Adventure Inspiration!

I wasn't even planning on writing a blog post today, but I just stumbled upon an outdoorsy website and instantly fell in love. I knew right away that I needed to share my discovery with the Adventure WV community! Although the site appears to have been around for at least two years, I'm sure there are other adventurers like me who haven't discovered it until today. And, like I said, I only just found this site about fifteen minutes ago and fell in love. It's that serious.

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, by Carl Zoch (from adventure-journal.com)

The website is Adventure Journal. At first, I tried to pick just one thing from the site to re-post or to write more about, but I couldn't. There's just so much fantastic, inspiring, entertaining content to fill your outdoorsy soul! The photographs range from picturesque, woodsy cabins to powdery ski slopes. There are videos and gear reviews galore. I honestly don't know how I haven't been to this website before!

Looking at Adventure Journal, and especially gazing at all the amazing, diverse photography, made me feel inspired to keep skiing all winter and to journey out on my own adventures in the spring! For example, since last summer, I've wanted to challenge myself by going backpacking solo. The video, Overlandia: Bigfoot Country, inspired me to go at it. There was just something about watching this guy solo surf and sleep in his homemade pop up tent/truck contraption that made me miss traveling, sleeping outside, and exploring the outdoors on my own. (Obviously that guy had a camera crew with him, but whatever, it's still a great clip.)

I hope that other people can find inspiration from the content on Adventure Journal. Feel free to let me know what you think, and to post links in the comments below of other great outdoor websites you want to share!

Oh, and Happy (almost) Valentine's Day! If you don't have a valentine, at least you can always fall in love with the outdoors (or in my case today, a website about the outdoors). :-D

Olivia

Hike Across America

My name is Brendan Powell, I am a Junior at WVU studying Forest Resource Management within the Davis College. Last summer I had the opportunity to lead the Wilderness Orientation Trip with Adventure WV. In 2011, before enrolling in WVU, I hiked the Appalachian Trail with my brother, Garrett, where I met Josh Seehorn. After completing the trail, the next time I heard of Josh was when I learned about his plan to go big and hike clear across the United States. In March 2013, Josh set out from Point Reyes, California with his destination of Cape Henlopen, Delaware, 4800 miles ahead of him. The emphasis of Josh’s trip is based around his passion for Envirothon, an academic organization that allows high school students to test their environmental knowledge in a competitive manner on a county, state, and national level. The program encourages high school students across the country to create their own outdoor experience.

Josh has earned a degree in both fisheries biology and wildlife biology. He loves being outdoors and broadening his understanding of nature. After Josh discovered the concept of running and hiking The American Discovery trail, he took the challenge head on. His father plays a major role with Envirothon in Georgia, and with that exposure, he partnered with North America's largest high school natural resource education competition (The North American Envirothon 501c3) in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the competition.

Josh will be getting off route this Thursday, February 6^th in order to come to the WVU Student Recreation Center. He will be giving a presentation, using pictures and stories, to tell us what his journey has been like so far. In addition to this, he will be incorporating the goal of his journey regarding Envirothon. Josh is excited to be speaking to college students here in The Mountain State, and will appreciate any amount of attendance and donations (the event itself is free, though!). Come out and hear what awesome stories this fellow adventurer has about the people, wildlife, and scenery of America the beautiful!

 You can find Josh on campus tonight, February 6^th at 7:00pm at the Sports Café inside the Student Recreation Center. To view this event, visit the TAP calendar where you can also check to see what other events are going on this month within the outdoor community.

For more information on Josh and his journey across America, check out his website: Outdoor Josh

Hope to see you all at the event! Have a great day and GO EXPLORE!

-Brendan Powell J

I'm New and I'm Excited!!

Hello! Welcome! You are currently reading the first post of 2014 for the Appalachian Pineapple! Woohoo! New year, new and improved blog!

My name is Birdie Hawkins, and I am the new intern for the Media/Marketing department of Adventure WV. As the new intern, I will be primarily focusing my time on expanding our viewers and the amount of posts on the Appalachian Pineapple. I will be working under the supervision of the lovely Matthew Shreve, the department director, and working with the Adventure community to further spread our message and all that we do in the amazing world of Adventure WV!

To give you a little bit of background about myself, I am currently a sophomore at West Virginia University, and am seeking a double major in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources within the Davis School, as well as a degree in Strategic Communications: Advertising, within the P.I. Reed School of Journalism. I have recently been hired to be an Adventure WV staff member for the summer of 2014, and am currently in LEEd class taught by Assistant Director, Marion McClure, and Program Manager, Marcedes Minana. During each weekly class, I learn skills that will prepare me to become the best Adventure leader I can be!

That's me on my recent backpacking trip through Cerro Castillo National Park, Patagonia, Chile.

I participated in the two week Adventure WV International Trip to Patagonia during Winter 2013.

As a sophomore, and a newly added intern, I have high hopes and grand goals for the online presence of Adventure WV. Until lately, I have shunned computer programs and was always reluctant to join the new wave of social media. It wasn't until recently that I have begun to challenge myself to learn more about computers, cameras, and the ever-evolving world of social media. I'm not a fan of gluing myself to my phone or computer, but I hope to keep this blog updated on a regular basis with fun information and stories to share! If you, too, identify with not being so keen on technology, this blog is a great place to start! We will update you about local events within the greater Morgantown area, as well as specifically in the Adventure community.

To remain connected: 'Like' our Adventure WV Facebook page, add events to our TAP calendar, and don’t be afraid to comment on the posts, ask questions, or suggest ideas on things you would like to see on the blog!

Happy Adventuring! J    -Birdie Hawkins

Forgoing the Comfortable for the Unknown

Recently, I've encountered a few situations which have taught me the valuable lesson of accepting changes and the uncertainties of the unknown. I always think of the Adventure WV Community as a group of open-minded individuals, and so I wanted to share what I have learned with everyone via this blog. During my summers, I’ve talked with incoming freshmen a lot about challenging their beliefs and taking steps outside their comfort zones, so I think this post is relevant to some of my summer discussions! I hope that this post may be thought-provoking or valuable to anyone reading it!

The idea of forgoing the comfortable certainties of life for the unknown has been a constant theme in my life, especially throughout college. When I began my time at WVU, I had a perfectly mapped plan for my future. I was on-track to graduate with my Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in just five years. During the Spring 2012 semester, I began to realize that I wasn’t very interested in my major classes. Instead, I discovered I really liked the material from the speech pathology and audiology course I had decided to take as an elective. Changing majors and deciding to become a speech pathologist instead of an occupational therapist would mean tackling an additional year of undergraduate work, plus two years of graduate studies. I could think of plenty of reasons why I shouldn’t take the leap into the unknown world of a new career path. I’d be in college for so much longer than I’d planned. Studying speech pathology would probably be really tough, and I might not be smart enough or patient enough for the job. I’ll end up in so much student loan debt.  What if I don’t get into grad school? What if I find I don’t even like speech pathology? After all, I had only taken one class in the subject. What if occupational therapy really was the right choice?

This kind of situation has appeared in my personal relationships, too. Have you ever found yourself in a relationship that no longer seems like a good fit but struggle to change anything because the unknown is just so…unknown? Maybe the two of you want different things in life even though your partner is really nice, maybe you want something you aren’t getting from the relationship, or maybe he or she is a straight up jerk? I know I’ve been there. It’s tough! I’ve also had times where my life is so intertwined with another person’s that sticking to my familiar, though unsatisfying, situation seems easier than leaving. After all, I know the person, the relationship, and I don’t have to be subject to any uncomfortable, unexpected circumstances or unknowns. Again, I’d think of plenty of reasons not to change my situation. What if I never meet anyone else? What if I make a mistake in deciding to move on? Maybe things aren’t that bad…right?

In a book I picked up in a Half Price Books Store this summer, I read a sentence that went something like this: “We must really love our limits. Why else would we place them upon ourselves via self-limiting thoughts?” In my academic situation, and plenty of others (like relationships), that’s just what I’d been doing! I placed limits on myself and found reasons why I should remain clinging to the way I had envisioned my life to be. Even though I wasn’t completely happy with my major or relationship anymore, and imagined I could be happier doing something else, I could still convince myself that I was relatively comfortable and secure with my situation. I had no idea what to expect if I changed my path. The unknown future was scary!

But what would I stand to lose by not changing my career path? I’d lose plenty of money finishing a degree I didn’t want. I’d lose my sense of self-respect by trying to motivate myself to do something I didn’t really see myself doing as a career. Most of all, I’d lose my chance to live the best life I possibly could. The same goes for relationships – I’d lose my chance to pursue other relationships, probably ones that would be a better match. I’d probably lose my sense of independence by continuing to entwine my life with someone else's. And again, I’d lose my chance to live the life I really wanted.

Ultimately, I deferred my acceptance into the M.O.T program at WVU, and applied to the speech pathology and audiology major. I was accepted, and although this semester (my first in the program) was extremely challenging, I feel certain that I picked a career I will enjoy. Additionally, taking that leap into the unknown yielded some other great things in my life that would not have happened otherwise. Although changing majors set me behind a year, I was able to study abroad in Ireland during my extra time before starting my program, and that truly helped me embrace the unknown and cultivate my sense of adventure. My best friend always says that if I’m unhappy about something, then something needs to change. That could mean your attitude (like when I get mad about traffic and obviously there’s nothing I can do about it!), but it could also mean changing your situation. I encourage all of you to recognize any self-limiting thoughts and change them into thoughts of encouragement instead. If there’s something that’s making you unhappy and you’re only clinging to it out of familiarity or fear of the unknown, it’s time for a change. Take that leap into the unknown, and embrace it as an adventure towards a better you. Step out of your comfort zone, and into a world of possibilities! I really believe that’s where self-growth happens, and have seen that evidenced in my own life. Most of all, recognize that the dissatisfaction of staying the same is more painful than the scariness of making a change. Go face that fear of uncertainty!

Olivia J

Reel Rock Film Tour Update!

Adventure WV was recently the host of a fantastic event: The Reel Rock 8 Film Tour.

In mid-November, The Metropolitan Theatre on High Street was buzzing with the kind of energy you can only feel at a gathering of people who are excited about something. Two-hundred and thirty members of the outdoor community flocked through the theatre’s glass doors and gazed at the totally sweet raffle items, which included a Fixie bike, Petzl headlamps and chalk bags, a GriGri2, Evolv Cruzer shoes, and much more. There was even a bike valet service, provided by Positive Spin, which was one cool way that Reel Rock was environmentally and cyclist friendly; cyclists’ bicycles could be locked and attended for free until the owner was ready to ride off into the distance. Matt Shreve, previously mentioned badass (also my current office buddy – I’ve upgraded to a desk), was the emcee of the event and gracefully handled a few minor technical difficulties. He also tossed out cool door prizes, including t-shirts, hats, and Nalgene bottles, and was looking pretty fly wearing a newsboy cap.  

The films’ coolness levels were right on track with that of the prizes. Even more than just "cool," I found the films to be really inspiring as well. The lineup included The Sensei¸Spice Girl, Stonemasters, and High Tension: Ueli Steck and the Clash on Everest. Each film highlighted a different aspect of the climbing world and culture. I also was amazed to find that Reel Rock Film Tour is showing not only all over the US, but all over the world! I’m glad that Morgantown and Adventure West Virginia got to be a part of such a large-scale, global, outdoor-based event.

In addition to awesome prizes and incredible films, Reel Rock was extra special because a little over $1,800 was raised for outdoor organizations within the Morgantown community! The Chris Schwer Memorial Scholarship Fund and Coopers Rock Foundation each received $864 from the event, and Positive Spin made $72 from their bicycle valet service!

Thank you so much to everyone who made Reel Rock possible this year. This was the first year a screening had been shown in Morgantown, but I think the event received so much support that it will hopefully happen again next year. In the meantime, spread the word! And let us know in the comments if you attended, and what you thought about Reel Rock!

Olivia J

5 Useful Tips For Surviving Finals Week

Finals week is finally here (pun intended). Just one week of exams, papers, and other various assessments stand between you and the joys of being finished with classes. Your imminent freedom is so close you can taste it – you picture yourself after your last final, gleefully tossing your old assignments into the air while making snow angels on the front lawn of Woodburn Hall. As you climb aboard the bus from Morgantown to your winter break destination, the bus driver gives you an acknowledging nod and grin, while the passengers begin to slow clap. You see your family beaming down at you as you sift through piles of gifts on Christmas morning: “We’re so proud of you for getting a 4.0 this semester,” they say, as they hand you the keys to a new BMW. Your younger siblings exclaim that they hope to be as smart as you are when they get to college. Then, you all join hands, dance around in the snow, and sing the song that The Whos sing at the end of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. “Fah who foray, da who doray!” they all sing as you shout, “Acing my finals was the best thing that’s ever happened to me!”

Suddenly, you’re catapulted back to reality by the cold stares of your fellow library-dwellers. Had you just made an audible peep while inside the Robinson Reading Room? Whoops.  You gaze back down at your laptop, and suddenly feel a lot like this dog:

Finals are a tough time of year. They generally feel like the Hunger Games of the academic world. So how can you “stay alive” during finals week? Read on for some useful tips…

1)      Check how much of your grade the final is actually worth.

Finals are only one part of your grade. Read your syllabus, figure out what percentage of your grade the final is worth, and then calculate what you need to get on the final in order to get the grade you want. Ask a friend in the course or your professor to help you find this number if you are unsure of how to do it yourself. For example, I have a high B in one course this semester. I need a 99% on the final to get an A in the course, but can get a D on the exam and still keep my B. Do the math, and you’ll probably realize that there’s no need to panic.

2)      At the same time, don’t be too relaxed.

Don’t panic, but also don’t slack off on your finals. You should still try to do as well on the final as you possibly can, just in case you end up needing those extra points that you might have found in #1. And personally, I like to just try my best at everything! Working hard on your final is especially necessary if the final is worth a big part of your grade, or if not all your grades have been posted for you to calculate yet.

3)      Take breaks!

Finals week doesn’t mean you have to shut yourself away from the world and study 24/7. In fact, studies show that students who spread out their time studying and take breaks retain material better than students who cram. So don’t drop everything, like exercising or eating healthily, just because it’s finals week. Instead, consider integrating these things into your study breaks; you could take twenty minutes to cook yourself a good meal, go for a run, or take a nap (but know that naps longer than twenty minutes can leave you feeling groggy due to slipping deeper into your sleep cycle). Also, remember, “study break” isn’t a synonym for “procrastinating.” Schedule study breaks, and when your time is up, get back to studying.

4)      Use an effective study method.

The key to learning material is repetition, not cramming. This helpful article from University of Pennsylvania explains a great way to study.

5)      Get enough sleep.

You’ve heard it a million times, but this tip really is a good one. You’ll do much better on your exams if you’re well rested! Sleep deprivation caused by pulling an all-nighter can leave you confused and writing nonsense on your exam. I once pulled an all-nighter, had to eat Oreos to keep myself awake, and felt myself getting loopy and writing nonsensical stuff all over my papers while revising my English portfolio. By the time 8am came around, I crashed and ended up falling asleep in my Biology lab. I felt like a zombie, and since then, I’ve never pulled another all-nighter. Additionally, resist the urge to go out on “off” days – if you party, your body and mind will need time to recover, too. Instead, consider using that time to get a head start on other exams!

With these five tips in mind, you really can find success during finals week! Good luck to all of you on your exams – all of us here at Adventure WV know you’ll do great!

Olivia J  

We're Back!

Hey everyone!

As you can see, The Appalachian Pineapple experienced a bit of a hibernation period over the last few months. But, we’re back! I promise to try to keep you all updated as frequently as possible with what’s happening around Morgantown, how life is here at Adventure WV, and much, much more!

On that note, if you have an event you know about or are organizing in the Morgantown or Greater Morgantown area (or even Pittsburgh), tell us about it! You can submit an event to our Appalachian Pineapple Calendar, which is available on the Adventure WV website. Click the following link to view the calendar or to submit an event: http://goo.gl/gp76TE

Now that the fall semester is in full swing (nearly over, really!), we no longer have our amazing summer media interns around to keep our blog up and running. Everyone in the office misses them and their creative brains! But, that’s also how I got the opportunity to share my voice through this blog. I’m Olivia, and this is my first day writing to you via The Appalachian Pineapple from the Adventure WV Office! I’ve been involved with Adventure WV since I was a freshman, and I even met my best friend on our Explore WV trip. Little did I know, I’d be leading an outdoor orientation trip and working for Adventure WV just a year later! I’ve done a bit of everything within our program; I worked logistics (getting food, gear, and tons of other things ready for over twenty trips), led the Habitat, Odyssey, and Explore Outdoor Orientation Trips, and facilitated Challenge Course programming. Each school year, I take to the Adventure WV Office’s couch (there’s only a few desks in here) and help out with whatever our full time staff needs.

That's my Explore 3 crew from this summer! Meet Nick, Ali, Angie, Tyler, and me. 

This year, I’m so excited to get to work with Matt and help out with social media, marketing, and advertising. Matt is basically a badass climber man who also is incredible at capturing photos and video. You should get to know him if you ever have the chance. Anyway, although I do other things around the office like filing, helping our sassy and wise Office Administrator, Kelly, with registrations and answering emails, and doing a variety of other miscellaneous tasks, I think that writing and social media management has been my favorite part of my job so far! I do my best to find thought-provoking and entertaining content from all over the internet and then post it to our Facebook and Twitter (@Adventure_WV) pages. Check those pages out and let me know what you think! J What would you like to see posted on our social media places?

To update you all, here are some things that have happened this semester in the world of Adventure WV:

• ·      Our Program Director, Marion, just gave birth to a baby girl, Ila! Congratulations to her, her hubby, and her new little family!
• ·      We’re currently preparing for our first international trip of the school year, Adventure WV: Patagonia. Over winter break, WVU students will participate in all kinds of outdoor activities, gain college credits, and experience the culture of Patagonia, Chile.
• ·      In November, Adventure WV hosted the Reel Rock Film Tour, an event that brought the best climbing and adventure films of the year to Morgantown!
• ·      We met lots of new, fascinating people through interviews and information sessions, and selected our 2014 Adventure WV Student Staff.
• ·      The WVU Challenge Course added a new component: a canopy tour! Many people have gotten to zip through the trees since the Canopy Tour’s opening in the spring.

And maybe my favorite statistic of the year: Adventure WV had 527 students on our Outdoor Orientation Trips this past summer! We hope all of them had as much fun as we did.

I hope you enjoyed the brief update! I can’t wait to share more fun content and thoughts, updates on the world of Adventure WV, and events in Morgantown with you soon.

Oh, and good luck to everyone on finals! Go play in the outdoors on a study break.

J Olivia