Hot fun and fitness in the summertime

For the many students living in and around Spokane this summer who want to stay active without going to the gym, there is a plethora of outdoor activities from which to choose.

According to www.washingtonlakes.com, there are 11 campgrounds within 10 miles of Spokane. Nearby whitewater rafting, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, boating and fishing are only a handful of outdoor opportunities available to people in this region.

If bike riding is your passion, there are seven trails within 70 miles of downtown Spokane, including the Centennial Trail and Rails to Trails, which follows old railroad routes that were turned into biking and walking paths. A popular trail is the Route of the Hiawatha near the Montana/Idaho border. This information and more about Rails to Trails can be found at www.railstrails.org.

For future wannabe green jacket wearers, Spokane and Spokane Valley offer loads of golf courses in and around town. Downriver, Esmeralda, Hangman, Sundance and Wandermere golf courses are all less than 10 miles away from downtown Spokane. Visit www.golfinspokane.com for more information.

They may not be Hawaii's white sand beaches, but there are some sandy shores closer to home that are not too shabby. There are at least eight beaches near Spokane, including those on Liberty Lake, Newman Lake and a few on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

To keep the Eagle spirit alive, EPIC is offering a few choices for students this summer. There is a Salmon River rafting trip June 6-8 for $100. Another adventure is a Costa Rican backpacking journey. Details will be available soon at www.myspace.com/asewuop.

These are only a few of the options available to students and other participants in the area. Whatever you decide to do this summer, stay active for your health and entertainment.