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: Kelly Cleman
Hometown: Bend, OR
Member Since: January 2001
Occupation: Senior Business Analyst
Favorite Activities: Hiking, running, cycling, and backpacking.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
As the song somewhat goes, "I was born in the summer of my 35th year" when I went with my husband to the Grand Canyon for the first time. I saw a really cool trail (the Bright Angel Trail) that wound down into the canyon and was overwhelmed by the desire to see where it went. Fortunately, common sense took over as I was not in any shape to make the climb back out. But I vowed that I would come back someday and hike that trail down to the bottom of the canyon. I decided I needed to learn how to hike, so when we got back to Seattle, I found out about The Mountaineers and my husband and I joined. I did my first hike into the Grand Canyon is fall of 2001. I've been there several times since doing different trips.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
I love to introduce people to new trails and harder hiking experiences. People are capable of far more than they think they are. It's wonderful when you can be there when they finally figure out that they are strong. Being a hike leader has provided this opportunity many times over.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
First year CHS graduation hike: Enchantments thru-hike in one day. The weather was terrible - cold and somewhat rainy. The 7 of us did a little pow-wow when we got to Colchuck Lake. Did we want to proceed up Aasgard Pass, given that the conditions might be a bit unpleasant? Everyone was up for it and was prepared to deal with the wet and cold conditions. We had a great day! I've never forgotten that day and how proud I was of the group.
Who/What inspires you?
I love to read stories of people who push their boundaries and do more than they thought they were capable of. Who endured despite great suffering and huge odds. I especially love the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance in Antarctica - now there's someone who demonstrated courage and leadership in the face of adversity! I think particularly of that story whenever I hear my internal voice whine that what I'm doing is too hard or painful and that I should just quit what I'm doing and go be a couch potato. It always shuts that voice right up!
What does adventure mean to you?
Exploring trails and roads I've never been on before.
My favorite saying is "You don't have to have fun to have fun." I subscribe to Andrew Skurka's notion of the 4 types of fun. The best adventures I've been on were ones that were not necessarily fun at the time, but they are sure fun to talk about afterwards!
Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset.
Smile or game face? Game face.
We all know about the Ten Essentials. What's your 11th essential? Umbrella.
Post-adventure meal of choice? Hamburger and a milkshake.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Trail running
Know someone who should be featured?
Have you had a memorable experience with The Mountaineers you'd like to share, or know someone who should share their story? Submit your info for a chance to be featured!
