Too often days go by when we as Americans forget about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Shamefully, we go about our days working, traveling, enjoying family, and have no doubt become encompassed in the current holiday season. We all certainly know there is a war, but do we ever really commit to being aware of it?  I am as guilty as anyone.

In an effort to support and remind: THE YELLOW RIBBON. We’ve all seen the bracelets, the bumper stickers and all of the other ribboned products that are out there. It is an enormous effort to keep us all aware of the troops, on our home land and abroad, and the courage they have. Unfortunately, for some, they’ve just become part of our lives as do the pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness and the hundreds of other emblems that dress the back end of vehicles and shop windows. Most of us see them, but don’t stop to think about the intention of their existence.

I ask all of us to take one moment to stop, think, talk, or pray during these holidays for the safe return of all our troops.

Our hearts, minds, and prayers go out to all the families that have made the ultimate sacrifice.  I am reminded of the courage it takes for our young men and women to face down their fears, and enemies on and off the battlefield.  I pray it is not taken for granted, and that with all the turmoil this great nation is going through, that we all stand tall and take a moment to give thanks to our armed forces and the men and women that make the ultimate decisions of battle.

 

From the deepest place in our hearts, we honor you.

 

The Powell Family,

 

Josh, Sarah, Eva, Myriam, Naomi, and Elijah

In September of 2010, the 4th ever Peking to Paris automobile race will begin. Taking over a month to complete the 10,000 mile trek, competitors from around the world bring their classic cars to the starting line in hopes of reaching Paris ahead of the game.

In 1907, a Parisian newspaper started the hype with a simple quote: “What needs to be proved today is that as long as a man has a car, he can do anything and go anywhere. Is there anyone who will undertake to travel this summer from Peking to Paris by automobile?“…

So began the historical race. Only 5 cars started the race and made it to the Paris finish line. Prince Scipione Borghese took the win in his 7 litre Itala with time to spare. The race didn’t happen again until 1997, for a 90th anniversary reenactment and has since taken place only in 2007. That 21st century race featured 134 cars and was completed by all but 9 of them. For the next race, there are already 90 entrants. 

What an incredible experience and an adventure unlike any other. The historical aspects are significant of course, but the expedition that took place is the true story. In the first race, the competitors traveled over land untamed by pavement and sidewalks, through free running rivers, and next to an audience of wildlife that has long since changed. No rules, no limits, just the rush of a race into grounds unknown. I admire this extraordinary force and would have loved to have been part of the original team. To explore, to abandon, to go limitless: that’s a true adventure. 

You can read a full history and see some great photos at www.pekingparis.com.

Cheers,

Josh                                                                                                                                                                                    

      

 

I just had my good friend Ruairí’ De Blacam stop in the offices here in Michigan.  Ruairí’ is the son of Tarlach from the Isle of Inis Meain.  If your not familiar with the island, you can find it on a map just off the coast of Ireland.  It’s home to about 200 people, and qualifies as one of the most glorious places on earth.  Tarlach and I became friends while tossing back a number of scotches and drawing up a sweater on the back of a napkin that came into existence this past spring.

We came to know this family by way of the wonderful knitting factory they own and operate.  It is a family affair by any stretch.  In addition, Ruairí’ and his wife Marie-Thérèse just opened a fantastic bed and breakfast, with fantastic cuisine made with fresh ingredients local to the island. Fresh crab and lobster caught by local fisherman and fresh vegetables from the field across the way.

The family’s knitting company is yet another charm.  Focused on the island’s history and inspired by the image of the upturned currach, the luxury fibers are knitted into fisherman’s sweaters by the women of the island, a tradition for centuries. I love the story behind this company and can’t wait to go back. 

Be sure to take a look. www.inismeain.com

Josh

      

A polar bear graces the cover of our next catalog. Unfortunately, this extraordinary animal has become an icon that represents the deep impact of global warming.  It is no longer a question of if or when or how. Global warming is a reality that is changing vital habitats. If the ecosystem is going to adapt, it needs clear lanes that allow it to move. Right now, these passages don’t exist. 

Hunters, bird watchers, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts — all have a common interest in land preservation.  Without it, our ability to enjoy our natural wilderness will disappear. Freedom to Roam is an organization that raises awareness of the critical need for well-managed land preservation in North America, developing bi-partisan solutions that protect the vital corridors that connect our open spaces. By linking waterways, ranch lands, private farms and national parks, they are working to create corridors that will allow wildlife to adapt to  climate change. Boundaries, fences and borders make it difficult for creatures to move throughout North America — Freedom to Roam is working to conquer that problem.  

In this time of dramatic change in our ecosystem, we need to think big. Very big. The Freedom to Roam  initiative will require extensive cooperation among governments, landowners, hunters, anglers, multinational corporations and environmentalists.  We must remind everyone that global warming has no political agenda  or party affiliation. It is an assault on our ecosystem and we must do all we can to both limit its undeniable impact and prevent fueling its future.  We’re proud to support the efforts of Freedom to Roam and we hope you’ll consider working to help their initiative. To learn more, visit www.freedomtoroam.org. 

Truly,

JLP