We have officially passed the vernal equinox, and that means the days are getting longer and longer. With longer days comes more time to finish your work and get outside to enjoy the rare Oregon sun.
One way many students like to spend their sunlit afternoons is relaxed with a cold drink in hand. Here are a few local spots to make yourself an oasis for the day:
North bank of the Willamette River:
My roommates and I frequently head down to the Willamette River to either swim, relax or the hit rope swing that used to be located near the I-5 bridge (someone should rebuild that shit.) If you think the water’s cold, try swimming on the Oregon coast, and you’ll quickly appreciate Eugene’s main aquatic confluence. Various spots up and down the north bank provide sunlight or shade depending on your preference. You may have to hunt (or share if you’re nice) for an open spot. Some spots are sandy. Others not so much. Just be prepared with towels or a light chair so you’re not sitting with a rock in your tush.
Triangle Lake natural water slides:
If you haven’t been out here, you need to go. Some of my best summer memories living in Eugene are at this spot, and for those of you who are saying I’m blowing the exclusivity, you can buzz off.
Triangle Lake is just 35 minutes (depending on how fast you drive) northwest of Eugene out Highway 99 into the countryside. The slides are located in a small stream on the far southwest side of the lake and are super fun, especially if you have a knee or boogie board.
A big plus about this spot is that there is a ton of shade if it’s a super hot day, but it still gets plenty of sunlight. Just be sure to take your crappy swimsuit because you might rip your bottoms if you snag some friction.
Top of Spencer Butte:
Yes, we know its clichéd, but give it a try. There is seriously nothing better than a couple of buddies, brews and a hacky sack on top of Eugene’s tallest point to take your mind off that economics midterm coming up.
Not only is the view awesome, but the wind feels great on a hot day. Plus there are tons of places to sit and take a load off after that hike (depending on what route you take).
Your (or your friend’s) backyard:
Honestly, my favorite spot is my backyard. My roommates, my dog, my grill, my Sierra Nevada Pale Ale … What else do I need to have a nice Saturday afternoon other getting your hands on a Ninkasi keg for 30 percent off?
The best thing to do is a potluck barbecue. Tell everyone to grab one item (don’t forget the veggie burgers for those who don’t eat meat), and the cost is kept minimal. Also, you never know if your day drinking will turn into a full-fledged kickback when the sun goes down.