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: Komal Sanjeev
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Member Since: November 2017
Occupation: Software Engineer
Favorite Activities: Backpacking, scrambling, sunset chasing, photography
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I loved hiking and was looking for ways to do bigger things in the mountains. I heard a lot about the Alpine Climbing Course and how intense it was, but never approached it because I wasn't comfortable with the idea of outdoor rock climbing or keen on 'peak bagging'. I then heard about the Alpine Scrambling Course - BINGO! It was a level up from hiking and not as crazy as climbing. I signed up for the course in 2018. Ever since, I've taken the winter camping and trail running courses and have also volunteered to help teach the scrambling course in 2019.
What motivates you to Get outside with us?
The community and like-minded crazies - after every trip with The Mountaineers, I'm always more energized and confident. There's never a dull day! I also believe that everyone in the community has something valuable to share - snow/rock travel skills, gear hacks, amusing stories, interesting flora/fauna facts, ice cream, empathy, wisdom and bad jokes. The "I should do this more often" feeling at the end of every trip is what motivates me to keep getting outside.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
Hiking up the Cable Line Trail - of course! But honestly, any trip that involves off-trail travel instantly becomes a favorite. To me, it is the ultimate kind of freedom that you can understand only when you experience it.
Who/What inspires you?
Being around people who volunteer because they absolutely love what they do is a wonderful feeling. The passion is infectious!
What does adventure mean to you?
Freedom. Fun. Sharing your most favorite things to do with people you love being around.
Lightning Round
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th essential? Coconut water
Post-adventure meal of choice? Black bean burger + banana bread
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? High altitude trail running
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You are such an awesome mountain partner. Glad to have done all these adventures with you. Cheers to more.
It's been a pleasure getting to know Komal on some of the field trips I lead.
