Patagon Journal Proposing to Launch

For some time now, Puerto Varas-based journalist Jimmy Langman has been developing the bilingual website Patagon Journal, whose mission is to “build a greater appreciation, understanding and environmental stewardship of Patagonia.” Langman, whom I have known for many years, has a long resumé as South American correspondent for various US and UK media, including Newsweek, the Miami Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, The Guardian, and The Times of London - as well as a competing guidebook publisher whose name I will decline to mention.

With the intention of turning it into a bilingual print magazine, Langman has begun a fund-raising campaign through Kickstarter, which helps raise money for creative projects. Between now and October 6th, Patagon Journal needs pledges totaling $15,000 to put the project on a solid financial footing. Depending on the amount, donors will be eligible for awards ranging from simple subscriptions to a two-night stay at the Aisén region’s Puyuhuapi Hotel & Spa (pictured below).

What I particularly like about Patagon Journal is its goal to “show all facets of Patagonia’s natural and cultural landscape, and at the same time help contribute to its long-term protection.” The magazine will also be “published on FSC-certified paper as well as on the iPad with additional content such as video” and “abundant and beautiful photography on diverse environmental, cultural, scientific and other topics. In addition, a travel section provides a close look at the best destinations and excursions in the region, and top experts in Patagonia for fly fishing, trekking, mountaineering, the environment and other topics are featured through regular departments. Ten percent of its subscription revenues are to be shared with non-profits working to protect Patagonia's environment and culture.”

This is a worthwhile independent journalism project that deserves to get off the ground. Any readers with the resources to contribute, even on a modest level, would be rewarded by doing so.

Moon Handbooks Buenos Aires in Millbrae (San Mateo County)

Thursday September 29 will mark the last of four digital slide presentations on the fourth edition of Moon Handbooks Buenos Aires, at various branches of the San Mateo Public Library. This event starts at 1 p.m. at the Millbrae Library (1 Library Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030, tel. 650/697-7607). There will be ample time for questions and answers, and books (also including Moon Argentina and Moon Chile) will be on sale (at a discount).

Next month, I will be on the road promoting the new third edition of Moon Handbooks Patagonia. Most of the events will be in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I will also be appearing in Seattle and Bellingham, Washington; Vancouver BC; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Pasadena, California. Watch this spaces for details.