Reader Feedback

In The Speed of Love, Megan Bond described the love that she and Fred Beckey shared during the final years of his life. Readers were touched, and their appreciation for the “most famous mountaineer and explorer most people have never heard of” poured out:

“So incredible! Looking forward to the book!” -Joy Featherstone, 1-year member

“King of the dirt bags!” -Stephen Boruch, Mountaineer reader

“He is still an inspiration to me... living for the mountains!” -Alex Jankoski, Mountaineer reader

“I had the pleasure of meeting Fred Becky on Irene's Arête in the Tetons. He definitely was a character!” -Jim Palo, Mountaineer reader

“Beautiful tribute - thanks so much for sharing.” -Nick Mayo, 18-year member

In Not Another Day at the Dog Park, Alison Dempsey-Hall told the harrowing story of a cougar attacking her dog, Blue, on a popular central Cascades hike. Our community responded in support of Alison and Blue:

“Thanks for sharing this story and especially for reminding us what to do should we find ourselves in a similar situation.” -Brittany Zablo, Mountaineer reader

“Alison, thank you for the article. Glad you're safe and Blue is fully recovered.” -Harumi Williams, 9-year member

“Thank you for sharing such a scary experience. Hopefully it helps save pups in the future. So glad yours is okay!” -Kristy Jayne Long, Mountaineer reader In Why We Need a Bold Investment in the Forest Service, we shared that The Forest Service and other land management agencies have been starved for funding for decades, and made a plea for an investment in our public lands. Our community responded in kind:

“The Forest Service is literally a shadow of its former self, and the pandemic made it worse (if that’s possible).” -Kurt Helling, blog reader

“Yes! This is essential” -Mara Owens, blog reader

“Yes!” -Dawn Erickson, blog reader

For this year’s April Fools’ joke, Foothills branch leader and Super Volunteer Gabrielle Orsi created a fake “Wilderness Pooping Course” for the LNT-challenged among us. Many in the outdoor community laughed, commiserated, and encouraged us to make the “course” a permanent offering:

“I really wish this wasn't an April Fools ‘joke. 'Cause somma y'all nasty.” -Adam Wilson, blog reader

“I mean.... most jokes come from a place of truth. Think this might be totally necessary!” -Kendra Crismier Daoang, blog reader

“Anything for a badge!” -Steven Payne, 15-year member

In our February 2021 CEO Update: State of the Organization Recap, CEO Tom Vogl shared COVID-19’s impacts on The Mountaineers and the changes that have been made in response. Members voiced their support for our organization, and shared how we helped them navigate this uncertain year as well:

“Thank you for keeping your programs going during a difficult time. The programs have really helped myself and my friends not only get through a challenging time, but also enjoy and learn more about getting outside safely.” -Jan Fitzpatrick, 4-year member

“Tom, your steadfast leadership of The Mountaineers throughout this challenging stretch instills confidence in me as a donor and deep gratitude in me as a member. THANK YOU!” -Anita Wilkins, 15-year member

“Thank you for moving many courses onto Zoom. I have attended more courses than usual since it's so convenient (no driving). It's a good way to learn and I hope you'll continue that as an option for future courses when possible. It's great when the courses are recorded and the recording is made available to view later.” -Mark Olsoe, 30-year member