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Getaways are about state of mind.
On occasion, it becomes a necessity to leave things behind. But under time constraints, pressures and responsibilities, summer travel plans aren't always viable options.
When it's impossible to remove yourself from whatever troubles are weighing you down, do the next best thing: Free your thoughts.
Eugene has a handful of outdoor activities that can relax, challenge and inspire the best of us. Both are within minutes of campus and take up only a few hours of the day.
Butte-iful
When things are dragging and people are nagging, escape to Eugene's highest point and take in the breathtaking scenery. At 2,062 feet, Spencer Butte rests among Eugene's South Hills but towers over its neighbors.
To get to the Butte, go south on Willamette Street. It's pretty simple. Pass all the stores, all the restaurants and most of the hills. On the left side of the street is a small lot to park and begin the trek to the top.
Climbing Spencer Butte is a bit of a challenge, even on the designated route. The path winds around the hillside for about two miles. Toward the top is where the fun begins. Rocks line the peak, allowing the opportunity to do some safe, semi-demanding climbing. I've seen parents carry kids on their shoulders, so it isn't that hard. The incline is noticeable, however, so expect to work up a sweat.
The view atop the Butte is amazing but a bit distant. Head to the north end of the Butte to see familiar locations, or stay at the south for a tranquil glance at the valley and surrounding hills. A pair of binoculars would be a worthwhile addition,
but even without an optical aide it's easy to recognize landmarks. Downtown, Autzen Stadium and the bright green athletic field at the University Recreation Center all stand out like sore thumbs.
As calming and magnificent as the view is, peace of mind lies in closing your eyes and letting the wind blow through your hair. The climb takes about 45 minutes and the trip down goes by even faster. Bring a couple bottles of water along to savor the time at the top.
Toss me a cold one
Water and sun go together like
college and beer. Hard to believe, but all is possible on the Willamette River.
Here's the deal. Go to a local tire shop and ask the nearest overweight grease monkey for their selection of inner tubes. It'll cost about ten bones, but the giant tube o' fun is well worth it.
Next, get a mesh laundry bag that has a draw sting. Now, go grab a half rack of beer -- any beer, just make sure it's in a can -- at the local grocery store.
Haul the necessities over to Springfield, go east on Franklin Boulevard to the river, then go across the bridge. Take the first right and head on down to the water. Tie the bag around one of the tubes, toss the beer in and go.
The great thing about floating down the river is the element of nothingness. Floating demands nothing, except an occasional paddle. Sprawl out in the center of the tube and let the river carry you upstream.
Before the Interstate 5 bridge
is a mini-waterfall that drops about three feet. It's a challenge to land face up, but, thankfully, the water is only about three-feet deep; it's easy to recover if you capsize.
The other high point, and I do mean high, is the Knickerbocker Bridge. Beach yourself on the south side of the river and climb to the bridge to test your Superman skills. The jump is about 20 feet and, while it is possible to touch the bottom of the river, it isn't likely. The jump is pretty intense, but it's well worth the amount of time taken standing
on the bridge, contemplating what life, as you know it, means to you.
Contact the sports editor at bradschmidt@dailyemerald.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Emerald.
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