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 Miguel Angel Aldrete
Hometown Arlington, WA
Member Since 2024
Occupation I worked in restaurants for a decade and am shifting to outdoor leadership roles
Favorite Activities I spend the most time longboarding, specifically skating distances from 5km to ultra marathons. But I also enjoy climbing, hiking, foraging for mushroom or berries, looking at birds, sometimes swimming, biking and running (sometimes back to back), and (my new favorite) canyoneering.
10 Essential Questions
What first brought you to The Mountaineers?
The first time I went to The Mountaineers space was in fall of 2023 to take my Intro to Trad class taught by Crystal and Cesil from Climbers of Color. It was amazing seeing the space for the first time, a place dedicated for practicing important skills in every corner of the building. But the first time I took a Mountaineers course was summer 2024 for canyoneering.
Why do you like getting outside with us?
I've enjoyed being outside with The Mountaineers because I get to learn new skills that enable me to reach new places. For me, it was empowering to learn canyoning, a skill that was once confusing and mysterious. And with that, I got to go to canyons with new friends I made during the class!
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
For canyoneering, we are assessed for a basic canyoneering badge to go on future canyoning trips with The Mountaineers. I did not pass my first go around and was expecting it to be a few weeks till I got to reassess. When we got back to the parking lot from carpooling, my instructors Madeline and Shyam made a last minute plan to go to a canyon the following day for me to reassess. Last minute there where seven of us going into this canyon and I passed my assessment. My heart was filled with the support of my instructors and others who knew I could succeed and wanted me to join the community.
Who/What inspires you?
Madeline and Shyam, and a few local skate legends in my community (one of them by the name of Eric who I find myself on epic outdoor adventures with - Eric taught me a lot about foraging mushrooms). And another named Andy who in the same year as Eric pushed the boundary of long-distance skating by pushing more than 300 miles in 24 hours.
What does adventure mean to you?
I have my most adventurous days when I’m in the wilderness, typically on a rope wondering how I became so lucky to be where I currently am. Adventure for me means finding that space and time where you get to experience that yourself.
Lightning round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
What's your 11th Essential? My little camping chair
What's your happy place? Lately, in a canyon
Post-adventure meal of choice? A burrito!
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Skiing (I can't ski)
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.
