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: Danielle Graham
Hometown: Salem, NH
Member Since: January 2016
Occupation: Mom
Favorite Activities: So hard to choose. I spend most of my time scrambling, skiing, and hiking. Two years ago, I started "botanizing" with the Naturalists, and I just started climbing again after a 20-year hiatus.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I wanted to give my husband a great experience gift for our 20th wedding anniversary, and I found a Mountaineers photography course through a google search. The organization looked so great, I joined, too, with a family membership.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
The great variety of activities, well-trained leaders, and well-prepared members.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
It's so hard to choose just one. My first year was a field trip to Berkeley Park with the Intro to the Natural World class. We saw all 5 species of lousewort that grow at Rainier, including the Rainier Lousewort which is endemic to the park. My second year was a bike-scramble to Crescent Mountain. It was a very long, glorious day with some of my favorite people. This year, my favorite memory is a recent one: a long weekend in Vantage with my Basic Alpine Climbing SIG. We had fun, learned a lot, and were blessed with incredible volunteers and leaders.
Who/What inspires you?
Being around Mountaineers who qualify for social security. They are fit, fast, skilled, and smart -- and incredibly giving of their talents and knowledge. I am also inspired by all of the Mountaineers who take the time to mentor others, whether formally or informally. That is a gift.
What does adventure mean to you?
Seeking a destination, an experience, or even some hard-earned sweat and trail dust. It's even better with friends, new and old.
Lightning Round
What's your 11th essential? My Garmin InReach, so my teenager can text me when I am out in the mountains.
Whats your happy place? Watching the summer sun set through the doors of a tent with my family.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Birding or climbing. I choose both!
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