Member Spotlight: Aug 2016
Dan Lofgren
Member since 2014
How did you start climbing?
Dan: I met a guy at Backpacker Supply in 1994 who happened to be an instructor for The Mountaineers. He and I struck up a friendship and he taught me the essentials of both rock climbing and mountaineering. I’m forever grateful.
Why do you climb at Edgeworks?
Dan: The atmosphere at Edgeworks is so incredibly positive! The staff and my fellow climbers are all focused on the safety and success of each climber. I consider every climber at Edgeworks to be my friend; I just haven’t met some of them yet!
Where is your favorite place to climb outside?
Dan: I like the nature of the rock at Exit 38 and the zillion routes at Smith Rock. However, my favorite climb of all time is Outer Space at Leavenworth.
What do you do when you’re not climbing?
Dan: Being recently retired, I’m coming to grips with a new reality – trying to handle my new freedom and schedule my priorities. I have more time now to finish a couple major landscaping changes, help my kids with their own home projects, spend time with my eleven grandkids and serve in my church. I think I’m going to like this!
What are some interesting facts you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?
Dan: I’m very involved with a new mission hospital in Togo, West Africa. The need is incredible – there are only 4 doctors for every 100,000 people! My doctor-daughter and her teammates share God’s love and compassion with multitudes of people who would never otherwise receive medical care. I want to help them as much as possible.
Which do you prefer: top rope, lead, or bouldering?
Dan: My creaky joints prevent me from bouldering and a fear of injury makes me shy away from leading – at my age it takes so much longer to heal, and I don’t want to miss climbing. As a result I thoroughly enjoy top roping.
What’s your go-to route grade?
Dan: 5.9 to 5.10 It depends on who rates it. I most enjoy a route that is at my limit all the way up. The exhilaration mounts after each successful move and finally explodes at the top! That’s what rock climbing is all about. I love it!
