Kristina Ciari Tursi
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our special member profile this week we talked to Veteran member Gavin...
Name: Gavin Woody
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Member Since: December 2008
Occupation: Vice President of Operations at A Place For Mom
Favorite Activities: "Ultraneering" (combining long distance running and mountaineering), backcountry skiing, climbing, camping with the family
10 Essential Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
My wife, Sara, and I climbed Rainier with a guide service soon after we moved to Seattle in 2008. Looking for a way to learn the skills necessary to climb on our own, we found The Mountaineers Basic Course. From there we continued with other courses to advance our climbing skills and along the way, felt a need to give back by volunteering to help guide the strategic direction of our organization. Next thing I know, I was elected as the President of the Board of Directors! It was an honor to serve while we rapidly expanded our Youth programs and laid the foundation for the next phase in our Adult education. The strength of The Mountaineers is our community of volunteers, and I couldn't be more excited about where we are heading!
What motivates you to get outside with us?
I've met my closest climbing and skiing friends through The Mountaineers. Going outside is risky...and the fact that others have chosen to make the commitment to learning how to do it safely tells me a tremendous amount about their character. Now as a father of two awesome young kiddos, coming home in one piece has never been more important!
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
Sara and I climbed Monte Cristo with an awesome volunteer leader, Jack LaMont, as one of our first Basic climbs. Despite forgetting the insoles in my boots (!!), we had an awesome time and experienced everything one can hope for on an alpine climb--steep snow, rock, ice, and amazing views!
Who/What inspires you?
Two Mountaineers volunteers: Cebe Wallace and Mark Scheffer--these two guys continue to amaze me by how much time they dedicate to introducing newbies to climbing.
What does adventure mean to you?
For me, adventure is a feeling of being "way out there"--knowing that I've prepared well but, ultimately, the outcome is uncertain and will be determined by how I react to everything that is thrown at me...
Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Can you say "Dawn Patrol"?
Smile or game face? Always a smile, even if it is fake (it works just as well as a real smile for improving your mood--try it!)
Superpower? Make more hours in the day!
Post-adventure meal of choice? Vietnamese Pho Soup (best after ice climbing).
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Run, ski, and climb like Kilian Jornet!
Are you a Veteran?
Thank you for your service. We'd love to share your story.
