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: James Henderson
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
Member Since: October 2015
Occupation: Economic Development Director, City of Bellevue
Favorite Activities: Scrambling, hiking, mountain biking, photography, skiing
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
My first class was basic showshoeing and really enjoyed the class and the field trip quite a bit. After that I signed up for the scrambling course which has been both fun and challenging. I've really learned a lot these past couple months about route-finding, conditioning, trip planning and working as a team in the wilderness to reach the summit. I've learned a lot about myself too. What I'm comfortable doing, especially snow scrambling, how far I'm willing to push myself, and what I need to do to become more confident on difficult climbs.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
I just enjoy being outside, seeing the mountains, breathing and smelling the air. It's a big stress relief from work.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
So far its been the scramble to Mineral Mountain in Mt. Rainier National Park. We mountain biked to the trail head, hiked to the turn off the trail, and then did some route-finding to the summit approach and culminated in a rock scramble. We covered a lot of miles that day but the views and experiences were great!
I really enjoy taking pictures during my hikes and scrambles so I tend to be at the back on scramble trips. And, I like posting the pics to Instagram; its a great way to share experiences with friends and family.
Who/What inspires you?
My grandfather moved to Washington State in 1968 from the mid-West and I just found out he and my Dad joined The Mountaineers back in the 60's to learn and experience hiking and climbing. My grandfather climbed Glacier Peak in his mid-60s so I hope to climb that mountain one day too. Both he and my Dad were a big influence in my outdoor life and we went on many backpacking trips in the Cascade and Olympics.
What does adventure mean to you?
Doing something I don't do on a day-to-day basis. Getting outdoors and experiencing new sites and sounds. Pushing myself more than I'm used to.
Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset.
Smile or game face? Smile.
What's your 11th essential? iPhone for picture taking.
Post-adventure meal of choice? Quarter-pounder with cheese.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Skiing.
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