Weekend At Camp

She Explores' Gale Straub heads to a cabin in Maine with a 120 film camera.

By Peak Design

She Explores

We met Gale Straub a couple years ago in her natural element: on the road.

She was driving across the country in a home-renovated Sprinter van with her partner in crime Jon Gaffney. The couple stopped in Austin and we encouraged them to take advantage of everything Austin has to offer, which in their case was breakfast tacos and a hot shower.

Gale has cultivated and inspired a massive online community of creative, adventurous women through the art of storytelling. In 2014 Gale founded She Explores, a curated and rapidly growing collection of stories and photo essays by female adventurers.

Gale is now based out of New Hampshire, and while she’s managing to make-do in a traditional apartment-off-wheels, that doesn’t stop her from getting outside and making new stories happen. This Spring her and Jon spent a weekend at a small lakeside cabin in Maine, and we (well, some of our gear) was lucky enough to come along for the ride. Below are Gale’s beautiful images (shot mostly on film, with a few digitals) and commentary.

Gale prefers to do most of her shooting on a vintage Bronica SQ medium format film camera.

the approach

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Weekend Whip

This 1990 Mitsubishi Montero is our go-to weekend vehicle. Driving up to the lake with the windows down is a little piece of freedom. My boyfriend and I went up on a Friday to make the most of the weekend.

Camptastic

In Maine, small cabins are known as “camp.” My parents have only owned this camp in Denmark, ME for six years but it feels like home.

Morning vibes

A Fresh Look

A peak out the door. Morning light and fresh air is inspiring. Waking up at the camp is a bit like hitting the “refresh” button.

Gale uses Shell and Leash to make sure she's the only one enjoying the crisp Maine lake water.

Slide is Gale's go-to strap for her vintage Bronica SQ medium format film camera.

The Everyday Messenger 13" in Heritage Tan, enjoying a mid-afternoon snack.

Soul Food

For a meal beyond camp, the Gastropub in Bridgton is a pleasant surprise. Some of the best barbecue I’ve had in Maine.

out On the water

showboating

There’s no such thing as too many boats. At the peak of summer, this dock is decorated with boats like a Christmas Tree.

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What’s Up, Doc?

I always try to wake up for one sunrise at Hancock Pond. Before the sun shines over the hills, there is a sense of calm that I haven’t found anywhere else.