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: Rich Lawrence
Hometown: Perkasie, PA
Member Since: August 1995
Occupation: Retired Electronic Engineer, turned Outdoor Photographer
Favorite Activities: I love hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, outdoor photography and hosting at Baker Lodge.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I discovered The Mountaineers by word of mouth. The reputation of The Mountaineers activities was extremely enticing. Then I joined and was hooked for life. I first got involved in hiking, then backpacking, snowshoeing, and outdoor photography. I became a leader in those activities. About 10 years ago, I chaired the Backpacking committee for a couple of years. This is my third year as a host of Baker Lodge. The opportunities to get involved in The Mountaineers are endless.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
I’ve been motivated to get outside all my life. I grew up in the country and always played outside. I first started backpacking and hiking with the Boy Scouts 55 years ago. The innate motivation to get outside is to embrace the beauty and challenges mother nature provides and always have fun. The Mountaineers provide a multitude of activities to get outside and have fun.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
During my 21 years of Mountaineers membership, I have many favorite memories. Snowshoe winter camping on Artist Point for New Year’s Eve is one of the most unique. Nothing compares to ringing in the New Year in the quiet solitude of a snow cave or igloo. My annual Fall Colors Photography weekend in September at Baker Lodge is one of my favorite activities I lead.
Who/What inspires you?
I’m inspired by all my fellow Mountaineers. No matter what activity I join there are always happy people with smiles who enjoy being in nature and having fun.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure to me is getting outside of one’s comfort zone and doing something that excites you. The Mountaineers offer so many activities to satisfies anyone’s need for adventure.
Lightning Round
What's your happy place? Camping next to a mountain stream listening to the babble water at night in my tent.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Winter Camping.
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We have a lot of similarities, Richard. We both grew up in rural PA and had to make our own fun (which usually meant outdoors), you went hiking with the boy scouts and I went hiking with the girl scouts. I think the only difference is that I kind of hate snow. I like looking at it while it's pristine, but I can't stand to be cold/wet. Even as a kid, as soon as I was cold or wet, I was back indoors while my brothers continued to play in the snow. I might be because I was such a short, little runt as a kid and snow was usually waist high on me. Or it could be the worst winter of my life (Rantoul, IL in 1978) where the wind chill was -75º and whiteout conditions...the base commander had us bundle up and shovel the streets so he could get on base (I don't know why they didn't have plows to do it). I think that winter broke me for life.
But, after I recuperate from my 2nd knee surgery, I'm thinking I might give snowshoeing a try at least once.
By the way, I may not snow camp, but grew up camping a lot (we were poor and this was our vacations). I usually slept in my sleeping bag without a tent back then just so I could look up and see the stars and Milky Way.
Anita, When you try snowshoeing next year start with the easy outings. Yes, The stars and Milky Way are beautiful on a cold winter's night. Hope to see you on a photography shoot this year.
Rich, thanks for another great holiday week stay at Baker Lodge! What an adventure digging out from the epic snow fall! Happy New Year!
Erika, After 4 days of blizzard weather Friday was clear and calm. We finally got to see Mount Shuksan. Hope to see you and your son back at Baker Lodge soon.
