memberhighlight I remember saying repeatedly, "This is what Heaven must look like!" Climbing up Aasgard Pass was long and hard! I was really thankful for the knowledge and training I had learned in my Alpine Scrambling Course. Looking back at Colchuck Lake made that arduous climb bearable. Who/what inspires you? My first hike was on Mother’s Day in 2018. I had on sneakers and my daughter's old backpack with my raincoat, a water bottle, and snacks. The hike leader, Rosemary Sutton, started chatting with me about hiking gear and the essentials I needed to have in my pack. I knew zilch about hiking safely and was a little flabbergasted at what was required. I didn't show up with The 10 Essentials on the next trip either, but over time, I gradually acquired most of the essentials. In fact, I didn't purchase a headlamp and compass until I joined The Mountaineers. Rosemary is my inspiration. When I grow up, I want to be just like her! She is in her 70s and leads an easy hike almost every Sunday, encouraging and supporting a small group of women with her words of wisdom. I'm grateful every day that I met her at Lord Hills Park for my first hike. We hike together to this day, and I'm still learning from her.
Name Andrea Shadrach Hometown Freeman's Village, Antigua & Barbuda Member Since February 2020 Occupation School and clinical psychologist Favorite Activities Hiking is Mother Nature's therapy for me. I need to get out on the trails at least once a week, and I'm definitely hiking two or more times a week if the weather is favorable and I have a hiking buddy.
As a donor and volunteer-supported organization, The Mountaineers is based on community support. How have you paid it forward, or how have you benefited from someone else paying it forward? I'm a beneficiary of Mountaineers scholarships, with which I was able to apply to WFA and scrambling. I'm now paying it forward. I've instructed with Wilderness Navigation and will be an Assistant Instructor for the upcoming Staying Found Course. I recently earned my Hike Leader badge and will be co-leading CHS hikes. I've also agreed to instruct with Map & Compass and will be pursuing my Backpacking Leader badge this spring. What does adventure mean to you?
How did you get involved with The Mountaineers? I first heard about The Mountaineers through a meetup group, Women's Hiking Connections 40 & Up. I later went for a hike with Julie Cauthorn, who was also a Mountaineers member. I was impressed with her speed, which she credited to the Conditioning Hiking Series (CHS). I was determined to join The Mountaineers so that I could also improve my hiking pace with this CHS group.
Lightning round
What motivates you to get outside with us?
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
I'm forever a student at heart, so the myriad of opportunities to learn from outdoor enthusiasts who are passionate about their sport is very appealing to me. I have been able to indulge my passion for learning and personal growth in a variety of courses, including taking every single navigation course offered by The Mountaineers. I’ve also stayed involved as an instructor and leader because navigation is a skill you have to keep using.
Smile or game face? Smile
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory? My Enchantments thru-hike will always be a favorite memory.
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I'm not particularly adventurous, because I'm innately riskaverse. Being on a new trail or a new mountain is always an adventure for me. But I'll take a deep breath and try almost anything once. Although I’m terrified of heights, I’ve climbed mountains with an ice axe!
mountaineer | spring 2022
What's your 11th Essential? An audio book or podcast What’s your happy place? Being near water - the ocean, a river, a lake, or a waterfall Post-adventure meal of choice? Protein! I'm always craving a salad topped with chicken or fish after a long hike If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Hiking
