The Tacoma Mountaineers Singles page on meetup.com is not your typical social networking site, nor is it a virtual dating hookup. Rather, the site is dedicated to connecting single people who love the outdoors with each other, and further helps them organize to meet face-to-face and spend time with like-minded individuals: folks who share the same passion for hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing, kayaking, skiing, and more.

"If you're looking for something to do and don't know where to go or what to do, it's an instant way to meet people and see the Northwest. It's the best way to go from doing nothing to something in an evening," said Karen Turner, the group's creator and lead organizer, and the Social Division Chair of Singles Meetup at the Tacoma Mountaineers. "It's all about going outdoors and having fun, a way to meet other singles and just do stuff."

Singles Meetup also arranges outings to outdoor plays, comedy shows, wine tasting, dancing, and house parties. Trips include stays in places like Orcas Island and year-round excursions to lodges owned by the Mountaineers, which is the sole sponsor of Singles.

A private and secure place to meet other single people, the purpose of the group also acts as a social filter because the expectations and reasons for meeting are clear. "There are no presumptions or ulterior reasons for becoming a member," said Karen. The only prerequisite is a great love for the outdoors. "However, the great thing is, if you do meet that special someone, you already have similar hobbies. I've been to seven weddings since our inception six years ago."

With 381 members, Singles is the "social side" of Mountaineers, which offers certified classes on outdoor safety, First Aid, CPR, and new member's night every third Friday at their branch on North 30th, Tacoma-also the Singles meeting night and location. Membership is free if you're a cardholder of the Mountaineers, else its $5 annually.

"We recently spent four days in Whistler zip-lining, white water rafting, and kayaking. It was such a blast," Karen chuckled, continuing, "The trip's fee included meals which I cooked, and we even had certified guides from Mountaineers."

The all-volunteer staff of Singles plans events for beginning to intermediate-level enthusiasts, often hosting an average of 10-12 monthly events year-round. The website posts past meet-up photos, member profiles, upcoming events with meeting-specific locations, and offers membership discounts. Newcomers may sign-up for activities immediately, synchronize with Facebook and invite friends to join, or see which contacts are already members. Email notification of activities and posts, and updates on twitter are optional.

Please see http://www.meetup.com/Tacoma-Mountaineer-Singles/ for details and to join, also check www.mountaineers.org or call (206) 521-6000 for Mountaineers. After all, with this club "singles" is a lifestyle and not a relationship status. So, as the Mountaineers say, "See ya on the trail!"

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