For our member profile this week we spoke to Tommy Cafcas, a cyclist, mountaineer, and hiker who signed up for our Basic Climbing Course with a friend and discovered just how fun it can be to practice tying knots in a frigid shower while fully dressed.
Name: Tommy Cafcas
Hometown: Barrington, Illinois
Member Since: 2015
Occupation: Researcher for a nonprofit
Favorite Activities: Cycling, Mountaineering, Hiking, Fly Fishing, Camping
10 Essential Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I signed up to take the Basic Climbing Class with a friend who asked me to take it with them.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
The experience of the outdoors. I see lots of different types of outdoorsy folks: some people like to see how many miles they can do, others how fast or how remote and self-sufficient. For me, it's all about that moment when nature reveals itself to you while you're out there.
Favorite Mountaineers memory?
I'm pretty new to The Mountaineers, but so far my favorite memory is being told to practice my knots in the shower in all of my gear with the cold water on full-blast in the dark with gloves on my hands.
Who/What inspires you?
People over 70 who are still out there getting rad. I want to be just like them in 40 years.
What does adventure mean to you?
Putting yourself in a situation where the potential experience of a place outweighs the potential risks and ordinary-ness of everyday life.
Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise.
Superpower? Flying.
Smile or game face? Smile.
Post-adventure meal of choice? Aloha burger with grilled pineapple.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Mountain Biking.
This article originally appeared in our March/April 2015 issue of Mountaineer magazine. To view the article in magazine form and read more stories from our bi-monthly publication, click here.
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Kristina Ciari Tursi
