Coming from the West, what struck you most about the East?

On that first trip, the landscape inspired me more than any other winter landscape had for many years. New England is filled with nooks, corners and notches—almost like taffy being pulled apart. Every corner I go around, I find something different. It wasn't the sense that you get out West, where you go to a mountain off in the distance and focus on one spot to climb. Instead, it's more an exploration into the unknown.

I also find the access appealing. Nothing feels too far away; everything feels like it would be pretty easy to get to; and there's plenty more to explore. Cruising around on little roads—without even looking for ice—it's there. All of the sudden, off in the woods or just next to the road, there is more to climb.

Zoe Hart on Diedre (FWA: III WI5 5.9 M4, Madara-Trocchi, 1976), Cathedral Ledge, NH. [Photo] Anne Skidmore / Anneskidmore.com