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: Caroline Fox
Hometown: Novato, CA
Member Since: December 2009
Occupation: Financial Reporting and Technical Accounting Senior Manager
Favorite Activities: Backcountry camping, trail running, hiking, kayaking, and mountaineering. I am also looking forward to expanding activities in the winter with XC skiing.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I joined The Mountaineers in 2009 to learn new skills and meet others who share the same love of the outdoors. However, travel and demands from work took priority. Recently, I realized how long I had deprioritized a long time goal that was so personally important. I rejoined in 2022 and have had a blast this year.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
The Mountaineers provides an incredible variety of opportunities to learn new skills in a safe space and to meet others who share similar interests. I am passionate about learning, and found both the leaders and other members' willingness to share their experiences both informative and enjoyable. The Mountaineers also provides a good framework so that I can more confidently find activities that suit my current skill level, and I love that leaders are able to navigate a variety of levels so that everyone is having a good experience (Type 2 fun counts).
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
I have too many to call one my favorite, they are like mini-photographs - the line of trail runners against a setting sun at St. Edwards Park, the bright yellow sleeping pad against the water when used as a lake floaty, the fire engine red of fall blueberry bushes, people laughing. Hard to pick just one.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
The leaders inspire me - skilled members who are willing to share their experience and love of the outdoors with others seeking to learn.
AS A DONOR AND VOLUNTEER-SUPPORTED ORGANIZATION, THE MOUNTAINEERS IS BASED ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT. HOW HAVE YOU PAID IT FORWARD, OR HOW HAVE YOU BENEFITED FROM SOMEONE ELSE PAYING IT FORWARD?
The stewardship events provide a conduit to directly give back to the trails and environment I am enjoying and benefitting from.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Adventure means reaching places you never predicted or thought possible, being open to challenges and possibilities, and letting your steps take you to a destination you cannot predict.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Sketchbook, watercolors, and a water brush
What’s your happy place? High alpine meadows
Post-adventure meal of choice? Sea salt and vinegar Kettle Chips. Not a meal, but definitely my first go-to
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Fastpacking
Have you had a memorable experience with The Mountaineers you'd like to share, or know someone who should share their story? Submit your info for a chance to be featured!
