WICKED WATERFALLS

Oklahoma Green Country, Greenleaf State Park & the Illinois River

Written by Sky with photos by Tom

During our recent visit to Oklahoma, we must have crossed Webber's Falls Bridge five times or more. At one point, Tom complimented the barge; he's always been fond of barges. Little did we know that less than a fortnight to follow, the bridge would be no more.

Life's like that - here today, gone tomorrow, so we learn to cherish these whispering moments in time that enrich our lives. Greenleaf State Park was all this and more…

Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains lies Greenleaf State Park, an Outdoor Adventurer's Paradise! Towering trees, mountainy terrain, blue rivers, and tiny cascading waterfalls are just a few of the wonders of nature that encompassed our journey.

When we arrived at the park, it was evening and the sun was sinking fast in the western skies of beautiful Oklahoma. The road curves a bit as you enter the park and the sight of a wild turkey nestled in the woods dazzled us. He took flight as we slowed to admire him. Perhaps he was frightened by the ancient Oldsmobile that Tom and I are so fond of taking on these adventures. One thing about an old car; you don't have to worry about messing her up because she's already there.

The cabins fork off from the main road of the park, and ours overlooked the blue crystal ball of Greenleaf Lake. We felt as though we'd entered the Gates of Paradise. The cooler temperatures, which were unexpected for the season, helped add to our delight.

Our neat-as-a-pen cabin was supported with rock that looked at least three-foot thick. As we lay in bed that evening we contemplated how the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) had managed to handle boulders of this size. The craftsmanship was superior.

The following morning, we rose early and took the trail adjacent to our cabin. The air was almost too cool for our shorts and short-sleeved shirts but after we got the blood flowing, it felt comfortable. The trail acts as an arm beside the lake and thick trees probably work well to shield bright sun on those hot summer days. Once along the trail, we caught sight of what appeared to be a pelican supporting a fish in its beak. However, we could not be sure; it seemed that it would more likely be a heron, as they were plentiful in the area surrounding the lake. Beautiful red-winged blackbirds were also plentiful in the area, as were deer.

In fact, there was a lot of wildlife in the park during our visit. A small flock of itinerant Canadian geese that, by the way, loved bread - had taken up residence. One late evening during our stay, we walked out onto a small peninsula in the park and were fortunate to spy a nesting goose. She honked a bit, then we admired her and moved on as not to disturb her.

On that second day during our morning walk through the park, a small group had landed equipped with varying ages of individuals. We could see them, barely, through the thick fog of campfire. Breakfast, no doubt. Their tent had been erected in the down-winds of the campfire, too. What a shame. When Tom and I returned to the area near lunchtime, the fire still braved high and it continued that way throughout the day and into the late evening hours. We wondered if they would die from smoke inhalation, but they seemed a happy lot. We could see their white teeth flashing when they smiled at us through the wall of smoke. We spoke with them a couple of times, a friendly young man greeting us through the wall. Camping is so much fun!

The gem of our journey was found on the road that threads down the Illinois River. Towering cliff walls expand one area. The scenery was majestic; perhaps due to the time of day, the beautiful sky or the freedom we were experiencing, but majestic it was.

We stopped at a closed family-owned business to see if we could find posted rates on canoe rentals. The towering cliff walls stood in the distance, sifting shadows on the empty road beside the store. An old dog, perhaps stationed as a guard, greeted us. He probably sensed we were harmless as he accepted a few pets on the head, then begged for more. And when we would have left, something caught my eye. Something spectacular. Something phenomenal. Something unforgettable. That…gem of our journey, for fluttering above us were dozens of hummingbirds attracted to feeders which had been set out by the business owner.

Tom and I shared the glance of a lifetime and stood still, afraid to breathe, as we feared it might shatter this golden moment. And as we stood, breathless, eyes fashioned onto nature, hypnotized by the intricate tiny fluttering of hummingbird wings, dozens more joined the air - flying calypso, dipping down to the feeders, then quickly soaring away as others filled the empty gap.

Tom rescued his camera gear from the car and was patient for a very long while. The sun was setting fast; the birds began thinning out. And even though he was unable to snap the perfect picture, that moment will be ingrained in our memories for a lifetime!

The night before we left for home, Tom and I walked to the fishing dock in the park to go stargazing. The sky was as black as velvet and as our eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, millions of glittering stars slowly bled through the black. The flock of geese that we'd fed earlier that day remained close in the distance, perhaps thinking they'd get a midnight snack. Their faint honking tones blended with the critters of the night - a lost croaking frog, the hoot of an owl, and the faint whir of a boat engine were pressed forever into our memories.

Summing It Up

The cabins at Greenleaf State Park come equipped with bedding, towels, coffee pot, picnic tables beside the cabins, a personal outdoor grilling area, stove, refrigerator, hair dryer, fly swatter, broom, and ultra-friendly staff with a 5-Star Park Ranger who spent a good ten minutes detailing attractions in the area for us. The park has exceptional laundry facilities, a convenience store, canoe rental, motorboat rental, paddleboat rental, bike rental, a nature center, a heated fishing dock (where Tom and I met two wonderfully seasoned ladies who were enjoying fishing) and the park is PET FRIENDLY.

We also visited several Oklahoma haunts along our journey that were equally spectacular: Heavener-Runestone State Park and Natural Falls State Park are both featured photo shoots in this article.

We would HIGHLY recommend Greenleaf State Park - rain or shine. You'll languish the solitude, the serenity, and the beauty.

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