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: Dan Lauren
Hometown: Born Seattle, grew up in Missouri
Member Since: September 1998
Occupation: Business Analyst
Favorite Activities: Completing peak pin lists, involves mountaineering, scrambling and hiking.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I took the Basic Climbing Course at the Tacoma branch. A group of us were trying to teach ourselves climbing, we had a safety incident on Mt. Hood (a long story) that shook me deeply. We realized we didn't know what we were doing and one person had heard of The Mountaineers, so three of us signed up for the course. My life was changed forever.
What motivates you to Get outside with us?
My reasons have changed over the years. First it was to just learn and experience a totally new way of life, the Basic Course opened up a whole new world to me. Then was to lead climbs as a new climb leader, really enjoyed getting as many folks out on trips as possible. Then mentoring new climb leaders. Then deciding to contribute back in the administrative arm, eventually being President of the Board of Directors. And finally, just enjoying getting outside and ticking off seldom-climbed peaks. I was the first to complete the Olympia Branch Scrambles Peaks list, and first to complete the Olympia Branch Lookout list.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
The evening of the first Intermediate ice field trip near Observation Rock above Spray Park and watching the sunset, contemplating learning new skills, understanding that I would be able to go on an entirely new set of technical objectives, and basking in the afterglow of nature.
Who/What inspires you?
For The Mountaineers, I like helping and mentoring new climb leaders and really enjoy watching someone gain experience and confidence in their technical and leadership abilities. Personally, completing peak pins. For example, I was the first Tacoma Mountaineer to complete the Bulger list, the 100 highest peaks in the state, at #61 overall.
What does adventure mean to you?
Summiting a new peak, particularly the very seldom-climbed remote peaks in Olympic National Park, which requires a lot of research and figuring things out as many times there is no beta.
Lightning Round
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th essential? A mountain bike, for all those long approaches to Olympic Peninsula trailheads where the roads are washed out.
What's your happy place? Summit of a new peak, particularly one that completes a peak pin list!
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Trail running, I could get to the technical part of the trip faster!
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I'll never forget that sled/grill!
