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: Dave Foong
Hometown: Singapore
Member Since: January, 2020
Occupation: Senior Financial Analyst
Favorite Activities: Scrambling, snowshoeing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, car camping
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I started with the Basic Snowshoeing Course my first winter in Seattle after moving from Texas in the spring. My wife and I love the outdoors and hiking but wanted to learn more skills to further explore while staying safe. Things gradually evolved into scrambling, backpacking, and more snowshoeing.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
The community, safety considerations, and learning various things I wouldn’t know if I were doing these activities on my own.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My wife and I took the Backpacking Basics Course with the Foothills Branch in 2020 in the early phases of the pandemic. Our group, led by Shuko and Pete, really bonded over the course that summer through our trips. One trip was cursed with the most mosquitoes I’ve ever seen in my life (and I grew up in the tropics). Another three day trip had an epic torrential downpour and had us stuck in our tents for a whole day. Fortunately the skies cleared a day later to the most majestic view of Mount Baker and its spring flowers. Every backpacking trip was full of fun and laughter and that has really stuck with me.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
To just pick one, it’s looking at an objective after I’ve completed it and going “How the heck did we just do that?”
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 received so much from the many courses and trips that it's a bit mind boggling how everything taught and led is through volunteers. I just joined the Equity and Inclusion Committee and I'm hoping to be able to help us continue to grow into a more inclusive and diverse community. I'm looking to be able to lead scrambling and snowshoeing trips in the future too. I enjoy sharing my experiences and skills if it helps someone get deeper into what they want to achieve outside.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Anything out of the everyday norm that brings a sense of wonder. On some days it’s an epic scramble through the crappiest weather. On others it’s a nice hike through a never done before trail with my nieces and watching them be in awe at the simplest thing, like a mushroom on the side of the trail.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Game face
What's your 11th Essential? Car clothes (in the car for after the trip obviously)
What’s your happy place? Mountain
Post-adventure meal of choice? Dim Sum
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Ski Mountaineering
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!
