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 Malcolm Moncheur
Pronouns They/them
Hometown Boise, ID and Belgium
Occupation Energy Systems Engineer
Favorite Activities Bike touring, bikepacking, backpacking, trail running, and plant identification.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I moved to Bellingham in the winter of 2023, and was desperate to make friends as an adult and build community. I wanted to learn more about how to travel safely in the mountains and was lucky to be accepted into the Basic Alpine Climbing course. I've really enjoyed getting to learn with a cohort of my peers!
WHY DO YOU LIKE GETTING OUTSIDE WITH US?
I love learning! It has been so wonderful to learn from a kind, enthusiastic, and incredibly knowledgeable set of volunteers who dedicate tremendous amounts of time and effort to helping us learn how to apply these skills safely, while also laughing a lot and not taking ourselves too seriously as we go.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
The FUNdamentals weekend field trip, which focused on practicing and applying skills we learned earlier in the course (climbing techniques, navigation, etc.). We spent all day soaked from nonstop pouring rain, but everyone's terrific attitude made what could have been a miserable experience a fun one instead. I feel grateful to have gone through "trial by water" with my classmates and instructors.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I am inspired by the folks who envision and conceptualize radical futures and worlds where I can see myself and others thriving. When I am feeling down, I lean on the dreamers and visionaries, the sci-fi authors and the activists, who sketch out and propose futures that can sometimes feel unimaginable. I often need to be reminded of what the future we're all fighting for could look like.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
I try (and often fail) to experience every day as an adventure. Forming deep connections with other human beings, embracing the mundanity of doing the dishes, learning more about myself as I age, experiencing the sight and smell of an unfamiliar flower blooming, being surprised by new things, feeling my lungs and legs ache as I hike up to the top of a mountain...What's better than that?
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
What's your 11th Essential? My Kindle
What's your happy place? Laughing around a campfire with friends
Post-adventure meal of choice? Pizza
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Ultrarunning
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.
