10 Essential Questions: Doug Hansen
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: Doug sometimes Hug or Dougie or Douglas, but my last name is Hansen
Hometown: East Olympia by the Deschutes River
Member Since: September 2015
Occupation: Software Tester for the Department of Revenue
Favorite Activities: So many! Right now, I'm in love with skiing, backcountry and the resort #whitepassfamily. Love sport climbing and alpine climbing. I like to climb at the gym, but it's a means to an end. I like to fish, but I haven't been able to get out as much as I would like. Need to meld the two things I love together more.
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
Like many people I started with the Basic Climbing course and everything that goes along with that.
What motivates you to get outside with us?
Teaching people. I like to share the love I have for the things I've learned. I wanna share the stoke for everything I love. Sometimes I seem to get a little obsessed over just about anything I do, and that comes off kind of overzealous or too "hardcore" but it's because I love what I'm doing and I just want you to like it as much as I do! I'm always stoked to see any and all Mountaineers up in the hills. So if you all see me out there, give me a shout! I'm a very talkative person!
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
So many of them. One of them would probably watching ice ax arrests - ya know the head down hill face up variety. Sorry, but something is just funny watching people fly down a hill in such an uncomfortable position. Also, many of funny stories come out of MOFA class. Sometimes when dealing with a language barrier you can get unexpected results.
Who/What inspires you?
My peers and just the sheer beauty of the outdoors. We are lucky to live in such a gorgeous place. I think the other part is the fitness challenge part. I love the quote, "if it was easy everyone would be doing it". There's an amazing sense of fulfillment you receive by putting in a solid days work on the mountain.
What does adventure mean to you?
Stepping safely out of your comfort zone. I tell people that they're better than they think they are at things; if you keep telling yourself that, its amazing what you can do.
Lightning Round
What's your happy place? Anywhere on the mountain.
If you could be a rock star at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Ice climbing. Its super hard to gain experience here in Western Washington.
Doug taking a break after too much stoke. Cover photo: Tai Hoang, Doug, and Marko Pavela on the top of Liberty Bell after completing the Beckey Route a day.
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