" I feel more alive when ram outside. r feel more pure. Society is corrupt, and you can go back to your natural state out there. " - junior Kris Kyle 28 1/ student life natural state Arkansas provides plethora of recreational activities a hh, the "natural state." On days most people headed to class, drove in rush-hour traffic or were subject to the busyness of the business world, others enjoyed the great outdoors. Rather than climbing a concrete jungle or driving over man– made hills, junior Kris Kyle took a short drive to a rock and some trees, or as he called it, "paradise." Kyle, who was an established rock-cUmber, made the pilgrimage to his mecca at Riverside Park about twice a week Kyle said he loved being alone withGod outside. "I feel more alive when I am outside," Kyle said. "I feel more pure. Society is corrupt, and you can go back to your natural state out there. Tt is a spiritual experience being outside. I see God in nature and the rocks and trees, streams and mountains. His majesty is everywhere." In the midst of nature and God's creation, Kyle scaled rocks and found fulfillment in the accomplishment of scaling a Aat– faced rock that was 500 feet high. Kyle said rock-climbing was an adventure he wanted to pursue since he was a little boy. "It's amazing," Kyle said. "It is the power and strength of pulling yourself up the rock. It is like a puzzle and a dance that you have to figure out at the same time." Not only was the encounter of nature a get-away from society and a release from stress, it also removed mOWlting tension from the daily grind of the world, Kyle said. "I think getting out in nat4re is a release from stress because you take all the social things in life and cast them aside and go out and get away," Kyle said . "I feel closer to God. 1 see His beauty more often then." Kyle was not alone in his escape from the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. routine. Junior Mark Jolmston also found recreation and escape in rock-climbing. Since last fall, Johnston had been joining Kyle on climbs. "Tt's just awesome," Johnston said. "Tt's a rush, and the element of danger just makes my blood pump." - Gary Luna During a volleyball game at Berryhill Park, junior Jennifer Skinner serves the ball over the net. Located a few minutes from campus, Berryhill was visited by students who wanted to enjoy the outdoors. (Photo by Russell Keck)
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