CLPP

Oh boy, here we go. C Dot here with a somehwhat less than sober post... could get interesting. I just finished my first week of real life. Yes, I now work full time at a consulting company and specialize in vapour intrusion remediation (one week down, only 1559 to go). It's actually pretty interesting and I very much enjoy it. The problem is that it is nowhere near my favourite place on earth or near my best friend ever. This recent round of round of finishing school and not returning to to Charleston Lake has made me particularly depressed. But, luckily, the memories I made there will never be forgotten... or remembered... either way, it was the greatest time of my life. I am now going to present you with some songs that highlight the 4 years I spent at CLPP and the ridiculous times we shared there.

First of is a tune from I'm From Barcelona. This was Mallory Paige's (a.k.a. Mallroy) fav track in 2007. This girl can party like no other. Sadly she has forsaken her duties as Gate Mom and moved on the less exciting and less worth while endeavors such as "being mature" and "actually giving a fuck". Hey Mallory, remember that night when... Yeah, I don't either... it's a Take Away Show (fucking amazing).

The first party I went to with A Bray was Anna's birthday in 2006 (I believe she was turning 21 but I really have no clue).  Kate decided it was a good idea to buzz the island a few times in the then 'Hotlick 2(?)' which unfortunately resulted in either burning out the motor or hitting a shoal (I can't remember). Either way, we listened to some awesome tunes on that boat ride and this one has stayed with me ever since that night. It's Better Than Ezra's "A Lifetime".

There are a thousand memorable nights from summers at CLPP (I think... I dunno, I can't remember), but one cool music night was coming home from Bundy Slam in Westport (it's best not to ask what Bundy Slam is). Jenna miraculously had The Presidents of the United States of America cassette in her very old Plymouth Voyageur (in which she had recently ran over a skunk), so we got to listen to Lump and Peaches the whole way home. Awesome.

And then there is the infamous Alec Bray. This guy is the single best person I know. Unfortunately, I don't get to see him as much as I want to anymore (real life sucks), but the memories he and I share are second to none. Alec found the best road trip/ summer band ever in his older sister's album collection. They have since become the theme songs to every summer since 2007 and we will eventually road trip down to Texas or New Mexico or wherever to see them perform. This song and "Down Together"... oh man, too many good times. You're the man Alec.

I think the best part about CLPP was the people. Every year we made new friends (like hippy hitchikers from Colorado or France) and had new adventures. There was always a few reoccurring themes though... 1) Get as many underagers as drunk as possible, 2) do as many illegal activities on park time/in park boats as possible, and 3) somehow get hired back the following the summer. Completion of all of these objectives often involved the most amazing pastime ever... night swimming. Whether is be in Kendrick's Park, on the day use beach, out at Hidden Cove, or down at the cabin, night swimming always took place (usually without many clothes on). And of course, the only song that properly sums up this activity is "Nightswimming" by R.E.M. (This song is also the song that Better Than Ezra refer to in 'A Lifetime' featured earlier; another A Bray info piece). This song just isn't the same without you Alec.

There also many hours of video footage from my time at CLPP. If you want to watch them I'll be more than happy to show them to you. Just be prepared for some tears and elaborate reenactments of stories. There are nothing but genuine smiles when I remember my time there. 

Later days people.