Tank tops, shorts and flip-flops are everyday clothing options, the Food Court schedule is utterly bewildering and the temperature of the river is actually climbing upward. In short, for the Class of 2006, the long-awaited sophomore summer has finally arrived.
While many are already taking full advantage of opportunities to bask in the sun on the Green or at the river, there are many more exciting summer activities that students can explore. Though the Whistlestop ice cream store sadly will no longer be offering frozen summer treats, here is a selection of fun activities to take advantage of this term.
The Randall Drive-in
This drive-in movie theater is located a few miles north of Bethel, Vt., on the right side of Route 12. It is only open on weekends and shows double features on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The box office opens at 7:30 p.m. and the first feature starts at dusk. Adult tickets are five dollars and admission for children 11 years old and younger is free. The theater shows a different set of relatively new movies each weekend. This weekend the drive-in is playing "Harry Potter 3" and "Starsky and Hutch."
Fire Tower
Students can take advantage of this great view by hiking up the Gile Mountain trail which is only a couple of miles away in Norwich, Vt. A short trail leads up to the scenic setting of the Fire Tower.
The Ledges
This swimming hole is a great place to go swimming and bask in the sun. Water washes over boulders to create a tranquil and relaxing environment. However, students should be aware that they can get crowded on hot weekend days. To get to the ledges take a left at Brook Road after going through the town strip in West Lebanon. After going about a mile on this road, there is a bridge where one can park and then head down to the water.
Canoe Rentals and the Ledyard pancake paddle
The Ledyard Canoe Club rents canoes for five dollars each. Year-long passes that allow for unlimited rentals are also available for $35. Every Tuesday morning from 7-9 a.m. at Ledyard, pancakes and canoe rentals are available for two dollars.
Cabin Rentals
During the summer, renting a cabin with friends is another great option. Hinman Cabin is often a popular choice as it is on the lake near miles from the Dartmouth Skiway. Students can rent cabins three or four weeks in advance and receive preference over the general public. Would-be renters should contact Kathy Decato, the Dartmouth Outing Club business manager.
Dan and Whit's
This convenience store, located across the river in Norwich, Vt., provides a range of goods to browse on summer afternoons. Store t-shirts display the merchant's great variety, proudly stating: "If we don't have it, you don't need it."
Balch Hill
This landmark is a great place to watch sunrises and sunsets. According to the Hanover Conservation Council, this area is also a excellent place for bird watching and offers views of Moose Mountain, Mount Ascutney and Gile Mountain. Six different trails lead up the hill, which is covered with various types of vegetation. Students who wish to explore this area can find parking on the corner of Grasse Road and Trescott Road.
Other trails and areas can be found in the Dartmouth Outing Guide, found in many local bookstores. The book offers many possibilities for adventure and locations to visit, such as the scenic Boston Lot Lake, reportedly a good picnic and swimming area near Route 10.
The DOC also runs a variety of programs and activities throughout this summer. For example, this Sunday all DOC clubs will run beginner trips for the Fourth of July with dinner at the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge and a hike up Moosilauke Mountain to see the fireworks.
"We make a special effort to run more beginner trips during the summer because it's a time when people who don't necessarily associate with the DOC get involved," DOC President Jeff Woodward '06 said.
