The Adirondacks are known for many
things; spring is not one of those things. For most college students, spring
break is an experience filled with sunny weather, beaches, and partying. Yet, a
select group of individuals desire an entirely different experience. For them,
the challenge of the Adirondacks at the height of its mud season presents the
perfect spring break opportunity. This
dichotomy suggests that the Adirondacks are place for those truly love to face
a challenge.
Most college students prefer a spring
break spent at warm beaches. Every year, thousands of college students leave
their books behind and head south into the welcoming shorelines of the south
and Caribbean. The tradition of
celebrating the arrival of spring dates all the way back to the Greeks and
Romans. They celebrated the arrival of spring with festivals celebrating wine
and fertility.[1] In
more recent times, Spring has become a time for more questionable behavior.
Movies like Where the Boys Are,
captured the recklessness that dominates spring break. While this may sounds
unattractive, for many this reckless abandon is a major draw.[2]
For others
however, the Adirondacks present the opportunity for a different kind of spring
break. At this time of year, the trails
of the Adirondack’s are often covered in mud and the weather can still be
dangerously cold. All of this means that life must be lived far more
intentionally in the Adirondacks than in say, Cancun. This requirement can be extremely attractive.
Furthermore, spring break in the Adirondacks might also be attractive simply
because it is unconventional. The opportunity to sled across a frozen lake or summit
a frozen mountain, are experiences that set someone apart from the rest of the
crowd.[3] For some, the newness of these experiences provides
unparalleled enjoyment.
The
Adirondacks therefore, present an opportunity for spring breakers to better
themselves in ways that a typical spring break does not. In the spring one has
to deal with a whole host of problems. Between the mud and the cold, hiking in
the spring may be the most difficult out of any season. Therefore, doing so
requires careful planning and thought. It leads to the development of skills
and character. It teaches individuals how to deal with challenges. For that reason, it is clear that the
Adirondacks are place for those who truly care about focusing on the outdoors
Mud definitely isn't ideal camping weather, but I still imagine that going in the dead of winter at freezing temperature has got to be worse than the Spring. But maybe I'm wrong. Curious why Spring might be worse?
ReplyDeleteI don't think Ben was trying to argue that, but I agree. The difference may come in the fact that you know you're probably going to be super cold during a winter camp and come prepared for snow and ice.. In the spring, you never know what you're going to experience weather-wise day in and day out, and the unpredictability increases the danger.
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