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 Hastings
Hometown: Wapato, WA
Member Since: December 2011
Occupation: Electrical Engineer
Favorite Activities: Hiking, climbing, photography
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I had started to hike several years before and wanted to climb higher and higher peaks. The year prior I solo climbed Mt. Adams which was a major rush. I started to look at Glacier Peak, but realized I didn't have the skills to climb these other peaks. I did a little research and determined joining The Mountaineers was the best way to learn.
WHy do you like getting OUTSIDE WITH US?
Although I mostly hike solo, I love to meet people with like hobbies and to share new places to hike or climb. Also, I would only rock climb or cross a glacier with someone I knew or that I knew passed at least the Basic Climbing Class.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Climbing Glacier Peak with The Mountaineers was amazing. There were 9 people (3 rope teams) in our group and we just had a blast. The weather was perfect, the views were amazing and everyone was just so friendly. It is nice to share the joy of a summit with friends.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
The amazing views that you find in the Cascades inspires me every time. My first hike was to Gothic Basin almost 20 years ago and I just couldn't believe was I was seeing. Gothic and Del Campo peaks are now two of my favorite climbs. Since that first hike, I have been on over 600 hikes/climbs since with pictures of each hike on my website (Hastingshome.org).
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Adventure means to me, to push myself just a little past where I feel 100% comfortable, but at the same time knowing when to turn around so I can hike another day. My first time I attempted Columbia Peak, there was one move I knew I could get up, but was worried I could make a dangerous slip on the way down. It took me a while but I turned around without summiting. The next year I came back with the right equipment and achieved the summit, even helping two much younger climbers safely make their first summit of the peak as well.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
What's your 11th Essential? My camera
What's your happy place? Sitting atop a summit after sweating hard to achieve it.
Post-adventure meal of choice? Cheeseburger and Dr. Pepper
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? I am learning more and more about night photography and astrophotography. I just love pictures of peaks or lookouts with stars in the background.
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 Skye Michel to make a recommendation.
