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: David Eliason
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Member Since: December 2019
Occupation: Data Wrangler
Favorite Activities: Bikepacking, backpacking, sea kayaking, and (now) skiing!
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I started taking classes in 2019 as I had recently moved to Seattle and was experiencing how amazing it was to live so close to both the mountain ranges and the ocean. I had long dreamed of doing some bigger adventures and I just sort of jumped into it.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
I'm motivated equally by the community aspects (including the opportunity to meet likeminded folks and the positive, supportive environment) as well as the chance to learn the skills to do really cool adventures.
Last year, I was diagnosed with cancer and I beat it. I mention this because being part of The Mountaineers, being part of something bigger, really was important to me. Even when times were hard, I would wear my Suunto Core watch and look at it. It would remind me that I am an adventurer. I wore that watch even when going into surgery.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
I'd say that a recent bikepacking trip was my favorite so far. Our group was huddled around a campfire after a full day of riding through mud, rock, and stream crossings, and it was cold and dark, but we all just enjoyed the cozy campfire and philosophical conversation for hours into the evening..
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? (THIS COULD INCLUDE RECEIVING A SCHOLARSHIP, DONATING, BEING A LEADER, ETC.)
I have received a scholarship and Mountaineers tuition discounts which were invaluable to me as I struggled with a very challenging time while job hunting and experiencing depression. Money was tight, but being given the gift to attend Mountaineers courses really helped me connect with others and remember that I am more than that job seeker - that I am also an Adventurer.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Adventure means, to me, being willing to step outside one's comfort zone, to push oneself even through fears, doubts, exhaustion. This is true in life - we have to simply keep moving forward as we aim to live our best lives, and this is mirrored in adventure in a very real way.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? I am filled with optimism and big plans in the morning. Especially after a cup of coffee.
Smile or game face? Both. Game face when needed, but it's important to keep a good attitude too.
What's your 11th Essential? Remembering the big picture - that is, keeping it all in perspective. It can be easy to get hyper-focused on a particular problem, but it's helpful to just remember how fortunate I am to be out there, able to move, able to do these things, to have this opportunity.
What’s your happy place? The desert - especially during a summer day. I love the endless skies and the wide open spaces. I feel like I can wander forever.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? My ultimate goal that I'm working up to is being able to have the skills to do expedition-level adventures in the Arctic. I am taking steps to learn backcountry skiing, packrafting, climbing and so on. It would be great to become a rockstar at those so that I can be out in those wild places.
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our membership, and we hope these weekly features highlight who we are and why our community plays an important part in feeling belonging in the outdoors. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
Want to nominate a friend? Email Skye Michel to make a recommendation.
