The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name: Adrienne Delaney
Hometown: Kenmore, WA
Member Since: October 2020
Occupation: Mental health therapist
Favorite Activities: Mountain climbing, hiking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, paddle boarding, jogging
10 ESSENTIALS QUESTIONS
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
My parents and grandpa were Mountaineers, and my parents took Basic Alpine Climbing together in the 70s, so when my partner's and my 2020 guided RMI Rainier and Baker climbs got canceled due to COVID, we decided to take matters into our own hands and apply to Basic to learn the skills ourselves to last us a lifetime.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
Adventuring in the safety of a large group with experienced leaders and my partner, who is my steadfast adventure partner in the outdoors.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOORS MEMORY?
My Basic Alpine Climbing graduation glacier climb of Mt. Shuksan, when the group ahead of us was kicking huge rocks down the chute we needed to climb up, and the whole group sat down and had a serious discussion about whether we should turn back or not (also based on crevasse conditions). We did turn back below the summit, and I remember thinking that was the kind of safety decision I was in The Mountaineers to learn to make, one that I knew would make my mom and dad proud when I told them, and that I hoped would make my grandpa proud if he could see.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My grandpa, the founding Mountaineer of the family (I have his REI #52 tattooed on my leg with ice axes), my mom and dad, who raised me on the trails, and my tireless adventure partner and love of my life, Kea.
AS A DONOR AND VOLUNTEER-SUPPORTED ORGANIZATION, THE MOUNTAINEERS IS BASED ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT. HOW HAVE YOU PAID IT FORWARD, OR HOW HAVE YOU BENEFITED FROM SOMEONE ELSE PAYING IT FORWARD?
I am constantly inspired by the volunteerism and leadership of my lead Basic instructor, Peter Tran. He truly goes above and beyond. I now serve on the Foothills Branch Climbing Committee at his invitation and inspiration. I hope to be an instructor in Basic with my partner in the future.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Adventure is the journey through beauty with someone I love, the mindfulness of the moment feeling the strength of my body, and the miraculous, magical feeling of looking up at a peak you have climbed and for the rest of your life thinking, "My body carried me there.”
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Dehydrated meals
What’s your happy place? Summit of a mountain
Post-adventure meal of choice? Mountain cafes... specifically Copper Creek Inn after Rainier/Paradise.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Rock climbing or mountain climbing pace
Have you had a memorable experience with The Mountaineers you'd like to share, or know someone who should share their story? Submit your info for a chance to be featured!
