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Outdoor Lovers Endorse New Club
by Kevin McMahon
A secret spot
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In the background is the flow and surge of the river. Birds are singing and crickets are chirping. The sound of all industrialized things is gone. There are no cars zooming by, televisions on, or telephones ringing. The loudest noise is the water hitting the rocks and moving down stream. The sun beats down on your shoulders while the moving water cools your ankles.
This secluded cove has been carved by the Ivy River, making a perfect spot for fishing around ten minutes from Mars Hill. This is where Junior Steven Fitzgerald and a few of his friends spend free mornings and afternoons enjoying the river and fishing.
Fitzgerald has plans to keep his spot as much a secret as possible, but he is one of many students interested in outdoor activities here at Mars Hill College who favor a college-supported organization.
The school has no formal outdoor program yet, but Fitzgerald and many others have expressed interest in joining a program like that. Counselor Jane Carter is working with other faculty, staff, and students to organize one by next fall. Up until now, students have had to explore the countryside on their own.
"I was basically just bored one afternoon, and a couple of friends and I went driving, then hiking along the riverbank," recalls Fitzgerald. "We found this little hidden area that is very private and perfect for a few of us to fish and have some fun." He enjoys fishing as a leisure activity. "We aren't that serious about fishing. It's just a fun time to be around friends, be outdoors, and enjoy a few refreshing beverages."
He says he hooks one or two fish every other trip - small-mouth bass and occasionally a trout, using worms or corn as bait.
Ready to explore
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Junior Matt Davis also endorses the Outdoor Club idea. "It would make it much easier for students to have access and gain knowledge about all the different activities there are to do around Mars Hill," says Davis.
He himself enjoys spending his free time hiking and taking his Jeep Cherokee Sport on dirt roads and bumpy rough terrain. Big Bald Mountain near Wolf Laurel is a favorite destination.
One of his favorite foot trails goes to "Lovers Leap" near Hot Springs. There are also many hiking trails around the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the more popular sites is Craggy Gardens, which is about 45 minutes from campus. "I really enjoy just jumping in my jeep with a couple friends and driving to some of these spots. It's so easy to find new trails and things to explore. It's really a fun and inexpensive way to spend a Saturday afternoon," says Davis.
Senior Jarrett Brobst has been mountain biking for years in the area around Mars Hill. It is one of the reasons why he decided to come to school here. "It would have really helped if there was some type of program in place that I could have joined when I arrived. I had to basically explore around and find different places for mountain biking, and it was difficult to meet people with my same outdoor interest," recalls Brobst. He spends most of his time exploring trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway and around Hot Springs. He enjoys the amazing views, steep trails, and having to move through a small creek or shallow river.
If you are a student who enjoys outdoor activities and would be interested in an outdoor program here at Mars Hill, contact Jane Carter. Her phone number is 689-1196 and Email is Jcarter@mhc.edu. She is looking for students interested in joining a Mars Hill-sponsored outdoor program or club.
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