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: Gretchen Engle
Hometown: Tacoma, WA
Member Since: September 1995
Occupation: Retired
Favorite Activities: Hiking, camping, and visiting National Parks
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I wanted to do more hiking and thought that if I took the Conditioning Hiking Series Course I would meet new people and get more hiking done.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
Love of nature, love of the mountains, and great exercise with a good view!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My favorite memory was having Thanksgiving dinner at Irish Cabin when I was little.
Who/What inspires you?
My parents were lifelong members who inspired me by getting us hiking from a young age. I think of them often when I am hiking in the mountains.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
I enjoy trying new things and going to new places. I love hiking a trail to see what I will encounter around the bend.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Life Savers or Jolly Ranchers
Post-adventure meal of choice? Anything, as long as someone else is cooking!
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Rockstar status doesn’t mean much to me. I would appreciate just being proficient with what I like doing now.
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.
