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: Brock Jones
Hometown: Colfax, WA
Member Since: January 2017
Occupation: VR Software Developer
Favorite Activities: Backpacking/section hiking, snowshoeing, scrambling/peakbagging, backpacking meal design.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I have friends who are long-time members and I was looking for a quality provider for wilderness first-aid classes.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
I value the sense of self-confidence/reliance gained from long-distance backcountry backpacking. The isolation of the backcountry and the challenges it presents provide a unique perspective that helps me stay focused on the "important" parts of life.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
Snowshoeing up to Surprise Lake near Stevens Pass - breaking trail in a foot of fresh, deep, and uncommonly light powder on top of several feet of base. We walked out into the completely untouched snow in the Surprise Lake basin under a bluebird sky and it was one of the most stunning experiences I've had.
Who/What inspires you?
I think I'm most inspired by the people who make the decision to confront and overcome their fears head-on. The Mountaineers is full of people who took a climbing or scrambling course because they were scared of heights or started camping despite a fear of wildlife/wilderness.
What does adventure mean to you?
For me, adventure is just choosing to put yourself in unfamiliar or challenging circumstances with an eye towards learning new things about yourself or the world.
Lightning Round
What's your 11th Essential? Probably a camera. Even if it's just my phone camera, I take pictures everywhere I go.
Post-adventure meal of choice? The promise of a good burger and a beer at the end of the day can easily coax an extra 10 miles out of my feet.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Thru-hiking.
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