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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
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.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
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