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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 21, 2004)
Sm^ButteM Spencer Butte: oas(sfarEugeneans Spring in Eugene means the re treat of winter rain and the emergence of springtime sun. As outdoor activities become more accessible, a day-trip destination for outdoor enthusiasts is Spencer Butte, which is a 15-minute drive from the University. "Spencer's Butte is where I would go to leave the stresses of everyday life; to think, eat some spinach and exercise," University alumnus Will Acosta said. "The view is breathtak ing and can be shared with your dos *i est friends or even alone." Upon reaching the base of the mountain, stretching is recom mended to loosen the body and prevent soreness. "A limber body is a limber mind," junior Mark Sheppard said. "There is nothing worse than straining your gluts." Whether the trip is intended for relaxation or a fast-paced jog, Spencer Butte is a workout for all, Acosta said. Initially, the terrain of the hike consists of a dirt trail surrounded by trees. Although sticky during the winter, the mud transitions into a soft pillow of dirt in the spring. Within 10 minutes of starting hik ing, a meadow emerges on the right side of the trail. Continuing onward, several lakes and reservoirs come into view below. Following 15 minutes of easy climbing, the trail becomes progres sively rockier, more steep and more difficult. "Pushing yourself to the top is worth it for the gorgeous view," sophomore Courtney Tim said. "Soon enough you are looking down from heaven." Rocks act as seats at the peak of Spencer Butte, and the view is ab solutely breathtaking, Acosta said. Picnics and sunbathing are some of the common activities at the apex, Acosta said. "I am usually afraid of heights, but for some reason I always love feeling high as a kite on top of Spencer's Butte," he said. Water or other beverages are rec ommended for refreshment before starting the trek back, Tim said. A panoramic view of Eugene can be seen crystal-clearly on a sunny day, including campus and Autzen Stadium from one direction and countryside from another. The trip down can be as much as 10 min utes faster than the hike up. This is perfect if somebody is in a hurry to get back to reality after lounging at the top for too long, Acosta said. An hour of exercise for one person can be a planned day-long adventure for others looking for new experiences, Tim said. Sophomore Lucas Posada said the features of Spencer Butte attract dif ferent visitors. "The identity and the connec tions people have made with Spencer's Butte have made it an chor the very fabric of Eugene as a town," Posada said. "It is more than a butte — it's a butte with its own identity and personality that people really respond to." Aron Glatzer is a freelance reporter for the Emerald. Spencer Butte Take Willamette Street west for about foe minutes. When Willamette becomes a T-section, veer right, but stay in the middle lane. Fellow Willamette from this inside fane, and do not drive into the hills. Go straight for five to 10 minutes until there Is a Spencer Butte sign on the left side of the road. You might think that all this experience would cost you extra Au Contraire ! Riley Holmes is another example of Paul's exceptional staff. Riley joined us five years ago, already with a wealth of experience. He is the administrator of our rigorous Master Mechanic program. He is committed to an Alder Street staff that reflects our high standards. PAUL'S BICYCLE way of life for people who can't afford the discount store Riley Holmes, Manager 2480 Alder St & 152 W. 5th & Oasis Plaza .A.••••• day at the beach The Oregon Coast is ideal for those seeking fun close to home .By Sheldon Traver.. Freelance Reporter “We are in view of the ocean, this great Pacific Ocean, which we have been so long anxious to see, and the roaring or noise made by the waves breaking on the rocky shores ... may be heard distinctly," — William Clark, in a November 6, 1805 journal entry Stretching some 300 miles, the Oregon coast is considered to be one of the most beautiful and accessible coastlines in America. All beaches are public property, and the many scenic vistas that scatter the Coast Highway offer incredible views of jagged rocks, dunes and sandy beaches. Only 60 miles from Eugene, the Central Oregon Coast offers a quick chance to enjoy scenic wonders or lounge on a warm beach. April and May are ideal months to make the drive. The flowers are in full bloom, and many broadleaf trees have their new leaves. Highway 126 West winds through farmland and the coast range, eventually ending in Florence. Old town Florence has many art galleries and specialty shops to pe ruse. A leisurely stroll to the docks re veals restored antique sailboats and pleasure boats. It is not uncommon to see couples strolling hand-in-hand down the street. The residents are also proud of their most popular at traction, the Sea Lion Caves. "We are proud to say that we are in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest sea caves in the world, and the sea lions are pretty cool, too," Sea Lion Caves General Manag er Hod Johnson said. The Sea Lion Caves is located 11 miles north of Florence, and it is home to more than 200 wild Stellar Sea Lions, the only ones of their kind on the North American coast. Entry costs $7.50 but offers the chance to view the sea lions in their natural environment. Thirteen miles north of Florence is the Heceta Head Lighthouse. The parking lot is at Devils Elbow State Park, located next to a small beach and tidepools. After exploring the pools, it is an easy hike through part of a coastal old growth forest that r leads to the lighthouse. There are benches along the trail to look over the vast Pacific. Volunteers give guided tours through the lighthouse and keeper's quarters. It is said that Rue, the spirit who haunts the keeper's house, can often be heard stepping through the attic or turning the lights on and off. The grassy yard of the house over looking the ocean is a scenic place for lunch or a mid-afternoon nap before continuing the drive north. The highest overlook on the Ore gon coast is located at Cape Perpet ua, five miles north of Heceta Head Lighthouse. The interpretive center is open until 5 p.m. and has a large dis play of Native American artifacts and antique logging equipment. A small theater features shows throughout the day about Oregon coast histoiy and wildlife. Binoculars are available to view California gray whales migrating north in April and May. Traveling two to three miles off the coast, the whales are easily seen as they "spout," sending a burst of water eight feet into the air. "Right now were seeing them trav el in groups of four or five," said Don Burnett, a volunteer at Cape Perpet ua. "We also have resident whales that stay here year-round and can put on quite a show at times." "I was up here last year and saw a group of porpoises traveling with a mother whale and her calf," said Lau rie Emmerson of Yreka, Calif. "It was just the most amazing thing I've seen up here." Cape Perpetua has 24 miles of trails that wind through virgin old growth forest. "There are trees 24 feet around," Burnett said. Guided hikes are offered at various times with explanations of local ecol ogy and history. Fifty miles north of Florence is Newport, formerly home to the late Keiko the killer whale of "Free Willy" fame. The Oregon Coast Aquarium Turn to COAST, page 8B i AMAZING AZUMANO . AIRFARES ROUNDTRIP FROM PORTLAND: LONDON HONOLULU PARIS HONG KONG TOKYO BUSINESS CLASS $449 $420 $485 $540 $570 $3599 Azumano Travel i Travel Services Representative , , 541-687-2250 www.azumano.com • 800 Olive St. • Eugene, OR 97401 hares are per person round-trip from Portland, based on availability. I.isted fares are valid lor select periods and carry advance purchase requirements. Taxes and fees are additional. Fares subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Valid 4/9 - 4/26/04.
