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: Andrea Ferrenberg
Hometown: Chino, California
Member Since: January 2019
Occupation: Engineer Director
Favorite Activities: Hiking, hiking, hiking, and hopefully soon adding scrambling to that list.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I saw a Facebook post of someone who took the scrambling class and loved it. I was ready to take my hiking up a notch.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
I spent the majority of my life overweight and unhealthy. I was unable to walk a mile, let alone hike. In November of 2017 my mother passed away. She too had suffered from being unhealthy most her life, and it lead to an early death. I did not want that for myself. I lost well over 100 pounds and started hiking and doing Zumba (my other passion). From June 2018 until now, I have hiked pretty much every weekend. Last fall I made it up mailbox and I left a letter in the mailbox for my mom, telling her how much I missed and loved her.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
I went on a Mt. Si conditioning hike. Although I did not have a heavy pack (still working up to that), I made it up in just over 2 hours in the snow. I'm pretty proud of that, though there is plenty of room to improve. I also recently went on the rock field trip for the Everett Scrambling class and I absolutely LOVE hiking/climbing boulders. I expect that scrambling is going to be a big passion of mine, and I can’t wait to learn and do more!
Who/What inspires you?
I am inspired by what my body can do now. Every step I take is part of my journey to wellness (both physical and mental).
What does adventure mean to you?
I’m not a spring chicken, so adventure does not involve any risk for me. It’s more about peace, accomplishment, and feeling good about myself. Ok, you can throw in a couple of adrenaline pumping moments... but only a couple.
Lightning Round
What's your 11th Essential? My family. Who, although they don't hike with me, have supported me through my journey.
Post-adventure meal of choice? Salad with extra dressing and cheese!
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Backpacking. I’m trying to build up my back strength to be able to carry more weight in a backpack, but that is proving a bit difficult on these old bones… but I’m pretty determined.
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