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 Pavinee Thanasawat (she/her)
Hometown Bangkok, Thailand
Member Since 2022
Occupation Retired physician
Favorite Activities I’m up for anything as long as it involves getting to some peaks or finding myself clinging to a vertical wall... Basically, if I'm outdoors and my feet aren’t just on flat ground, I’m happy!
10 Essential Questions:
What first brought you to The Mountaineers?
When my husband and I first moved here, we went to Sahale Arm and met a group returning from Sahale Peak. We started chatting with one of them, and he mentioned that he learned to climb through The Mountaineers and was part of the Bellingham branch. That got us curious about the organization and inspired us to check it out!
Why do you like getting outside with us?
I love getting outside with The Mountaineers because it's a chance to meet new people, or catch up with friends I see on scrambles and climbing trips. I pick up new skills, have a ton of fun (and yeah, sometimes stress out a bit when things don't go perfectly), and stay active and healthy. I also get inspired by the leaders and my friends, and their support means a lot. Honestly, those are the moments I always remember fondly in the mountains with The Mountaineers.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
I have so many great memories with The Mountaineers! One of my favorites was finally climbing with a leader who’s been mentoring me since I joined - she’s such an inspiration. Another was summiting Sahale Peak, the very peak that first introduced me to The Mountaineers. Glacier Peak stands out too. I did it in just two days with my best buddy from The Mountaineers. We were completely exhausted, supporting each other through the dark on the way back, and it ended up being 24 hours straight from my alpine start to getting home.
Who/What inspires you?
Everyone I meet in The Mountaineers inspires me: leaders, friends, classmates, and students alike. They keep me moving, scrambling, and climbing, helping me improve both mentally and physically. No matter what surprises come on the mountain or struggles we face on the wall, they’re always there encouraging me with a "C’mon, you got this!"
What does adventure mean to you?
To me, adventure means the moments spent moving toward any peak and making it back home safely.
Lightning round
Sunset or sunrise? Sunrise
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your 11th Essential? My fanny pack
What's your happy place? Mountain summits
Post-adventure meal of choice? Strawberry milkshake
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 Bayley Stejer to make a recommendation.
