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: Sarah McCroy
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Member Since: December 2015
Occupation: Anything that allows me to spend most days in the mountains (which right now is a nannying gig)
Favorite Activities: Backpacking / thru hiking, cycling, ski touring, trail running, and climbing
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
After I finished the PCT, I decided to set up camp (figuratively and literally) in the beautiful state of Washington. I stumbled upon The Mountaineers organization while researching the city of Seattle and quickly realized I wanted to be involved in the community.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
Generosity is a common theme in the outdoor community, particularly the thru hiking community. Similarly, the generosity I have seen at The Mountaineers is impressive. I am blown away by the number of hours volunteers spend teaching others about their passions. As someone who has been on the receiving end of countless hours with patient teachers, I hope to pay it forward.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
I went on my first trip with The Mountaineers a week after I moved here. It was a conditioning hike up Mount Si. Despite the pouring down rain and cold temperatures, everyone showed up in good spirits. I am excited to be surrounded by people who are committed to doing what they love even in adverse conditions.
Who/What inspires you?
Before quitting my consulting job, I wrote down the quote, "Where will the steps you take today lead you tomorrow?" I am starting to realize I live for the "type II fun" experiences. It is in the toughest moments that I learned the most about myself. It is there I encounter and overcome my self-imposed limits and find inspiration.
What does adventure mean to you?
I tend to agree with Yvon Chouinard's definition. He said, “The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong, that’s when adventure starts.” While I would prefer for all my trips to go as planned, it's unrealistic to expect that they always will. Weather changes, accidents happen, and conditions might be worse than you expected. You have to be flexible to not only manage those experiences, but also maintain a sense of serenity in them. That is where the adventure starts.
Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset, but I am trying to be a sunrise person.
Smile or game face? Smile.
We all know about the Ten Essentials. What's your 11th essential? A Deuce of Spades trowel for digging catholes (and a plastic bag to pack out the TP)
Post-adventure meal of choice? Nachos, duh.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Surfing.
Editor's Note: Sarah is passionate about helping others 'find their happy place' in the outdoors. She's a regular contributor to our Mountaineers blog, and maintains her own blog where she shares tales, tips, and tricks as a female adventurer. Read more from Sarah on her blog, and check out her Mountaineers posts:
- How to Poop in the Outdoors
- How to Prepare for an Overnight Trip
- How to Take Care of Your Sleeping Bag
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