Member Spotlight: Nov 2015
Amy and Eric Leonard
Members since 2014 and 2015
Amy and Eric are relatively new members who jumped right in to the full climbing experience that Edgeworks has to offer. From maximizing the use of their monthly guest passes – always bringing in new family and friends, to participating in our monthly member clinics, climbing school courses, private lessons, and guiding services. They are an adventurous duo and we’re happy to be able to share a bit more about them!
How did you start climbing?
Eric: I started climbing when my friend Alex took me to Exit 38 eight years ago. After several climbs, he had me leading, but I didn’t quite know what I was doing. Now I think I do.
Amy: After Eric started climbing, we went as a family to Exit 38 and Vantage. I was the “mom” at the crag, taking care of the kids and possibly trying one route myself. I knew I enjoyed climbing and wanted that to change. At a book club in January, we decided to each try something new and report on it instead of reading a book. I chose climbing and immediately got hooked.
Why do you climb at Edgeworks?
It’s great to be able to climb anytime we only have an hour or two to spare in the middle of our busy lives. We’ve also enjoyed taking classes, learning sport lead; knots, anchors, and rappelling; and private instruction. Edgeworks has a great community feel. Mostly, though, we climb here because it’s fun!
Where is your favorite place to climb outside?
Eric: Sunshine Wall at Frenchman Coulee.
Amy: I have enjoyed every place I’ve climbed outside. I especially enjoy anything that’s part of a bigger climb, even if it’s easy, like the Haystack scramble at Mount Si, the rock portions of Mt. Olympus, and The Brothers. We’ve also hiked the Wonderland Trail and climbed Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. I hope to do more technical climbs in the future with skills I have gained at Edgeworks and also want to begin trad climbing.
What do you do when you’re not climbing?
Eric: Keeping the world secure while working at Microsoft.
Amy: The bulk of my time is spent mothering and home schooling our six children. I’m Chair of the Washington Homeschool Organization, which supports independent home schooling in our state. For fun, I run, read, hike, cook, backpack, play the piano, and practice yoga. I’m also a live-theatre junkie. There’s a connection between the actors and audience that can never be achieved onscreen.
What are some interesting facts you’d like to share with the Edgeworks community?
Amy: Very few people get enough sleep, which has been linked to both obesity and a shorter life. Adults get just as grumpy from lack of sleep as kids do. So I have mastered the 20-minute nap and consider it the secret to being a good parent.
