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: Lily Liao
Hometown: Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles, California
Member Since: February 2018
Occupation: Insurance Sales
Favorite Activities: Tennis, hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, camping, berry picking, and finding exotic mushrooms
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
My husband introduced the Conditioning Hiking Series course to me because I enjoyed hiking but didn't have the conditioning to travel for longer hikes. CHS was the best gateway to joining The Mountaineers.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people, taking in all the beautiful landscapes the PNW has to offer, getting my dog fix, and listening to everyone's experiences.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
There are too many, but one of the best memories is seeing how far we've gone or where we were once we're back at the parking lot. I went on a CHS hike and we went from staring at a point in the mountains in the parking lot to staring down at the parking lot when we arrived at the destination. It's surreal to see how far we had gone in such a short amount of time!
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Seeing people hiking well into their 80s and 90s. I want to be as fit and still able to enjoy the great outdoors at that age.
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 donated money, recommended the courses I take, taken quite a few courses, and purchased merchandise and books. Although I'm a CHS alumni, I choose to take the course annually because they deserve the funds.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Going someplace or having an experience that is foreign and new, adapting to my surroundings while outside of my comfort zone, and being outdoors.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Head bandana or towel
What’s your happy place? Home with kitties and husband
Post-adventure meal of choice? A bowl of hot soup or milkshake with fries
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Climbing
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!
