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: Wesley Thornton
Hometown: Pawhuska, OK/San Angelo, TX
Member Since: January 2017
Occupation: Electrician
Favorite Activities: Mountaineering, backpacking, climbing, skiing
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
My wife and I climbed Mt. Rainier for our 10 year wedding anniversary with an IMG, and she signed us up after.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
My kids - we have 8 and 10 year-old boys that we drag along with us. This is a family event for us and my wife and I want to pass the proper skills on to them. I went through basic last year and my wife is going through it this year. It is our family’s goal to climb Kilimanjaro as a last hurrah the summer before my eldest graduates high school. As a family we summited Mt. St. Helens last May 5th, and our goals this summer are the Adams and Sahalee summits. Sahalee will be their first time glacier traveling.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
I was able to do Mt. Olympus as my required glacier climb for the Basic Alpine Course I took last year. It was very memorable for a number of reasons. It is a very long approach that begins in the Hoh Rainforest, then glacier travel including multiple crevasses and a blue glacier. In order to reach the summit block a bit of rock climbing is required as well. Not to mention this climb was the first time I ever laid eyes on Mt. Olympus. A very memorable climb with a great group of people.
Who/What inspires you?
My family - as our kids get older we want them to remain interested in the outdoors and also want them to want to hang out with their parents. We feel in order to keep them interested we have to elevate the intensity and do it safely - The Mountaineers provides that. Not to mention the life lessons gained. The Mountaineers also brings my family together, and the inspiration to keep that momentum is very motivating.
What does adventure mean to you?
A true adventure is disconnecting from all the WiFi and data signals and unplugging from all the electrical aid that is required in everyday life. That’s when the fun starts and adventures begins.
Lightning Round
What's your 11th Essential? A camera.
What's your happy place? It’s not a place, but good company.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Rock climbing.
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