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: Andy Boos
Hometown: From Fort Atkinson, WI. Reside in Everett, WA.
Member Since: May 1988
Occupation: Outdoor Recreation Leader for Everett Parks Department
Favorite Activities: Summer and winter scrambling, climbing, hiking , and snowshoeing.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
Started in the Alpine Scrambles Course in Everett in 1988, then Basic Climbing and other courses. Came back to volunteer as an instructor, leader, and committee member.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
Now, at age 56, most Mountaineers trips are too aggressive and fast-paced for me, but I love to lead relaxed-paced trips where the group can hang together, have a fun time, and I can share my experiences with others.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
The years that I was most active with the Everett Mountaineers in the 1990's, getting out with great folks like Neil Johnson, Gene Baker, Mike Shikany, Lewis Turner, Rene Van Dorn, Roy Metzgar, and so many others. Three Fingers is a special mountain for me. I first climbed it in 1986 shortly after I moved here from Wisconsin. It blew me away so much that I vowed to return every year, and have done so, now having gone 32 years in a row.
Who/What inspires you?
A couple of things: Inwardly, I'm somewhat hooked on pursuing various peak-bagging lists. After 30+ years of mountaineering, I've been fortunate enough to finish several major lists: The Bulger Top 100, all of Washington's 2000' Prominence peaks, and the 100 Most Prominent Peaks in the US Lower 48. There are more lists I'm close to completing also, so that keeps me aspiring.
On an outward level, I love being able to share my outdoor expertise through my career as an outdoor guide. I've led over 2,500 trips for Everett Parks since 1995, and have been able to bring the joy of the Northwest outdoors to so many people.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure means getting out of your comfort zone. You can do so much more than you think you can. I've seen it happen to literally hundreds of people that I've adventured with over the years.
Lightning Round
Post-adventure meal of choice? Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Umm, forget the rockstar. Give me a quiet camp on a ridge with a view, the setting sun, the rising moon, a few good friends, and a great forecast for summit day tomorrow.
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