Lori Heath
Meet Val Ensor, a Foothills Urban Walk Leader and Peak Society member who loves to share her love of the outdoors and knowledge of local history with those attending her Urban Walks.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND WHEN DID YOU COME?
I feel so fortunate to be born and raised here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I traveled extensively across the U.S. when I was working and personal travels took me abroad, but always feel welcomed back home when I see Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and the Olympics.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
What ties The Mountaineers, the Pacific Northwest, and me is that unbeknownst to me, my first trip to Europe would result in finding a husband! In 1995, Chris Ensor and I met in France in the Chamonix Valley on a ski holiday. We married the following year and he moved to the States. He loves the Pacific Northwest too, and went on to become a leader for many Mountaineers activities. I serve as a Foothills Urban Walk Leader, mentor Urban Walk Leaders, co-lead the Urban Walk Leader Pedestrian Safety Training, and am a member of the Foothills Urban Walk Committee, Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing Committees, and proud to be a Peak Society member.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITE VOLUNTEER MEMORIES WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
When I first joined The Mountaineers in 2012, honestly speaking, it was a great way to find time away from work. I enjoyed meeting new people and trying new activities which included hiking and snowshoeing. My favorite memories were some of the early snowshoeing activities. I had new snowshoes and didn’t know what I was doing, but was so encouraged by the group. I knew I could keep going and I did. Today, I encourage members to join Urban Walks. Urban Walks are a great way to stay active year-round, explore new sites together, and hopefully entice members to re-visit familiar spots through an Urban Walk experience.
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
Having been a walk leader with another local organization since 2016, I was always hoping The Mountaineers would offer Urban Walks and now, we do! I am excited to share my love and knowledge of the outdoors, and enjoy our local history and other fun facts with those attending my Urban Walks.
