Action In Solitude

If there's one thing you can't call Maura Kistler it's sedentary. She's always doing something to bring people - climbers, kayakers, outdoor enthusiasts - together to build community, all while running her gear shop, WaterStone Outdoors, and teaching. Her unbounded drive, self deprecating humor, and straight-at-it attitude has been an inspiration to me over the years and I always look forward to bumping into her, either in Fayetteville if I'm passing through town or at Outdoor Retailer. This spring I was in Fayetteville for a Misty Mountain retreat and caught up with Maura at the AAC Campground where she and her husband, Gene, had organized their annual trail work event. We drank coffee. Joked about our shortcomings. Reminisced about mutual friends. It was wonderful.