Did you go swimming a lot when you were a kid?
When I was growing up, we lived in town and during the summer either mom would take us to the pool, or we’d ride our bikes. Those days are among my best childhood memories.
Back then, there was a high dive and a low dive and my amazing mom used to go off the boards. She’d swim with us and we’d stay at the pool all day.
I never forgot how fun it was to go to the pool with mom, so I used to take Little Bit to our local pool a lot. Then, they closed it and now the nearest town pool is 40 miles away.
But here’s something cool, we can go swimming any time we want, thanks to some good old fashioned swimmin’ holes a mile down the road.
My husband, Little Bit, and I headed down to the river this morning. I can’t even begin to tell you how refreshing that water was.
We still make the drive to go to regular swimming pools as well, but swimming in that river is pretty big treat.
Unmeasured Journeys 
Very nice. have mixed memories when it comes to swimming Jess. I nearly drowned in a waterhole when I was little so I was always pretty scared of the water after that. Even though I still loved going to the beach and being near water I was always so wary. It was only after I met my hubby that I finally learned. Now when the weather’s warm you can’t keep me out of the water. I love it. And I’ve made sure both my kids learnt to swim! ♡♡
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Oh, Miri, how scary. That about made me cry, just thinking of it. I’m glad you and your kids learned. When we go to the river, both Little Bit and I wear life jackets, at the ocean, and on the lake. We always wear them. If he’s in one, so am I. :)
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That’s a great idea. Always pays to be safe.
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When I was pregnant with him, I asked my OB if I could ride in the boat. She said I could, but she wanted me in a life jacket because I had an extra life with me. I’ve worn one ever since! :)
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I can understand that. My parents didn’t grow up around water at all. Unfortunately it was something I had to learn on my own.
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Oh darn. :(
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But at least you learned! ❤️
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Absolutely!
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And, I really admire you for trying again after experiencing a trauma. That is extremely brave!
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Thanks Jess. I felt I had to learn, especially after I met Doug. He was into all sorts of water sports. :)
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You’re awesome!
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Wish you could come on over here and have a cuppa with me. I’m just about to put the kettle on! :)
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Oh man! Me, too!
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We lived near a rapid and COLD river when growing up that we were forbidden to visit. That wasn’t a problem for me because I’ve never been a strong swimmer. Even so, I love being in the water, love how it feels. If I stay close to the edge of something, I won’t sink to the bottom. ;) Your little wading pool there looks absolutely great for a hot day. :)
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I don’t blame you for not getting in rapid water. With bunches of rain, this river will get high quick. Like, scary high.
You could come here and swim with us. The water’s just right and the swimming hole is about 5 foot with lots of shallow areas. I’ll bring the Rolos!! 😊
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I remember swimming in Crystal Lake in my hometown in April one spring. To kids in Maine, 64 degrees IS summer but the water temp was about 45 degrees! A week later I was in the hospital with pneumonia. Connection… Hmmm!
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Brrrrrrr! 45??? Wow! That’s brave!
I jumped into the river here once as a challenge to raise money for a baby with cancer and the air temp was 50 degrees. I got out and crawled into warm coveralls…
You were crazy brave! Bet there was a definite connection.
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More like stupid!
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You mean, adventurous??? :)
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what a lovely post Jessica! im very fortunate that i started a round of physical therapy 7 months ago at a rehab/gym not ten minutes from my home in a salt water pool for fibromyalgia and arthritis my body was completely locked i could not move much at all. like i was frozen. being determined i joined the gym so i could use the pool anytime i wanted so ive been playing in the water right straight through the bitter cold winter and i have to say it makes me feel like a kid again! its working wonders for my conditions as well as my mental well being that is for sure! now all that being said your description of the river oh my goodness sounds like a dream! ps i miss the 70s i say it all the time and ppl laugh but i do! it was a simpler time just so easy going..aaahhhh big sigh <3
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Oh my gosh! I didn’t know you had fibromyalgia and arthritis! I’m so glad you get relief/ therapy with swimming. Hope you continue to get better. I bet not being able to move much at all was no fun!
Thank you for your kind comments. The river is relaxing and beautiful all in one breath… :)
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its a very nice place for me to go but again the sound of that river hahaa oh my goodness! i remember that feeling the water is crisp and you actually feel a part of nature or something right? hahaa! and ty so much for your kind words!!
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You’re welcome. Yes, nature is the ultimate healer, isn’t it?
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oh it absolutely is!! simply staring up into the sky can make me feel better its amazing!
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I know what you mean…
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I’ve also noticed that many of the outdoor community swimming pools in my area have closed in recent years. It’s too bad – though it sounds absolutely wonderful to swim in the river. What fun!
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Oh darn that your area pools closed, too! They’re talking about building and opening a new one here, but it won’t be until 2018!
There’s such a charming quality to the river. The water is crystal clear. You can see to the bottom. There were so many fish today and we swam right with them. :)
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