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: Eileen Haydu
Hometown: Corvallis, OR
Member Since: January 2016
Occupation: Retired middle school teacher/counselor
Favorite Activities: Hiking, cycling, nature walks
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I was first introduced to hiking when my husband and I visited my brother who lived in the foothills of the Sierra. He got us out hiking in that breathtaking wilderness. We had just retired and knew we wanted to continue hiking. Upon returning home, we attended the Banff Film Festival and saw a flyer at the open house for the Olympia Mountaineers. We joined and signed up for the Conditioning Hiking Series and other courses.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
Always the anticipation of a new discovery, either in nature or meeting new people. For the Conditioning Hiking Series we were expected to spend a day participating in stewardship. When we joined a trail maintenance event at Church Creek, we found a new passion and were hooked on this stewardship thing! Not only were we introduced to new trails but also a group of wonderful fellow Mountaineers. Friendly, humorous, and serious about taking care of trails and our public lands, we learned something new on each outing.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Joining the Back Country Horsemen of Washington and WTA to replace a 32-foot bridge on the Slab Camp Creek trail next to the Gray Wolf River. The Olympia Mountaineers joined with the two groups. It was a four-day project that required expertise in rigging and bridge building. Our Mountaineer group provided the lower level handy work necessary to support the very highly skilled and capable riggers. It was an incredible experience in how productive different groups can be when coming together to improve backcountry access.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
The other Mountaineer volunteers who are committed to maintaining the trails in the Olympics, local DNR lands, and nearby state and city parks. In addition to trail maintenance, I'm also inspired by those who volunteer as docents to teach about salmon migration and spawning, support the forest service at camp grounds and local parks, work to control invasive plant species, and even volunteer with Trash Mash. I am impressed with so many who find a way to contribute and do their part in some way. Their commitment and goodwill inspires me.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Setting out on an activity with an open mind to embrace whatever exciting experience I might encounter
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? A hand tool, like a pair of clippers or small folding saw
What’s your happy place? Being with family and friends on a trail
Post-adventure meal of choice? Hungarian goulash
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Identifying bird songs
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.
