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: Por Apaorn
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Member Since: September 2016
Favorite Activities: Climbing, trail running, scrambling
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I have been an urban dweller for most of my life and up until I moved to Seattle, the most outdoorsy thing I've ever done was maybe walking in a little park near my place. So basically, I had no clue about hiking up a mountain - let alone, camping, climbing, etc. When I moved to Seattle, I started hiking here and there, got curious, and wanted to learn more about the outdoors in general. I went online and found The Mountaineers. The first class I took was Introduction to the Natural World. Then I was lucky enough to get into Basic the following year.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
Well, there are many motivations. The wonderful people from the groups I've been in and the trips I've been on. New skills I've gotten to learn. Places I've gotten to see. Sharing what I've learned with others.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
There are many fun Mountaineers memories, but there is this one trip that strangely sticks out more than others. It was a plan B trip to Reynolds peak, my first real scrambling trip. It was everything-but-a-kitchen-sink kinda trip, which might explain why it's so colorful in my memory. A long drive, log hopping, crossing rivers, mosquitoes, sliding alders, a snowfield, rock scramble, beautiful summit, and solitude. All in one trip. But in addition to the that-was-kinda-miserable giggles that you have after getting slapped by sliding alders for one hour straight, it was also a moment of kindness and patience from Sue and Mark, who stayed with us (my sister and I) through the scrambling portion to make sure that we were ok, and we're very grateful.
Who/What inspires you?
Different people have their own unique characteristics that inspire me in different ways, but I do have a special spot for those with kindness and/or perseverance with healthy amounts of realistically positive attitude. Also, those simple moments when you're so focused and present that everything around you becomes so vivid and clear.
What does adventure mean to you?
It's when there is that element of the unknown. Something new that I haven't been exposed to before. But I guess there is a line between adventure and misery. Not all unknowns sound fun to be exposed to to call an adventure, like trying to learn (insert your least favorite subject) or climbing the chossiest peak in Washington. So, I think it also needs to spark the sense of curiosity and excitement within me too.
Lightning Round
What's your 11th Essential? Coffee. I think it should be part of the food pyramid.
What's your happy place? It can range from stuffing my face with ice cream on my couch, to getting a runner's high on a ridge line, to playing around in the alpine.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Freediving
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Por, great to see your story here. You are kind and I can see the love for being outdoors in you. Cheers to many adventures to come!
Both You and You have been a great addition to our community. Bringing in such positive energy and pure form of kindness. Glad to have known and climbed with you both! Keep spreading the happiness
