|
Volume CXXXII, Number 1 |
 |
A running start
CECILY UPTON
COLUMNIST
It is just the beginning of the semester, but the Bowdoin Outing Club is already rockin' and rollin.' After a crazy Pre-O, filled with hiking, biking,
 |
| (Karsten Moran, Bowdoin Orient) |
paddling, and camping, we sent out our first regular trips last weekend. On Saturday, the BOC sent trips hiking to Emerald Pool as well as a service trip which built and repaired mountain bike trails at local Bradbury Mountain State Park. Two paddling trips also ventured forth on Saturday, one being the Casco Bay Sea Kayak trip, which made an epic journey of 14 miles down the New Meadows River to Merritt Island, a satellite property of the BOC. The Whitewater crew paddled on the legendary big water of the Kennebec River, where an anonymous Big Mama dumped her raft twice in hopes of recruiting new members for the Bowdoin Swim Team. Our Sunday Canoe trip also headed to the Kennebec, but the flatter, more tidal sections. The weather was beautiful, but victimized some of the tripees, who neglected to apply as much sunscreen as was needed. Our Fisherpersons, who also went out last Sunday, tried their luck on the Fairfield River. While they didn't catch as many fish as they had hoped, they still had a fantastic time.
The trips for this upcoming weekend promise to be just as spectacular, with two overnights and two day trips. We are sending a group up to Baxter State Park in hopes of climbing Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine. They hope to summit on Saturday, so wish them luck! Our Flatwater Canoe club is also sending out an overnight to scenic Lake Umbagog. On Saturday, the Whitewater crew will be heading up to the Dead River, where we hope the big water won't scar too many egos. On Sunday, the Rock Climbers will scale their way to the top of many faces in the Pawtuckaway region. While it is too late to sign-up for these trips, be thinking about next weekend (Sat. 9/21-Sun. 9/22). Our only overnight next weekend will be a Service and Ecology trip repairing trails in the northern part of Baxter State Park-a beautiful area, and a great way to give back to the outdoor community. If you have been dying to see Maine from the ocean, and not the other way around, come Sea Kayaking next Saturday with yours truly. Hopefully we will have great weather and see some amazing wildlife, like Osprey and Harbor Seals. On Sunday, we have another Flatwater Canoe trip scheduled with a mystery destination. Sign-up sheets will be posted Monday morning in the Outdoor Leadership Center, our brand-new building!! Come over to hang out and see our fireplace, equipment room and map room. The OLC is open from 9-5 every weekday but Tuesday, and Sunday-Thursday nights from 7-11. Remember, you must be a member, accomplished by paying $35 yearly dues, to go on trips, but the OLC is open to all students, staff, and faculty!