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: Linda Nelson
Hometown: Olympia
Member Since: January, 2022
Occupation: I’m a teacher in the Olympia School District. I teach a multi-age Montessori at ORLA.
Favorite Activities: It’s hard for me to pick a favorite. Being outside is the most important part for me. I love to hike and meet new people. For many of my younger years I was involved in the triathlon scene and then learned to play golf and honed my skills. Now I want to learn to be safe while out exploring our PNW trails with my dog.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
My friend Jean Fisher and her husband Ron Jones were long time sea kayakers and joined the Basic Alpine Scrambling Course. They encouraged me to join them as there was one more place available, so I did!
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
I work inside all week and if I don’t have an activity planned for the weekend I would spend my entire weekend doing work and not relaxing.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My favorite memory so far has to be sleeping on the snow on Mt. Adam’s at Lunch Counter and seeing the sunrise on the mountain. I think the sunrise has been my most memorable part of mountaineering.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I think aging inspires me. The harder I push myself to stay fit and live life, the more exciting life can be.
I also love meeting new friends who enjoy the outdoors like me and when I go hiking I know they are prepared to be safe. That wouldn't happen without a program like The Mountaineers.
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'm such a new member and was amazed by the work put into completing the Basic Alpine Scrambling Course. To pay it forward, I do some work with Jim French on the trails at Tolmie State Park.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Doing something for the first time is my form of adventure. Whenever I can experience my favorite sports in a new way, like racing triathlons and golfing, keeps things exciting. I believe living in the PNW, I have many new adventures to explore in our mountains.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? PBJ
What’s your happy place? Anywhere in the mountains
Post-adventure meal of choice? Gatorade and chips. Then a beautiful salad.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? High elevation 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!
