Lets Take a Walk

Come! Lets take a walk to the lake I live on.

First, let’s look both ways before crossing the street from my house. On the other side there is a small woods. We have to walk down the trail to get to the lake. Be careful though this isn’t the easiest path. You will have to grab trees for security as the downhill path is very steep. At least it’s not very long, only about two minutes, and it has been cleared making it easier to walk in flip-flops. Just watch out for sticks, rocks and bushes that can cut and bruise bare skin. Don’t run too quickly because when you come out of the path you will be on a set of train tracks. These old, rusty tracks will lead you right to the swimming spot. Just turn right and walk for about thirty seconds, you will see the “beach” area on your left hand side.

There is a little distance from the tracks and the beach that is filled with bushes, flowers and grass. Avoid the grass as insects such as mosquitos love to hang out in there. Stick to the sand and you’ll be fine.

It’s a tiny beach area is only about ten feet long, and about two feet is rock. I put my towel and water bottle down on the rock so they don’t get covered in sand. There is a small wharf that has washed to shore and floats in the shallowest of waters. That’s usually where my dog hangs out because she can’t swim. She wades out in the water only to her chest but it cools her down on these hot August days.

It must be at least 25 degrees today so thankfully I brought us inflatable tubes. Do you want the pink or blue one? I guess it doesn’t matter, let’s just get in.

Slowly entering the warm (I use this term loosely) water it tickles our legs as we step out deeper and deeper. Step carefully to avoid the rocks and seaweed that cover the lakes floor. Also have to keep an eye out for turtles and other creatures who reside in these waters. The fish can brush their slimy bodies against your legs, which will creep you out and not even faze them. I would recommend checking where you felt it because sometimes it can be leech. They don’t hurt as they bite down into your flesh and start sucking your blood, but aren’t pleasant either.

The next unpleasant experience you’ll have is when the water reaches you waist. You’ll notice an extreme temperature drop. The upper layers of the water have absorbed the suns heat but the bottom remains chilly. I suggest just diving in. Once submerged completely come back up and hop onto your tube. Swing your legs over the side, and plop your bum right in the centre hole. Now just lean your head back, close your eyes and let your mind drift with the currant.

The warmth of the sunshine feels so good. Even though I can see the damage it’s causing on my skin as it turns golden brow and begin to freckle, I can’t help but love that burning sensation. Other than bonfires, the smell of sunscreen and fresh water are my favorite summertime smells. They bring back childhood memories of being at the beach with my family, laughing, playing, and enjoying the beautiful summer months.

This is why I'm glad we moved to a lake, and I can now share these memories with you.