10 Essential Questions: Timothy Duryee

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...

Name: Timothy Duryee
Hometown: Bellingham
Member Since: May  1999
Occupation: Software Engineer 
Favorite Activities: Rock climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, hiking

10 Essentials: Questions

How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?

I joined way back when because I was looking for groups to meet new friends and saw a flier at REI. I didn't end up getting involved until 2014 though, when a friend convinced me to come with him to an info meeting. I was surprised and inspired by the group and their presentation, and decided to join the 2015 Basic course. As my skills and habits developed through the basic course, then the crag course and intermediate, I also developed an appreciation for the gift the leaders were giving me and for the confidence it lent to other parts of my life as well.

What motivates you to get outside with us?

I love the whole process of mountaineering and I feel fortunate getting to share it with like-minded people, working through challenges and becoming better for it. Being a Mountaineer, I can call up any number of people I enjoy and find a challenge that we'll want to take on as a team.

What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?

So many! I love going a few days early to Skaha for our 'Rock 2' events, the first time I climbed Mt. Shuksan, or the week in Squamish with my climbing gurus in the Ambassadors program. One time I was heading up to climb Eldorado with friends, and another group of my favorite Mounties was at the trailhead getting ready to do a 5-day traverse. We all hiked up to base camp together, and in the morning, the other group decided to wait for us to return from the summit because they wanted to hear our stories. They said they could hear us from camp giggling and laughing on the summit.

Who/What inspires you?

I miss my friend Sue B. She was probably my greatest inspiration in The Mountaineers and I still try to learn from my memories of her. As a leader myself now, it feels amazing to witness students going through growth in ways similar to what I've experienced, then over time becoming peers whose opinions and expertise I value.

What does adventure mean to you?

I think it's the key to staying young.

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