It all started on a breezy day in July 2008. Craig was making his first attempt at Mount Rainier and was off to a shaky start. Literally. He was hopping all over the parking lot on one foot trying to get his boots on when his climbing partner, Ian, remarked that he looked like a flamingo. At the summit, the winds were so strong Craig was able to stand on one leg at a near 45 degree angle against the wind. Thus, the elegant creature that is Craig Weiland became otherwise known as Mountain Flamingo.

July 6, 2008, Photo: Ian Derrington

Side note: Did you know there are actual mountain flamingos in Patagonia and elsewhere?