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: John Foltz
Hometown: Port Orchard, WA
Member Since: February 2015
Occupation: Retired, neon glassblower
Favorite Activities: Stewardship, exploring nature, water, dirt
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What first brought you to THE MOUNTAINEERS?
A Sierra Club member back in college in the 1970s in Southern California. I moved back to WA in 1980s. It took awhile but I joined because of the environmental issues, playing outdoors, showing anybody the little I know from getting old...er.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO GET OUTSIDE WITH US?
I've always been outside: rock climbing, backpacking, surfing, kayaking, sailing, riding horses, trail building... I prefer water and dirt, kinda left the snow behind.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
Since I mainly now focus on stewardship trails I have a new perspective. Earlier in life, the beauty of wildflowers after a rain while climbing in Joshua Tree was unbelievable. Yosemite Valley from a couple thousand feet was also cool. Now seeing kids spot a moon snail, sea cucumber, moss, or lichen for the first time fills the void.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I'm currently addicted to building trails with the WTA. I'm the head currently of my local park's stewardship group. Having people stop and ask how do they join and help is so much better than just saying thanks (which is also good, their first step).
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
The old saying still works... it's not an adventure until something goes wrong.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? Dry socks... or chocolate
What’s your happy place? Back against a BIG tree, snow on the peak, and breaking surf on the beach
Post-adventure meal of choice? Anything that spills on my shirt and gets stuck in my covid beard.
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our membership, and we hope these weekly features highlight who we are and why our community plays an important part in feeling belonging in the outdoors. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
Want to nominate a friend? Email Skye Michel to make a recommendation.
