Gem Chalmers
Bio: I have zero experience in hiking prior to joining the 52 Peak Club. I didn't even like the outdoors except waterfalls but I fell in love with scrambling once I joined the club.
Why did you joined: I was bored after I retired from the military during the pandemic then I saw the striking photo of White Pinnacle. It was love at first sight for me and I saw excellence written all over it so I just have to climb it...ha ha ha. I also wanted to challenge myself with something unique and somewhat fun at the same time.
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Feb. 08, 2022
Toughest Peak: Bridge Vista
Favorite Hike: Each peak posses a beauty of its own, but my top six are White Pinnacle, Ice Box, Mescalito via Direct Route, Graffiti Traverse, Holiday and Oak Peak.
How did you feel once you became a 53er: It is one of the best feelings when I met my goal that I've been working for a long time. This was not an easy task for me. I felt accomplished and proud of myself. It was a rewarding experience!
Advice for new hikers:
Everyone is different. Welcome feedbacks but never let anyone recruit you to believe in something you have not experienced/witnessed yourself. Find out what you are able to tolerate because the only person who knows your limits is YOU. Hike with different leaders. It is the only way to find out what your limits are. Besides, you will learn different styles of leadership in hiking.
Respect & appreciate leaders. They are donating their valuable time so you can enjoy your love of hiking, achieve your goal and become a 53er.
When you signed up to become a member of the 52 Peak Club, you accepted to challenge yourself physically and mentally. There will be times that you will question yourself but in the end you will be so glad you pushed through.
Set yourself a goal and stay on track. Keep pushing, enjoy it and all the friends you meet along the way that helps you appreciate the journey. Most importantly, celebrate your greatness and be proud on what you have accomplished!
Why did you joined: I was bored after I retired from the military during the pandemic then I saw the striking photo of White Pinnacle. It was love at first sight for me and I saw excellence written all over it so I just have to climb it...ha ha ha. I also wanted to challenge myself with something unique and somewhat fun at the same time.
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Feb. 08, 2022
Toughest Peak: Bridge Vista
Favorite Hike: Each peak posses a beauty of its own, but my top six are White Pinnacle, Ice Box, Mescalito via Direct Route, Graffiti Traverse, Holiday and Oak Peak.
How did you feel once you became a 53er: It is one of the best feelings when I met my goal that I've been working for a long time. This was not an easy task for me. I felt accomplished and proud of myself. It was a rewarding experience!
Advice for new hikers:
Everyone is different. Welcome feedbacks but never let anyone recruit you to believe in something you have not experienced/witnessed yourself. Find out what you are able to tolerate because the only person who knows your limits is YOU. Hike with different leaders. It is the only way to find out what your limits are. Besides, you will learn different styles of leadership in hiking.
Respect & appreciate leaders. They are donating their valuable time so you can enjoy your love of hiking, achieve your goal and become a 53er.
When you signed up to become a member of the 52 Peak Club, you accepted to challenge yourself physically and mentally. There will be times that you will question yourself but in the end you will be so glad you pushed through.
Set yourself a goal and stay on track. Keep pushing, enjoy it and all the friends you meet along the way that helps you appreciate the journey. Most importantly, celebrate your greatness and be proud on what you have accomplished!