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: Mark Slater
Pronnouns: he/him
Hometown: Boston, MA
Member Since: November 2013
Occupation: Technical Program Manager
Favorite Activities: Mountaineering, hiking, climbing, backpacking, skiing
10 Essential Questions:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
One of my long-time mountaineering buddies who I met on a NOLS course back in the day joined The Mountaineers shortly after we met. When I moved to the Seattle area several years ago, he took me out on a scramble up Del Campo. I think I made some comment to him that day along the lines of "I wish I knew more people out here who were into this sort of thing"... thanks Bryce!
What motivates you to get outside with us?
Getting outside vastly increases my day-to-day happiness. There are a bunch of added stressors found in most of our daily 'normal' lives that don't exist on the trail. Getting out there affords me the opportunity to focus more on the present, which isn't always easy to do in the front country. The Mountaineers has provided me with a network of people who feel the same way. It's pretty awesome.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
I would have to say skiing Mt. St. Helens a few years ago. Admittedly, the climb up was terrible because I was getting over a cold (I sucked a lot of wind that day), but there is something special about being able to ski from the top of a mountain straight back to the car.
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 was able to help out with a Basic Climbing SIG last year. I have always found teaching to be rewarding. I hope to be able to do more in the future.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure is placing yourself outside of your comfort zone to experience something new and exciting.
Lightning Round!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? A bar of dark chocolate – yes, I bribe people into liking me when we get out there
What’s your happy place? Any mountain top
Post-adventure meal of choice? Burger, beer and fries
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? I would love to be enough of a rockstar to be on a mountain rescue team
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!
