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 Luna Smith-Fisher
Branch Tacoma
When did you first get involved with The Mountaineers? 2016
What youth programs do you participate in with The Mountaineers? Youth Clubs - MAC
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
How did you first get involved with The Mountaineers?
I first got involved with The Mountaineers when I attended a rock climbing camp in the summer after fifth grade. I enjoyed it so much that my mom researched other climbing opportunities, and we discovered the Explorers Youth Club. I joined the Seattle Branch initially, then switched to the Tacoma branch a couple of years later, and have been involved in Tacoma Youth Clubs ever since.
Why do you participate in Mountaineers Youth Programs?
Climbing started out as a hobby that I enjoyed, and over time has become a discipline I am passionate about. The Mountaineers gives me the chance to gain new experiences in climbing and to push my limits in ways I never imagined I would.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
It’s hard to say what my favorite Mountaineers memory is because many trips I’ve gone on don’t actually FEEL fun until a few days later. But, if I had to choose, I would say my favorite memory is a weeklong MAC trip to the North Cascades in 2022, because I got to participate in a wide variety of climbing activities, including cragging, alpine rock climbing, and a glacier climb. The trip was the perfect combination of challenging and fun, and I will never forget it.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wanted to spend more time outside, what would you say?
Learn to love Type 2 fun! In my opinion, the more challenging and painful something is in the moment, the more satisfying it will be later. Oh, and keep comfortable shoes in your car for changing into after you finish a climb.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Favorite season? Summer
Gummy candy or chocolate bar? Chocolate bar
What’s your favorite close-to-home adventure? Paddleboarding at Seahurst Beach
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Shapeshifting
If you could be an expert in any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Trad climbing
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our membership, and we hope these weekly features highlight who we are and why our community plays an important part in feeling belonging in the outdoors. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
Want to nominate a friend? Email Bayley Stejer to make a recommendation.
