From The Editor

I started cave diving in 1995 and read every book about the sport I could get my hands on.  Although there was a dearth of information about Wes’ exploration, expeditions and exploits, when I met him in 2002, I knew virtually nothing about the man.  Call it fate or cosmic alignment or just plain luck, but I found myself accepting a job offer to work for him at Karst Productions two years later.

Wes was turning 46 just days before I was to start to work and I was invited to a birthday bash at Ginnie Springs, ironically held at the same pavilions as his recent memorial.  I searched high and low for just the right card and settled for a cheeky one that said although as my boss he would always be right, he would also always be older than me.  I watched as he opened it with a fair bit of trepidation but was rewarded with one of his slow, spreading smiles. 

It was my great fortune to work for Wes for three years as he produced the second and third films in the Water’s Journey series.  I can’t begin to adequately chronicle the countless lessons learned during my tenure there but suffice it to say that my exposure to such daring creativity is what enabled me to step out on air and begin my own company.

When the news came that Wes had died, it was simply thunderous.  It’s impossible to imagine a world without Wes Skiles.   It’s  inconceivable that we will not be graced with any new images that take our breath away or new films to spark our imaginations and challenge us to be better stewards for the springs he loved so deeply.  

As I sat in the rain at his memorial service, tears streaming down my face as his friends and family members recalled his life’s hijinks, heroics, and amazing accomplishments, I had the heart wrenching thought that next year, I will turn a year older than Wes.

Godspeed, my friend.
Beth