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: Erin Shannon-Starup
Hometown: PNW
Member Since: November 2020
Occupation: I work in healthcare; I'm a CNA/HUC finishing my last quarter of nursing school
Favorite Activities: I enjoy all activities that are human-powered as they keep me well balanced. A few of my favorites are: trail running, fastpacking, backpacking, hiking, kayaking, Nordic skate skiing, and road biking.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I'm thankful for my adventure partner encouraging me to join as I have gained more activity buddies in The Mountaineers community. I'm also giving back to The Mountaineers community through volunteering my knowledge and time on activities that I'm passionate about. I'm heavily involved with the Foothills Trail Running Committee and recently took on co-chairing the Everett Branch's Lookout & Trail Maintenance Committee. I feel strongly about preserving the lands I recreate on and look forward to collaborating with other groups to maintain our lookouts and trails.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
I like getting outside with The Mountaineers because I feel included and I'm usually with like-minded folks who enjoy similar activities that I do. I also like learning new things. In fact, I'm taking the Intensive Basic Alpine Climbing Course this year. I'm looking to expand my skills so that I can venture further into the wilderness and explore more places like the North Cascades and Canadian Rocky Mountains. I also enjoy volunteering my time and knowledge to The Mountaineers by giving back to the committees I belong to through leading courses, trips, and seminars for others new to the activity.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
This is difficult to answer as I've enjoyed them all and they are all different in one aspect or another. Personally, I appreciate the inclusiveness and diverse population that I get to mingle with. I like that each one has a social, friendly atmosphere that's playful and fun without losing sight of the importance of safety and what the main objective is.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
The Cascades are always calling me to come and explore their ridges, peaks, valleys, and meadows. I think my inspiration comes from being out in the wilderness and taking in the smells, sights, and sounds, tasting and touching mother nature's amazing scenery. I feel as though I belong there with and amongst the wilderness, almost like I'm one with nature.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
To me, adventure means being open to stepping out of your comfort zone to experiences that life gives you. It’s about facing those experiences head-on, regardless of the outcome, and seeing the world from a different perspective. Adventure is finding excitement in our everyday lives in both the new and old, in the little things, and pursuing something you love relentlessly. Bottom line is that adventure to me is about seizing every opportunity in life with passion, enthusiasm, and excitement.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? A positive, enthusiastic "can do playful attitude," with a smile.
What’s your happy place? Anywhere I adventure!
Post-adventure meal of choice? Beef patty with cheese, pickles, avocado and mustard.
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.
