Cheryl Talbert
Our branch wants to give a big shout out to Patti Polinsky and Michael Montgomery! Meet these awesome volunteers whose hard work is a huge asset to the Foothills branch community.
Patti Polinsky
Patti is the snow sports director at Meany Lodge, which is affiliated with the Foothills Branch. She’s been a tireless volunteer for decades, leading hikes, Global Adventures, and snow activities for kids and adults at Meany. Patti is a Level III downhill instructor and a Level II telemark instructor with the United States Snow Sports Instructor Association.
What brought you to the Pacific Northwest?
I was born in Seattle. After traveling to the east coast, I decided the Seattle area is the most perfect place on the whole earth.
What brought you to The Mountaineers?
I have always loved being outside although my parents never even went car camping. I joined The Mountaineers to learn how to sleep outside in the woods safely. I signed up for the basic climbing course which was the only outdoor course The Mountaineers offered at the time. I was planning on only staying in the course until they taught us how to safely sleep outside, but I ended up finishing the course and even went on to take and pass the Intermediate climbing course.
As a Mountaineer, I visited all the outdoor centers during ski season. The last one I visited was called Meany Hut (later renamed Meany Lodge). At Meany, I became part of a family in one weekend. On the slopes at Meany, I met people who wanted to ski the unpacked snow, but didn't know how. I was a ski instructor, so I started giving skiing seminars to adults which later became lessons for all ages and abilities. Soon after, Fran Troje wanted to start the Foothills Branch so I changed branches to support her efforts and help build the branch.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT VOLUNTEERING FOR THE MOUNTAINEERS? WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
I love being able to give back to an organization which has been integral to my life since I finished college. I look at others who have given so much of their time to make my experience with The Mountaineers positive, enjoyable, and fun. I only hope I can share with others my love of our great northwest.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GO ADVENTURING IN THE PNW?
I think it is the Kendall Ridge Katwalk. I hiked to Red Mountain before the Forest Service blasted a route through the ridge. It used to be a 6-hour trip, through a waterfall and up a 35o slope covered with marbles with no hand holds - I was scared! When I go there now, I'm always amazed - it's a quick trip, close to Seattle, with an incredible view.
Michael Montgomery
Michael has been a member since 2004. At The Mountaineers, he sampled sailing, scrambling, naturalist trips, photography, and hiking, before discovering a love of backpacking. He’s begun to volunteer as a backpack leader with the Foothills B3 program!
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST?
I grew up in the Tri-Cities area on the eastside and moved to Seattle in 2000 to attend the University of Washington, where I got a degree in math.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I joined The Mountaineers a week after I graduated from UW. I don't remember the exact details, but I had been doing hiking and gym climbing at the university and I wanted to make the transition to outdoor climbing. Ironically climbing is the only Mountaineers class I did not finish - maybe someday after I've done more scrambling.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT VOLUNTEERING FOR THE MOUNTAINEERS?
The Mountaineers has been a very life-changing experience for me. I get to go outdoors and do all the things I dreamed of doing as a kid and see the most amazing places - and of course I met my wife Christy in the B3 course - and I'm very grateful for all the help I received along the way. Being outdoors is hard! Nobody is born knowing how to select a campsite or do backcountry navigation or plan a trip. These are all things you learn along the way, and if the experience I've gained over the years can help someone else's journey be a little more enjoyable then that's the least I can do.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO GO ADVENTURING IN THE PNW?
Oh, the Olympic coast for sure - although we are just about to spend three nights in The Enchantments so that may change! I still remember my first time stepping out onto the beach at Sand Point, it's like stepping onto another planet - the sea stacks are just otherworldly and the sunsets and stars are incredible.
