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: Mark Goodro (he/him)
Branch: Kitsap
How long have you been volunteering with The Mountaineers? Since 2013
What activities do you volunteer with at The Mountaineers? Climbing, trail running, Risk Management Committee, Climbing Technical Advisory Committee, and Board of Directors
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I encountered a member in 2011 while solo climbing in the Olympic mountains. After we parted ways, I took a fall off a small cliff into a stream. I got lucky and only had minor injuries, but still ended up hiking out in the dark without a headlamp. I joined The Mountaineers to meet new people to climb with and gain the skills unique to climbing in the Pacific Northwest.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A VOLUNTEER?
I was a volunteer instructor for the Basic Alpine Climbing course in 2013 (when instructing was a requirement for Intermediate graduation). I taught and led field trips the following year because a friend signed up as a student. I ended up joining every Basic field trip for three years in a row, and I've been instructing ever since. I've been a climbing instructor since 2013, climb leader since 2014, Kitsap Intermediate Climbing Co-Chair since 2020, Board member since 2022, and Kitsap Trail Running Chair since 2024.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
My favorite memory is lying down in the Paradise parking lot at midnight after a Rainier climb. The climb took longer than expected due to late season route conditions (the DC route extended to merge with the Emmons route - this was the last weekend any of the main routes were still officially open). We also had delays due to minor medical issues on the descent. When we reached the parking lot, all of the relief and exhaustion caught up and we just laid on the ground and looked at the sky for a while.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO AS A LEADER TO MAKE YOUR PARTICIPANTS FEEL WELCOME?
I like to have everyone talk about their expectations for the activity, including what they hope to get out of it. I also give participants an opportunity to share their stories and interests in order to get a better feel for their personalities and approach to adventure, and find common ground.
What advice do you have for aspiring volunteers?
Jump in and get involved. Join activities, and find ways to help. Remember to focus on people and their unique experiences in the outdoors. We are a community of people with so much in common, and we still each experience the outdoors in our own way.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or Game Face? Smile
What's you 11th Essential? Pastrami
Post-trip meal of choice? Vegan bacon cheeseburger at Juicy J's Smoked Burgers in Poulsbo
If you could be adept at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Backcountry skiing
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers volunteers 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 leadership, and we hope these weekly features highlight how our trip leaders, course instructors, and committee and branch officers support our community. 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!
If you’re a leader (or want to nominate a leader to spotlight), send an email to Michelle Song to make a recommendation.
