By Dawn McGarrigle, '07 |Editorial Page Editor

With the seasons changing and all that is going on in the world, I thought it would be appropriate to write about sledding.

Sometimes we all just need to get away. What better way to do this than to put on as many articles of clothing as we can find, get a few friends, and ride a small, uncomfortable object down a large hill? Perhaps you can find a group and form sledding teams. I have scouted possible sledding adventures on campus that you and your friends may enjoy.

First is the hill next to the football field. It may look kind of daunting at first but I believe that it may be the best location for sledding on campus. It begins at the end of the commuter parking lot near STUAC and ends at fun city!

Picture this: you read my article and get very pumped for sledding. (However since there is probably no snow on the ground currently you may need to cut it out and read again later). You then get a few friends (if you have no friends, imagine you do) and put 14 pairs of pants on, gloves, and a hat for maximum comfort in the cold weather.

Then, with hope shining in your eyes, you make your way to the top of what I am calling, "the Morrisville sledding hill next to the football field." Once at the top, you take a deep breath, get on your sled and go!

With the wind in your face, nothing in the world can stop you! You are flying down this glorious hill at speeds no man could dream of traveling! The excitement is almost too much, and then you reach the bottom.

If you are not careful, this could be the part of the fantasy where you run into the fence. Watch out.

A hill that also ends, maybe near a suburb of fun city, is the hill behind Stewart Hall. I'm not very familiar with this hill because it's too far for me to walk, but if you can avoid the oncoming traffic at the end of it, I believe this hill has much opportunity for enjoyment.
Another hill that shows promise is the hill next to the pond, again, if you do not mind ending in the (hopefully frozen) pond.

Depending on how long you have been attending Morrisville, you know about "tray sledding." Some unruly and dishonest students have decided in past winters to steal trays from Seneca in various ways and proceed to ride them down hills on campus.

When questioned about this underhanded tradition, Thelma (I believe only a first name is needed for the widely popular cashier at our beloved Seneca dining Hall) made it obvious that she does not approve.

"They are sneaky," she says of the student tray-stealers. "They hide the trays in their book bags or carry them under their coats."
Thelma goes on to explain that she looks for these thieves when the snow starts to fall, and would take disciplinary measures if a student was found with a tray while leaving Seneca.

"I would make them give it back," she says, "and if they didn't, I would call U.P."

Although sledding is a fun past-time for most, there are many dangers in the strange and exotic sport.

Be careful when sledding on campus and, although the CHIMES and Thelma do not condone tray sledding, enjoy this winter season and all the advantages it offers.