Thursday, September 6, 2001

Once more to the lake
Area lake offers ideal location for weekend getaway
By Emily Turner
Skiff Staff

Located one hour west of Fort Worth, Possum Kingdom Lake is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Nestled in the lush greenery of the North Texas Hill Country, the 65-mile long lake is not only rich in history, but has remained a well-kept secret. Because of its atmosphere and convenience, the lake has attracted people for generations from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and surrounding small towns.

“My family completed our lake house fifty years ago before the lake was even finished,” said Eleanor Burkett, a sophomore theater major. “Its been in our family for three generations and when I go back, not only is the lake a part of my home it is also a part of me.”

Hell’s Gate offers a no wake zone that accomodates people looking for a place to dock their boat.

Whether the activity of choice is water-skiing, boating, fishing, camping or scuba diving, the blue waters of Possum Kingdom fulfill the different desires of all lake visitors.

At the peak of a hot Texas day the majority of the lake’s inhabitants can be found cooling off in the waters of Hell’s Gate. With the assistance of Mother Nature and years of tall tales, these cliffs have developed both a reputation of danger and beauty that draws people to the landmark year after year.

“Hell’s Gate is the most beautiful part of the lake and definitely the best place to have parties,” said Jennifer Hawkins, a sophomore biology major. “Every time we’re at the lake we always go to Hell’s Gate just to hang out.”

Acting as a meeting place, people have anchored their boats and swam in the cove of Hell’s Gate for years. Also known as a daredevil’s playground, this natural masterpiece of clear water and cliffs is the spot where people have jumped off the 100-foot bluffs that act as an entrance to the cove. Some jumpers have been known to survive, but the chances are slim and it is illegal.

Around the bend from Hell’s Gate rests another popular spot to relax and kick back.

Sandy Beach is the ideal place to dock a boat for the afternoon, have a picnic or swim. Overnight camping is also available on the beach for a small fee.

Possum Kingdom Lake has lured scuba divers in Texas to its rocky bottom for many years. Scuba Point and Hell’s Gate are the most common places to go diving.

Surrounded by small cliffs that overlook the lake’s clearest water, this is the perfect place to earn diving certification without having to travel long distances.

For those interested in fishing, where the Brazos River meets the Possum Kingdom Dam is considered one of the finest fishing locations on the lake. Canoeing is also a popular activity and the Brazos offers easy access.

Although many residential sites on the lake are privately owned, rental properties are widely available. Depending on personal taste and budget, anything from condos to cabins can make a weekend at Possum Kingdom a pleasurable experience.

Personal water crafts are also available for temporary use. Bailey’s Boat Barn and P.K. Fun Dock are rental services on the lake that offer boats, Sea-Doos and big bananas at hourly and daily rates.

As the sun retreats between the hills in lake country, nightlife awaits anyone who is ready for some laid-back fun. Red Dawg’s, a lakeside eatery complete with bar, pool tables and karaoke, provides a lively atmosphere and a variety of food students can enjoy.

For even more local flavor, the Lion’s Club hosts Saturday night bingo every weekend. Beginning at 8 p.m., “Lake Bingo” is not only a low-key activity to end a tiring day on the water, but is also an opportunity to win some extra cash.

The Beachcomber should be the final stop on the way out of town. This casual clothing boutique offers men and women’s apparel, casual jewelry, flip-flops and is also the place to purchase Possum Kingdom T-shirts.

Possum Kingdom Lake makes for a great day or weekend escape for students longing for some fun in the sun. Easy access from the TCU campus and array of activities makes Possum Kingdom Lake an ideal vacation spot.

For directions to the lake and to get information on lodging accommodations check out (www.possumkingdomlake.com).

Emily Turner
e.l.turner@student.tcu.edu