Column - Breaking into Boone: As winter weather fails to appear, take time to get outside

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Created on Tuesday, 06 March 2012 18:51

Last year, when I decided to transfer to Appalachian, I was relentlessly teased about the notoriously cold winters. Everyone asked if I was ready for the cold and if I had bought enough winter clothes. I even sunk money on a pair of nice snow boots, which have never left their box.

I know this winter is abnormal for Boone and I'm certainly not complaining. I'll be the first to admit that I only enjoy winter for one reason: the ski slopes.

Sporadic and warm weather has harmed the slopes a lot this year. However, checking the websites for weather and closings is a great way to determine when the best days to grab your board or skis are.

I've spent several evenings skiing this year and it's been one of the greatest things about spending the winter in the mountains. Appalachian, Sugar and Beech Ski Mountains are all easily accessible from Boone.

Snow skiing or boarding at one of the mountains is a great way to release stress and get in physical activity after a sedentary day of class. Not many schools in America can offer their students access to mountains of snow in such close proximity.

Warmer weather already seems upon us, despite the snow this weekend, so I highly recommend grabbing your coats and gloves before the Melt Down Games. Despite hindering good snows, the warmer weather has been a blessing for the rest of outdoors activities.

Appalachian is nestled in one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina. On the warmer days, I have taken to the Blue Ridge Parkway to hammock in Julian Price Park and see the views at Rough Ridge. Rough Ridge is one of those places that instantly make your problems seem insignificant.

Did you ever play the game where the ground was lava, forcing you to leap through the room on pillows and chairs? Well, a friend and I discovered that you can play the game on the hike to Rough Ridge. The rocks and roots are spaced just enough to raise heart rates and make the game interesting.

If hiking isn't your thing, look into taking a picnic to Julian Price Park. There are several benches, grills, and a really pretty creek to walk around in. Even the drive on the parkway is nice for an afternoon getaway. You can pull off onto one of the outlooks to take pictures or read. The drive over the viaduct is also really pretty.

For other outdoor activities throughout the semester check out the Appalachian Outdoor Programs calendar at op.appstate.eu.

Brianna Linden, a sophomore public relations major from Hickory, writes about breaking out of her first-semester rut and learning to explore.