Summer Sunshine

Glenn Breazeale | May. 31, 2018

We walked to breakfast this morning to angles of sunlight streaming through the leaves. Once again an 80% rain forecast has been proven wrong and we are so thankful! Warm oatmeal with brown sugar, scrambled eggs, link sausage, and cinnamon toast graced our tables.

At around 9:30, the start of first period, boys took the first dips in Little River of the summer. Refreshing is the word that comes to mind for most at first jump! Though today marked the second day of activities, we chose not to swim in the river yesterday after the heavy rains. Camp is situated on the west fork of Little River, most notable for Desoto Falls several miles upstream. Desoto Falls plunge downward about 100 feet and tourists come all summer to view the massive rushing water. We are fortunate that our waterfront sits right above a dam system on the river, creatiing a placid, wide lake like spot perfect for swimming and canoeing. A few miles downriver from us the east and west forks join forces gradually carving out a wider, deeper canyon ending at Little River Canyon National Preserve. It’s the largest canyon east of the MS river and worth a trip if you’ve never seen it. Eventually the river canyon eases it’s way much closer to sea level and empties itself into Weiss Lake, near Gadsden, AL.

We have quite a few “toys” to enjoy on our waterfront. Two canvas waterslides careen into the river. A zipline takes off from the top of a wooden tower. And on the other side of the tower a jump leads to a giant blob. It’s like a giant pillow inflated with air. As you land on one end it catapults your friend on the other side into the air and then splashing down into the water. A log roller sits in the middle of the river weighted to the river bottom, a fun test of balance and agility.

And while we are talking water, I forgot to mention my favorite activity yesterday. One result of the heavy rains Monday and Tuesday were wet weather streams around camp. Wilderness took full advantage, building dams and forts in the streams. They had a blast! As I walked to dinner yesterday evening with the head of Wilderness we heard a camper telling another camper how much fun he’d had building dams. “It’s the best activity!”, he said.

For lunch today Mrs. Gail served pot roast, steamed carrots, roasted new potatoes, and a salad bar. After rest hour the bell rung for Store period. Hundreds of feet simultaneously hit the floor, ran down cabin stairs, and sprinted to the store, hoping to be first in line for a snack.

This afternoon periods 4 and 5 were smooth sailing. Fishing has had big success these first two days catching bream from our stocked ponds. Today wilderness hiked the Rabbit Run trail, a favorite running parallel to the river below the dam. On the opposite side of the river from the trail are a series of large cave like boulders and overhangs. Mountain laurel and rhododendron line both sides. There’s even a small waterfall cascading downhill feeding the river. Riflery and archery received instruction yesterday and today began to hone their skills.

Tonight age groups are playing various games around camp like Capture the flag and spotlight. Thanks for reading and good night for now, Glenn

Glenn Breazeale
Glenn Breazeale

Like his own father, Glenn grew up as a camper at Alpine for six summers, coming from Jackson, MS each summer. He has served on staff at Alpine since 1997, working full time as Assistant Director from 2003 to 2005 and Director since 2006. Prior to that he gained experience serving in various capacities including cabin counselor, Head Counselor, Head of Project Adventure (Ropes course), Horseback instructor, and Program Director. Glenn’s love of camping and his desire to preserve the traditions of Alpine drew him back to camp to offer young boys the same opportunities he experienced. He met and fell in love with Carter during a Square Dance with Camp DeSoto.