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: Cindy Hoover
Hometown: Seattle
Member Since: January 1985
Occupation: Architect (semi-retired)
Favorite Activities: Cross country skiing, hiking, traveling
10 ESSENTIALS QUESTIONS:
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
When I moved to Seattle in the 1980s, I immediately joined the Mountaineers in order to have a chance to get into the famed Basic Climbing Course. I had learned of it from a member of The Spokane Mountaineers.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
Recreating in the mountains brings me joy and sharing it with others compounds the fun. Even a day skiing spent in the rain is better than a day in the city!
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
Cross country skiing in the Austrian Alps, on groomed trails that connect charming villages and spectacular valleys. It was a Global Adventure led by Shari Hogshead. I caught the “groomed trail bug” and it’s become a real passion. My least favorite memory is getting up at 2:00 a.m. for a Basic Climbing field trip!
Who/what inspires you?
Older folk who are still super active.
As a donor and volunteer-supported organization, The Mountaineers is based on community support. How have you paid it forward, or how have you benefited from someone else paying it forward?
After benefitting from a variety of great training from The Mountaineers, I decided it was time for some “pay back” on my part, so I joined the Ski Committee and later started teaching cross country skiing, which I did for many years. It was a great experience! Now I’m active on the Global Adventures Committee, and as Co-Chair am trying to help that adventure travel program grow.
What does adventure mean to you?
This is a tough question for me, because I’m not an adrenaline junkie. But a little risk (and continuing in spite of a little fear) offers challenge, which I think is important to leading a rich life.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Ice water
What’s your happy place? A ridge with a 360-degree view of mountains
Post-adventure meal of choice? Greasy gut-bomb burger (even though I don’t otherwise eat much beef!)
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Flying in a wing suit!
