Dear Readers,

 

This issue of The Grail is dedicated to the Reed Canyon in honor of Fall Canyon Day 2016. Starting off is a brief history of the Canyon culminating in this summer’s brand new path in Canyon Day: A History (1). Next, Indra Boving shares an extra special list of what you need to find in the Canyon before graduating in Canyon Bucket List (6). Ever wondered how people got across the Canyon before the Blue and Bouncy Bridges? Find out on page (8). Leila Pyle’s Canyon Day illustration of the majestic blue heron (10) and a poem by Tiffany Thio (11) follow this. After that, enjoy a guide to Reed Canyon’s Flora and Fauna (12), and join Miss Lonely Hearts for a whiskered encounter (14).

Love,

Anton, Claire & Guanani

News & Features

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A Brief History of Canyon Day
A Brief History of Canyon Day

Since ye olden days of Reed, the wooded ravine bisecting what was once Crystal Springs Farm has been a section of land of turbulent change, going from cow pasture to prospective development site to neglected wildlife refuge and eventually the urban sanctuary we know today. Since 1914, Canyon Day, known originally as Campus Day, has been an active Reed tradition, surviving through almost all of Reed’s existence. Canyon Day has always been a celebratory occasion, a day to engage the community with the grounds surrounding the college and get them involved its maintenance.

Canyon Bucket List
Canyon Bucket List
Blue Bridge
Blue Bridge

The blue bridge bears a rich history. this particular rendition was commissioned in 1991 as a replacement for the old and rotting bridge that preceded it. With the expansion of the Cross Canyon dorms, Reed needed a new bridge that would conform to codes for disability access and last for many years with minimal impact on the canyon.

Bouncy Bridge
Bouncy Bridge

Commissioned in 2008, this bridge was put in place with the Grove to provide easier passage to the new dorms and to discourage students from trudging off-trail through the canyon to get to the Northwest corner of campus. The bouncy bridge was built with environmental protections in mind.

Flora & Fauna of the Canyon
Flora & Fauna of the Canyon

Fiction & Poetry

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late night phone call

dear mom: even after all of this,

things are ok here. portland is always

more sun than i think it’ll be; isn’t

it strange how that happens? i hope

Miss Lonely Hearts

Featured
Alone not Abroad

Dear Miss Lonely Hearts,

How do I cope with my significant other being so far away?

We knew that studying abroad would have its fair share of trials, but this seems like too large of a burden for my heart to carry. We have always been trusting of one another—strong on our own and even stronger together—but now it seems that we are both relying on someone who isn’t even available for a simple “Skype date.” Our times never match up and one of us is always having to stay up too late (me) to make time for the other.

I want to do well in all my classes, but not having my SO here makes it that much more difficult to focus on my studies. I’ve even considered telling them that we need to take a break, but don’t want to ruin their study abroad experience.

I feel so broken and hurt and jealous, I don’t know how to make us both feel better. Whenever we do talk, it always leads to one of us arguing about the other ignoring us, or a jealous accusation of spending too much time with our “friends.” I can’t help but fear that maybe we didn’t get the chance to form a solid foundation before they left, but I know we have something special. But nothing is more painful than spending time with friends, getting inebriated at a Reed event, and sending out an “I miss you” text, only to receive a “same.”

I don’t think I can do it anymore Miss Lonely Hearts, but I also can’t stand the thought of losing them or them being with someone else. Please what should I do?

Sincerely,

Alone not Abroad