Duck Living | Summer 2023

Soak Up the Sun

Letter from the Editor

The sun is shining and short sleeves are leaving the closet, which means spring is officially here! I have been waiting all year to cover warm-weathered topics and I couldn’t be more proud of this edition. I was inspired to cover topics that highlight some of the sunny summer activities that are quintessentially Eugene. Throw on your bathing suit, grab some tubes, and get ready to set sail on the Willamette River. Floating the Willamette has been a sunny tradition amongst students and locals for years, and with our float guide, now you can too! If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat, take a trip to Dexter’s Lake or cool off with some ice cream on a shaded patio. If you’re staying put in Eugene we’ve got you covered with the ultimate summer calendar with events all throughout Oregon! Check out our other stories about jetting off on a lifechanging study abroad program, a guide to the best stargazing spots, and two delicious recipes to satisfy your summer sweet treat cravings!

Lauren Leone

Special Sections Editor

Meet The Team

Special Sections Editor

Lauren Leone

Cover Photo

Riley Valle

Special Sections Writers

Isabella Albin

Lizzy Lee

Reilly Norgren

Beck Parsons

Georgia Tucker

Special Sections Photographers

Sydney Chen

Riley Valle

Henry Cohen

Business

Publisher & President

Bill Kunerth

bkunerth@dailyemerald.com

Lead Designers

Kaity VanHoose

Lindsay Rogers

Student Designers

Dani DeGraw

Julia Faria

Miles Imai

Spencer So

Student Sales Manager

Amy Menendez

Account Managers

Josh Delapena

Maxwell Goldenberg

Keaton Roberts

Riley Valle

VP Operations

Kathy Carbone

kcarbone@dailyemerald.com

Director of Sales

Shelly Rondestvedt

srondestvedt@dailyemerald

Emerald Media Group 1395 University St., #302 Eugene, OR, 97403 541.346.5511 dailyemerald.com

Duck Living is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit media company at the University of Oregon. Formerly the Oregon Daily Emerald; the news organization was founded in 1900.

Creative & Technical Director

Anna CK Smith

creative@dailyemerald.com

Beat the Heat

Written by: Isabella Albin

Designed by: Lindsay Rogers

Photos by: Sydney Chen

After months of rain, it can be hard to adjust to the heat in Eugene. Sometimes it can feel like you are absolutely melting. Students from all over flock to rivers and restaurants to try to find some relief. Here are some places to check out when you feel like a puddle.

Ice Cream

Prince Pucklers

Obama ice cream. Before I even thought about attending the University of Oregon, I stopped by Prince Pucklers and quickly noticed the framed photo of Barack and Michelle Obama and his face next to the mint chip flavor. The man has taste. Beyond their famous patrons, Prince Pucklers has a wide array of flavors made in Eugene.

Handles

With ice cream made in-shop, it is hard to beat Handles. Every day fresh ice cream is made and ready to be enjoyed. Not in the mood for a classic cup? Mix it up with their cones, hurricanes, and shakes. With its breezy location in 5th Street Public Market, Handles has flavors and outdoor seating for days.

Salt & Straw

Looking for something new? Odds are, Salt & Straw has it. Known for their boundary-pushing flavors, there is a little something for everyone. Seasonal flavors will keep you on your toes. The current “Eat Your Flowers” series includes unique combinations like Jasmine Milk Tea Almond Stracciatella and Lemon Mari Gold Amaro Sherbet. When in doubt you can always keep it vanilla, literally, with the Double Fold Vanilla.

Swimming

Mount Pisgah Arboretum

A quick drive into Springfield brings hikers and beachcombers to this hill. A small tributary river from Dorena Lake flows past Pisgah and offers a calm place to cool down. If you park on the lower levels, a 5-minute walk will bring you to a couple of rocky beaches where you can set up for the day.

Dexter

It wouldn’t be summer in Eugene if you didn’t go to Dexter. It is almost a right of passage for ducks to spend Friday at Dexter Reservoir. After a 40-minute drive from Eugene, this huge reservoir offers students plenty of room for sunbathing and swimming.

Wildwood Falls

Looking for a little adventure? Check out Wildwood Falls. This waterfall is located in Cottage Grove and is a beautiful drive. Wildwood can be seen from the road and doesn’t require a hike to get to, making it a popular spot over the summer. Below the falls, cold blue waters welcome swimmers and those who want to cool off.

With summer right around the corner, these places will help you get out of the heat and show a new slice of Eugene. Sit back, relax, catch some vitamin D, and get ready for some good times.

Patios

Agate Alley

Instead of heating up your house with the oven, go grab some apps and a drink at Agate Alley. With patio seating and a killer happy hour menu, you can’t go wrong. For those who are 21+, the latenight happy hour menu has great deals on food and well drinks!

Tacovore

The back patio at Tacovore is like a secret garden. Picnic tables and potted greenery makes this patio feel quiet, cool, and calm on a hot day. Tacos and margs go hand-in-hand; but if you are looking to mix it up, try a Paloma and torta.

North Bank – McMenamins

We are lucky to be so close to the Willamette River and all the beauty it brings. If you are looking for a great meal with a great view, head over to the North Bank McMenamins. All tables offer great views of the river! If you are looking to cool down inside, check out the Kapu Hut. This is a Tiki Bar in the Restaurant serving drinks that are fruity and refreshing.

Why do Ducks Fly Across the Pond? To Study Abroad!

Written by Reilly Norgren | Designed by Lindsay Rogers Illustrations by Julia Faria

Studying abroad during your time at the University of Oregon is an incredibly exciting opportunity. You can get credits toward your degree, learn a new language and fully immerse yourself in the beautiful country and culture of your destination.

There are three types of study abroad offered through UO: University Exchange, GEO Centers, and GlobalWorks International Internships. Internships are offered in 19 different countries and an exchange has 22 available countries to transfer to. GEO Centers are found in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.

“Experience the world as your classroom,” boasts the Global Education Oregon website. Whatever your major is, there is a study abroad program for you! STEM, politics, languages, food studies, psychology, and journalism are just a few of the many programs offered for studying abroad.

UO has many resources to ensure that students are having the best time abroad. Scholarships are available to finance your course, and all study-abroad students have access to a mental health app to feel supported while abroad. The study

abroad webpage also has information about cultural shifts and local laws so that you can educate yourself on those changes before you jump the pond!

The GEO Abroad Instagram profile highlights student experiences, which range from students describing how they overcame fears to the lifelong friends they made during their time abroad.

Alumni of study abroad programs share their experiences in the form of blogs or videos. The GEO website has an option for you to search these blogs by country, or just view the most recent posts. Topics range from why students picked the program they did, how they found themselves while abroad, or how their experience made for valuable career experience. The videos offer just a piece of what it looks like to study overseas. Each blog and video speaks to a personal and enriching experience that the students would recommend to anyone else.

Application deadlines are available on the GEO website- don’t be afraid to jump on the opportunity! According to the website, programs can fill up quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on what can be a life-changing experience that will allow you to see things from an entirely new perspective.

Floating Down the River

Written by Georgia Tucker

Photos by Riley Valle and Henry Cohen

Illustrations by Dani DeGraw

As spring term starts coming to an end and summer is right around the corner, it’s time that we trade our textbooks for some swim trunks. One of the best ways to spend these upcoming hot days is floating down the refreshing river. It’s a great way to cool down and get some time to relax. After all, you deserve to have a relaxing day in the sun, spending time with your friends and working on your tan. But before you start planning your next weekend float, here are a few tips that will guide you on what to bring on your next river adventure!

The first step on your guide to floating the river is finding a tube! If you are interested in renting a float tube, the UO outdoor program has quality tubes for you to rent by the hour. The fee to rent one tube is only $5 with a small additional fee if you need a life jacket. The rental tube should also include the pump that blows up the tube and a helmet if you want to be extra prepared. If you are considering going tubing more than a couple of times this summer, I recommend that you invest in your own tube. There are many different places where you can buy a tube at a variety of prices. Walmart and Target have tubes ranging from $5 to $16 while Dicks Sporting Goods and Amazon have tubes ranging from $15 to $40. But in the end, we want to make sure that you get the best gear that works for you!

The second step on your guide to floating the river is gathering the essentials. These are all the little things that are very easy to forget when you are running out the door. Depending on the weekly weather report, you might want to pack some sunscreen and your favorite pair of sunglasses. Even when the sun isn’t shining directly on you, there is a possibility you may still get burnt. Since you will be spending a lot of time outside, it’s always good to stay hydrated. Fill up a small portable cooler with your favorite beverages and maybe even a snack or two. One of my favorite river snacks is White Cheddar Cheeto Puffs. When sitting in the tube the cooler can go on your lap or depending on what tube you have, it might even fit next to you on the mesh bottom of the tube. Some people also like to tie a smaller tube on the side so that the cooler has its own way of transportation. Towards the end of your trip, you are going to want a towel to dry off with. I wouldn’t be surprised if you encountered

a few bumpy splashes. The last thing you might want to consider bringing with you is a pair of water shoes. These will come in handy if you run into any rocks or large river logs. It also makes it way easier to push off the river bank if you get stuck in the mud.

Now that you have gathered all the essentials, it’s time to start your river floating journey! The best way to travel is by taking two cars, this way you can have one car at the start of the float and another car at the end of the float. You want to start your float at a park located in Springfield, giving you a little bit of distance for a longer float. One of the most well-known spots in Springfield is Island Park. This park is only about a fiveminute drive from outside of campus, making it pretty accessible to everyone. During your float, make sure that you are paying attention to the shallower areas, we don’t want anyone getting stuck. You might experience some fast-flowing water on parts of your float. But other than that, the float should be pretty relaxing. You want to end your float at Alton Baker Park. Once you have ended your float, carefully make your way to the river bank and pack up your gear.

Now that you have gained some new tips on floating the river, it’s time to put them to good use. Next time there is a hot sunny day, invite your friends out to float the river. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Written by Isabella Albin | Designed by Spencer So | Illustrations by Miles Imai

For anyone with a love for baking and a lack of A.C., summer can be a balancing act. It can feel like the second the oven gets turned on, the temperature inside rises. Instead of suffering through the heat, or buying yourself a sweet treat, try one of these cold treats.

The Ice Box Cake of the Summer

Ingredients:

2 cups cold heavy cream

12 ounces Italian mascarpone cheese

½ cup sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package of Tate’s Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies, or another pre-made crisp cookie (thin Oreos would be great!)

Better Than Your Nana’s Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

1 1/2 cups ice-cold water

1 packet of instant vanilla pudding

4 teaspoons cinnamon

1 tablespoons vanilla extract

3 cups cold heavy cream

Pinch of salt

1 box Nilla wafers

4-5 bananas

Instructions:

1. Slowly whisk the cold water and sweetened condensed milk into a large bowl. When both are thoroughly combined, add a packet of instant vanilla pudding. Continue to whisk until everything is smooth. Finish by adding 2 tsp. of cinnamon. Refrigerate until the pudding is firm. Minimally one hour.

2. While the pudding is in the refrigerator, start on the whipped cream. In a large bowl pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. If you have an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, now would be the time to put it to good use. If not, you’ll get a great arm workout. Whip until stiff peaks form.

3.Slice your bananas and get out a large baking dish.

4. When the pudding is firm, it’s time to start assembling. To start layering, cover the bottom of the baking dish with the pudding. Next, add the Nilla wafers then bananas. The last layer is the whipped cream. Continue layering until the dish is full! With the leftover cinnamon, dust the top of your banana pudding.

5. Once the banana pudding is assembled, refrigerate for 45 minutes for the best results. If you simply can’t wait just start digging in.

Instructions:

1. If you have an electric mixer: Combine heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla in the mixer. Mix on a low speed until everything is combined. Raise the speed until the mixture forms stiff peaks.

2. If you do not have an electric mixer: Start by whisking the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until it forms stiff peaks. Fold in the mascarpone until smooth. Whisk in the cocoa and espresso powder.

3. In a large baking dish start assembling the cake. Start with a layer of cookies and try to cover the bottom of the dish as much as possible. Spread a layer of whipped cream evenly over the cookies. Continue to layer!

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours then enjoy!

Fairs, Festivals, and Far More

Written by Lizzy Lee | Designed by Miles Imai

Oregon summers are never dull. Packed with fairs, festivals, and so much more, you are guaranteed not to be bored this summer. If you are planning on staying in Oregon this summer with no particular plans set, here are a couple of events you can enjoy around the state.

Portland Rose Festival

Portland isn’t nicknamed the City of Roses for nothing. Currently in progress, you can check out the beautiful roses until June 11th. Some of the events include the Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, and Fleet Week. You can buy tickets on the Rose Festival website.

Tigard Festival of Balloons

Bach Festival

From Friday, June 23rd to Sunday, June 25th, Tigard will be holding its annual hot air balloon festival. You can see the hot air balloon launches or even go up on tethered rides. This is a good event to enjoy with the whole family. Tickets go up for sale in the first week of June.

If you’re riding out your lease in Eugene, check out the Bach Festival. It runs from Friday, June 30th through Sunday, July 16th. The events will be located at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Beall Concert Hall at the University of Oregon, and local churches. The music festival will feature the works of J.S. Bach and composers inspired by Bach’s work. Tickets are on sale on Hult Center’s website.

JUNE JULY

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

Make your way up to Portland on the first weekend of July to see Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival if you’re into jazz and blues music. The festival will last from Saturday, July 1st to Tuesday, July 4th. This annual blues festival will take place at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Tickets are currently on sale with General Admissions 4-day passes costing $140. While enjoying artists like Buddy Guy and the Mavericks, you can also find some tasty food and drinks.

Summer Kite Festival

Lincoln City’s Summer Kite Festival can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a perfect event for families. This annual festival will take place on the beach at the D River Recreation Site from Saturday, July 24th to Sunday, July 25th. You can enjoy the free-kite-making workshop, carnival games, and kite performances at the event.

Lavender Daze

Every weekend in July, Hood River Lavender Farms is open to visitors to enjoy live music, food, art, and activities while they enjoy the fully-bloomed lavender. The scent provides a calming environment for a chill summer day trip.

AUGUST

Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo

From Wednesday, August 2nd to Sunday, August 6th, Redmond will have its Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo. Central Oregon’s largest annual event will have a championship rodeo, concerts, animals, carnival rides, and more.

Oregon State Fair

Nothing screams summer day more than a state fair. The State Fair will return to Oregon’s capital, Salem, from Friday, August 25th to Monday, September 4th. Experience a fair that’s been taking place since the late 19th century. Enjoy the food, exhibits, games, and rides with friends and family. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your 2023 summer. More information will be updated on the Oregon State Fair website.

These are just a few of the various events that Oregon will have during the summer of 2023. There is something for all ages, all interests, and all areas of Oregon. Oregon thrives on its uniqueness and that is exactly what you’ll find at each of these events.

Reading What’s Written in the Stars

As Eugene gets warmer and warmer, many of us are looking for new ways to get outside. After all, having an enjoyable experience in nature is a great way to release some of the stress that comes with finishing up the school year. Stargazing is an underrated way to observe and enjoy nature. While it’s fun to search the skies for planets and constellations, it can be difficult to find a good place to do so. Because of light pollution, the best way to see stars is to get away from the city. If you’re looking to trade blue light for starlight, look no further. This article will provide a detailed look at the best spots to stargaze in the Eugene area.

The first and closest spot to campus is the famous Spencer Butte. Towering above southern Eugene, Spencer’s Butte rises to an elevation of 2,000 feet. The rocky crest that rises from the area’s forest is a great place to see stars. While its proximity to the city means it’s more convenient than some other options on this list, it does mean that the stars may not be quite as clear as they’d be elsewhere on this list. It’s also important to note that Spencer’s Butte is only accessible to hikers and closes at 11 p.m. While these parameters certainly give you options, it’s important that you give yourself plenty of time to get up and down the butte before it closes. The soccer fields at Lane Community College are another recommended local option.

Popular with students is the nearby Dexter Lake. Situated near the edge of the beautiful Willamette National Forest, the lake is located 25 minutes southeast of Eugene. By day, the lake’s Lowell State Park is one of the most popular spots for students to relax by the water.

Written by Beck Parsons

Illustrations by Dani DeGraw

While the park closes at 9 p.m., the surrounding area and town of Lowell offer plenty of places to spread out a blanket.

If you’re willing to go a little further from Eugene, you’ll be happy with the results. When Highway 242 is open, Dee Wright Observatory is probably the best place around for stargazing. Located mere feet from the Lane County border, the observatory rests above 5,000 feet of elevation, making it an ideal spot. The observatory never closes and has multiple parking pull-offs with easy walking access to the observatory. However, it’s built atop a mountain of black lava rocks, so make sure to bring a lowpower flashlight. This will allow you to make your way up and down without ruining the stargazing experience for yourself and others.

Looking to avoid the mountains? Head west to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area along the Oregon coast. This magnificent, protected environment will provide an excellent backdrop for any outdoor adventure. You can imagine the relaxation of laying in the sand and looking up at the stars. However, this place is an important part of the environment, so it’s essential to respectfully comply with all rules. For example, March to September is snowy plover nesting season, during which sections of the sands are closed off. Following all of the Recreation Area’s guidelines will ensure a beneficial experience for you and all those that visit after.

While stargazing is an enjoyable experience, it’s important to always stay safe. Before going out, tell someone where you’re going, who you’re with, and when you expect to be back. Also remember to exercise caution when driving, as the dark presents a number of dangers to distracted travelers. Doing some research about your destination’s hours and features beforehand is a great way to prepare yourself. Doing these things beforehand means that once you get there, all you have to do is look up. If you stay safe and pick the right spot, a good night of stargazing is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. A wish on a shooting star could turn this into the best summer of your life, and now you know the best places to see one.