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: Peter Dygert
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Edmonds
Member Since: 11/06/2014
Occupation: Retired Fishery Biologist
Favorite Activities: Scrambling, hiking, backpacking, fishing, traveling.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I joined the Mountaineers in 2014 and took the snow shoeing class and a few others, but did not really become active until I retired in 2019. Once I had the time, I took the scrambling class and related prerequisites and have been out on trips every week or two year around ever since.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
I enjoy the company, the physical and mental challenge, and sense of purpose I get from anticipating the next trip and achieving the objects set for the day.
What’s your favorite Mountaineers memory?
My most distinctive memories are of the trips we did not complete. I have been on trips that were called short because of high heat and injury, avalanche conditions, high wind and dangerously cold conditions and others. In all cases, the group reached a collective decision that giving up the summit was the right choice. We are generally in go mode until we get to the top, or conditions or circumstances change and we are forced to rethink our priorities. These discontinuities in our plan for the day create distinctive memories.
Who/What inspires you?
I am inspired by the wonders of the natural world. I want to see it, experience it, and learn all I can about how the world works and how it came to be.
As a donor and volunteer-supported organization, The Mountaineers is based on community support. How have you paid to forward, or how have you benefited from someone else paying it forward?
I benefit from the many volunteers who lead trips, teach classes, and share their knowledge, skills, and friendship to make the Mountaineers the active and vibrant community that it is. I hope to do my part to support the organization and carry it the good works forward.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure to me is doing something new that is outside my comfort zone. The Mountaineers continue to provide me with opportunities to test the limits of what I have done before and find new adventure in nearly every trip.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? A whistle - there ought to be one in every pack.
What’s your happy place? Cresting the summit after a long grind to the top.
Post-adventure meal of choice? Burgers and a beer.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Backcountry skiing
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!
