Explorer Spotlight: Angela Service

Name: Angela Service | Age: 40 | Location: Vancouver, WA

Now, let’s get into it!

What’s your day job?
Owner/operator of a small screen printing business

What are your favorite things to do outside?
Hiking, camping, star gazing, beach exploring

What first drew you to the outdoors?
My parents divorced when I was 9 years old and we moved out to the country. There was an old growth forest across the street from my new house and I would spend hours alone, leaving the "real" world behind. I would get lost in the big fallen trees, covered in thick moss, and nestle up against the base of the trunk, breathe in the smells of the forest and enjoy the peace. Other times, I would catch frogs, climb trees, and rule the land in my hollowed out tree stump "castle".

What’s your favorite hometown adventure? ...and, almost as important, where’s your favorite spot to get a beer after?
I definitely have the best of both worlds, living in Washington, but being so close to Oregon. The Columbia River Gorge is less than a 30 minute drive from my house and full of all kinds of adventures, my favorite being waterfalls. My favorite spot to get a good after adventure meal is Andrew's Pizza in Stevenson, WA. We'll even cross the Bridge of the Gods if we're in Oregon for a slice!

What’s your essential gear that never gets left at home?
My tripod

What’s your favorite trail snack?
Sour Patch Kids

Any go-to soundtracks when you’re hitting the road?
Five For Fighting, Nirvana, Queen, Maroon 5

What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened while you were adventuring? And/or, the funniest?
I was hiking alone in the rain, still a couple of miles from the trail head, when I crossed paths with a man carrying an axe. I said 'hello' politely, then as I passed him, the fear sank in and I just started running, looking over my shoulder every few seconds to make sure he wasn't behind me. I didn't stop until I was safely in my car. It kind of ruined solo hiking for me, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Who’s your number one adventure partner-in-crime? Who inspires you?
My favorite adventure buddy is my husband, Anson. He's a very busy guy, but dedicates at least one day a week for me and our adventures. He's down for anything I choose and enjoys every minute of it.

What are your top destinations for adventure travel?
I would love to visit Iceland, Banff, Yellowstone, Zion, and Yosemite to name a few.

What’s on the top of your must-do adventure list right now?
Hiking around Mt. Rainier.

Show us your most memorable photo, and tell us about it!
During a really cold snap one winter, I found myself in the gorge visiting waterfalls that had frozen over, but sharing the experience with so many others and getting the same photos as everyone else. I decided then, if given those conditions again, that I would go to one of my favorite waterfalls and experience it in a unique way. Fortunately, we went through a cold snap the very next winter. I closely watched the weather all week at this particular location, until finally, I felt the conditions were right. The drive was slow and difficult with scattered snow flurries that intensified the further east we drove. Once there and out of the car, the cold wind whipped our exposed faces and the snow began falling harder as we made our way down the steep canyon towards the river. Once we got into the tree cover, the winds stopped, and we caught the first glimpse of the river. It felt like time stood still. The combination of the freshly fallen snow, against the aqua blue water was a miraculous sight. As an added bonus, we got to watch a group of kayakers run the falls. It was an unforgettable experience and even better than I had envisioned.

And last but not least…What’s your personal motto?
If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done.

Check out all of Angela's amazing adventures on her Outbound Profile.