“As I @seattlebred got more interested in hiking and backpacking, I knew I wanted to climb some of the mountains I was sleeping below, but I had no idea where to start. Luckily, I am part of a local outdoor women’s group where I met Teresa Hagerty of Cascade Mountain Adventures @cascademountainadventures. Every year she kindly mentors a few women in basic mountaineering. My close friend Sarina Clark and I were lucky enough to be part of the group last year. • When I was younger, I was a bit suspicious of other women. Blame it on a strained relationship with my mom, or Mean Girls-esque high school drama, or any other excuse, but the fact remains—I wasn’t a good friend to other women. Entrusting my mountaineering learning experience entirely to other women was a full circle moment for me. In fact, for our graduation climb on Mount Baker, we had two rope teams led by and comprised of women. I never imagined this as my future when I was younger. • As far as mountaineering goes, I am excited to keep growing and pushing myself within the sport. I have many goals and I am hoping to complete a few in 2020—including summiting Mount Rainier if everything goes as planned!” • • • We Are Women Owning Our Wild We Are #GoGalavanting