Author: Gina Binole

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Meet the Mazamas

Kristie grew up staring at Mt. Saint Helens from her living room window and has been living around the Northwest long enough to remember its eruption in May 1980. Since then, she has skied and climbed several of the Northwest volcanoes and loves to suffer by running ultramarathons around mountains. 

When Kristie is not outside, she can be found working as a Nurse Practitioner in a small clinic in Hood River, practicing the piano, or having fun in the bouldering gym. She recently became an empty nester after sending two kids off to college, and is enjoying having more time on her hands to pursue more wilderness medicine teaching and adventure, including, Intermediate Climbing School (ICS, which she is currently taking) and volunteering for the Mazama first aid committee and the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP). 

Name:  Kristie Mitchell

Pronouns:  She/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2018

Present-day outdoor activities:  I spend most of my spring/summers trail runni

ng, mountaineering or mountain biking.  My winters I spend Nordic and backcountry skiing with some downhill skiing thrown in. I hope to incorporate some rock climbing post-Intermediate Climbing School (ICS) once the weather improves!

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I remember my first day skiing like it was yesterday. I was 6 years old and enrolled in Powder Hounds ski school at Timberline. It was cold, and I fell a lot.  I remember being very frustrated until after lunch and hot chocolate.  Then parts of it became more fun. It obviously stuck!

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I first heard of the Mazamas through a friend. I was looking to climb Mountain Hood again (initially I climbed it with Timberline Mountain Guides) and wanted to connect with more people to climb with.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Enjoy the outdoors, but be prepared to be humbled. There is a lot that can go wrong, and being prepared (and in good fitness) is the key to enjoyment. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I love long days on the trails or climbing routes, particularly when it involves mountains and views and multiple terrains. I especially love being in the present moment and in awe of nature. That to me is the most inspiring. I am inspired by people who are passionate about the outdoors and generous with sharing. 

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one.  It’s hard for me to pick just one. I guess I really like the Sharp End podcast because of the interviewing style, and I learn a lot. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list?  So many things. Definitely exploring Patagonia. There’s a race down there called the Patagonia Expedition Race where a team of four covers over 500 km by mountaineering, kayaking, trekking, trail running and mountain biking, all without electronic navigation on a course that is revealed 24 hours before the start time. That to me would be the ultimate adventure.  If anyone wants to form a team with me let me know 🙂 

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Meet the Mazamas (Election Edition)

Since joining the Mazamas 11 years ago, Matt has dedicated more than 6,000 volunteer hours to the organization. He’s chaired the climb committee, spearheaded the Mountain LEAD certification program, launched the AIARE Pilot Program and developed new programming like the Introduction to Alpine, Multipitch Skill Builder and Traditional Gear and Anchor Rigging courses.

For his efforts, Matt has earned the Terry Becker Leadership Award and the Parker Cup. Professionally, Matt has founded and grown multiple small businesses and consulted as a technical strategist. Read more about Matt and other board candidates.

Name: Matthew Sundling

Pronouns: He/him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2011

Present-day outdoor activities: Mountaineering and alpine climbing, rock climbing, car camping, hiking, occasional skiing.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? As a curious four-year-old exploring the woods behind my parents’ house, I used my National Audubon Society “Field Guide to the Southwestern States” to seek out creatures. I never did find any creatures from that book— I was located in upstate New York.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? In 2010, I learned about the Mazamas from a friend—now a longtime climbing partner. Our friendship strengthened over a shared love for adventure, but our lack of education often led us into challenging situations. Recognizing the need for skills, he completed BCEP and ICS. Then, one day, he told me I couldn’t join him on some mountaineering adventures because he couldn’t teach me all the important skills I needed. He urged me to enroll in ICS, and I applied immediately, officially becoming part of the Mazamas community.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Besides encouraging individuals to pursue the proper mentorship, education, and training needed to safely recreate and be self-sufficient while adventuring outdoors…

I encourage everyone to discover their unique adventure. We all differ in how we engage with the outdoors, bringing our entire selves with us. Embrace the unique connection with adventure, honoring what inspires, thrills, and fulfills you. The world is vast and full of wonder. Find your adventure—whether a calm stroll or tackling remote peaks—on your terms. Don’t let others dictate how you should enjoy the outdoors. Forget social media, peer pressure, or unnecessary expectations. Engage in a way that suits you and feeds your soul.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? The moment when someone accomplishes a significant feat and the realization dawns on them. Whether it’s summiting a challenging mountain, leading their first pitch, excelling in teaching, or conquering a personal challenge, you can sense the achievement. You know it when you see it; it’s remarkable to witness.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. My most recent favorite book is The Unexpected Universe by Loren Eiseley. His meticulous choice of words imparts thoughtfulness, wonder, and gravity to every sentence in his essays. Eiseley’s writing is inspiring and shows a love and connection to the natural world like few others.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? Visit Antarctica and the southernmost tip of Cape Horn. Climb the Daubenhorn via ferrata in Leukerbad, Switzerland. Walk the Camino de Santiago. Spend a few months rock climbing all over Thailand. Climb the Matterhorn.

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Meet the Mazamas (Election Edition)

Chris has served on the Mazama Board since last year and as the board liaison to the Lodge, he has helped shape future plans for that facility, conducting risk assessments, hosting strategy sessions, surveying members, playing an integral role in lodge host training and volunteer operations and representing the Mazamas on the Mt. Hood Climbing Permit Working Group. 

When not volunteering, skiing or hiking, Chris continues to help organizations in hospitality, leisure and sports and recreation strategize and launch their sustainability initiatives.  Read more about Chris and other board candidates.  

Name:  Chris Jaworski

Pronouns:  He/him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2015

Present-day outdoor activities: Backcountry skiing, XC skiing, kayaking, hiking, sailing, long-distance walks

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Ice skating/pick up hockey on anything frozen – lakes, ponds, streams, culverts and learning to ski (and dodging the hay bales at the bottom of the runs) at Little Switzerland in Wisconsin.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? A colleague of my brother was a Mazama and talked about the climbing program. If I recall, he had completed the leadership program after Intermediate Climbing School (ICS) and invited me and my brother to climb Mt. Hood, which was my first climb.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Just do it:) and learn to be safe so you can experience the deep, rich aspects of being out there, unplugged.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Being in service to others. Particularly helping during times of crisis. With my background in hospitality – food and beverage – I’m trying to figure out how to go on assignment with World Central Kitchen to provide really good food for those around the world in situational, desperate need. I’m inspired by people that seek solutions in the most trying of circumstances.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? My favorite book is A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson. I have never laughed so hard by myself. I also enjoyed reading it before the movie came out. If you hike, you will find yourself laughing out loud so be prepared to answer to others if it disturbs the peace:) If you like podcasts checkout Michael Gervais’ Funding Mastery. The breadth of people he interviews is fascinating. Numerous climbers like Jimmy Chin, Alex Honnold, Chris McNamara, Lynn Hill, Tommy Caldwell…

What’s on your adventure bucket list? Kilimanjaro. Not the most technical, but it’s Africa!

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Meet the Mazamas (Election Edition)

Joining the Mazamas has been transformative for Debbie, and she treasures the education she’s received, the friends she’s made and the myriad volunteer opportunities she’s embraced within the organization. 

She’s a Mountain LEAD certified educator and a climb leader who has co-led the queer BCEP team the past two years as an ally with her husband, Kirk. For the past decade, she has worked as a licensed psychologist serving adolescents and young adults. Prior to that she worked in accounting and finance for 20 years. Read more about Debbie and other Mazama Board candidates.

Name:  Debbie Dwelle

Pronouns:  she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2015

Present-day outdoor activities: Mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, amateur nature photography (mostly wildflowers)

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Camping with my parents and making campfires with my dad. I’m still mesmerized by a good campfire!

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I heard about the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) through a friend. I had done some backpacking and had summited Mt. St. Helens in the summer (not a 10/10 experience…). I knew I didn’t have the technical skills to do more than that and was interested in learning more, so I applied. My BCEP experience opened up a whole new world for me, including an introduction to technical climbing skills as well as meeting an entire new community of amazing people. The other volunteers, sense of community, teaching opportunities, and being present when others reach their goals are what’s kept me engaged and active in the organization for the past several years.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Learn how to do things safely from others who have trusted experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t let others try to tell you what you “should” do. Explore new things on your own terms, discover what sparks joy, and do more of that! 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I am most inspired by strong female role models. I appreciate humans who don’t accept limitations put on them by others and instead forge their own path, whatever that looks like!

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. It’s tough to pick just one! I’d say my favorite social media platform is Instagram. I have a wide range of interests, so I appreciate that I can quickly get information/updates on a variety of topic areas in one place, including climbing, soccer, nature photography, mental health, advocacy, music, humor, etc. I’ve been able to curate my feed such that it [mostly] sparks joy. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? So many things! As far as mountaineering goals, I have Mt. Rainier and Mt. Olympus currently on my bucket list. I also generally want to do more alpine rock climbs. I’ve spent the past several months recovering from injury, so I’m just excited to get back outside for more adventuring!


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Meet the Mazamas

Lily grew up in Northeast Portland and enjoyed cross country skiing and playing sports as a kid. In her adult life, she has continued to engage in those activities as much as possible by coaching girls lacrosse.  

She  completed our Basic Climbing Education Program last year and has summited Mount Hood, Unicorn Peak and South Sister. She assisted with a BCEP team in 2023, intends to assist again in 2024 and also is serving on the BCEP committee, which is gearing up for its info night on Jan. 11.

Name:  Lily Cox-Skall

Pronouns:  she/ her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities:  Mountaineering, backpacking, hiking, running, cross country skiing

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Going cross country skiing with my parents as a kid – I used to hate it! Lol

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with theorganization? A few of my friends had taken BCEP and posted about it on social media, prompting my interest!

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Partaking in outdoor skill training can give you so much more confidence in the outdoors. Before I took BCEP, I felt like I had to rely on others to be knowledgeable about navigating outdoor scenarios. Since learning technical skills, I feel comfortable organizing and leading day trips and backpacking trips that I may not have in the past, and it’s given me the opportunity to get more of my friends and family outdoors with me!

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Since joining the Mazamas and BCEP in particular, I have been so fortunate to meet so many amazing and inspiring people. In particular, one of my BCEP team leads, Ann Marie, inspired me so much throughout the course and beyond. On top of a million other commitments, Ann Marie volunteers to help students learn new outdoor skills, and she is so patient that it made it a lot easier to get through the intimidation of doing new and scary things. When it comes to badass mountaineering women who inspire me, I definitely hold her on the top of my list :).

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I recently finished the book Bravey by Alexi Pappas! It is a really inspiring memoir that inspires me when it comes to setting goals and accomplishing them.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I want to go climb the Acatenango volcano in Guatemala!

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Countering Climate Change with Carbon-Neutral Building

By Jeff Hawkins

Sixteen years ago, the Conservation Committee hosted the Melting Mountains Conference to a packed house in the Mazama Mountaineering Center (MMC) auditorium. We covered four climate change-related topics: the state and future of glaciers; governmental policies and actions by the city, county, and state; organizational change; and individual action.

I took the last two to heart and decided to make the Mazamas carbon neutral. It has been a long path with numerous obstacles: naysayers, financing, technical challenges, competing priorities, and my own foot-dragging. But now, after all that, I am thrilled to announce that we are finally there. The MMC is now carbon neutral! (The Mazama Lodge is not and will not be for a while unless an angel steps in with a donation of an estimated $250,000.)

We did this by eliminating our natural gas usage and going 100 percent electrical, installing high-efficiency heat pumps, reducing our electrical consumption, creating our own electricity via a large solar array, and purchasing 100 percent green power from Portland General Electric (PGE) for the balance of energy not created by our solar system.

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The final step of replacing the boiler with heat pumps is particularly exciting. The new system will add heating and cooling to areas of the building not previously conditioned: the library, the library workroom, the basement lobby, and the MR1 classroom*. The boiler, which was far too large of a heat source for the auditorium, will no longer be driving us to wastefully open the windows an hour after turning it on. The auditorium will also have air conditioning. Mathew, in the library workroom, will no longer swelter in the summer and huddle around two space heaters in the winter. And the basement lobby and library will be comfy too. Along with these spaces, the archives have a new system too, far more efficient than the original system that broke nearly two years ago!

Our total energy bill might stay the same or potentially go down. We will use more electricity and less natural gas (zero actually). For the last two years, and likely this year too, the solar array has produced more than 100 percent of the electrical energy consumed. The excess production has been donated to PGE’s Energy Assistance Program, an average of $1,750 per yearǂ. The MMC also used approximately $1,250 per year in natural gas. This means there is $3,000 per year available to cover increased electricity usage for the new heat pumps. The actual usage depends on the members.

By the time you read this, a demolition party will have already removed the boiler, the radiators, and the piping. It took three weekends, nearly 200 hours of work and about 15 volunteers to haul away thousands of pounds of boiler-related remnants.

There are of course many people to thank—people whose efforts and donations made this possible. They are too many to include for all the projects since the start of this journey. For this final step, major funding came from Linda Lewis on behalf of her late husband and Mazama member Phil Dean, who was a champion of Mazama history and the archives, and from George Cummings, Rick Pope, Dick Miller, and Jim Van Lente, with additional donations from Albert Iggi, Terry Brenneman, Peter Boag, Debra Wilkins, Noelle Price, and Rahul Ravel. Jeff Welter and Rick Amodeo contributed in a big way by helping with the engineering of a different heat pump system for the auditorium that we ultimately did not pursue.

Efforts like this are not wasted; they are essential in the process of considering alternatives that lead to a final best solution. And Mazama Facilities Manager Rick Craycraft listened patiently to every one of my ideas and complaints, and to the range of emotions I experienced along the way. I am grateful to you all. Thank you.

It is my hope that the work we do together as Mazamas, to be consistent with our mission, will inspire others to action. The glaciers are melting. We have more work to do. Let’s keep at it. Please find a way to contribute in whatever way you can. If not on reversing climate change, then to the Mazamas in other ways. What we do together touches people’s lives in amazing ways. 

* MR1 was heated by two electric wall heaters. Replacing these units with a heat pump will save significantly on peak electrical demand and overall consumption.ǂ Donating excess annual solar-generated electric energy to the Energy Assistance Program is part of the Net Metering contract with PGE.

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Meet the Mazamas

Kaitlyn launched right into climbing and skiing after moving to Oregon in 2017. She took the Mazama Advanced Rock course earlier this year and quickly jumped into volunteering for the organization. She is now serving on the AR committee, helping folks hone their climbing skills and encouraging others interested in learning to lead trad climbs to apply for AR 2024.

Name: Kaitlyn Beecroft Sweeney

Pronouns: She/Her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities: Rock climbing, skiing, mountain biking, and building mountain bike trails in Tillamook.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My family used to go camping in West Texas when I was around 8 or 9. I remember riding bikes with my sister around a lake.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I first heard about the Mazamas from a co-worker, and later after I started climbing I wanted to take a course that covered high angle rescue. The Advanced Rock course really drew me in and I have enjoyed meeting and learning from many great people since becoming involved.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? I would encourage them to keep it as light as they want and have fun. At the end of the day it’s all about doing things you enjoy with people you enjoy spending time with. Sometimes that’s a big multi-day adventure and other times it’s a short day hike.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Pick one. My family and friends inspire me.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I’ve been following competition climbing since the Olympics. It’s cool to see how much it has grown. Always impressed with the route setters and athletes.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? So many things! If I had to pick one, I’d love to go to Indian Creek.

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Meet the Mazamas

Trixie relocated on a whim to Portland in 2011 when her husband’s company laid him off. They started their own business, Trixie & Milo When not running a company, Trixie enjoys traveling, backpacking and getting outdoors to explore and challenge herself.  

She loves adventure, laughs, bringing people together, creative problem solving, Thai food and volunteering on her favorite mountain, Mount Saint Helens. 

Name:  Trixie Honeywell

Pronouns:  She/Her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities:  Hiking, backpacking, trail running/speed hiking, mushroom foraging, volunteer climbing steward on Mount Saint Helens, and hula-hooping on top of mountain summits.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? When I was 9 years old; climbing trees, and exploring Brookside Gardens (a park near my house in the Maryland/DC Metro area). I remember taking off on my bike after school, and meeting up with friends and siblings at the park. We would adventure out and try to carve out new trails and forts in the woods before we had to be back for dinner. Fireflies would start appearing at dusk and that was our cue to race back home. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?  In 2019, I became obsessed with climbing Mount Hood after flying over it. I Googled “Can people climb Mount Hood,” and was blown away by the gnarly images of the pearly gates and quickly knew I had to climb it. I had already tackled Mt. St. Helens, and was interested in something more technical. I had no luck finding anyone to tackle Hood with me, then a friend suggested that I join a group like the Mazamas. After looking into it, I considered taking BCEP in 2020. After Covid I was finally able to join BCEP in 2022. I’ve enjoyed the amazing group of instructors, volunteers and peers, and to this day, we have kept in touch, hiking together regularly. 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Do it!  Don’t be afraid to ask questions; from simple things like, “Do you know what to pack for a day hike,” to “How do you go to the bathroom in the woods?” No question is too silly. We have these experiences to share and learn from each other. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Mountains always get my endorphins going! Even when I doubt myself, and think that I’m not good (or skilled) enough to make it – something always happens during the challenge, and when I finally reach the summit, I am literally, and figuratively, on top of the world! Summiting always gives me a great sense of accomplishment. 

 What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Anything to do with volcanoes!  My latest obsession is anything to do with the Mount Saint Helens eruption.

 What’s on your adventure bucket list? Pico de Orizaba. I love to travel. I’m planning on traveling to Mexico in the near future and climbing this amazing volcano. 

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Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic Update

On October 18, a Portland-based man was arrested by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on suspicions of planning a mass shooting, targeting climbers at this weekend’s Craggin’ Classic at Smith Rock. Mazamas leadership first became aware of the situation that same morning, when we were notified of a credible threat. The perpetrator was detained shortly thereafter, and authorities are confident that there is no continued threat. We are grateful to law enforcement and others whose interventions and skillful efforts led to his swift and nonviolent arrest.

We have learned that the suspect was a member of the Mazamas, making this news all the more devastating and difficult. With the safety and well-being of our members, volunteers, and students always our top priority, the Mazamas takes physical, psychological, and emotional safety seriously, and we recognize this news may be especially troubling for members.

If you are in need of support during this time, our Critical Incident Stress Management team is available as a resource.

If you have questions or inquiries regarding the ongoing investigation, please direct them to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

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Meet the Mazamas

Truth first joined the Mazamas in 1990, went through our Basic Climbing Education Program, and took Mazama Nordic Ski classes. In the ’90s, she climbed mountains, helped out with BCEP, and skied a lot with us. She pressed pause and raised a family, remaining active in swimming, running, and taking fitness classes. She returned to the organization a couple of years ago and has become a hike leader. Professionally, she works as a mediator.

Name:  Truth Johnston

Pronouns:  She/They

Year Joined Mazamas: 1990 and 2021

Present-day outdoor activities:  Rock and alpine climbing, hiking, Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, biking, Mt. St. Helen’s Institute (Climbing, Hiking and Ape Cave Steward and Ambassador), snorkeling, pickleball, rafting, kayaking, gardening, and DIY house projects.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I lived in Colorado until 4th grade, and my grandpa called me his little mountain climber.  I remember climbing on sandstones, one called Alligator Rock near my Aunt Truth and Uncle Andy’s mountain cabins.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?  I met someone at work and another at church who were Mazamas when I first moved to the Northwest.  The co-worker, Joe Whittington, lead, Mazama David Nelson, others from work and I up to the top of Mt. Hood in 1990.  Felt like I was on top of the world.  Shortly after, my husband and I took BCEP and Mazama Nordic ski classes.  Years later after my kids were raised, I went on a private climb with Joe Whittington and I knew I had to get back to the Mountains with the Mazamas.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? There are many groups that focus on the outdoors, but Mazamas stands out to me because of our emphasis on education and safety.  There is something so special about valuing all ages and skill levels on climbing teams.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Pick one.  I like seeing a team come together to meet a big challenge.  This synergy meets the challenge and turns it into a great story.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why?  I am a big fan of the Great Courses (audio or video college-like recorded classes).  My favorite subjects are space, science, music, personal communication, linguistic, and history.   And the subject list continues to grow.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I really don’t have a bucket list.  It seems new things come up for me to try.  And when I do try them, they become new loves.  The most recent is multi-pitch climbing.

My two non-outdoor passions are mediating (resolving conflicts) and participating in Braver Angels (bridging political divides).

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