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 Nina Kilham (she/her)
Member Since February 2022
Hometown Benicia, CA
Occupation Remote Sensing Scientist
Favorite Activities I spent several years dedicated to climbing, seeking out long, multi-pitch trad. Now I have the bike bug and summer typically finds me on road or gravel, and still dropping in high scrambling or climbing at Index/Squamish. Winter is all cross-country skiing. Backpacking is fun too, and sometimes that involves building trails.
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
In August 2020 I fled the heat, smoke, and crowds in CA and came to WA with the intent to explore. I wound up signing a lease and stayed! I joined the first winter after realizing I needed a snow sport to survive the winter, and to find community for adventures in the mountains.
WHY DO YOU LIKE GETTING OUTSIDE WITH US?
Community! I've met a great variety of like-minded people through the Mountaineers, especially though cross-country skiing. I am primarily involved to volunteer and share the benefits I gained in my first year here with others looking to get out in the winter.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
The epic cold first day of cross-country class this year. Despite it being negative 10 degrees, students showed up ready to learn and instructors ready to lead. I was impressed! And skeptical. The class was a success though because of good planning and great attitudes all around. We broke for lunch at Wild Flour in Kahler Glen. Somehow negative temps don't seem so bad after a lunch of seasonally farmed and foraged roasted mushrooms in cream with focaccia bread. Rallying is a great ability to have, but why not make it a little more Type I than II Fun with delicious food?
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Two things: grit and generosity. Lately I keep thinking about Nairo Quintana on my rides. I'm not a fan of riding in the rain. At all. I watched him train in the mountains of Columbia in some video shorts and it seemed like it was always raining. I guess that isn't super uncommon, but there is something about his story and the spirit he exudes that makes me want to try hard. And somehow that helps me settle in and just go.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Adventure to me means feeling alive. The uncertainty and all the excitement and anxiety it provokes. Trying hard and feeling spent. Strong bonds with good friends. Or not! I love going solo.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
What's your 11th Essential? Coffee
What's your happy place? Feeling spent (almost) in the mountains and getting a little reward of beauty, food, or drink
Post-adventure meal of choice? Quinoa, veggies, tofu, and beer
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Gravel biking
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.
