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: Allan Maas
Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa
Member Since: May 2005
Occupation: Engineer
Favorite Activities: Scrambling and co-leading the scrambles class, hiking, skiing, and road trips to our National Parks
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I’ve been in love with mountaineering since I spent a summer, off from college, working with the U.S. Forest Service in Montana. The mountains were totally captivating for a kid from the Midwest. My family and I moved here in 1989. When my kids got to high school age and had better things to do than go hiking with dad, I joined The Mountaineers.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
It is just great to be outdoors with scramble students and other Mountaineers. Pushing students to safely go a little beyond their comfort zone, then seeing the pride on their faces is definitely rewarding. I really enjoy being with the people who join The Mountaineers. It’s wonderful being part of such a diverse group.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
There are so many memories to choose from. The ones that come to mind are all specific incidents with helping scramble students overcoming some fears. And speaking of overcoming fears, I also really enjoyed the Basic Course.
Who/What inspires you?
Trying to impart the wonder, joy, and excitement that I feel for the mountains to the scrambles students and anyone who will come share the outdoors with me.
Editor's note: In case you can't tell, Allan REALLY loves scrambling, and is a key member of our core volunteers leading this program. To learn more and get involved, check out our scrambling courses.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure for me is whatever you can do to excite yourself wherever you are in life. Where have I found adventure? While in my 20s, my wife Colleen and I spend 18 months traveling and trekking through Asia (including 8 months trekking through the Himalayas) Australia and then settling in New Zealand. Raising 3 kids with Colleen has been an adventure! And now, my adventures are helping others experience climbing the beautiful mountains of this state.
Lightning Round
What's your happy place? On top a mountain on a sunny day with a light breeze in my face.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Backcountry skiing.
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