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: Dhanya Raghu
Hometown: Bangalore, India
Member Since: October 2020
Occupation: ML Engineer
Favorite Activities: Scrambling, hiking, running
10 ESSENTIALS QUESTIONS
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I heard about The Mountaineers from another Mountaineers member and climber. I spoke to him about wanting to "hike" Rainier and later realized that there is a plethora of skills to learn and develop along with mental conditioning. This was the reason for me to join The Mountaineers.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
It is always a wonderful experience to meet like-minded people, and learn about and share adventurous experiences out in the nature. It is the perfect way to get a good physical workout and mental conditioning while having fun all along.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE Mountaineers MEMORY?
This would have to be our scramble to West-Esmeralda Peak last year. The weather was perfect and sunny. The summit had a 360-degree view of snow-capped mountains. The path to the summit had great views all along. Also got to snack on some berries and edible flowers. It was also really fun to identify and learn the neighboring mountains' names.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My initial inspiration to get out into nature with The Mountaineers was to completely shut off from a work week and my laptop screen for an entire day so that I could focus on breathing fresh air and enjoying the beauty of the nature and mountains around us. It has evolved further into a passion to learn and use technical skills for scrambling and eventually climbing, which has made me always want to come back and spend my weekends with The Mountaineers in the mountains.
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've started to volunteer with the Everett scrambling programs and hope to continue this as a channel to give back to the group from which I learned so many necessary skills to enjoy and stay safe in the mountains.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
To me, adventure is a way to build confidence to enjoy scrambling and hiking peaks in a safe manner. It is also a way to get a sense of accomplishment (by summiting peaks) and challenging my body every time to condition better while enjoying this experience.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Game face
What's your 11th Essential? An additional grilled cheese sandwich for a summit treat
What’s your happy place? Anywhere in the nature surrounded by trees and snow. (And of course, mountains at the summit)
Post-adventure meal of choice? Soupy noodles after a cold day outside
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Rock 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!
