Quest Article

Ivanka Trump graced the cover of this Entertaining Issue of Quest.
Ivanka...what FABULOUS LEGS!

But moving right along...after 17 house guests, barely enough beds, a crack of dawn hike, a late afternoon swim in 48 degree water, a few thousand photos, and no running water in my kitchen sink (dishes were washed in the bathroom) the shoot at our place in the Gunks hits the press!
Growing up, one of my numerous chores that I recall not liking at all was raking and collecting all the leaves on either side of the gate-oh what I would have done for a gas powered leaf blower then!

This is Tommy Grossi on the right. He's head of our Hunt club, and was showing the boys some tricks to his trade...

They look thoroughly interested...but not quite outfitted for what Tommy has in store for them.

Our fabulous photographers suggested we all get up at FIRST LIGHT to catch sunrise on the cliffs. Needless to say, that did not happen.

But, we did make it to the cliffs. And it was well worth it.

This is me, caught falling, which I suspect you find standard procedure by now.

Here are the cliffs up at Gertie's Nose in the Shawangunk Mountains in Gardiner, NY. Commonly known as "The Gunks", they boast the best rock climbing in the East. Only 1.5 hrs from NYC, this area is a worthwhile day drive. Holler in my general direction, I may just be here!

Above, Charles Darling and Chris Leach caught jumping into what they are about to find out is 48 degree fresh water. Oh what boys will do for bragging rights!

This is Chef John Novi, owner of the Depuy Canal House...a worthwhile culinary adventure if you come this way. He was sweet enough to make a wonderful meal for us...(and Simon...THANK YOU TOO!)

Carrie Fowler Stowe and her Dad, "Jungle Jim" as we used to call him...or Jim Fowler. I have never seen Jim in anything but safari/khaki, but I suppose when you are Jim Fowler, you never know when a wild beast might call and demand your attention. (Carrie and I are NO exception!) I am on the right with my dapper Dad who is surely wondering why he couldn't be in his jungle attire as well...

The whole crew gathers in the dining room around a table whose acorn dropped in 610 A.D. Crazy right? And the bottle on the lower left if 1871 Madeira, and still good! Taking a sip of that is an experience that I can't conjure words for.

The weekend and shoot came and went, and what a wonderful crew of friends and helpers we had! Thank you to Georgina Schaeffer and Quest for conjuring the idea. What will be next is the question...

-Trying to Keep my Footing, Bradley