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: Garth Jacobson (he/him)
Hometown: Seattle and Bainbridge Island
Member since: 1998
Occupation: Mostly retired attorney
Favorite activities: Climbing
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I became a member over 25 years ago when I wanted to take the Basic Climbing course, but it was full so I enrolled in the Crag Climbing course. I learned to lead climb and climb multi pitch route. I later took the Basic and Intermediate Climbing courses, and other ancillary offerings.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
I think my favorite Mountaineers climb in the enchantments climbing the “high priest.” But there are many other memorable climbs. However the best climb I did was the one we won at a Mountaineers Gala to climb the “Grand Sentinel” in Banff with Steve Swenson.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure means getting outdoors and being with nature with some physical requirement of reaching a destination or activity.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DONATE TO THE MOUTNAINEERS?
We donate to The Mountaineers because it's time to give back what we have received. The amount of pleasure and development of my climbing skills far exceeded what I paid for in the courses. When I first started with The Mountaineers, I didn’t have much extra money, so the affordable courses enabled me to pursue a passion. The courses taught by volunteers made it possible for them to be reasonably priced. Now that I have more resources, I want to pass along my support to the organization so others can enjoy the outdoors and climbing. Hopefully our donations will enable others (and particularly the youth) to enjoy what I received from The Mountaineers.
What impact do you hope to have in our community through your donations?
I hope our donations will enable others (who might not otherwise get to enjoy nature) to experience the joy I receive from being outdoors in nature.
Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise, because nothing is more beautiful than experiencing it after starting climbing up a glacier at zero dark thirty, and watching the day slowly emerge from the darkness
Smile or game face? Smile, since it reflects the enjoyment of the moment
What's your favorite close-to-home outdoor activity? Climbing at Exit 38 always is fun and accessible
What's your 11th Essential? The good people you climb or hike with
What's next on your bucket list? I hope to hike or climb in Patagonia someday
