a small four hundred and fifty foot climb with a short approach. Our logic was simple, touch the stone, practice route navigation and placements while saving strength for the summit push on Saturday. It would take a 3am wake up and at least a sixteen hour day if we were to climb Mt. Wilson by Inti Wantana and Resolution Arete. Lotta Balls 5.8 was the chosen “rest day” climb. You could probably guess why the route has that name. To say the least, it was exciting. After four hours and our final rappel we headed to the car. Another great day of climbing, and a confidence booster. Our leads and our gear (only the necessities) were dialed or as much as they could be. We had clipped two bolts on lead the entire trip (besides some anchors), got some great practice, and were psyched for the twenty four pitch test piece of the following day. What we didn’t realize? Those would be the last pitches of the trip. Saturday showed rain by 1pm and twenty mph winds, less than ideal conditions. Honestly something that just couldn’t happen, a gamble we weren’t willing to take. Not with Inti. Not with Grade V. Then and there we vowed to return. To come back and attempt the masterpiece we had witnessed. To test ourselves against a lump of rock. We vowed for another adventure because surely, hopefully, something would go wrong yet again.

In the end we may have not climbed the tallest or the hardest climbs. We may have not “epiced” on the wall but we got all that we could have asked for. We got all that and more. We got adventure. For the mountains only succumb to any man when they want. We are always at their mercy.  To think otherwise is foolish, and most certainly deadly. After this trip we would return home wiser and stronger both in body and in mind. Lessons learned. And what more could any man want? Our adventure, like any, had ultimately changed us. We would return different men than when we had left. From this little trip, this ounce of adventure, we would return to life, to the cities, and the mountains from here on out forever altered.

“Not everyone born free and equal, as the Constitution says, but everyone made equal. Each man the image of every other; then all are happy, for there are no mountains to make them cower, to judge themselves against.” – Fahrenheit 451

Based out of Fayetteville, Ar, Goose blurs the genre lines between folk, pop, and funk with their eclectic range of influences.  Having just released their third studio album, “Super,” they are set to perform this Tuesday, March 17th at George’s Majestic Lounge.  We sat down with Austin Jewell and Kevin Jones this weekend to go over the basics, and then some.

Q - So how did you two crazy kids meet?

Kevin - We met during junior year of high school.  Well, technically, first grade bug camp.  

Q - Is that an acronym for something? 

Austin - Nope just a camp where we looked for bugs, learned about bugs, just bug stuff in general.  Didn’t go to the same school until high school, so we didn’t really hang out until then.  Goose was spiritually born when we got a show in Little Rock, asked a friend from our current band to join us for side project, and ended up liking it better than the other project that was ending anyway.  At the beginning it was just covers and originals from the other band.

Q - Saint Augustine, Saint Michael, and Saint Patrick.  If you could make anyone a saint, who would it be and why?

Austin - My uncle Bernard.  Because it’d make him a St. Bernard.

Kevin - Louis Pasture because he really made milk what is it today, and milk is a big part of my life.

Q- Your live shows blend a lot of songs together, which is a departure from your album sound.  When did you start doing this, and why?  

Austin - Just from playing guitar with our friends.  Nobody wanted to hear a whole song, they would lose focus.  So we learned about a minute in of each song just to show we could.  Then we mashed them all into one thing.  It makes for the most fun for crowd, intertwining original material with mashups keeps them on their toes.

Kevin - We have fun playing our favorites like “I get knocked down,” we just added some Beyonce, and it keeps getting longer.  It goes by audience feel.  We call audibles like Peyton Manning in reaction the crowd.  It helps us maintain the vibes.

Q - You both look especially heroic on the album cover “Super.”  What superheroes do you channel onstage?  

Austin - Does it have to be a hero?  The Hulk because I get angry at myself personally.  If I had that problem tied to becoming giant and green, I would work on those issues probably.

Kevin - Lots of clothes issues though with the Hulk though.  I feel like the instrument is an extension of myself like Thor with his hammer.  

Q - How does playing at George’s Majestic Lounge differ from other venues?

Austin - It differs because as soon as I got on campus I saw George’s as this awesome music venue, and it was always a huge goal of mine to play there.  We’ve played there before, but it’s still a big achievement to perform there.  

Kevin - I’ve seen so many great bands playing there that it reminds me of the history.  Still a big deal for sure.

Q - From “Bad Idea,” “Champagne and Wine,” to “Super,” how have you changed both physically and as a band? 

Austin - I got the fattest I’ve ever been in my life, but I’m now back to my average.  

Kevin - I’ve cut my hair and grown a beard.  Got a little bit more hair on my chest.

Band - Our sound has matured, and become more centralized.  Just like playing a sport for a long time, we have a lot more experience now in knowing what works and doesn’t on albums and live performances.

Q - Any pre-show rituals that you can make public?

Austin - Usually just hang out.  Play some Mario Cart on N64.  Kevin plays as Peach, but I’m a total Toad man.  Makeshift-huddle-break-it-down-chants.

Goose will be at Fayettechill Basecamp at 7:00pm for a meet and greet before their show.  Complimentary beer and holiday vibes will be provided for all those who attend, as well as the opportunity to ask any questions I may have missed here.

-Written by Brian O’Dea

Coming this Saturday March 14th is the 2nd annual Fayettechill x UREC Bouldering Competition hosted at Lincoln Lake.  

All competitors will receive a $5 Fayettechill giftcard, light snacks throughout, and a chance to win a Journeyman Dry Bag Backpack.  Judges for each category will be from the UREC outdoors staff, and based upon Cole Fennel’s climbing guidebook.  Sign up here, or at the event with preferably cash($10).

Shuttle from the parking lot to the dam-side will be provided by event stuff, and the schedule is as follows:

8:30am- Open Registration at Lincoln lake

9:15am- Opening Words

9:30am- Shuttle to Dam side boulders begins, Competition begins

3pm- Score cards are due

4pm- Awards ceremony at the FC x UREC booth

All you need to bring are your shoes, chalk bag, and fingers.  Bring your bouldering pad if you have one!  Register online now by clicking here.  

For more information, feel free to contact [email protected], [email protected], or stop by Fayettechill Basecamp at 205 W. Dickson St.

One of the best times of the year to fish in Arkansas has arrived and it is most commonly referred to by an appropriately ominous name – The Shad Kill.

Each winter, a special set of circumstances sets the stage for an incredible opportunity for trout fishing in Arkansas, especially on the Norfork and White rivers. The Shad Kill refers to a natural phenomenon, in which tiny fish of the shad variety die due to frigid weather and other unfavorable conditions. The shad sink in Bull Shoals Lake and are pulled through the turbines of the dam before being fed into ensuing river.

The Shad Kill at the junction of the Bull Shoals dam and White River is particularly known for its out of this world fishing. After the shad are pulled through Bull Shoals dam and into the White River, an intense variety of brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout await. Having spent their energy either surviving the cold weather or spawning, these trout are hungry and ready to gorge themselves on a fresh supply of shad. This makes for all but perfect conditions for some high quality fly fishing.

Even though we’ve had a more mild winter here in Arkansas, don’t let that soften your supply of thick layers to prepare you for the colder weather. Fishing in February is exciting, but only if you properly layer yourself with thermal tops and bottoms, wool socks, and waterproof waders for those looking to venture into the river. Another “must-do” preparation step is to get your fishing license with the trout permit, which can be purchased for under $20 at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website with ease. After you’ve properly prepared yourself with rod and reel, layered clothing, and a fishing license, you are set for some of the best fishing of the year.

The best time to fish is in the early morning, before the trout are spooked by other fisher friends. Also, as the sun rises on a day without clouds, the water becomes much more clear, making it easier for fish to spot you and your intentions to take them away from their friends and family. Sunset is also prime time for fishing.

That being said, during shad kill season (which typically runs from February to early April), the main thing you want to look at is the Bull Shoals dam turbine activity and White River water levels. The more water being released through the dam, the more shad enter the White River, the more trout get excited, and the better the fishing. The water levels for all the dammed rivers in Arkansas can be found at the state’s Army Corps of Engineers site.

The more experienced you are in fishing, the more you’ll be able to really lean into the opportunity at hand. That being, this time of year is great for the casual enthusiast or simply interested novice to have a great time. If you’re looking for an out of this world experience, treat yourself to a fly fishing guide. Not only do fly fishing guides put you right on top of the fish and teach you how to catch them, they’re the most chill, kind, and fun guys to hang out with in general. For those looking to book a good time with a guide, visit rouseflyfishing.com to get hooked up with some of the best in the business.

Sometimes the winter weather and early dark hours make outdoor exploration seem almost impossible, but opportunities like fishing the many rivers throughout the state argue otherwise. Mother Nature never rests and new chances to explore the outdoors open up with every change of the season. Don’t miss out on some world-class fishing in Arkansas during the later months of winter. It’s a wonderful way to connect into nature’s cycle, catch some fish, and breath in your share of re-invigoratingly fresh air.

For more information on sustainable fishing trout in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas chapter of Trout Unlimited. If you like the products featured, then check out the new line here. Written by Devin O'Dea

A styling tale with a little bit of vegan food, contemplative hiking notes, inspiring new friends, mountain adventures & beauty tips.

When I got invited by Devin at Fayettechill to style the women’s spring campaign, I was ecstatic! Devin’s vision for the creative campaigns are truly unique and so exciting to expound on! I love working on Fayettechill projects. Last year’s spring campaign was thrilling to the point of chilling, literally, when my canoe flipped at the beginning of our eight-hour float trip. Yet stiff fingers and blue lips didn’t keep me from the rush of endorphins once we discovered a friend’s campfire to toast us for pioneering the beautiful yet nippy adventure. This year’s trip was colder but not nearly as wet as the last. We took two vehicles into the Ouachita Mountains and stayed at The Bear’s Den cabin.  I spent the hours sitting next to photog Sam Matthews, who had just returned from backpacking Europe. [Check out his ridiculously awesome VSCO of his trip here.] It was refreshing to hear about his travels and share photo influence.

When we arrived at the cabin, we did a quick shoot after claiming bed spaces. Then, I started working on the wardrobe styling while the team starting cooking. Dinner was served by Fayettechill team climber George Bieker. I felt astonished that the entire meal was prepared vegan when I was the only plant-based dieter on the trip. We had quinoa with veggies, salsa and chips. Prior to the trip I had simply requested two cans of Amy’s soups but these guys went above and way beyond. The amount of thought that went into making sure I felt part of the group warmed my heart and my belly. Not only dinner that night, but Devin and George made sure I had almond milk and granola for breakfast; wheat bagels, avocado, fresh spinach, tomato and hummus sandwiches for trail lunch and then made a vegan pesto pasta with sliced sweet potato for Saturday’s dinner. The amount of kindness that I experienced during this weekend trip was overwhelming.

 I spent the first evening dressing models for the scenic hike we had planned for early Saturday morning. This is where all my pre-planning came into play and really paid off. After that we had a female pow wow while the guys played pool downstairs. A long time had passed since I’ve had girl time and it felt so comforting to connect with these vibrant, down-to-earth women. Throughout the weekend, I had heart-to-hearts with all the models; Kellyn, Karyn, Miriam and Jacqueline.  Kellyn tour guides in Colorado and is so funny that I would pay to watch her do standup. Karyn is a musician with a love for swing. She goes to cool events and knows how to play jazz on flute. Miriam is developing a blog and getting into Nikon photography. She’s super laid back but she’s got fierce climbing skills. Jacqueline is is a bubbly creative who loves to thrift, make jewelry and take off on spontaneous adventures. She super sweet, funny, ironic and knows a lot about bugs and herbs, too. I was so excited to get know these women and especially thrilled when Kellyn pulled out her homemade face polish for everyone to do facials!  It was so awesome that I decided to dedicate a beauty blog post just for that experience. Stay tuned for the recipe. I will be posting it very soon!

Saturday morning, we woke before the sun for a quick yoga shoot at daybreak then we headed off to the trail. When we arrived, we played a game of ninja before we set off. I lost first, both times. It was frigid outside as we began the hike. It wasn’t long before we encountered a stream that we had to cross in twenty degree weather. While Miriam and Jacqueline were happy to barefoot stone step it, I was terrified that I could slip and end up miserably cold for the rest of the trip. Just in time, George just waded the creek in his trails shoes, offering piggy back rides. I was baffled that anyone could stand in water as cold as ice. After I made it to other side, Devin informed me that this guy has led month-long tours through African and Alaskan mountains. Yes, you read that correctly, he’s a beast of nature. [Check out his George’s Adventure Blog] So I asked him about bears for future camp trips (my biggest fear) and I found out that there is such a thing as bear spray. No seriously, it’s mace for bears and it’s inexpensive. You are so welcome. Moving forward, we hiked for a seemingly long time and along the way crossed several more streams. Some frozen over an inch thick. We stopped to shoot along the way but finally took a break for lunch. At this point, bagel sandwiches and lukewarm coffee felt as fulfilling as a Thanksgiving dinner.

Once we resumed the hike, my mind slid into a meditative state. It was really quiet outside and the sound of wading through dry leaves turned into a loud entrancing lull. Nature took my thoughts. I contemplated how humans have the ability to thrive in extreme situations. I managed to disappear entirely into my mind, pondering mysteries of the universe and questions that had no end.

Isn’t it profound that most species are further evolved to survive the elements with many natural defenses such as winter coats, exterior shells, poisonous venom, and camouflage? Yet we can make and choose our own clothing, armor & weapons…

We trudged up the mountain until we found the vantage point, stopped to document the occasion and hiked down to find the vehicles. Once we returned to the cabin, I had to do a quick outfit change for our next shoot. Once we set up camp and grabbed our shots, we finally retired for the evening.

After everyone settled in, Karyn made a hilarious horror movie trailer with her iphone, Sam snapped several polaroids of everyone & the girls ruled the guys at fishbowl. I wouldn’t say I contributed much to that except for my sound performance, which I’m hoping ends up on youtube somewhere. Later, sleep beckoned me early on that cozy evening. So I awoke very early the next morning and brewed a pot of coffee.  We powered through our final shoot in the cabin and packed up to head out. For the trip back, I threw on my poncho and hopped in Devin’s jeep next to Miriam. We talked Nikon and the industry during the ride home. It was moody outside and we were surrounded by a foggy mist that was settling on mountains. I watched as the trees blurred and felt deep gratification from our weekend Fayettechill adventure and looked forward to the next.

Check out the photos from our adventure that are surfacing on Fayettechill’s instagram and website.

Next week, I’m sharing the awesome DIY beauty scrub from this trip!

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Best Regards,

Connor & Danielle

The newest limited edition shirt “Stump” draws from the resurgent pin-up style reminiscent of a bygone era.  Sitting down with Fayettechill graphic designer chadmaupin, the man behind the Big-Bot machine, we learned a bit about the rich history of the pin-up girl. 

Although their artistic origins can be traced as far as the late nineteenth century, pin-up girls truly rose to prominence in America from the forties through the sixties.  Their rise coincided with the peak of commercial art and graphic design, as photography was too expensive of a medium to capture someone’s likeness.  A time when, “Things were more focused on illustration.  Everything was elevated.  They are still revered because they are artistically valid”.  Combing the aesthetics of the time and natural beauty, pin-ups became engrained in America’s identity.

Now they seem almost modest by modern standards.  The “Stump” design was created in order to breathe life into a character.  The aim according to Big-Bot was to, “…convey personality, fun, and beauty.  A time of more restraint, enjoying the beauty of a woman without debasing”.  They have lost the edginess once associated with them, and now have the warm feeling of nostalgia around them.  These cartoon images give a heightened sense of what’s real, and celebrate a trailblazing chapter in America’s artistic history. 

The limited edition “Stump” design is now available at our online store and physical Basecamp location with a complimentary lighter pictured below.  

- Photos by Matt King

Featuring premier photography of their travels throughout the Ozarks, the Matthews brothers bentmatthews and samjmatthews will be hosting a showing this Friday at Basecamp from 6:30-9:00pm.  With Puritan Brew Co. nearby to offer quality coffee and beer options, the coziest evening in Fayetteville is all but guaranteed.  So come show your support for two of the fastest uprising photographers, and get a glimpse into the areas which we all feel so strongly drawn.

Once the sun came up, we had made it to the first lake, properly named Frozen Lake. We took a much-needed break on the frozen water. Our moods lifted and we livened up as we took in the first burst of sunlight of the day on the surrounding mountains. I was getting really excited thinking about getting on the ice, and tackling this adventure we set out to accomplish. The feeling you get when you ice climb is truly remarkable. Ice climbing to me is to be completely immersed in the present moment. You really have no other choice but to be 100% where you are and fully focused on the task at hand, not drifting into the future or fading into the past. A deep respect for the ice and your surroundings are easy to come by when risk is such an inherent factor in the climb. The ice deserves all of your attention in that moment and for me, mindfulness is just another tool you need to use while climbing. A meditation of sorts on basic survival decision-making.

When we finally reached the base of Black Lake I was exhausted. The last mile of trail had so much snow and lots of waist-deep holes that you could fall in. These holes formed near giant rocks where the snow constantly melted when the rocks heat up in the sun causing huge holes covered by a thin layer of powder from recent snowfall. We fell into these quite often. With a huge loaded down pack it made it extremely hard to get a leg out of the hole and stand up when you just keep pushing through multiple feet of snow with your upper body. It’s a little like quicksand. I felt so beat after this happening time and time again.

We found a spot to set up camp, and melted some snow as we pounded out a spot with our boots for the tent in the soft powder. It felt like walking in a huge box of packing peanuts, and seemed impossible to pack down the snow. We ate some rehydrated meals, and packed again for the ice climb.  Leaving most of our gear in the tent, we only took the bare minimum.

We walked across the frozen lake and once we got around a corner we saw the huge walls of ice and just lit up. Smiles all around. The Black Lake Slabs looked beautiful, and we were ready to climb. My friend Ben, one of the guys on this trip, says “Anytime on the ice is nice!” I couldn’t agree with him more. As soon as we stepped our crampons onto the ice wall I was elated. Everything else disappears. It’s just you and the wall to hold you accountable for every choice you make while on it. The sound of ice axes sinking into the ice is so satisfying. We climbed the rest of the day. We were in heaven setting up V threads, repelling off of them, and climbing all over the wall. We saw one other climber while we were out at the Slabs that told us a huge snowstorm was coming in, and would put a substantial amount of snow on the ground by morning. We had planned on camping but were starting to think it might be best to hike out that night.

As it started to get dark, we packed up and headed back to camp. We placed all of our gear on a nearby rock, sorted through gear, and cleaned out ice screws. We fired up the stove, and started to melt snow for food and water. We reflected on the day as we repacked our bags and ate our food. The clouds started to roll in over the mountains as we got our sleeping bags out and laid in the tent. We got nice and warm right before we decided that we weren’t going to sleep much at all during a snowstorm, and we had plenty of energy to hike back out that night. So we made a final decision to pack it up that night and hike back out. Walking back out sounded way more appealing than laying wide awake like sardines in a can waiting all night to pack up in the snowfall and hike out in a storm. We powered through the night and finally got back to the truck exhausted and broken down, but elated that another epic trip was in the bag in our very own playground, Rocky Mountain National Park.