Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers

Join fellow writers and photographers in Grand Junction, Colorado, for a variety of presentations, workshops, and field experiences designed to help you improve your craft, learn new skills, and connect with other outdoor communicators.

Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 11 am - 12:30 pm  

Journaling in the Backcountry: How to Capture Your Experiences 

Melody Jones

Have you ever noticed that by day three you forget what happened on day one, even though you were sure you’d remember every detail? There’s a remedy for that – journaling!

Join this session for tips on the best way to capture the rich and profound experiences of time spent in nature. You’ll discover how to make backcountry journaling manageable, use a simple structure, capture important details, and weave it all together in a way that brings to life the beauty, grit, and emotional impact of the moment.

Bring a notebook and writing instrument for notetaking. We’ll also spend time writing together during the session.

Speaker Bio

Melody Jones is a published author and award-winning poet, and a journaling facilitator with a gift for meeting people exactly where they are. Workshop participants break through creative blocks, build solid journaling habits, and learn to capture meaningful moments. Former students say her “quick wit and relaxed humor make the process feel completely doable.” Melody is a Colorado native with a great love for the mountains, but not for ticks – which she once wrote a poem about. She is currently the president of the Western Colorado Writers’ Forum. Learn more about her at MelodyJonesAuthor.com.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 1 pm - 2:30 pm  

Bill Haggerty is author of “Discovering the Colorado Plateau: A Guide to the Region’s Hidden Wonders (Falcon Press, 2021); Hiking Colorado’s Western Slope (FalconGuides, 2017. Updated Second Edition 2025); Best Easy Day Hikes Grand Junction and Fruita (FalconGuides, 2015); and Haggerty’s Hikes in a Bottle (2007), a collection of 52 top hikes on the Colorado Plateau chosen from 14 years of weekly hiking columns Haggerty penned for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. An avid outdoorsman, Haggerty has roamed the Colorado Plateau for more than four decades as a reporter, photographer, Colorado Division of Wildlife Information/Education Specialist, outdoor columnist, conservationist, naturalist, wildlife enthusiast and public-lands advocate. He lives in Grand Junction, Colorado.

My website, billhaggertyexplores.com is currently under repair, so I like to send everyone around here to Out West Books and Grand Valley Books, both downtown on Main Street, Grand Junction.

Thursday, October 1st, 2026, from 2:30 - 4 pm  

Presentation:

Andy Bowen, of Above Alpine Photography, will be discussing the joy of the process. It's easy to get caught up in the technical side of photography and oftentimes overthink preparation and execution. No matter how prepared you are, the reality of the situation you're in will inevitably change. Being able to be fully present, calm, and ready to enjoy whatever you are handed is paramount to anything else. The more you're enjoying the process, regardless of what happens, the more pictures you will take, the better you'll become and ultimately the more fun you'll have. Andy takes joy seriously and is excited to encourage you to do the same. 

Bio:

I am Andy Bowen, owner of Above Alpine Photography. I am a Colorado based photographer specializing in creative and striking imagery located on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains in Grand Junction, CO.

I shoot nearly everything but deeply enjoy portraits, adventure sport, landscape, wildlife and stylized photography. 

I have been a multi-format artist my entire life and behind a camera for over 20 years. I built an understanding of quality imagery through combining broad range experience, a degree in media, technical proficiency and emotional impact. I stay up to date on new techniques, technology, trends, and continued education to offer cutting edge results. 

I am passionate about the entire process. From the shooting to the editing I truly love making every aspect count. When I work with clients it's not just about a product it is about the experience. Human connection and understanding individual needs is prioritized just as much as the final product.

My goal is to offer an experience that encourages you to slow down, take it all in and inspire you to see more of life's beauty when you do.

https://www.abovealpine.com/

https://www.facebook.com/abovealpinephotography

https://www.instagram.com/abovealpinephotography