Leaves are Changing, Heat is Fading

What a great two weeks that have just flown by! I have now been at school for a month and it continues to amaze me how seamlessly the transition from summer to school is. And what's not to be excited about? I live in a wonderful house- the Outing Club- filled with individuals who are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Luckily, the fall weather provides the perfect playground for us Outing Clubbers to get outside and lead trips.
In the past two weeks alone we've put out a wide breath of trips: hikes to the Adirondacks to climb the famous 46ers, mountain biking the trails of Donnerville State Park, road biking the streets of Canton, Potsdam, and South Colton, canoeing the Raquette, Cranberry, and Saranac Lakes, rock climbing in the Adirondacks and bouldering on the Saranac bluffs, and camping here, there, and everywhere.

Last weekend I participated in the famous Adirondack 90 mile canoe race- the "90-miler." The race begins in Old Forge and over three days and 90 miles later, the paddlers finally finish in Saranac Lake. Over 250 boats compete in the race- single canoes, kayaks, two, three and four person canoes, and the famous 'war boats' which consist of 6-7 paddlers per boat. An amazing mixture of people compete- some avid competitors and other just content to make it to the finish line. Grizzly and weathered local Adirondackers dominate the race; intermingled with the occasional out of stater. It is one of the most amazing events I've ever been a part of and is one of the best ways to truly experience the beauty of the Adirondacks.

Living at St. Lawrence University provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy and explore the North Country and the Adirondacks. It is home to some of the oldest mountains, pristine lakes, and people with more character and spirit than most places I've been. It is a sin to spend four years here and never experience this area to its fullest. Thankfully, the Outing Club and Outdoor Program constantly provide opportunities to get out there! and get after it. Never stop exploring! Till next time...