Today I’m talking to Laurie Watt, the Women’s Program Coordinator for Mooney Mountain Guides in Concord, NH.
Laurie is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Apprentice Alpine Guide, a Wilderness First Responder, and an accomplished hiker and climber. And guess what, she didn’t get serious about doing any of this until about six years ago. When she was in her LATE 40s - yes, you read that right.
I wish I could say I was the first person to be sharing Laurie’s inspiring story, but NH Women Magazine beat me to it last week when they published a great profile of Laurie and another accomplished woman climber, North Conway-based Alexa Siegel. I’ve linked to the article in the show notes for this episode over on GuidesGoneWild.com, since I know you’ll want to learn more about both Laurie and Alexa after today.
This conversation left me stoked, and honestly, a little introspective - I’ve really been trying to call myself out on some excuses I’ve been making lately to take it slower or back off certain things just because of my age. It’s time to throw on 'The Bachelorette' and throw down a yoga mat for some stretches, apparently!
You'll want to follow Laurie everywhere online for her amazing ice shots alone, she’s @Laurie_WattClimbs on IG and Laurie Shaver Watt on Facebook. You can also reach out directly to Laurie through her profile on the Mooney Mountain Guides website.