10 Essential Questions: Fred Bumstead

Meet Fred Bumstead, a 12-year member and ski-aholic who only eats chocolate chip cookies on the summit of mountains.
The Mountaineers The Mountaineers
September 08, 2017
10 Essential Questions: Fred Bumstead
Photo courtesy of Fred.

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to....

Name: Fred Bumstead
Hometown: Redmond, WA
Member Since: September 2005
Occupation: Database Engineer
Favorite Activities: Skiing and climbing

10 Essentials: Questions

How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?

I came from Texas in 1999 and quickly discovered the diverse natural environment. For a few years I'd hike into the backcountry and indulge in some RMI climbs. But when I began hauling my snowboard into Mount Rainier I decided I needed some guidance. A friend of my wife mentioned The Mountaineers.

What motivates you to get outside with us?

Enjoying my favorite sports with people who appreciate the natural world.

What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?

My Intermediate graduate climb was The Sandy Headwall with a summit ski descent of Hood's south side. That was a hard day and I had to dig deep to find that something extra. It was a surprising day.

Who/What inspires you?

A walk through the Nevada desert under a bright moon. Bronka Sundstrum who climbed Rainier in a day at 77 and once told me personally "Don't stop".

What does adventure mean to you?

I've had many adventures in my life, but the best adventure is the one you don't seek and ends well: a surprise journey.

Lightning Round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise.
Smile or game face? Smile. 
What's your happy place? Getting caught by a sunrise on a summit climb.
Post-adventure meal of choice? Good Mexican food. You have to look hard for it. Chocolate chip cookies are best on the summit.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? I try not to do outdoor activities at night.

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