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Students pursue outdoor activities

Posted on Nov 23, 2009 in Sports

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On Nov. 13-15, 25 UAB students and three non-students trekked through what is believed to be Alabama’s harshest environment, the Sipsey Wilderness. The trip is a 20-year tradition for UAB Outdoor Pursuits.

“The best thing about the hike was that the trail was covered in large leaf magnolia leaves,” said Bill Pierce, the head of UAB Outdoor Pursuits. “Even though we had headlights, the moon still was the optimum source of light, which illuminated the silvery coating of the leaves. It was almost like we had a foot path.”

Pierce also said that this trip and the Colorado ski trip, which will begin Dec. 13, are the two longest running trips at UAB. The first trips took place in the mid ’80s. Every year the turnout of participants is great.

“The outdoor pursuits experience is one that is excellent for new students,” said Pierce. “Everyone gets on the van, with several people not knowing anyone, but by the end, everyone discovers that there is someone [who has] the same passion for the outdoors as they do.”

Outdoor pursuits are not limited to UAB students; they’re open to anyone who is seeking an adventure. Next semester, some of the pursuits to look forward to are two caving trips and a ski trip in February. Two kayaking trips are scheduled for March, and debut trip to the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee is planned for the end of the same month.

“We are really looking forward to the Tennessee trip,” said Pierce. “Atop the Plateau are six waterfalls that we can’t wait to see.”

To find out more information on upcoming adventures, visit the Outdoor Pursuits office located inside the Campus Recreation Center, or view schedules posted in the Recreation Center or on the Outdoor Pursuits Web site: http://studentaffairs.uab.edu/CampusRecreation/outdoor.html.

Email: nlp86@aol.com

 




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