10 Essential Questions: Deling Ren

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...

Name: Deling Ren
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: China
Member Since: December 2007
Occupation: Software Engineer
Favorite Activities: Ski mountaineering, trail running, cragging

10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?

My wife and I moved to Washington from Oregon in October, 2006. We had been hiking and backpacking. And that's what we
did during our first year of stay. When our eyes laid on more ambitious adventures, we decided to take up mountaineering
training. Everyone around us recommended the basic alpine climbing course from The Mountaineers. So we signed up, and
the rest is history :).

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?

The Mountaineers provides a great opportunity to meet like minded people to share experiences, to learn from each other,
and to form friendships.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?

Oh boy, there are so many to choose from. But the first to jump out is about 10 years ago, on one of the first climbs I led as a climb leader. We climbed Mt Hood overnight and reached just below the summit around sunrise time. The weather was
pristine: chill, calm, quiet. The sun was casting a shadow of the mountain on the sea of clouds below. Rays of light were
shining through the gap between the icy pinnacles on the summit ridge onto the snowy slope we were climbing. It was such a beautiful moment. We almost burst into tears!

WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Cebe Wallce. Cebe didn't teach me everything I know about climbing. But he taught me enough for me to further my education in climbing by myself. He also taught me by example to keep an open mind and to have compassion. Cebe made me not only a better climber, but also a better person.

AS A DONOR AND VOLUNTEER-SUPPORTED ORGANIZATION, THE MOUNTAINEERS IS BASED ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT. HOW HAVE YOU PAID IT FORWARD, OR HOW HAVE YOU BENEFITED FROM SOMEONE ELSE PAYING IT FORWARD? 

I owe all I know about mountaineering to selfless volunteers. To pay forward, I have been teaching and leading trips ever
since I took the basic alpine climbing course in 2007/2008.

WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?

Adventure is not just a hobby. It's a lifestyle choice. It's refusing to live your whole life paying bills until you die. It's stepping out of the mundane 9-6 life once in a while and emerging in the mountains and appreciating what Mother Nature has to offer. It's taking a calculated risk and living to tell the tale. It's also finding beauty and excitement in everyday life, in places unexpected and under appreciated.

LIGHTNING ROUND!

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Skis
What’s your happy place? Whistler
Post-adventure meal of choice? Ice cream
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Crack climbing! 

Have you had a memorable experience with The Mountaineers you'd like to share, or know someone who should share their story? Submit your info for a chance to be featured!