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: Mike Baker
Hometown: Edmonds, WA
Member Since: June 2002
Occupation: Retired Engineering Manager
Favorite Activities: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Gardening
10 Essential Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
This is my second period with the Mountaineers. The first was back in the 70s. Then came family and the rest of life. In the early 2000s, I had time and felt a strong need to get back out on the trail. I grew up out in the country on a lake, with a forest (we simply called the woods) in our backyard. The woods and the lake were favorite places to hang out. Perhaps that is why I am drawn to those beautiful mountain lakes we have here in the northwest.
The Mountaineers seemed like a great community to join, one focused on fun and safety, with lots of like minded people.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
That is easy. It is the great people I meet.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
This one memory has happened several times. When I lead hikes to Blanca Lake, I like to look back at the hikers with me, just as they see that lake. One of these times, I will try and get a picture of that look on their faces. That makes all of the planning worth while.
Who/What inspires you?
Who: the trail blazers that went before us, those helping establish protected areas, those helping establish trails, and those publishing trail guide books.
What: the incredible beauty up there in the mountains. I can remember hiking into Spider Meadows the first time, and wondering how this beautiful place fit into this state, and thinking about all those people that don't even know that places like this exist.!
What does adventure mean to you?
Being "older", I find myself more attracted to peace and calm. :-) I like to discover new places and sights, so for me, that is adventure.
Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset.
Smile or game face? Smile.
Desired Superpower? To fly like a bird.
Post-adventure meal of choice? S'mores over a camp stove.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Climbing.
This profile originally appeared in our January 2016 issue of Mountaineer magazine. To view the original article in magazine form and read more stories from our publication, click here.
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