Mary Smyth was raised in the east end of St. John’s in a large boisterous family. She fondly remembers summer picnic expeditions to the beautiful coves, beaches, and meadows of her parents’ beloved Southern Shore. The seed for her love of the outdoors grew from there; a degree in physical geography enhanced her understanding and appreciation of the natural world. On her return from 25 years of living in Europe, she worked with the provincial tourism association and tourism operators in the province to develop standards for the adventure tourism industry. It was an opportunity to become more deeply acquainted with this incredible part of the world.