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 Ramsay
Hometown: Mercer Island, WA
Member Since: December 2015
Occupation: Volunteer Development Manager at The Mountaineers!
Favorite Activities: Skiing, Mountain Biking, Hiking & Backpacking, Sea Kayaking
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I first got connected with The Mountaineers through the Stevens Pass Lodge. A couple of years later, I came across the listing for a new position - an Education Manager supporting kayaking, hiking, and skiing programs - and I was all in. I couldn't think of a better job aligning my interests and skill set!
What motivates you to get outside with us?
I love that The Mountaineers creates a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. For me personally, I've never had a close group of friends who enjoy sea kayaking. As a member of The Mountaineers, that's no longer the case!
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
Last summer, I went on a four-day/three-night backpacking trip on the Devil's Dome/Jackita Ridge loop. We had spectacular weather for the entire trip, and on the second night, we made a hard push to camp on top of Devil's Dome. The scenery was hard to beat, with 360-degree views, clear skies, and great visibility. It was a really special place to spend the evening, and to wake-up the following morning!
That trip was also special for another reason. I first learned to backpack from my good friend Peter Lambe - and his dad, Dick Lambe, was the leader on this trip to Devil's Dome! In a way, the trip felt like it brought some of my outdoor experiences full circle. Peter had learned to backpack from his dad, I had learned from Peter, and now here I was backpacking with Dick! I think that will always be a favorite memory.
Who/What inspires you?
I've made most of my closest friends through a mutual love of time spent outdoors, and I am continually inspired by the power and depths of these friendships. There's nothing better than catching-up with an old friend - or getting to know a new friend! - while enjoying time together on the trail.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure means doing something that you love, but pushing yourself a little further or a little harder. It means playing and learning and growing, and it is best enjoyed in the company of good friends!
Lightning Round
Whats your happy place? Mid-turn in a foot of fresh powder, on a steep slope of old-growth trees. Or ... ridge-top on my mountain bike, with blue skies and tacky dirt. It's all sooooo good!
What's your post-adventure meal of choice? A burger, fries, and a fresh-berry milkshake. I'll take boysenberry if you've got it!
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Maybe this is a cheesy answer, but I really value the learning process. I didn't really start skiing or biking until I was an adult, and I love that I can remember all of the ups and downs along the way. I can remember the first time that I actually enjoyed a powder day, or how I always used to walk my bike around that feature and now it seems easy. That challenge and progress is big part of what keeps me coming back for more! But if I had to choose? I'd say tele skiing. It it is so fun to watch a really good tele skier ... and I am mediocre at best!
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