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: Gaby King
Hometown: Mariposa, California
Member Since: December, 2020
Occupation: Caregiver, studying to be a Physical Therapist Assistant
Favorite Activities: Day hiking, scrambling, trail running, laying on the beach. :)
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I knew of the organization because my boyfriend had just taken the scrambling course back in 2019; however, I could not devote as much time to it since I was still in school. I grew up in a small tourist town outside of Yosemite National Park and came from a hiking background. I knew I wanted to learn and do more with hiking than just walking up switchbacks and dealing with many people on popular trails. I wanted to climb on rocks, learn to travel on snow, be in the solitude of nature in WA, and push my endurance to its limit. So, I finally was able to take the Foothills Scrambling Course this last March which was extremely fun.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories/experiences of different climbs or hikes they've done and what fueled their own desire to be part of The Mountaineers. Each trip that I have gone on so far, I've learned something new (whether it be about myself, or skills I could improve on) while being able to share a common goal and like-mindedness with other members. With unique opportunities such as kayaking, urban exploration, back country trail running, etc., I am motivated to continue to broaden my horizons and explore more. Also, the volunteerism aspect motivates me. I am motivated by the exceptional people that give their time to teach and help out. As a scramble student, being around that environment has motivated me to get out and search for volunteer opportunities through the organization.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
I was on a trip up to Crystal Peak that was originally supposed to be Tamanos Mountain. It was changed because the weather called for lots of rain and so the rock scramble portion was not ideal for that weather. The scramble was a race to beat the rain. However, when we were ever so close to the summit, the storm had come. We were able to summit, but the wind at the top was crazy. Rain was pelting our face, and there were no views. We took a few quick photos and went back down to eat our lunch under a cover of trees. By the time we got back to the trail we were soaked and looked/felt like drowned rats. Yet, throughout that whole trip, everyone was so pleasant and having fun conversations with each other, even if it was miserable. I won't forget that trip because everyone supported everyone, had a positive mindset, and was having fun even in the midst of terrible weather.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I'm inspired by the people who share their time to better others and give encouragement so others can achieve their own passions. It's like a domino effect - it inspires ME to share what I know and can give to others.
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?
As a scramble student this past March, I was able to receive a scholarship. Also, I had an amazing experience in that course that it made me want to volunteer for next year's course!
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Adventure to me means exploring outside of one's comfort zone. It's about learning new things about yourself, knowing your own limits and seeing if they could be challenged, finding things that are thrilling, all while learning how to safely navigate so that they could become part of your repertoire of adventure.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Game face
What's your 11th Essential? Trader Joe's Tangy & Sweet Gummy Turtles
What’s your happy place? The Olympic Peninsula
Post-adventure meal of choice? A yummy vegan hamburger (they exist) or ramen
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Ultra marathons or BASE jumping
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!
