Wednesday, August 14, 2024

The Best Outdoor Memories You Can Have

Summer is my favorite season in Ann Arbor. Compared to the long, cold, and cloudy winter, summer is warm, not too hot, green, and mostly sunny. It's the perfect time to enjoy the good weather and engage in outdoor activities! 

  1. Canoe, Kayak and Tube - The City of Ann Arbor

Tips: Wear quick-drying clothes and sandals, apply sunscreen, and avoid bringing valuable items on the boat to prevent water damage. Enjoy the rowing process and don't rush.


Kayaking is my favorite summer activity in Ann Arbor. I remember the first time I went kayaking with my friend Lucy. We rented a two-person canoe and began our journey, paddling along the river from Argo to Gallop. The excitement started as we encountered several cascades, our boat flowing down mini waterfalls. The splashing water soaked our shoes and shorts, but the thrill of the new experience, the swift boat ride, and the cool breezes made the trip adventurous and exhilarating.


The river, lined with numerous green trees, was broad and tranquil, with only a few boats in sight. It felt as if there were only nature and us. Beyond the tranquility and beautiful scenery, rowing itself was enjoyable. We learned to coordinate our movements, adjust directions, move forward and backward, and avoid stones and large logs in the water.


Navigating back was a bit challenging. We took a wrong turn and ended up going too far. Battling headwinds and dense water plants that tangled our paddles, we expended a lot of effort to return. Fortunately, we eventually found the right place and returned to the bank.


I believe everyone who tries kayaking will have their own memorable adventure. I highly recommend you try kayaking with your friends and create some of your best memories!



  1. Sky Lantern Festival in Michigan 

Tips: It gets very cold at night, so wear a jacket. Bring folding chairs and a picnic blanket.


I attended the Sky Lantern Festival this summer. The festival featured a spectacular lantern lighting and flying event that involved hundreds of people. Each attendee received a lantern with their ticket, and they could write or draw anything on it. Most people choose to write their wishes. Once it was completely dark, everyone lit their lanterns at the same time. The scene was majestic, bright, and moving, with countless lanterns ascending into the sky. Lighting the lantern and waiting for it to fly required patience. Sometimes, the lantern was too heavy to rise, or it was difficult to light. However, after waiting and hoping, when your lantern finally floated up into the sky along with the others, it felt like a dream was about to come true.



  1. Nichols Arboretum 

Tips: Wear shoes suitable for walking.  

I visited the Arboretum twice. The Arb is an excellent place for meditation and refreshing yourself. The best seasons to go are summer and fall when it's not too cold. My favorite time for hiking in the Arb is around sunset when you can see how the sunlight and shadows of the trees change. It feels like a little forest, quiet, with birds chirping. If you're lucky, you might even spot a black-furred squirrel!



Written by Zhuo (Zoe) Li

Summer Orientation Peer Advisor 

Undergraduate Student 

China

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