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: Janette Powell
Hometown: Currumbin, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Member Since: October, 2018
Occupation: Physical Therapist
Favorite Activities: My list is long: all water sports (kayaking, surfing, diving, paddle boarding, swimming) and snow sports (snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing) and camping (car camping, backpacking and snow camping). I like hiking and photography too... I just love being outdoors.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
There were a number of avalanche deaths my first winter in Seattle. I was getting into snowshoeing in the area, so I wanted to learn more about how to snowshoe and avoid an avalanche incident. One thing led to another; I took an avalanche awareness class and then learned The Mountaineers had a snowshoeing course. Basic snowshoeing led to intermediate snowshoeing, and then I learned The Mountaineers had sea kayaking courses... and so the cascade of learning began and hasn't stopped.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
Such great learning opportunities and such interesting people who are willing to share their knowledge and their experience. My world is so much richer (in every sense of the word) because of The Mountaineers.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
I have so many - it's hard to recall just one. I have memories of great snow camps (sunrise and pristine snowscapes), sunsets over water while camped on islands, sitting on rock outcrops watching distant storms, rolling my kayak deliberately and surfacing and wondering how I did it (by great instruction), a gorgeous fall photography hike filled with stunning views every bit of the way.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
When other people see in you more than you see in yourself and then plant seeds of encouragement. I’m also inspired by people who are willing to share, and the great outdoors that we have such easy access to do.
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 become a snowshoe and cross-country ski leader and am working on my sea kayaking and backpacking leadership. I enjoy trying to foster the love of being outside and “sharing the joy” so to speak.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Being in the outdoors and exploring something new... stretching myself (skills, circumstances, responsibilities, new places, new perspectives)... expanding my world.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? My camera
What’s your happy place? Water
Post-adventure meal of choice? Anything close-by and recommended by others
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Backcountry skiing
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!
