Taking it Outside

Movies depict life. Lives emulate movies. As this dance would have it, this symbiotic relationship sometimes results in a depiction that is so dead-on that no matter where you catch up to it, you will ride it until the end. Cult classic films are the result of this universally shared product of life as art. As these films portray images of utter turmoil to extreme pleasure, the cult following is established through the character's ability to not only accomplish the unimaginable, but to succeed in lieu of incredible obstacles -- and by amorous means. These enduring tales hold an effortless representation of the simple experiences that cultivate contentment within. You are engulfed in the happenings, captivated toward obsessive viewing, wanting to continue the adventure.\nWell, you can. You now have approximately 30 days remaining of tolerable weather for outdoor adventuring before your little fingers begin to throb numbly as you waddle through the freeze-way, seeking temporary shelter in the halls of academia. Capture these final moments and harness your dwindling sense of summer adventure, for out your doorstep await five local attractions that not only grant immersion into southern Indiana's most spectacular season, but also provide the rare opportunity to live out the escapades captured within some timeless cult classic films -- not to mention experiencing Bloomington outside the directions to the local drinking holes.\nThe deep sophisticated undertones of broken family structure and the true-to-life friendships are immortalized by four characters' youthful innocence, forever signifying the trying times of adolescence. The undoubtedly shared bonds between the characters' wills and viewer's own experience makes this an instant cult classic with equal adventure power. The boys embark on an overnight pursuit of a controversial corpse which rears both internal and external fears that are discovered, confronted and conquered through unity. They also traverse a wicked suspension railroad trestle as locomotive breath steams their sneakers.\nSo head off into the sunset, leaving Monroe County in the wake of Second Street, veering right onto County Line Road at the precipice of a hill, upon which a white church and cemetery reside. Do not pass this church on the left. Rather, immediately turn sharply left, leaving the church out of your rear window. Remain calm, buckled up and proceed with caution. Through one halt in the road an incredibly weathered general store and an incredibly weathered man will materialize as you come roaring over a hill and through an intersection. The path may wind, shimmy and shake beneath you. But press on, forking to the right twice and to the left on the thrice for .3 miles of steep descending jaunts over a wild canyon river, as the corn tassels slap your face into a rousing nostalgia and an awesome view emerges. \nI have led you to a resting giant of engineering extravagance as well while inviting an awe inspiring audacious spirit into your day. The 2,300 feet of structured steel and concrete stilted nearly 200 feet above the valley floor will undoubtedly propel you towards total conquest of its peak. But can you muster the marbles that little Gordie, Chris, Teddy and ol' Vern possessed in order to traverse its aged timbers? A train may rarely chug this treacherous pass, but chug it may as you would only wish to see from afar.\nWith more humorous juvenile undertones of tomfoolery and ballyhoo, the undetermined familiarity of confusion breeds matter-of-fact fate onto the wandering '70s teens of, well, high school. The fact is that you will make it through the chaos, pressures and cliques and eventually stumble upon yourself. You will have to grow up, unless you're crafty enough to pull a Wooderson.\nFor the second destination of cultish immersion we'll take a trippy-trip back to the daze that was, dazed and confused. Do not worry, the dominant-male-monkey-mother-expletive Clint will not beat you down for your Newtonistic observations. Your mind has amiable reign among your cohorts as you gaze upon the vast acreage that lies below amidst the heart of the Hoosier National Forest.\nA bit more down the beaten path, our venture begins in the direction of the morning sun by way of Third Street, veering southbound on Indiana Hwy. 446. This smooth trail will zigzag along, offering a sighting of Johnny Cougar's home as well as ascending down and out to the girth of Lake Monroe and beyond. Be prepared for the Lord's house to once again signify the turning point as you wave goodbye to the pleasures of pavement. This white chapel sits off the road on the left and may be quickly passed if not sought with intent. Steer the wagon sharply left, passing said chapel as you wind lazily under the canopy of nearly 200,000 acres of fall foliage. As the chalky passage snakes through the forest, be attentive of potential camping destinations and hiking facilities en route to the moon tower. The air alone is worth the lumber up 123 rickety steps. And despite any particular mental state or unforeseen time lost due to uncertain coordinates, the captivation and intensity of the 110-foot ascension above the multicolored treetops will ensure a successful adventure.\nIt is hardly necessary to comment on the elements that make this one of the best cult classics ever. The wishful adolescence depicted throughout this adventure as the bonds of friendship and family are preserved merely add to the all-star accompaniment of Spielberg, Feldman and Chunk. They crawl around through villain and pirate infested caverns in search of One-Eyed-Willy's lost treasure. Enough said.\nGo spelunking. Caving to the layman, spelunking is an adventure -- period. There is no enchanting pirate ship filled with booby traps and treasures. But crawling around in unknown caves amidst subterranean creatures is an unforgettable opportunity at your disposal. And it is really dark. There is no natural light under the earth's surface. Hence it's scary, intense and an amazing rush when you finally get the courage to turn off your Petzel lamp. Go with a friend who knows a guy that once heard of some caves to dive into, or contact the IU Outdoor Adventure desk at the IMU. \n"There are certainly opportunities for caving in the Bloomington area. A spelunking club organizes trips and there is a entry level vertical caving course sponsored by IUOA through HPER," says IUOA employee Doug Lakin.\nOkay, not the essence of an instant cult classic, but it serves its purpose. And it helped propel the popularity of the Little 500 phenomena. No big cultural commentary; Boy wants to ride bike. Boy wants girl. Girl has rival boy, yadda, yadda ... It's a cult classic film about a bike race in Bloomington, Ind., where they spend some quality Cutter-time at the quarries.\nThis is the good stuff. Jump off some rocks unto unknown water depths with unknown refuse lurking at the bottom. Ahh, it's all about the sense of adventure, isn't it? From the excavation of limestone in the construction of nearly every building in Bloomington, there were very large holes left in the earth. These eventually filled up with water, and a little waste, but still provide a great destination for adventuring rock climbers and cliff divers. These locations are scattered throughout Bloomington and the surrounding counties, but Monroe County Sheriff Steve Sharp warns that "they are located on private property and posted no trespassing in these areas."\nIf the police are contacted, they warn the people to leave and failing to do so will result in an arrest for trespassing, he says. It is not only a legal risk to enter into the areas, but the sheriff additionally warns that the water levels vary and jagged rocks litter the quarry floor. \nThe final destination has no memorable moments captured within a movie reel. Rather, it offers the quintessential setting for cult classic films to be viewed. A cool fall evening offers a most excellent opportunity to warm your sweetheart under the stars as you experience a night at the drive-in. With three of Indiana's 22 theaters a rock throw away, the experience awaits --but will pass soon. They close in the early fall and will not be able to be enjoyed again until the first signs of spring. \nSo get lost, found and lost again in the 30-odd days remaining in the most spectacular season in Southern Indiana. While the movies are a reflection of lives lived and times past, the initiative to participate lies in leaving the couch and pursuing many awaiting adventures. Leave your cell phone at home, smell the air, open your eyes and enjoy the show.