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| Canoeing on Green River |
What could be better for a scholar who loves the outdoors than a seminar with the glorious Benjamin Whitlock about camping etiquette and Leave No Trace procedures? The only thing I can think of would be a camping and canoeing trip in Greensburg on the Green River to complement the seminar. One can only imagine how ecstatic a scholar would be when a fellow group of fun-loving scholars decide to take this trip as spring goes into full swing: the flowers in bloom, the wild birds out and about before the sun begins to bathe the Earth, and the kind of inner peace that only comes from communing with Mother Nature.
During the seminar, Sir Whitlock went over the basics and the luxury items that really make the camping experience complete. Just when I thought I had enough gear to make my own camping experiences safe and enjoyable, Sir Whitlock showed me that I have been living in a dank basement compared to the camping mansion that he has! If there ever is a zombie apocalypse (or if you just want to have an amazing camping experience), Ben Whitlock is the man you want to follow. Sir Whitlock also taught us the seven rules to practicing sustainable camping techniques as they are taught through the Leave No Trace guidelines.
Aside from the fact that I still have to stop myself from driving to the new Cabella’s outlet and buying everything in the store, the seminar left me with a lot of very helpful information. I can’t believe that the sad and dreary days of winter are almost over and that I get to start my camping season in just a week! As Sir Whitlock would say, “Kick on!”
Cathrine Mountain, of Frankfort, Ky., is a sophomore McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. She is studying political science, anthropology and biology.