About Us
We are a husband and wife team based in Estes Park, Colorado, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. We are passionate about preserving the environment, adventure, and accountability.
“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.“ - Aldo Leopold
Phil Magistro – poetic wanderer / universal expert
Click here to open a pdf of Phil’s CV in a new window.
Certifications: BA in Political Science with an Asian Studies Certificate; BS in, well, BS; Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning; First Aid / CPR
I am a passionate outdoorsman with strong opinions, wide-ranging experience, and a plethora of interests and hobbies. During my undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh, I studied Political Science and foreign languages. Very active in the Pitt Outdoors Club, I spent the majority of my free time on belay at Seneca Rocks or backpacking the hills of the East Coast. I also passed several semesters overseas, studying Chinese politics and language, learning Spanish across South America, and perfecting my expedition behavior with the National Outdoor Leadership School in Patagonia.
After graduation, I moved to Estes Park with my wife to be in the mountains. Aside from climbing, hiking, and skiing in the backcountry, I work as a mortgage broker, volunteer to prepare tax returns for low-income filers, and am eager to dispense financial advice to all comers. I have since completed a graduate certificate in Personal Financial Planning and am considering a career in finance. For the next few years, however, myriad expeditions capture my interest: paddling the Inside Passage, climbing in Nepal, boating into and climbing in the cirque of the Unclimbables, to name a few.
Someday in the distant future, I might settle into a relaxed retirement replete with beekeeping, gardening, and maybe a goat or two.
Apryle Craig – entrepreneurial adventurer
Click here to open a pdf of Apryle’s CV in a new window.
Interesting Facts: I love my mom. Okay, so that was maybe not that interesting.
Certifications: BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Electrical Engineering; First Aid / CPR
Experience: Study Abroad 2002 University of Queensland, Australia; Youth competition climbing coach, Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Marathon; Baltimore Marathon; Summit Mt Shuckson, North Cascades, June 2008; Circumnavigation of Orcas Island, San Juan Islands, July 2008; Mt Rainier summit attempt, Kautz Glacier Route, July 2008; Kent Mountain Adventure Center rock and ropes course instructor; Kirks Mountain Adventures guide (including a guided summit of Longs Peak: 14,259′)
My Gear Essentials:
Sea Kayaking ~ light-as-a-feather Werner Athena paddle, Kokatat Seawester hat keeps my hair out of the rain and face out of the sun, Kokatat SEAO2 PFD perfect for a petite frame does not wack me in the back of the head, Current Designs Cypress
Backpacking ~ My favorite gear is Phil’s 2003 Black Diamond Speed 28 pack. It fits Phil and I equally well, which is amazing since I am 5′0″ and Phil is 6′0″; however, we have both carried this pack on overnights and love the lightweight design and hip belt.
Ice Climbing ~ leashed Petzl Aztars, Nepal Extremes
