Welcome back from whatever sunny destination you spent Spring Break in and into the last two months of the school year here at Bowdoin. The BOC spring break trips were all a huge success-the skiers on the telemark ski trip skied perfect corn snow in 50-degree weather in the Sierras, the two canyonlands trips hiked through God's country under cloudless skies, and Jeff Cook and I greatly enjoyed the performances of the musical Cats that we saw in New York.
However, that's in the past, and now it's time to start looking forward to a beautiful spring spent outdoors with the BOC. Now that the snow has finally melted, the rivers are flowing and the ocean has warmed up to a balmy 34 degrees, the BOC schedule is crammed with paddling, sea kayaking, rafting and hiking trips, as well as classes, speakers, and whole-wheat organic fun.
Tomorrow, some intrepid paddlers are taking on the St. George Canoe Race, which is a tandem canoe race on the St. George River that the BOC participated in last year. This seven-mile race has sections of flatwater interspersed with snowmelt whitewater, and is always an exciting time. Last year, those of us who went were told that people who competed in the race often wore costumes. Not being one to turn down an opportunity to wear goofy clothes, I found myself halfway through the race, dumping the water out of my boat onto a piece of floating ice wearing nothing but a spandex bodysuit and sandals. Besides the BOC people, no one else wore costumes (unless they all had decided that a good costume idea would be to dress up as paddlers in cold weather.)
However, that's neither here nor there. This coming weekend we have a bunch of great trips going out. On Saturday, there is going to be a canoe trip and a day hike. The weather forecast is looking good, so get on these trips while you still can. Spring is one of the best times for being outside-if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.
Next Easter Sunday, there will be a short hike up Morse Mountain to watch the sun rise. All of these trips are going to be really awesome, so don't forget to come by the OLC on Monday and sign up! You can also pick up the BOC calendars for the rest of the year or find the schedule online on the Outing Club webpage.
Also coming up this spring are a ton of great canoeing and hiking trips, as well as Wednesday afternoon sea kayaking, which should start up in two weeks.
Lastly, don't forget about the BOC slideshow, which is being put together once again by the indomitable Peter Schoene. Here's the deal: get the film from your Spring Break adventures developed into slide film and put it into his S.U. box-#806-or make your pictures digital and send them to the man at pschoene. Then show up at the slideshow on Monday, April 12 and see yourself and your friends projected on the big screen living the life. Elections for next year will also be on April 12, so stay tuned for more info about the BOC Election Trail 2004.
That's about it-spring is in the air, so get your work done and come out and play!