On Thursday Feb. 24, Outdoor Adventure instructors Sydney Rowell and Jared Webb, both juniors, led a sunset hike after a day of rain.
The hike was at Buffalo Mountain Park and was around a mile and a half long. It began around 5 p.m. and lasted until 8 p.m. The original plan was to go to the Pinnacle Fire Tower near Unicoi, which was closed. Rowell decided that the night would not end on that note and took the participants to Buffalo Mountain Park in Johnson City.
“Anytime that I get really stressed out, I love to try and at least leave Johnson City or at least get out of our 20-mile radius that we always have to stay in as students. So, it’s really good to get out and go on a hike and just be away. Then, coming back I’ll feel refreshed for my exams,” said Rowell.
Once at the park, the group faced a few challenges with flooding from the rain. Luckily, their instructors were able to turn the situation into a group bonding activity. Rowell explained the trip to the top as more rewarding due to the obstacles they faced to get there and the bonding experience they shared.
“We all worked together making sure no one would fall, which brought a bunch of strangers together really quickly. So, having that challenge was actually a great way to create conversation. It was definitely fun,” said Rowell.
After reaching their destination, the group watched the sun go down, took pictures and shared stories. Barely making sunset, they were also able to see all of the night lights.
For more information on future hikes or events with Outdoor Adventures, visit https://www.etsu.edu/students/campusrec/oa/oatrips.php and https://www.etsu.edu/students/campusrec/oa/default.php.
