Behind the Pages: Phil Lindeman

You’ve read their stories—now meet the people behind the words. We asked our JHStyle writers to tell us what inspires them, where they go for a perfect day in Jackson Hole, and what they’re looking forward to most this summer in a one-of-a-kind mountain town.

Readers will recognize Phil Lindeman's name from previous editions; most recently, he covered the canine-powered rescue team at GTK9, the precision-driven work by the Turkel Design team, and the expansive impact of the Teton Backcountry Alliance. This time around, his work celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Jackson Hole One Fly tournament, and showcases the thriving local antique and vintage scene. And as spring gives way to wamer dayd, Phil is ready to leap into summer with gusto — from essentially every mountain sport imaginable to tantalizing bites off the grill. 

What's a perfect summer day, start to finish?
We're doing all the things! Biking, hiking, rafting, porch hanging, stargazing, fire blazing... anything except hard working.

What's something you think people don't understand about living in the mountains?
The weather here is always beautiful, but it's never perfect. You make peace with that and you'll rarely be caught off guard.

What's one thing you'll always say yes to in the summer?
Just one more mile. Except I'm usually the one saying that and everyone around me js ready to mutiny.

Go-to trail snack?
Sour gummy worms

Favorite post-adventure beverage?
Whatever I find in my hand.

What meal absolutely screams "summer" to you?
Hawaiian-style pork ribs finished on the charcoal grill with a pineapple-teriyaki glaze and smoked jalapeño poppers. I bought a smoke box last year, like this 5x7in cast-iron box you fill with soaked wood chips. It turns any grill into a smoker. Traditionalists will balk, but for the rest of us who don't have all day to nurse a rack? Worth it.

Flip-flops or Chacos? (Or something else entirely?)
Flip-flops, but I respect a good Chaco tan.

Where do you go when you need to reset?
Out, sometimes alone, but more often with my wife and the dog.

What's inspiring you this season?
Stephen King, especially his Dark Tower series. I finally finished it after something like 2 decades, and despite his tendency to overwrite, I'm reminded why he is one of the best in the biz. I'm inspired by any writer who can see such a sprawling project to completion.

What's something you're loving right now? (Book, podcast, tv series, anything!) Why?
See Stephen King! Haha but also Shakespeare, another author I'm rediscovering all over again, and the outdoors feature reporting in The Colorado Sun. It's what web journalism should be.