WVU Core Arboretum

2015 WVU Top Rope Competition

Climbers warming up for the day's competition.

WVU alumnus, Dan Brayack scores his photo on the cover of Climbing Magazine!

Dan Brayack climbs Mr. Witty in Bishop California

Seth's Story

Explore 7 - Seth Burk is front row, center, in orange.

Daily Geology- autobiographical comics of artist's daily life

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Here are some activities you can partake in as we celebrate our last few weeks of summer!

Rock Fest

On August 28^th, 29th and 30^th Coopers Rock is hosting Rock Fest. At Rock Fest, volunteers of all ages will remove graffiti and help restore the natural trails and habitat of the Coopers Rock State Forest. Refreshments will be free for everyone and optional camping is offered at the Sand Springs Campground for $6 a night.

Check out more information on this festival here http://www.midatlanticclimbers.org/news/portfolio/rockfest-2015-at-coopers-rock/

Slide the City is coming to Morgantown!

Check out this wet and wild event over at Mylan Park on August 29th! At the event will be a 1000-foot slip and slide where sliders can grab an inflatable tube and speed down the course smoothly. Good tunes and tasty food will also be available for the enjoyment of every participant.

Sign up through the slide the city website here http://www.slidethecity.com/events/morgantown/

Coopers Rock Stump Jump

Run on over to Coopers Rock State Forest on August 30^th and help support the Coopers Rock Foundation’s hard work in preserving the forests natural resources. At this 6.2-mile race, runners all over will tackle the beautifully winding trails of the Coopers Rock State Forest. At the end of the race, Adam Polinski will be handing out handmade prices to the top finishers of the race.

To find out more on where to sign up and support the race click here http://www.coopersrock.org/events

 West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival 2015

Calling all folks of ages 21 and older to the West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival here in Morgantown. On September 19^th and 20^th local West Virginia wineries will be showcasing their delicious wine for sampling by the glass or purchase by the bottle. Feel free to sit back with your glass of wine and listen to the tasteful music from the finest local jazz bands.

Read more about the Wine and Jazz Festival here http://wvwineandjazz.com/home.htm

Gauley Fest

Come to Gauley Fest to support American Whitewater’s river conservation down in Summersville WV on September 17^th-20^th. The festival will feature a silent auction, a whitewater marketplace and live entertainment. Opportunities to volunteer will be available at Gauley Fest where free t-shirts and other benefits will be given.

Learn how to sign up for the festival here http://wvwineandjazz.com/home.htm

2015 Adventure WV Retreat

Every year, Adventure WV hosts a staff retreat with the goal of bringing the Adventure WV community together to engage and build relationships with one another, retrain staff, and review the goals and mission of Adventure WV programs.  This years retreat was filled with firsts. It was the first time we utilized an Extension Services facility of WVU as the location of the retreat, and also the first time Adventure WV was able to include the Outdoor Recreation Center, Climbing Wall, and Outdoor Education Center staff. The retreat was a great success! We had so much fun at the beautiful Jackson’s Mill, and relieved to find the facility was able to provide space and delicious dining services for the 90+(!!) individuals officially now considered to be members of the Adventure WV staff.  

Adventure WV Staff 2015

Adventure WV Orientation Trip leaders arrived Friday evening, and spent the weekend living together in the Northern Panhandle bunkhouse, where they were able to get to know one another better, relax and hangout after daily workshops. 

Orientation Trip leaders arrive at the bunkhouse

 Greg Corio, the Director of Adventure WV, welcomed the student leaders and gave a presentation on the history of Adventure WV, how it has grown over the past 10 years, and the new, exciting changes underway for the University program.

On Saturday, the Outdoor Recreation Center, Climbing Wall, and Outdoor Education Center staff arrived and the day’s fun commenced! The first workshop included all staff members and was lead by Program Coordinator, CJ Belknap and Assitant Program Director, Nathan Harlan. Students learned how to facilitate initiative games, energizers, and how to identify the stages of group development.

 Director, Greg Corio, tells the history of Adventure WV 

Afterwards, staff members broke up into their respective occupation areas, and engaged in workshops that focused on technical and management skills seen within their jobs. The Climbing Wall staff practiced their knots, with Graduate Assistant, Kevin Shon, along with other rope management skills. The Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC) staff focused on customer service and skills associated with gear preparation, such as bike repair, bike rack mounting, and waxing skis and snowboards.

The Outdoor Education Center (OEC) staff, which includes the Canopy Tour and Challenge Course guides, covered the policies and procedures to be maintained at the OEC, the new educational curriculum used at the facility, and learned how to establish the framework for effective experiential education.  

Program Coordinator, CJ Belknap, talks about group dynamics

The Adventure WV Orientation Trip leaders were introduced to the new program schedule for the summer of 2015, reviewed policies and procedures of AWOT programs, and were given the Leave-A-Trace curriculum packet that they will use on trip to facilitate discussion and enable students to earn 3 credits towards their General Ed. Curriculum requirement.

LC member, Dave Billups leads an 'energizer' initiative

The day may seem as if it were all business and no play, but rest assured, at Adventure WV, FUN is a fundamental factor to program success. Staff had ample free time to relax, exercise, and play games. Some engaged in snowball fights, went on a run around Jackson’s Mill, and we all had a great time participating in group games we call ‘energizers’.

The retreat concluded with a presentation from the former WVU Provost, Jerry Lang, whose leadership and guidance has played a tremendous role in the growth and development of the Adventure WV program. Lang spoke to AWOT leaders about the important qualities embodied by leaders, and shared stories about what he has learned from his experience as a leader. We were very happy Jerry was able to join us and give valuable insight to our student leaders as they prepare for the challenging summer ahead.

Adventure WV full-time staff and Leadership Committee
(L-R: Marcedes, Morgan, CJ, Cassidy, Brett, Shannon, Shaw, Nathan, Marion, Kaylee, Dave, Birdie, Matt, Greg)

All in all, the weekend retreat was a great success; a celebration for the exciting direction Adventure WV is moving towards. It was great to share laughs and create memories with our new staff members and welcome everyone into the Adventure WV family. A big shout out and thank you is well deserved to our dedicated staff, whom without their hard work and preparation, this weekend would not have been possible.

To learn more about what we do at Adventure WV visit our website HERE
Be sure to stay in touch by Liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram & Twitter @adventure_WV

Winter: Tis The Season Of Hibernation...Or Recreation!

By: Susan Harper

It was nearly 65 degrees in Morgantown on February 7^th, practically a heat wave considering the frigid conditions we’ve been braving this winter. Normally one would be ecstatic for such warm weather, but not this weekend. It was the day of the Coppers Rock Winter Festival!

Rolling down the drive of the Coppers Rock State Forest exit, you would have thought you had entered Narnia. From treetops to tree roots, a blanket of pure white snow coated the cold, hard ground. You would never have guessed it was so bare only miles away from the beautiful winter wonderland.

In celebration of Coppers Rock’s natural resources, people from near and far stopped on by to participate in and support those competing in the festival’s winter activities. From the Cross Country Ski Sprint of 1,000 feet to the Skiers Slingshot Paintball Biathlon, not a frown was in sight for everyone was too busy having fun.

As the day came winding down, the Women’s Frying Pan Toss came rolling in to top off as the last event. Women of all ages were welcomed to participate in the friendly battle to win the honorable prize. A glimmering golden frying pan would be given to the winner who could throw the frying pan furthest from her competitors.

A few tosses into the game and the unthinkable happened.  The frying pan used for the competition bearded it’s last toss until it broke into pieces, but the show had to go on. The trophy frying pan was sacrificed in order to finish the event we all had been waiting for.

After many tosses and exerting grunts, a new 2015 winner had reigned in first place. Amanda Mates won the prize of one bruised, scuffed up yet distinguished golden frying pan to hang up on her kitchen wall.  

The festival could not have gone any smoother on such a fun filled and adventurous day. The Coopers Rock Winter Festival fulfilled it’s duties of bringing folks together and proving that there is so much fun to be had outside, surrounded by the earth’s natural resources, even in the winter!


Founded in 1989, The Coopers Rock Foundation strives to promote preservation and recreation in the Coopers Rock and Snack Hill woodland districts. Check out The Coopers Rock official website at www.coopersrock.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities as well as ways to explore this outdoors playground!

Venturing Into the Unknown: AP Staff Writer, Birdie Hawkins, Meets the Appalachian Trail for the First Time

In the past year, backpacking has become a hobby of mine that I have grown to enjoy immensely, for several reasons. Backpacking is a great outlet for me to get exercise, relax my mind, spend time with friends, and immerse myself in nature. But what I love most about going backpacking, is reaching your sought out destinations and enjoying the adventures that ensue along the way.

In my opinion, when you go backpacking, you want to make sure you've brought along good company. For my most recent trip, that included my best and funniest friends I have met in the Davis College, here at WVU.

Wildlife and Fisheries major, Jordan Roof, has been my ultimate home-girl (pun intended) since freshman year, when we met on our way to my first Ultimate Frisbee practice. I was so excited for her to join in the fun because it would be her first time backpacking. Funny-man CJ Peterson and I met last year while on our Adventure Patagonia trip. When he mentioned he would be able to join us, my excitement for the trip skyrocketed; it would be the first time we'd be backpacking together since our five day trek in Chile. Grant Stinson and I became good friends this summer as we completed our Wilderness First Responder certification for our Recreation, Parks and Tourism major (RPTR), and he has accompanied me on several of my adventurous outings this past semester.

L-R: Jordan, Ryan, Birdie, Grant, CJ

As you may be able to discern from their descriptions, this trip was bound to be something special. In addition to my fabulous hiking ensemble, I had been stoked to start the weekend because it was my first time hiking a section on the Appalachian Trail. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), “The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths of the world.” Commonly referred to as the A.T., "the Trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the Trail's northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine." Many people enjoy the scenic trail for a variety of time durations, including a single day, weeks, or months. Because it is so long, the trail is noted by different sections. Hundreds of access points along the trail make it a popular destination for day-hikers. “Section-hikers” (like me) discontinuously hike different sections, piecing the entire trail together over years. The greatest accomplishment is that of a “thru-hiker” who continuously hikes the entire 2,180 miles. Only 1 in 4 who attempt to thru-hike successfully complete their journey (Appalachian Trail Conservancy).

Before we set out to drive to Virginia, Jordan and I went to pick up the gear we reserved from the ORC and had her fitted for a backpack. Brendan Powell, a friend who also happens to be one of those skilled individuals to have successfully thru-hiked the entire AT, helped us organize our gear and sent us off with well wishes, only adding to our excitement as we set off to begin our adventure. It was from here on, that neither Jordan or I stopped smiling.

Traveling from Morgantown to Winchester, VA, to pick up CJ, took a bit of time, and after pulling what seemed like 20 U turns, we finally reached the parking lot where we met Ryan Murray, Grant’s best friend, and fellow Adventure counselor from Camp Bethel. From the stories Grant had told me, which usually resulted in a nice abdomen workout from laughing so hard, I was ready to finally meet the infamous Ryan. His introduction was far from disappointing, as I watched him sneak his hand through the crack of Grant’s car window and shake CJ by his shirt collar to formally introduce himself.

The energy among the 5 of us was nearly palpable as we all laughed and used the car headlights to finish packing our packs. With our headlamps on and ready to go, we faced our first challenge: A four way intersection that lead into the upward sloping trail junction of Snickers Gap. Believe me, I am sad I did not get a picture of that moment; but I don’t think I’ll ever forget the adrenaline and laughter as we all barbarously scurried across the pavement at the first clear opportunity.

This is how I met my first white blaze, and I will never, ever, forget it.

Our weekend trip was filled with first-time experiences for me, and everything was a first for Jordan. She barely knew the guys coming into the trip, and I couldn't have picked a better friend to join me in the woods. Being November, the sun sets by 6 o’clock, so by the time we hit the trail, headlamps were required. It was my first time night-hiking on an unfamiliar terrain. CJ had previously hiked this section before, and Grant and Ryan have led numerous backpacking trips on the AT, so they were all familiar with the signage and had a good understanding of our route and mileage.

There is a great deal of logistical planning involved with backpacking, and this was my first trip I was not involved with any of it. Grant and Ryan offered to do all of the preliminary work because I had taken the initiative to plan and execute our last backpacking trip. It was a refreshingly nice gesture, but the days leading up to leaving Morgantown left me anxious as I had to challenge myself to not take control and know all of the answers.  

Ideally, the goal for the weekend was to hike a scenic and leisurely route along the AT. 

…As you may have guessed, that’s not exactly what happened.

Breakfast on Saturday morning was the launch of all head shakes, along with the smiles and laughs that accompanied them for the remainder of the weekend. Ryan, I figured out, is Grant’s logistical right hand man, and together they picked the section of trail because of the close location, low elevation, and reasonable mileage. The Appalachian Trail has a lot of “data,” which many hikers use, but that data is not always accompanied by a contour map. On his way to meet us, Ryan called his former Boy Scout leader and coach, Rob Lamar, an active member of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Conservancy, who told him:

“Ooh, you’re hiking ‘The Roller Coaster.’”

Yes, I said, The Roller Coaster.

I kid you not, we ascended and descended six or seven mountains on Saturday. Continuously going  UP UP UP then DOWN DOWN DOWN.  [By the way, the sign in the picture reads: HIKER NOTICE! WARNING!! YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER THE ROLLER COASTER!!] If it weren't for the comedy troupe of friends I had hiking with me, I would not have been such a happy camper, or laughed as hard as I did when we discovered the "WARNING" sign.

But thankfully, I did have my friends, and found the challenge refreshing. After each mountain we'd summit, we’d hope that there would not be a next one--that we finally reached camp. Finding the strength to muscle forward, even when it gets tough and there is another mountain to go, for me, is the most rewarding part of backpacking. Fifteen miles of mild trail would have been fun, but fifteen miles of busting your butt and sweating in the cool November air—now that is an adventure. 

The second night we found ourselves alone at the campsite with an open shelter. The Appalachian Trail is supported by more than 250 three-sided shelters, which offer weather protection and other amenities, for hikers. I had never seen a shelter before, and prior to this trip, I had only camped in tents. Staying in the shelter was a really unique experience. Most backcountry campgrounds I have been exposed to are comprised of a cleared area within a wooded forest, and usually have an established fire pit.

When we finally reached the shelter after hiking all day, I felt like I arrived at a 5-star backcountry resort. There was an empty shelter with enough room for all of us, hanging posts for our packs, a large fire pit, separate picnic table and covered awning, a latrine, bear bag post, and signs for a nearby water source. I was blown away.

To make it all the better, shelters usually have a log book, a book where thru-hikers can note suggested maintenance improvements, comment on what they enjoyed about the location, or just write funny stories and doodle about their time on the trail.

As a writer, and fascinated reader, discovering the log book was one of my most memorable experiences on our weekend trip. The book was just freshly replaced, and my friends encouraged me to take it upon myself to write an entry for our group. My very first AT entry is adorned on the first page of the Sam Moore Shelter’s log book, where it will remain until its pages are completely filled up. To me, that is THE COOLEST THING.

Sunday morning we started on the trail bright and early, wanting to make the meet time for our shuttle, Rob Lamar, Ryan’s good friend. We stopped for lunch and explored an old cabin, which was both fascinating and beautiful. We met Rob at the trailhead of Ashby Gap when we finished. He animatedly greeted us, and told us great stories on the way back to where we parked our cars. We decided to grab lunch at the nearby Berry Ville Grille, where we concluded our great laughs and shared stories.

My weekend on the Appalachian Trail was unlike any other backpacking trip I have been on, but each adventure is inherently unique. It was hard to leave my friends as we all traveled in different directions to go home for Thanksgiving. It seemed as if all the fun had just begun, and as quickly as the weekend started, it came to an end. I am looking forward to my next adventure on the Appalachian Trail, and maybe if I’m lucky, all the amazing people who accompanied this great adventure, will join me again.

Are you interested in embarking on a similar adventure or styling one that fits to your liking!?
Grab your friends, or meet new ones through the Outdoor Adventure Club, and head to the Outdoor Recreation Center(ORC), located inside the WVU Student Recreation Center. The ORC is filled with just about any gear you would need, along with knowledgeable staff members, who can assist you in planning and learning how to use any of the rental equipment you may want or need. It's that easy!

"It's a big world out there. GO EXPLORE!"

Happy Trails to all!

-Birdie Hawkins