Don't hide in your house this summer, go outside and seize the day

By Connor Cottle

May 4, 2005 | Do you dread summer because you have nothing to do? Does summer just mean back to the burger-flipping job you had last summer? Do you have a hard time thinking of any conceivable reason to get out of bed in the morning? If any of these describe you, you might want to listen up. School will soon be out and the lazy days of summer will be upon us. Don't waste your summer sitting inside playing Xbox, put it away and head outside to find your summer entertainment. Learn to rock climb, play golf, mountain bike, camp, or go on that vacation you have always wanted too.

Try something new this summer by going to outwardboundwest.com and signing up for one of their ropes courses. Or start your summer off right by enrolling in a summer semester in Utah where you'll raft, rock climb, kayak, and hike in some of the most spectacular places that southwestern Utah has to offer.

If roughing it isn't your cup of tea you can plan that vacation you've always wanted to take. Expedia offers the total package including car rentals, flights, hotels, and other accommodations at the lowest prices available. Tickets for San Diego over the fourth of July will run you around $200 roundtrip. Be careful though, rescheduling or canceling can cost you around $100 per person, depending on your ticket prices.

Is airfare too expensive for you? With gas prices being as high as they are, you might want to think about a budget vacation, and what better way to be frugal than sleeping in the woods. Camping is free except for the money you'll spend on bug repellent. "Camping is my favorite thing about the summer, it gets you out of the house and lets you enjoy nature," says Austin Hatch, a sophomore at USU. For a detailed list of great places to camp in Utah head to Utah.uscity.net

If you like to enjoy nature but sleeping in the dirt isn't the most enjoyable for you, then mountain biking might be more your style. It allows you to be outside, is a great workout, and when it's over you can go back to your air-conditioning. "Mountain biking is a great way to stay in shape and enjoy nature," according to James Coburn, a graduating Senior of USU. Utah offers a huge variety of trails to bike that can be enjoyable at all skill levels.

If you need something with a little competitive edge, grab some buddies and hit up your local golf course. There is nothing like watching your buddy through his club in the lake, then have to go get it, to wipe away the summer boredom. Utah has hundreds of courses, some for 13 bucks or less. If you prefer serious golf and are looking for some tournaments in your area, visit the pro-shop of your local course and join their men's or women's leagues. Almost every course has them, and it's a good way to learn the pressure of competition and win some prizes. "Golf is the most frustrating sport ever, but no matter how mad I get, I'll always go back tomorrow," says Tyson Smith, a freshmen at USU.

Nothing says summer like slathering on some sunscreen and hitting up the local pool. "I like to go to the pool in the summer, it's a good place to meet people, and you can also get a tan" says Cameron Gordon, a junior at USU.

Before you hit the pool you may want to hit the gym, unless you like sucking your gut in every time an attractive person walks by. "I work out all year so that I look good for the summer, after all, summer is the time to walk around without your shirt on," says Jared Lloyd, a sophomore at USU.

What better place to get wet and wild than Cherry Hill , where you can swim, ride water slides, or lounge around in the new lazy river. Cherry Hill also has batting cages, miniature golf, and a rock-climbing wall. Just make sure to pack your sunscreen.

"There are only two seasons in Logan, you might as well enjoy the summer before winter hits again," says Gordon.

There are thousands of other great summer activities that can fit every attitude and budget. No matter what your doing, whether it be rock climbing or lounging by the pool, get out of the house and into the sun. Summer only lasts four months; let the other eight be designated for your Xbox.

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