This week has been all about the vacationing for me, a final pause before scurrying home to begin my school year 2024-2025. And it’s been a wonderful pause that refreshes, in no small part because water has played a significant supporting role.
Even before I crossed the Peace Bridge and entered Canadian jurisdiction, there was swimming and frolicking in water. Yes, it was a hotel pool, and yes, it was Saturday night in Rochester New York (which turns out to have some lovely and interesting neighborhoods and parks). My friend Norah and I shared a hotel room, a meal and then a swim in their modest but thoroughly enjoyable pool.
Once in Guelph visiting Samantha, Sarah, Kathleen, Jeff, and a slew of animals, I enjoyed a mix of relaxing outdoor activities. My favorite one was a Wednesday swim with Sam in the Elora quarry, about a half hour from Guelph. The town of Elora looked very charming, and the quarry swim was super fun. The water felt cold at first, but once we were in, it was great.
Thursday I woke up in Goderich, Ontario, having driven the very remote back roads from Guelph to get there Wednesday night. I joined Norah and her daughter and son-in-law, who are at a lovely cottage near Lake Huron. On Thursday we had multi-mode fun: we cycled the Goderich-to-Guelph rail trail, and then visited Rotary Cove beach for swimming and sunning.
Friday we’re headed to Black’s Point beach, an even quieter (and I think even colder-water) location. But I’m looking forward to it.
After a Saturday celebration at Sam’s place, Norah and I are once again headed for a hotel pool before I drive back to Boston. This one, in Guelph, has a pool, hot tub, and spiral sliding board. Oh yeah.
Hey readers, are you taking any last-minute dips before the month of fall is finally upon us? Let me know. I also love tips on interesting hotel or public pools and beaches.
