Boot-n-Paddle!
Yo, yo! Welcome back to the Outing Club’s column, Boot-n-Paddle. While many other weeks’ blurbs will be about reliving a trip, for example, this week I thought I’d share some important dates for a few of our upcoming events. First, however, I want to share some OC history.
Established in 1932, the Outing Club—located at 58 Park St.—is St. Lawrence’s oldest theme house. It’s also the second oldest Outing Club in the country—pretty sick! I imagine the first iteration of the House was pretty similar to how it stands today: 20 or so like-minded students who enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer—including hikin’, bikin’, fishin’, raftin’, and sunshine loungin’. Often, you can find a member or two on the side lawn (across from 62 Park and the I House) or on the front porch. If you do, drop by! Say what up!
One classic OC fall tradition is Peak Weekend, the dopest weekend of the season for those looking to enjoy some fun foliage frolickin’ in the Adirondack Mountains. Every fall since 1982, the goal has been to have student-led groups summit each of the Adirondack 46 throughout the course of one weekend. The ADK 46 are the 46 mountains with an elevation of 4000 ft or more (except those pesky few at the bottom of the list included due to measuring errors—Couchsachraga, I’m looking at you!). Dedicated hikers from all over challenge themselves to complete these 46 peaks, clambering over fallen trees and bog bridges to identify as a “46-er,” which is quite an accomplishment. Peak Weekend is a great opportunity to further—or begin—your peakbaggin’ adventures through the awesome ADKs!
This year, Peak Weekend will take place Friday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 12, so make sure to clear your calendar and get stoked! This is a great challenge-by-choice opportunity. With mileages ranging from ‘not-so-bad’ to ‘feels-like-this-will-never-end,’ students can pick their poison! More information will be coming soon, just you wait.
Even sooner than Peak Weekend, though, is the First-Year Barbeque! Are you (or is someone you know) a first-year student or transfer who wants to come hang on the side lawn and get to know the house members and club values? You lucky, lucky duck. The house will be hosting a barbeque this Thursday, September 11, from 5-7 p.m. Grab some food, chat, maybe shoot some hoop or hacky some sack, you know…. This is a wonderful way to get to know some of the pretty dope people who will be leading your trips this semester! We also would love to meet YOU, you pretty dope person (and coming from someone who was nervous to meet the house, it’s totally okay! I’ll be right there with ya on the side lawn).
Catch us at the Club Fair on Friday, September 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the Student Center to join our ListServ and learn about more upcoming trips. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Hit us up any way you know how!
Till next time,
Your Phriendly Neighborhood Outing Club