10 Essential Questions: Jenn Carter

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

Name: Jenn Carter
Hometown: Carnation, WA
Member Since: November 2004
Occupation: Children’s Librarian for the Redmond Public Library
Favorite Activities: Climbing, skiing, running, reading, story telling, and getting kids excited about books

10 Essentials: Questions

How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?

I was solo backpacking around Glacier Peak. About Day 4, I’m slogging along with my heavy pack looking forward to another night of bland lentils and rice when a group of Mountaineers practically ran past me on their way to climb the peak. I thought they were so cool with their ice axes and helmets. They were laughing and having a great time. I thought to myself “Man, I need some friends. I’m joining The Mountaineers and learning to climb.”

What motivates you to get outside with us?

We are lucky to have access to such great wilderness here in the Pacific Northwest, and we are lucky to have people who love that wilderness. I love exploring new treasures. I always want to know what’s around the next bend in the trail, over the next ridge line, up the next drainage.

What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?

Climbing the West Ridge of Stuart once, my climbing partner Paul and I looked over at each other and were both giggling in delight. The 2nd gully of the West Ridge of Stuart is my idea of heaven. When things get tough, I like to picture myself there.

There’s also the time we climbed the West Ridge of Stuart without pants… you’ll have to ask MattyP about that one, though.

Who/What inspires you?

Great women alpine climbers: Kitty Calhoun, Dawn Glanc, Ines Papart, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, Mayan Smith-Gobat, Jewell Lund, Kate Rutherford, Angela Hawse to name a few. There are lots of inspiring women who rock climb, but to be an alpine climber, to go out there far from everything, dealing with all that the mountains give you, that’s the full package.

What does adventure mean to you?

Not knowing what to expect, the mountains are in charge but knowing that my skills and experience are going the get me there and back again. 

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