The Waters of GRP

In the midsummer heat with dragonflies darting to and fro, the buzz of cicadas in the trees, and the hum of busy camp life, there’s nothing better than taking a break in the water at GRP.

The easiest way is to step into the lake’s waterfront. Slipping into the cool but not too cold water off the painted white dock, campers can grab a pool noodle and float or leap off the high dive.

But suppose the deeper water isn’t what you’re after, or the giggling and splashing is a bit too much for a lazy summer evening. In that case, the wetlands might be what you’re after - a serene pool of shallow water with a winding bridge crossing its length, cordoning in blooming water plants.

It’s the perfect place to get a pedicure from the tiny darting fish within or to catch a glimpse of salamanders wading through the shallows, popping up for air now and then. Those more interested in the aquatic flora might see a number of butterfly species dancing around big purple blossoms and bright green stalks or hear the frogs’ throat-singing. The truly lucky might catch a glimpse of Gav-Gav, the resident water snake!

If all that sounds too serene, then maybe what you’re after is the zipline - a short walk to the other side of the lake will take you up the stairs to the overlook, where a camper will step off the edge and zoom down the length of the rope, ears primed for the telltale “DROP!”

…and then, splash! Into the water! Emerging with hearts racing, it’s a rare sight to see someone only line up for the zipline once; It’s a two-or-three-or-ten times kind of affair.

There’s even more water to be found off base camp. From the cool and clear river where there are crawfish to be caught to the ice-cold falls at Uncles Waterfall, where campers can take the Polar Plunge and become polar bears, the Green River Valley is brimming with opportunities for those looking to find some peace and serenity at the water, and for those seeking the excitement of splashing around and leaping into the water.

Story by Fletch Gilrain with photos by Brandon S. Marshall