Tag: Hiking

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Meet the Mazamas

Almost as if winning the birth location lottery, Britt grew up near Olympic National Park and grew up camping there. She joined the Mazamas after realizing she needed some solid mountaineering education and has been active in the organization ever since. This past year, she helped bring back our Eastside Rambles, leading folks from the Mazama Mountaineering Center to trails (and stairs) on Mt. Tabor. She blogs about her adventures.

Name: Britt Q. Hoover

Pronouns: she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2016

Present-day outdoor activities: Backpacking, mountaineering, cycling. I also co-lead the new weekly Eastside Rambles! 

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I grew up in a small town near Olympic National Park. My earliest outdoor memories are of car camping with my father and siblings around the park each summer. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Many years ago a few friends invited me to climb Mount St. Helens with them. It was my first time on a mountain and climbing on snow. Although I summited, I was woefully unprepared for the early start, elevation gain, and physical exertion. On the way down, while glissading, I (lightly) stabbed myself in the leg with my ice axe. It was at that moment I realized I should probably sign up for the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP)—and I did, that spring! 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them?
We all start somewhere. It can feel intimidating for those new to the outdoors to figure out the right gear, understand weather and safety, and plan trips. I learned a lot by hiking and climbing with others, and I am so grateful to those who shared their knowledge with me. I encourage anyone just starting out to adopt a growth mindset and ask questions.

What activities, situations, or people inspire you most? I’m inspired by situations that call for quick thinking and helping others. I often read mountaineering accident reports to learn from others’ decisions and apply those lessons to prevent future incidents. My favorite Mazama experience was taking the Mountaineering First Aid course, and I’ve used these skills many times to aid others outdoors. 

What is your favorite book, movie, TV show, or social media account that you follow, and why? Pick one. One account I love following is Kimber Cross (@kimberbelle) on Instagram. Kimber is an alpinist, adaptive athlete, rock climber, and kindergarten teacher. I’ve followed her since she started her introductory course with the Mountaineers. Now, she’s regularly summiting tough peaks in the PNW, ice climbing in Montana, and is sponsored by North Face among other companies. Kimber is down-to-earth and an excellent example of how far you can go with hard work and dedication. I’m truly inspired by her.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I just checked a trip off my bucket list in February! My spouse, Jeff, and I completed a 7-day backpacking trip across the remote Avellanos Valley in the Aysén region of Patagonia. I posted some photos from the trip on my website, Yes Mom I’m Alive (www.yesmomimalive.com). 

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Meet the Mazamas

Bill grew up in South Carolina, where he was captivated more by the rugged mountains than the coastline. After moving to Oregon, he found a deeper connection with the region’s trails and peaks through the Mazamas, eventually becoming an activity leader in 2014. Today, he leads a range of outings for the organization, including “A” climbs, backpacking trips, trail work excursions and urban street rambles. Participants on his trips will quickly discover Bill’s enthusiasm for outdoor adventure, world travel, and his knowledge of geology, anthropology, and literature, which makes every journey an insightful experience.

Name:  Bill Stein

Pronouns:  he/him/his

Year Joined Mazamas: 1997

Present-day outdoor activities: I climb in summer, hike in spring and fall, and ski in winter. I lead Mazamas climbs and hikes, and I hope to soon reach a level of skiing where I feel confident leading Nordic ski tours for Mazamas. 

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My family of origin loved boating, both motorboating around a nearby lake when I was younger and sailing in the open seas when I was a teenager. I was more drawn to the Blue Ridge Mountains and did the premier hike in South Carolina, Table Rock, countless times. I find hiking, climbing, and skiing to be more affordable outdoor hobbies. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Getting lost with a friend in a North Carolina wilderness area led me to seek out mountaineering education when I arrived in Portland in 1996. A coworker told me about the Mazamas, and I did my first hike with the Mazamas within 10 days of my arrival. Within the next year I took my first Nordic ski class and the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP). I climbed Middle Sister with Mazamas on the one-year anniversary of my arrival in Oregon, and I was solidly hooked.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Everyone who is climbing, whether on hikes or climbs, and particularly if carrying a heavy pack, needs way more calories than when sedentary in the city. Water is more nuanced; too little water is bad, but too much water (particularly without electrolytes) is also bad. I’m a big fan of modern filters (gentle squeeze or quick gravity) and knowing where you’ll find running water so you don’t have to carry too much weight.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Older people hiking, climbing, and skiing have inspired me from the very first hike I ever did with Mazamas. Year-round outdoor activity is a much more successful model for aging than anything I witnessed in my family of origin. I aim to be one of those older hikers, climbers, and skiers someday, beating my genetic odds, and I think this goal is available to most folks active in Mazamas.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. I’ve led Portland Peace Corps Association’s book club for the last 15 years. Monthly we discuss books set in parts of the world where Peace Corps Volunteers have served–my service was in Niger 1990-1993–and we choose our books through an annual survey that I design and administer. We like books that reveal cultural insight, whether by western or non-western authors, and we’ve developed a strong distaste for books that focus on cultural stereotypes. Several people who are active in Mazamas are also in my book club.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I aim to keep my climbing education and fitness up to date for my attempts on the last four mountains for Mazamas’ 16 peak award. When my wife Kathy and I travel, we hike, climb, ski, and/or snowshoe while engaging in cultural activities. Half a year ago, we did the most fun scramble of my life, up the fourth highest peak in Mexico, Nevado de Toluca. I look forward to more adventures both in and outside Mazamas.

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Meet the Mazamas

Gabrielle moved to Portland in 2022 and is no stranger to the mountains, having been a committee chair, trip leader, and course instructor for The Mountaineers in Washington state and mountain steward for the U.S. Forest Service and the Mount St. Helen’s Institute. When not leading hikes and activities for the Mazamas, Gabrielle has leveraged her PhD in Italian and other studies, working as an educator, program manager, and project coordinator for organizations like the University of Washington, Bellevue College, and Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

Name: Gabrielle Orsi

Pronouns: she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities: Trail running & fastpacking, backpacking, hiking, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, some mountaineering … and recently I took a class on mushroom foraging! I’m also a Leave No Trace trainer and so I’m often “plogging.”

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Playing in the yard of my childhood home in Encinitas, California, in the sunshine.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? When my spouse and I relocated to Oregon from the Seattle area in 2022, a number of folks mentioned the Mazamas as a resource for getting outdoors, especially if we were interested in climbing Mt. Hood. The mission appeals to me, and I’ve been enjoying connecting with the Mazama community, both as a hike leader and as a member of the Queerzamas affinity group.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? A little preparation goes a long way and “hike your own hike”—do what you find engaging and interesting. Don’t worry if other people have different approaches. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? People who strive for excellence but also have a philosophy that is focused on growth, self-actualization, and fun, not just winning or peak-bagging, inspire me—like Eliud Kipchoge, Des Linden, Catra Corbett (DirtDiva), Yassine Diboun, Kara Goucher, Mike Wardian … the list goes on!

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. I earned my PhD in Italian in 2008 and spent years teaching Italian, so I have to say Dante’s Divine Comedy is always going to be #1 for me. I actually have a tattoo of a quote from that poem. Plus there’s actually a lot of mountain climbing in the Divine Comedy! 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? So many things! I would enjoy visiting Nepal, South America, and the Alps but closer to home I’d like to do a winter circumnavigation of Crater Lake and a winter rim-to-rim of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. 

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Meet the Mazamas

Jacob moved to Portland in 2016, partially for the outdoor lifestyle after living in North Carolina for 18 years. Jacob now leads and joins Adventurous Young Mazamas activities, including AYM climb nights. When not spending time outside, he likes to read, cook, explore new Portland restaurants and breweries and is learning the bass guitar. By day, he works as a software engineer in the healthcare space.

Name: Jacob Lippincott

Pronouns: He / Him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities: Hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing, kayaking, running

What’s your earliest outdoor memory?   Walking along the Atlantic Ocean in Rhode Island, where I was born.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Through a friend I met in Beaverton, after discovering we had a shared connection for hiking and climbing. He had recently finished the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP), and I joined him on a Mazama hike. I wanted to engage with the organization to meet like-minded people and take advantage of the great educational options the Mazamas has to offer. 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? We are incredibly lucky to have access to all kinds of outdoor activities in Oregon, but take recreation here seriously, especially when dealing with riskier activities such as climbing and mountaineering. It is important to have the skills necessary to venture into the backcountry safely. For me, that meant taking classes through the Mazamas and now assisting with other classes to help pass knowledge along. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I’m inspired by those who choose to lead activities outside, whether those are Mazama climb leaders or those just taking friends out for the weekend. Those who give up personal time to make sure other people get to enjoy nature and pass along their wisdom should be celebrated.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. My favorite outdoor-related account is the YouTube channel HowNot2. They are local, outside of Seattle, and spend time testing and breaking climbing gear to help people gain confidence in their equipment. It makes me feel better to know how strong climbing gear really is, and they present information in an entertaining yet insightful manner. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I’d like to go to the Arctic and see the Northern Lights, and a Narwhal. 

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Meet the Mazamas (Families Mountaineering 101 Edition)

Richard started his journey with the Mazamas in 2016, taking part in our Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) Then he got to thinking how fun it would be to get outdoors and climb with his children. He took Families Mountaineering 101 in 2017 with two of his children, and they’ve all been volunteering for FM101 since. Richard has co-chaired that committee for the past couple of years and is stoked for the FM101 class of 2024-25. Registration for FM101 is open.

Names: Richard Hall (He/Him/They) I have three children, two of whom expressed an interest in climbing. Kaden (He/Him) and Kiran (He/Him) who participated in FM101 in 2017 

How did you hear about FM101, and what prompted you to take the course? After completing the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) in 2016, I asked about opportunities to involve my children. I wanted to be able to climb with them and hoped they too would develop a love for the outdoors. 

How would you describe your family’s outdoor pursuits before taking FM101? We did some camping, hiking and backing. We also enjoyed snowboarding and rafting.

Have things changed since completing it? If yes, describe how?  Yes! Since completing FM101 in 2017, my children and I have assisted with the program; helping to teach the skills learned to other families interested in climbing together. I am proud of the way they have been able to assist others demonstrating patience  as they help others learn basic rock and snow skills.

My personal journey has led me to become one of the volunteer coordinators for the program last year (2023-2024). I am coordinating it again this year with my good friend.

Please share a few course highlights for us. Did you make good friends? Did you conquer a fear of heights? Did you do things you never dreamed were possible? We have become members of an amazing community. We have cultivated lifelong friendships with people we have met in the FM101 program. Most recently, my sons and I climbed Mt. Ellinor in northern Washington. In addition to summiting and enjoying the incredible views along the way, we discovered Cushman Cliffs. My sons worked together to belay me on a challenging 5.8 slab. All three of us fell in love with the area and enjoyed an incredible weekend together creating lasting memories that I will cherish.  

What advice would you give to other families who might be considering FM101 and also those who have already applied? Apply! This is an incredible program. You will learn the basic technical rock and snow skills to participate in some amazing climbs with the Mazamas. More importantly, you and your family members will challenge yourselves and step outside your comfort zones. You will meet some awesome people and create lifelong memories with your children. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? The snow weekend has been one of our family’s favorite weekends. We love spending time at the lodge with people we have met throughout the years as well as new friends we have bonded with during the course. For me it is especially rewarding to watch people overcome fears or challenges and to help instill life lessons and leadership skills that can be learned through mountaineering. 

What’s on your family adventure bucket list? I would love to climb Hood for the first time with my boys. 

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Conoce a las Mazamas

Megan, Arya y Sienna acampaban antes de dejar de usar pañales, y su amor y curiosidad por la vida al aire libre sigue creciendo.

“La Familia MÁS”, como se autodenominan, adora hacer caminatas, irse de mochileros, acampar, escalar en el gimnasio, andar en bicicleta y caminar con raquetas de nieve. Unirse al grupo Mazamas, los ayudó a descubrir la escalada al aire libre, aprender algunas técnicas como el glissading y llevar su aventura a otro nivel.

Nombres: Megan, Arya (10) y Sienna (8) Nace

Pronombres: Ella

¿Cómo se enteró de FM101 y qué la impulsó a tomar el curso?

Megan estaba investigando sobre actividades divertidas para hacer con sus hijas y se topó con el sitio Families Mountaineering 101 (FM101) y le pareció perfecto para ellas. Después de asegurarse que el padre de las niñas estaba de acuerdo, presentó una solicitud y cruzó los dedos.

¿Cómo describirías las actividades al aire libre de tu familia antes de tomar FM101?

Megan había comenzado recientemente a escalar montañas como Adams y Hood. Además, las excursiones con mochila por solo una noche, las raquetas de nieve y la escalada de South Sister formaban parte del repertorio familiar.

¿Han cambiado las cosas desde que lo completaron? Si es así, describe cómo.

Claro que si. Los niños sueñan en grande y están empezando a hacer excursiones con mochila de varias noches. Su confianza en ellos mismos ha aumentado, y ahora también conocen mejor sus habilidades y límites.

Megan ha empezado a practicar barranquismo, sigue entrenando para hacer Mount Rainier y espera aprender a hacer anclajes sencillos para que los niños puedan seguir practicando sus habilidades de escalada fuera del entorno del gimnasio.

Comparte algunos puntos destacados del curso para nosotros. ¿Hiciste buenos amigos? ¿Superaste el miedo a las alturas? ¿Hiciste cosas que nunca soñaste que fueran posibles?

Arya: Nunca imaginé que podía hacer rapel, pero lo hice con la ayuda de Rich. En Horsethief Butte, Xena me mostró un lugar donde podíamos pasar el rato al sol y eso me encantó. ¡También pudimos ver el eclipse con gafas solares!

Sienna: Hice muchos amigos. Tenía mucho miedo a las alturas, pero cuando conocí a los Mazamas, me enseñaron a mantener la calma en las alturas. Superé mi miedo a hacer rapel nuevamente después de haber tenido un incidente en Horsethief Butte. Me gustó conocer a Evelyn porque me ayudó con muchas cosas y nos hicimos muy buenas amigas.

Megan: Comencé el curso asumiendo que estaría exclusivamente apoyando el aprendizaje de mis hijos como madre soltera de dos hijos. Estoy encantada de terminar este programa con niños valientes y con nuestras destrezas, haber mejorado mis propias habilidades y haber creado una nueva comunidad de amigos.

¿Qué consejo le darías a otras familias que podrían estar considerando FM101 y también a aquellas que ya se han postulado?

Sienna: Confía en ti misma.

Arya: Confía en el sistema. Se que será difícil al principio, pero una vez que sigas practicando, se volverá cada vez más fácil.

Megan: ¡Hazlo! Tenía muy poca experiencia fuera de las habilidades en la nieve cuando empecé la clase, y la oportunidad de aprender y vencer los miedos junto con mis hijos ha sido la experiencia más increíble que he tenido como madre hasta ahora.

La oportunidad de que mis hijos me entrenaran y trabajar juntos para superar las cosas difíciles, creó una unión familiar como ninguna otra. No te dejes intimidar si sientes que no tienes suficiente (¡o nada!) de conocimiento o cumbres. Son un grupo acogedor y estamos ansiosos por brindar apoyo.

¿Qué actividades/situaciones/personas te inspiran más?

Sienna: Rich me ayudó a escalar y bajar cuando creía que no podía hacerlo y me inspiró a pensar que puedo hacer cosas difíciles. Quiero seguir escalando cuando sea mayor. Evelyn me enseñó a hacer viajes en línea fija y estaré disponible para ayudar a los estudiantes el año que viene.

Arya: Me inspiró la travesía tirolesa en Horsethief. Fue una actividad divertida y debe haber sido muy difícil organizarla. Lo hice 17 veces. Una situación que me inspiró fue cuando Sienna se volcó al suelo mientras hacía rapel. Agradezco que Jeff haya bajado y la haya ayudado a bajar de forma segura. Aprendí mucho sobre la seguridad y sobre los sistemas y equipos.

Megan: Personas que se arriesgan y aportan su yo auténtico al servicio de los demás o del planeta, con una mente aguda en pos de la equidad. Mi colega, Olga Acuña, se destaca como alguien que humildemente superó muchos desafíos, ha servido a nuestra comunidad de Hillsboro de muchas maneras, tiene un don para conectar a las personas adecuadas y ha abierto oportunidades para innumerables personas.

¿Cuál es tu libro/película/programa de televisión/cuenta de redes sociales favorito que sigues y por qué? Elige uno.

Arya: Me gusta Moana porque va a salir una segunda. Te muestra lo que es posible y es una historia realmente hermosa.

Sienna: Recomiendo Inside Out 2 porque puede muestra sus emociones y es una muy buena historia sobre una niña que crece con sus padres.

¿Qué hay en tu lista de aventuras familiares?
Sienna: Quiero escalar Mount Rainier y Mount Hood algún día.
Arya: Practicar en Rooster Rock y volver a nadar. También quiero escalar Mount St. Helens en verano y en invierno para poder deslizarme.
Megan: He soñado con llevarlos a Mount Thielsen desde el primer día que comenzó FM101. También estamos planeando un viaje a Mailbox Peak y escalar St. Helens este verano.

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Meet the Mazamas (Families Mountaineering 101 Edition)

Registration for Families Mountaineering 101 is OPEN.

Megan, Arya and Sienna were all camping before they graduated from diapers, and their love of and curiosity for the outdoors continues to grow. No one is putting bells on their shoelaces any longer though. “La Familia MÁS,” as they self-style, love hiking, backpacking, camping, gym climbing, biking and snowshoeing. Getting involved with the Mazamas has helped unlock outdoor climbing, family glissading and another level of courage.

Names: Megan, Arya (10), & Sienna (8) Nace

Pronouns: she/hers/ella

How did you hear about FM101, and what prompted you to take the course?

Megan was doing research on fun activities to do with her daughters and stumbled across the Families Mountaineering 101 (FM101) site. It felt like a perfect fit. After securing buy-in from the kids’ dad, she put in an application and crossed her fingers.

How would you describe your family’s outdoor pursuits before taking FM101? 

Megan had recently started climbing mountains like Adams and Hood, while one-night backpacking, snowshoeing and climbing South Sister were part of the family repertoire.

Arya & Sienna on the rock/ice wall at the Mazama Mountaineering Center

Have things changed since completing it? If yes, describe how.

The kids are dreaming bigger and moving into multi-night backpacking trips. Their youthful confidence has grown, yet they are also more knowledgeable about their skills and limits. Megan has picked up canyoneering, continues to train for Mt. Rainier, and hopes to learn to build simple anchors so she can keep the kids practicing their climbing skills outside of a gym environment.

Please share a few course highlights for us. Did you make good friends? Did you conquer a fear of heights? Did you do things you never dreamed were possible?

Arya: I never dreamed that I could rappel, but I did with the help of Rich. At Horsethief Butte, Xena showed me a place we could hang out in the sun, and I loved that. We also got to watch the eclipse with solar glasses!

Sienna: I did have a lot of friends.I was really scared of heights, but when I met the Mazamas, they taught me to be calm around heights. I conquered my fear of rappelling again after I flipped upside down at Horsethief Butte. I liked meeting Evelyn because she helped me with a lot of things, and we became really good friends.

Megan: I went into the course assuming I’d be exclusively supporting my kids’ learning as a single mother of two. I was absolutely delighted to finish with accomplished children, my own skills, and an accepting community of friends.

Arya & Sienna at the Mazama Lodge for FM101 Snow Weekend

What advice would you give to other families who might be considering FM101 and also those who have already applied?

Sienna: Trust in yourself.

Arya: Trust in the system and know that it will be hard at first, but once you keep practicing it will become easier and easier.

Megan: Do it!  I had very little experience outside of snow skills coming into the class, and the opportunity to genuinely learn and conquer fears alongside my kids has been the most incredible parenting experience I’ve had so far. The opportunity for my kids to coach me and to work through hard things together was family bonding like none other. Don’t be intimidated if you feel like you don’t have enough (or any!) knowledge or summits. We’re a welcoming group and eager to support.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? 

Sienna: Rich helped me climb and lower when I believed I couldn’t do it and inspired me that I can do hard things. I want to keep climbing when I’m older. I don’t know how he does it. Evelyn taught me how to do fixed line travel and I’ll be available to help students next year.

Arya: I was inspired by the Tyrolean Traverse at Horsethief. It was a fun activity, and it must have been really hard to set it up. I went 17 times. A situation that inspired me was when Sienna got turned upside down on a rappel. I appreciate that Jeff came down and helped her get down safely. I learned a lot about how safe all of the systems and equipment are.

Megan: People who take chances and bring their authentic selves in service to others or the planet, with a keen mind for equity. My colleague, Olga Acuña, stands out as someone who humbly overcame many challenges, has served our Hillsboro community in a myriad of ways, has a gift for connecting the right people and has opened up opportunities for countless individuals.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one.

Arya: I like Moana because a second one is coming out. It shows you what is possible, and it’s just a really lovely story.

Sienna: I recommend Inside Out 2 because it can show emotions, and it’s a really good story of a girl growing up with her parents.

Megan: A book that really helped me to know better and work to do better was White Fragility. Human beings are nothing if not learners, and this book was huge in helping me grow beyond simply having good intentions. It’s a great read for white people.

What’s on your family adventure bucket list?

Sienna: I want to climb Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood someday.

Arya: Practice at Rooster Rock and swim again. I also want to climb Mt. St. Helens in the summer and the winter so I can glissade.

Megan: I’ve literally dreamed of taking them up Mt. Thielsen since the first day of FM101. We’re planning a trip up Mailbox Peak and to climb St. Helens this summer.

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Meet the Mazamas

Julia is a recent graduate of our Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) who loves to eat fun snacks on big mountains! Her day job is a hydrologist at the USGS Oregon Water Science Center. Ask her about rocks!

Name:  Julia Grabowski

Pronouns:  she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2023

Present-day outdoor activities: rock skipping, hiking, running, climbing, Nordic skiing

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? My parents are very outdoorsy North Carolinians, and I have a lot of great, early outdoor memories. They have a picture holding me on top of Hanging Rock as a 2-week-old-infant. My best memories are from when I got to play with nature — licking icicles like popsicles on Roan Mountain, making “rock music” with my friend by throwing rocks in the water and finding salamanders in creeks with my sister.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I moved to Portland two  years ago and seemed to hear about the Mazamas from everyone. I had been looking for an outdoor community and more knowledge of mountaineering and Mazamas hit!

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Remember that our fun hobby is a hobby, and it’s supposed to be for fun! I get annoyed seeing people taking themselves and their activity too seriously. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I feel really inspired by the intergenerational aspect of the Mazama community. It feels really good for my soul to be always engaged in teaching and learning at the same time, and being surrounded by people of different ages facilitates those interactions. I love learning from my elders, and teaching is also really fulfilling.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one. The “SE Taylor Street Cat News.” Someone posts a monthly page on a street corner in SE Portland describing the recent goings-on with the neighborhood cats. I’m very interested in community organization that isn’t routed through Mark Zuckerburg’s pocket and always looking for inspiration!

What’s on your adventure bucket list? I would love to go canoe/raft camping in the Northwest. That is something I used to do in the Southeast, but the Northwest rivers are more serious, and I have not felt comfortable jumping in without a supportive group with me. 

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Meet the Mazamas

Kellie’s always had a deep connection with nature. It’s sparked a love for adventure, which has led her to beautiful rivers and up and around mountains.

She enjoys fly fishing with her partner on Central Oregon rivers and climbing mountains with the Mazamas. She also has hiked the Timberline Trail, which she’lll be doing again this year, along with the Wonderland Trail, and the Tour Du Mont Blanc at the end of August.

Her passion for mountaineering is growing, and she’s summited Mt. St. Helens, South Sister and Mt. Adams with the Mazamas so far. She says there is nothing like working with an amazing team on a climb, standing on the summit, taking in the views and feeling accomplished. But she also is also drawn to the solitude of a quiet forest, where she can breathe, meditate and enjoy the smells and sounds. Kellie says she is constantly seeking new adventures, challenges and ways to connect with the natural world.

Name:  Kellie Peaslee

Pronouns:  She/Her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2023

Present-day outdoor activities:  Hiking, Mountaineering, Fly Fishing

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Growing up, my mom would take my two sisters and I hiking on our local hiking trails in Corvallis, Ore. We always had a great time. But, to get us to hike a bit further, mom would always say “the waterfall is just around the corner,” and we’d happily continue down the trail. Spoiler: usually there was no waterfall on the hike! 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I discovered the Mazamas in 2022, when I was advancing in my hikes. I wanted to hike longer, hike harder and find even better views. When those lead me to mountains, I realized I’d like to continue this activity for a long time, so I might as well learn more skills and learn how to hike mountains safely. With some simple online searching, I found the Mazamas.I started to get excited about my growth in the adventure world when I discovered all the classes offered and the opportunities the Mazamas provided. Shortly after, I participated in the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP), and it had such a positive impact on my life! I do want to give a shout out to Justin Colquhoun and Joe Preston for leading an amazing BCEP class and teaching us skills to climb safely and efficiently! 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Don’t be afraid to try new things. Find an outdoor community. You’ll make like-minded friends, adventure buddies, learn new ways of doing things you already love and find a supportive community. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I’m inspired by people who are dedicated to overcoming challenges. I love nothing more than learning a lesson nature intended to give me and then going back to accomplish my task. Whether climbing a mountain, running a certain distance, or trying something new for the first time. I’m inspired by those who push themselves out of their comfort zone to discover their limits and enjoy life while doing so.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Into the Wild by John Krakauer. Chris McCandless, whom the book was written about, is truly the inspiration. Not only do I think the book was captivating, but it also reminded me that you can be whoever you want in this world. It reminds me to be comfortable in my own skin and to not feel like I have to live by societal pressures. I can follow my passions. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? My goal since joining the Mazamas is to climb the 16 peaks. I’d love to end up a climb leader, if that’s my intended path. I also plan to adventure to other countries with my significant other to enjoy different cultures and explore the world. 

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Meet the Mazamas

Michele joined the Mazamas a few years ago, looking for adventure after her children finished high school. Initially, she started participating in local hikes and was excited to join Round the Mountain in 2022. Then she took the Basic Climbing Education Program (Team JJ’s Commandos) and Backcountry Alpine Ski Touring courses and continues to advance her climbing skills. She is an active member of the Trail Trips Committee, and recently became the hike leader training assistant. When not out in the wild, she runs a specialized private practice serving students with dyslexia and is a passionate literacy advocate.

Name:  Michele Scherer Barnett

Pronouns:  she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2022

Present-day outdoor activities:  Hiking and skiing – downhill, Nordic, and backcountry

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? I grew up in the Bay Area, and I remember going to Stinson Beach and being cold and wrapped up in a blanket, and having a lot of sand in my peanut butter sandwich because it was so windy. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I was prompted to engage with Mazamas partly because my kids were finishing high school, and I started carving out some time for my own adventures. I joined the Oregon Nordic Club and started backcountry Nordic skiing, and many ONC members talked about their Mazamas experiences. So when I wanted to start doing longer hikes in new areas, I thought I would check out Mazamas. I tried a day hike and had a great day, so I kept coming back for more. I never dreamed that would lead me back to things like rock climbing again because I had thought those days were over for me, but instead one thing just keeps leading to the next.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Learn to use at least one good GPS app on your phone and practice with it. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? All of the volunteer leaders and assistants in the Mazamas programs inspire me. It’s amazing how many people are actively spending their time doing this, how dedicated they are, and they are genuinely encouraging people.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? Pick one.  The book called, “A Fortunate Life,” by Albert Facey, an autobiography. I like memoirs and real stories better than fiction. I love his natural storytelling ability, self awareness, survival and gratitude for his wife and family. What’s on your adventure bucket list? Hiking and skiing in the Alps, Nordic skiing in Norway, Alpine Touring in Canada.