Springtime activities in the Pacific Northwest-news

By Malia Grantor, Reporter

During the springtime in the Pacific Northwest, the days get longer, the rain falls harder, and all the plants, and animals emerge after a long season of cold dark days. Students and staff alike engage in many different outdoor activities when the weather becomes nicer and there is light for longer.

“I love to spend time outside because it’s getting warmer…I feel like during the winter we get a little deprived of outside time,” sophomore Linnea Hueschert said.

Like Hueschert, VHS senior Levi Stahl enjoys spending a lot of time outside, and does his best to take full advantage of the outdoor spaces the Vashon area has to offer.

“Island Center Forest is a great place for hikes, runs, [and] even biking. My favorite spot is probably the bluffs by Gold Beach; [they’re] just so beautiful. You can see the whole Sound, Gold Beach, and the whole shape of Maury which is really fascinating,” Stahl said.

Along with outdoor activities, the weather permits better opportunities for those who engage in sports, and like to enjoy the longer hours of the day.

“I’m a soccer player, so the warmer and the nicer it is outside the more I feel like playing soccer outside for longer,” Heuschert said.

While some engage in sports others spend their outdoor time in other ways. Now that it’s springtime, VHS Paraeducator Colby Gateman is looking forward to the camping season that has been part of her springtime tradition for years.

“I am into car camping. That’s been super fun. The next thing that we’re buying is [a] SUV pop up investment. We’ll see how it works with the dog but we’re excited about it,” Gateman said.

Day hiking is also a popular weekend activity.. Many people enjoy exploring different parts of the Olympic Peninsula, including Rattlesnake Ridge, Hurricane Ridge, and the Hoh Rainforest. However, Stahl enjoys backpacking with friends in the Olympic national rainforest.

“[I enjoy] hiking [and] backpacking, where you go set up a tent, deep in the woods, play cards, and drink water from a stream,” Stahl said.

Stahl is also excited to return to hikes he has done previously.

“[I like to hike at] the Upper Enchantments, it’s so beautiful; surrounded by mountains and there[are] 20 lakes. It’s just so beautiful.,” Stahl said.

Overall, springtime is a very enjoyable season for the majority of students and staff because they can do their favorite outside activities, and the Pacific Northwest offers many opportunities for them during this season.

“I just really love it [in the Pacific Northwest]. I’m planning on staying here,” Stahl said.