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: Savanna Pothier
Hometown: Vancouver B.C.
Member Since: November 2018
Occupation: Student at WWU, and I also work in the Chemistry Department
Favorite Activities: Mountaineering, climbing (rock, alpine, ice), skiing, mountain biking, hiking/backpacking, surfing, scuba diving, yoga, sailing, wakeboarding, ice skating, anything outdoors with tons of adventure!
10 Essentials: Questions
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers?
I found The Mountaineers basic program online, and had trouble making the commitment. I told myself I would wait until I was out of school. A friend I met from REI, Brad (he took the basic course with Minda Paul), told me to go for it and how amazing of a program it was. He got me so excited about it, and I finally made the jump! Best decision of my life.
What motivates you to Get outside with us?
The endless desire to want to explore the world! I have such a passion for pushing my limits and trying new things. I love going on trips that allow me to disconnect with society and reconnect with nature. It brings me to a place of such peace and joy. I could live the rest of my life climbing mountains and hiking through the wilderness. It doesn't take much motivation to get outside with amazing people!
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
Gosh. Such a hard question. I've had so many amazing memories with so many people. If I had to pick one, I would say that climbing Ruth and Icy Mountain with Tim, Sujay, and Austin were one of my favorite memories. We did this climb in late September so weather was not on our side. We also did the climb as a car-to-car so it was a 17-hour day. We successfully submitted Ruth Mountain, Icy Peak, and then Ruth Mountain again. The climb was something out of a dream. 17 hours of sheer beauty; sunrise over the mountains, fields of glaciers, ridges, valleys, views of Mt. Shuksan, amazing climbing, and great company. We pushed the limits of our abilities and worked well as a team, and made it back to the car swiftly and safely. When you surpass what you thought were your limits, so many doors open up. There is something absolutely remarkable about entering a realm of unlimited possibilities. Everything seems possible and I felt absolutely limitless.
Who/What inspires you?
So much inspires me. My parents. My friends. My family. My partner, Larson W., The Earth. Nature. I have met so many amazing people in my life that inspire me to do so much more. I have met a lot of people from The Mountaineers who have inspired me immensely. Minda Paul has been a huge inspiration to me. She is single-handedly the most badass person I have ever met, and I strive to just be a quarter as amazing as her. She has amazing skills and incredible passion that I look up to, and have really admired. People like her, Krissy F., Breanna D., and so many other people have inspired me. I have expanded my interests so much. Ice climbing, alpine climbing, touring, trad. The endless possibilities inspire me. I feel so grateful for the experiences I have had, and will continue to hopefully have for the rest of my life.
What does adventure mean to you?
Climbing, exploring, and venturing out of my comfort zone. Seeing the first rays of sunlight as it rises above the horizon. An adventure to me can be as big as taking the van on a continental road trip, or down the coast. Adventure could also mean traveling around the world. It can be as small as an overnight camp out at Baker Lake or even a day mountain biking trip up at Galbraith Mountain. It can be something as big as climbing a peak or hanging out at a crag for the day. All I really need for adventure is becoming fully immersed in nature with nothing but my gear on my back, a good group of friends, and a beer waiting at the car. Those are the best types of adventures.
Lightning Round
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th essential? My camera
Post-adventure meal of choice? Vietnamese pho from the Soy House downtown Bellingham.
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Rock climbing. A close second is skiing and close third is ice climbing.
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