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: Harrison Walter
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Member Since: March 2020
Occupation: Technical Product Manager
Favorite Activities: Backpacking, hiking, photography
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I initially joined The Mountaineers to take the Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) course and get comfortable with backpacking. I realized I had so many hikes I wanted to do and so many photos I wanted to take that the only solution that made sense was sleeping on the trail.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
My love for taking beautiful photos of nature and my love for hiking feed each other. I'm fortunate enough to live in such a beautiful state that, when it's beautiful outside, I feel guilty not making every effort to get out.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
One of my favorite memories was going on an early season backpacking trip to Ancient Lakes. I had spent lots of money and time on quality ultralight gear. So I was a bit shocked when I arrived at the trailhead to find our trip leader carrying a large chair, a full-sized pillow, and a huge foam mattress, all outside of his pack. It made sense since it was such a short, easy trail, but it really reminded me that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to gear.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Nature inspires me on a daily basis. Having grown up in Phoenix, the passing of time didn't feel as significant. Here, I can observe such huge changes on the trails, even just over the course of a year. Flowers, fungi, animals, snow, clouds, the sun, the moon, and the tides all have their own cycles, and it completely changes how I feel about any given hike. I try to find what makes each hike special and convey this in some small way in my photography.
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?
I've benefitted so much from the leaders in The Mountaineers -not just from their direct instructions and tips, but from their character and who they are as people. For some of them, hiking isn't just a fun thing to do on weekends, it's about a lifelong relationship with nature. I had never really been an outdoorsy person in Phoenix, but after joining The Mountaineers I feel it's now part of my identity. On top of that, I've always felt so welcome, and I feel incredibly proud to be part of this organization that has really helped me feel comfortable exploring nature.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Adventure to me is more of an attitude. If you have the right mindset, every time you go out hiking, you can find something new in nature. Even if I've hiked a trail before, the sun might cast shadows in a different way than a previous hike, and it feels like I can still experience a sense of wonder.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Sony A7III mirrorless camera + peak design clip
What’s your happy place? Reading my Kindle in my tent after a long hike
Post-adventure meal of choice? Taco Bell (customized to be vegan!)
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Meteorology
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!
