Leader Spotlight: Lonny Moore

For our Leader Spotlight this month we talked to Lonny Moore, a volunteer leader with the Kitsap Branch who loves to sing 80's medleys and wear Leader Yellow.

Name: Lonny Moore
Branch: Kitsap
Where do you live? Port Orchard, WA
How long have you been a leader? 5 years (member since 2014)
What activities do you lead? I am one of the Basic Climbing Course co-chairs, teaching the first two classes and field trips. I lead rock climbs as well as glacier climbs, and I also instruct at the new Intermediate Climbing Course to help train new leaders.

Leadership Questions

What inspired you to become a Leader for The Mountaineers?

I enjoy working with new people, and teaching them the tips and tricks I have used climbing and hiking over the years. I also use it as another reason to stay fit.

What is your favorite trip that you've led for The Mountaineers?

In 2017, I was on three trips to climb the Tooth, two of which I was a rope lead and one was my first Tooth climb as the full lead. The story is long and filled with woulda coulda shoulda's, so lets just call it the Tooth Ache. Anyways, my favorite trip is from last year when I set-up a last-minute Tooth trip with another good leader and two students. We knocked it out of the park, giving me a Tooth climb without any cavities.

How has your leadership style evolved as you've gained experience?

I think I am better at reading people, helping them to overcome their weaknesses and make them habits of strength.

What learning experiences can you share with us, such as take-aways from a close call or a near miss?

Last year on a climb to Unicorn Peak, we got caught in a near-miss thunder and lighting storm. We hunkered down and waited at the edge of the snow to see how wet the rock was going to be, and after 20 minutes, we all agreed to continue. I thought we were in the clear as I started climbing, but then we got hit with heavy winds, a distant lighting strike, and thunder claps to finish off the tail end of the storm. We all agreed the storm was moving away but we did a fast climb with all students and made our way off the mountain. Sometimes you have to get a little wet!

What advice do you have for aspiring leaders in The Mountaineers community?

Get involved, and consider signing-up for climbs and hikes with other clubs as a way to give you and The Mountaineers new, fresh ideas.

Is there aNYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Well let's see, I do sing a great medley of 80's songs on the return trip of a climb. I also have been known to bring a massive book on a big mountain climb. And yes, I do tend to bring at least three changes of shirts on most every climb. I love to wear Leader Yellow.

is there Someone that you'd like to see in the spotlight?

Send an email to Sara Ramsay to make a recommendation for one of our upcoming Leader Spotlights!