Autumn?the most beautiful and pleasant of the seasons in my opinion?is about to emerge in the state of Maine. Not only does this season bring us all back to school, but it also provides ample opportunity to get outside.
Crisp mornings lead into clear, warm days, and what better place to be than the mountains, on the lakes and rivers, or on the coast. It is the beginning of the semester; there is no reason yet to hole up in the library. Get out and enjoy the natural beauty around us.
This past weekend there was a plethora of adventures that left from the Outing Club. The weather was beautiful both days as trips went to various areas of the state. Two groups of leaders ventured out on Saturday: one to the Kennebec River for raft guide training and another to the area around Bethel Point to practice its sea kayaking skills.
These leaders worked on basic skills and also practiced their rescue techniques. The newly-trained raft guides moved to the Dead River on Sunday and successfully led six rafts of students through the whitewater. Despite the river's ominous name, no fatalities were reported from the group.
There were also two day-hikes, one to the great Mount. Tumbledown, a canoe trip to the Androscoggin, and a Casco Bay sea kayaking trip.
Don't worry if you missed these trips?there are certainly more to come. Fall is filled with opportunities to paddle, hike, and participate in various other Outing Club activities. Stop by the Outdoor Leadership Center at any time to pick up a schedule. Mark your calendars for two events coming up later this month.
On Monday, September 20, Dr. Schoene, father of BOC co-president Peter Schoene '05, will be discussing how he has melded his love of the outdoors with his medical profession. He will discuss the effects of high altitude on the human body.
The following Monday, Backpacker Magazine will be visiting campus with various activities and displays on the Quad throughout the day. That evening all students and community members are invited to presentations at the OLC. If you need more incentive to come, know that when they were here two years ago, socks were given out as door prizes.
Although it may be too late to sign up for this weekend's trips, keep in mind opportunities for next weekend.
There will be a rafting trip on Saturday in addition to the Common Good Day activities. Sunday brings a day hike, a sea kayak trip, and a canoe trip. Seize the day, the good weather, and the clearness of mind that fresh air may bring you.