Tyler Stauffer photo

Forget swine flu. Spring fever is the latest illness sweeping across the Mercyhurst campus. With only a few days of warm weather so far this term, there has already been a flip-flop revival.

Students preparing to shake off the winter blues are already starting to engage in those warm weather activities. It is not uncommon to see students jogging, or running around our beautiful campus, but there are other activities to consider as well.

“I’m looking forward to spending some time outside riding my bike,” graduate student Laura Drathman said.

After a long, harsh Erie winter, students learn to appreciate even the little things about slightly warmer weather.

“I like to take walks to enjoy the nice weather and even eating dinner outside on the picnic tables in front of the student union,” sophomore Lindsay Cox said.

There are plenty of fun things to do right here on campus like biking, Rollerblading and playing cornhole, badminton and Frisbee.

If you’re considering branching out and seeing what else Erie has to offer in this warm weather, you may consider going to Wintergreen Gorge. The gorge is located just off of the Bayfront Connector near Penn State Behrend, which is only about 15 minutes from Mercyhurst. It is a great place to go hiking as well as view the beautiful waterfall; it is also an ideal place for a picnic.

If students are looking to get away from the city-type atmosphere, they should look no further then Asbury Woods. Asbury Woods provides students with the opportunity to enjoy hiking, jogging, mountain biking and fishing. They also hold seminars there, including one on April 17 which includes a yoga class, learning to journal about nature and a nature hike. (See Asbury Woods’s Website for details.)

Another favorite off-campus location for Mercyhurst students is Presque Isle. There you can enjoy building a sand castle, playing volleyball, lying out in the warm sun and even going out on boat tours.

“I’m looking forward to running and biking outside, particularly on the peninsula,” junior Ashley Harper said.

For students interested in being outdoors but aren’t really into the sport scene, Erie also has the Zoo just down the street on West 38th Street, which is a fun place to go with your friends on a warm day. Since Waldameer Park doesn’t open until May, you might consider going to Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park.

At Splash Lagoon you could have fun swirling down any one of their nine water slides, float down the lazy river, or relax in a whirlpool. After a long day of hiking or running outside in the heat, you may consider Splash Lagoon as a good place for you and your friends go to cool off.

With all the clubs and organizations at Mercyhurst, it is impossible to have nothing fun to do in the sun.

Everything from the Astronomy club gazing at the stars to the Equestrian Club going on a trail ride, there is no end to the fun activities being planned for spring.

If none of the above-mentioned activities sound of any interest to you, consider looking into what the Outdoor Adventure Club is planning for fun in this warm weather.

Presque Isle is a common Erie destination

Tyler Stauffer photo