Spring 2013
I had so much fun getting to know the Gorge Roller Girls and learning about roller derby while working on our cover story for this issue, I began daydreaming about what my derby name could be if I joined the league.
I tried to gain inspiration at Roller Girls practice by looking around at all the women’s helmets inscribed with their derby names: Wreck-less, Agony, Faye Spounder (love that one), Cinda Rolla, Psycho Kinesis, Ginger Hips, Low Down Lily, Thigh High Maintenance. I could be Impending Pounding, or Boom Hilda, or, a play on my magazine job, Preditor. (You can make up your own spelling, after all.) But when I tried on a pair of roller derby skates (yes, that’s actually me up there in those fun socks), I realized that to play roller derby I would actually have to learn how to skate again. Well, don’t count me out, but before I’m actually out on the track with these inspiring women I’m going to be in the crowd watching them this spring during their first full season of competition. See page 25 for our story on the Gorge Roller Girls.
Spring is in the air, and we’re celebrating by highlighting some local garden goodies, beginning on page 16. Writer Don Campbell profiles Dirt Hugger, the Gorge’s commercial composting company, on page 20. Spring is a great time to hit the Tilly Jane Trail for some backcountry skiing, and Adam Lapierre takes us there for an overnight at the historic Tilly Jane cabin, starting on page 34. Writer Ric Conrad explores Cascade Locks and its environs from the nexus of Marine Park, starting on page 58. And food blogger Kacie McMackin outdoes herself again with a crepe recipe and beverage pairings at the start of our Partake section on page 76. And, as always, there’s a whole lot more. Enjoy, and welcome to springtime in the Gorge!
janet cook, editor
