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: Charles Grant
Hometown: Baker City, Oregon
Member Since: July, 2014
Occupation: Retired Computer Programmer
Favorite Activities: Backpacking, scrambling, skiing, snowshoeing
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I started hiking and backpacking in Eastern Oregon with the Boy Scouts in my teens. I stayed active through my early 20s, but then in my 30s and 40s I gradually stopped getting outside except for casual hikes. In my 50s I realized I was really missing that part of my life and decided to take it up again. I had read quite a bit about The Mountaineers when I was a teenager growing up in Eastern Oregon, so The Mountaineers were my first stop to get reacquainted with traveling in the mountains.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
The tremendous variety of classes and activities and the terrific leaders and volunteers who make them all possible.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Watching the sunset from Sahale Glacier camp at the top of Sahale Arm, including a visit by several mountain goats with their babies.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
All the good people who take the time and trouble to lead trips. I'm so grateful to the folks who lead trips and the drivers who have gotten me to so many trailheads!
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?
I've pitched in as an assistant Instructor or mock accident victim in a few classes. I've also donated some of my surplus gear for the Gear Library.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Coping with uncertainty! Am I fit enough? Do I have the right skills for this trip? Will the weather hold? Am I still on the route? The uncertainty creates anxiety, but getting past that and still enjoying the forest, the mountains, the wildlife, and my fellow travelers makes for a great day.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Snickers bar
What’s your happy place? The high alpine
Post-adventure meal of choice? Cheeseburger and a chocolate milk shake
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Alpine climbing!
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!
