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: Beth Morrigan
Hometown: I am Washington native. I was born in Olympia, but my family moved to the Tri-Cities when my dad got a job as a scientist at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation.
Member Since: March 2015
Occupation: I run trials testing new treatments for cancer.
Favorite Activities: Backpacking is my favorite activity because I love spending extended periods of time exploring the wilderness. But I also enjoy hiking, scrambling, snowshoeing, kayaking and now climbing. When I'm not out with The Mountaineers, you can find me hanging out with my family, which includes my partner, 4 terrific kids, yellow lab and the service dog we are currently raising.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
My first activity was a backpacking class. But what really hooked me was the Conditioning Hiking Series. I met so many wonderful people and went on amazing hikes.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
Without question, it is the people I've met through The Mountaineers that keep me involved. And there are so many opportunities to keep learning new skills and also to to teach others the skills they need to adventure outdoors.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
There are so many! One of my favorite trips was with a few friends I met in the scrambling course. We backpacked to a beautiful alpine lake last summer and also did a little scrambling in the area.
Who/What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who find the joy in life despite the challenges. It may be the cancer patients I work with, the volunteer leaders at The Mountaineers who come in after a long day at work and a tough commute to teach something they love, or the other hikers on cold and rainy trip who make the day fun with their positive attitudes despite the weather.
What does adventure mean to you?
To me, adventure is being willing to risk discomfort and face other challenges in order to experience the exhilaration of reaching a wonderful new place and overcoming the obstacles to get there.
Lightning Round
Whats your happy place? Camping with my extended family. It could be the Washington coast, North Cascades, Mount St. Helens or Mazama. There's nothing better than being with the people I love in the great outdoors.
What's your 11th essential? Jolly ranchers. I always pack a few in case I need a boost on a tough section. They last a long time, give you a juicy burst of energy and something else to focus on for a while. They are also good for sharing!
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Right now, it would have to be climbing. I'm such a novice and and it would be so fun to be a rockstar climber.
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