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 Lauren Currie (she/her)
Hometown Lockport, NY
Member Since 2024
Occupation Director of Operations for a Nonprofit Strategic Advisory Firm
Favorite Activities Mountain biking, hiking, backcountry skiing, climbing, playing ultimate frisbee, and swimming
10 Essential Questions:
What first brought you to The Mountaineers?
After many years living in Boston, Massachusetts, my husband and I pursued full-time van life from 2021-2023. During that time, we hiked, skied, and biked in some incredible places. Once we decided to settle in Bellingham, Washington, we shared a goal of taking our outdoor adventuring to the next level. After a basic internet search, I found the Bellingham Mountaineers Basic Alpine Climbing course. It was the perfect opportunity to grow our skills, learn about safe and responsible mountaineering practices, and make friends in our new community. Turns out, I was right!
Why do you like getting outside with us?
Through my experience with The Mountaineers, I've learned (and done) things I never thought I would do in an environment where I felt safe and supported. I love recreating with my Mountaineers community because they are encouraging, fun, and just as obsessed with thorough trip planning as I am!
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
My partner and I have held a few practice sessions and barbeques in our backyard. I loved hosting our cohort to practice skills like knots and crevasse rescue while simultaneously building relationships and enjoying a cold beer! The out-of-classroom learning helped us bond as a cohort.
Who/What inspires you?
I am inspired by my fellow female mountaineers! Representation matters and when I see women crushing it on big objectives who look like me and are small (like me!), I feel more confident in my own abilities.
What does adventure mean to you?
Adventure means entering new spaces, getting uncomfortable, and pushing beyond what I previously thought I could do. A good adventure always comes with a thoughtful debrief and reflection. Taking away the learnings and memories is often just as good as the adventure itself.
Lightning round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
What's your 11th Essential? Trekking poles
What's your happy place? In a chair outside my van, watching a desert sunset
Post-adventure meal of choice? Thai food!
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Backcountry skiing
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 Bayley Stejer to make a recommendation.
