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: Sara Palmerton
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Member Since: November 2019
Occupation: Civil/Environmental Engineer
Favorite Activities: Mountaineering - traveling on glaciated terrain is my favorite! Backpacking - longer, more challenging trips and also shorter more relaxing trips that preferably involve swimming in a lake. Trail running and hiking as time permits.
10 ESSENTIALS QUESTIONS
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
Started with taking the Basic Alpine Climbing Course through the Tacoma Branch in 2020 (which was cancelled a few months later due to the pandemic), took the course again in 2021 and graduated in October 2021, and am currently enrolled in the Intermediate Alpine Climbing Course at the Tacoma Branch.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
I am most motivated in a team environment. I found it difficult to find this type of environment as an adult with the absence of organized sports in high school and college - until I joined The Mountaineers. I find the most reward in accomplishing difficult objectives alongside others.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My first successful glacier climb - the Mt. Baker Coleman/Deming route. The weather was absolutely fantastic for our early July summit. My favorite part of the climb was crossing onto the crater rim and seeing the layers of mountains extending far into the distance. I became overwhelmed by the surrounding beauty. Mt. Baker sits at the perfect elevation and provides the best view of Washington's other majestic peaks.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
What - the feeling of relief and a sense of accomplishment after a Type 2 activity. The the 'wow, I can't believe I did that!' feeling.
Who - female mountaineers dedicated to increasing representation in a historically male-dominated activity.
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 have been lucky to meet some awesome leaders who have so graciously mentored me as I transition from a climbing student to a climb leader.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Engaging in activities or experiences that have the potential to be uncomfortable - whether that be physically, mentally, socially, or culturally.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Down booties to keep my feet extra warm at camp
What’s your happy place? In an innertube in an alpine lake
Post-adventure meal of choice? Pasta and chocolate milk
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? 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!
