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: Sean Mathias
Hometown: Seattle
Member Since: March 2009
Occupation: Engineer
Favorite Activities: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, climbing, kayaking
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
Shortly after I began venturing outside on my own, after a near miss or two, it seemed like it would be a good idea to learn some actual skills and how to do these things in a reasonably safe way.
What motivates you to Get outside with us?
I really enjoy getting away from the city and challenging myself. A trip to the mountains refreshes and centers me, it makes me a happier person. Having an entire club of characters to do it with, even better! I have met so many great people in The Mountaineers, learned much from them, and developed friendships that extend beyond the mountains.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
There are many, and they all tend to follow the same theme of some trip in just horrible conditions that most people know better than to go out in. I have a busy schedule with a big family, so when I have a day that is open, I get out. Typically, that does not align with a good weather window, as a result, I have put together a long list of very memorable trips, often with some unsuspecting participants! One that comes to mind was a December trip up Mailbox Peak in just miserable conditions; below freezing, hard rain coming down sideways in the wind, and an unsuspecting member of my climbing SIG along for the ride! Over the course of the day he lost one of his microspikes, bent a trekking pole, and had his pack cover blown off, never to be seen again. We were a wet, sad lot by the time we got back to the car, but before we had even finished our well-earned burger afterwards, we were already laughing about it.
Who/What inspires you?
Most of the people that inspire me have no idea. Of course there are the giants among us in the club that are truly amazing in so many things, but really what is inspiring to me is the wide-eyed student that is terrified to climb the wall, or rappel off of the north side of the building at the start of a season, who progresses over the course of a year and more to truly come in to their own, far surpassing what they ever thought they could do.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure is living life in a fun and challenging way. Life can get routine, frustrating, boring. Not always, but at times. Having little adventures where outcomes are not always certain, plans change, and there is an element of the unknown provides the stimulation and some element of surprise.
Lightning Round
Smile or game face? Game face
What's your 11th essential? Spicy chicken strips
Post-adventure meal of choice? A good burger, or Thai
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Skiing - Never really learned how, and don't want to risk the million injuries I could suffer learning at my age!
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