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: Vicki King
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Member since: 1984
Volunteer since: 1990s
Occupation: I retired as a Senior Associate at Triangle Associates - a consulting firm that provides public involvement, facilitation, mediation, and environmental education services.
Favorite Activities: Naturalist trips
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I fell in love with the beauty and accessibility of the natural world in the Pacific Northwest after we moved here in 1975. I believe our family joined The Mountaineers in the early 1980s after our son's Cub Scout troop spent time inner tubing in the snow at the Snoqualmie Lodge. It was through our son's experience at Snoqualmie that we discovered the Mountaineers and decided to join.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
There are many, but at the top of the list would be a two-week sea kayaking trip to Prince William Sound spent with other Mountaineers sea kayakers.
How did you get started as a volunteer?
I began as a hiker and took the Alpine Scrambling course. In 1990, I took the Sea Kayaking course and was an active paddler year-round for over a decade. I helped teach the course and led many field trips during that period.
I got interested in the Naturalist Committee after it was reinvigorated by Don and Ann Schaechtel in the 2000s. About that same time, I switched gears from sea kayaking and began spending my discretionary time learning about birds. I still volunteer to lead a few bird-related field trips each year during the Introduction to the Natural World course.
I enjoy sharing information and skills that I've been privileged to learn thanks to the efforts of other volunteers who have generously shared their enthusiasm and expertise with me.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DONATE TO THE MOUTNAINEERS?
Long retired, I realize how important it is to encourage young people to engage with nature so they will be inspired to protect it in whatever ways they can. The Mountaineers long history of encouraging people - of all ages - to appreciate, enjoy, and conserve our beautiful region makes it a natural place for my husband and me to donate. We heartily applaud The Mountaineers outreach to underserved populations.
Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise - I've always been an early riser and can't wait to see what the day will bring.
What's your favorite close-to-home outdoor activity? Birding
What's your 11th Essential? Binoculars
Post-trip meal or go-to place of choice? When leaving Sunrise (Mt. Rainier), we always stop for huckleberry ice cream at Wapiti Woolens in Greenwater. It never fails to delight.
What's next on your bucket list? Right now, we are focused on a grandson who is just turning two. I want to share my appreciation of the natural world with him and encourage his interest in birds, insects, flowers, trees, etc.
