Beach VS Pool
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
I’m belated on my first swim stories, which both happened
almost a month ago now. So I thought I would combine them into one
post, comparing two of my all time favourite swimming locations:
Wasaga Beach VS The Giovanni Caboto Pool
Smell
- BEACH: Musky and fresh all at once, with a consistent blend of wild flowers and fish bones carried on the wind.
- POOL: The sweet smell of chlorine and the occasional waft of stink from the murky public change rooms.
Water
- BEACH: Bands of blue splashing and sparkling under the sun. A strong water woven with waves and pieces of sky.
- POOL: Thin translucent and pencil crayon blue, as sharp and snappy as water comes
The Swim
- BEACH: Once you are out past the sandbars, it’s a roomy, deep and fulfilling swim. The shallow spaces between the sandbars make excellent wide and warm pools for kids to play in and for one to leisurely frolic and float.
- POOL: During leisure swims, you are elbow to elbow with splashing and smiling families, teenagers and general pool lovers. The joy is contagious, but for a serious swim, seek out the dedicated length swim times.
Horizon
- BEACH: As far as the eye can see, no end in sight.
- POOL: Bricks and buildings, but look up while floating, the sky is calling.
Under Foot
- BEACH: The finest of sand, soft and unstable.
- POOL: Concrete grip, nubby and unforgiving.
Water’s Edge
- BEACH: Waterside full of sandcastles, saucy seagulls, games of frisbee, beach umbrellas and pop up tents.
- POOL: Waterside full of conversations, laughter, gossip, harmless rough housing and covert snacks and cellular devices
Sandcastle Potential
- BEACH: Endless possibilities waiting in the rich sand.
- POOL: Only sandcastle you are building is around the corner in the Earlscourt park sandbox.
Weeds
- BEACH: No weeds, but there is the Wasaga beach muck, which collects in the first few feet of the water. It’s harmless, mostly organic plant matter. Just leap over it with a stag jump… or wade through, whatever floats your boat.
- POOL: No weeds in this pool… but there is the occasional clump of stray hair floating along the deep end. Try not too look to closely at the bottom.
The Law
- BEACH: A lone beach patrol, 20 something, zooming past every 15 minutes on a 4 wheeler, wearing a uniform and bullet proof vest.
- POOL: A pack of teenage lifeguards, buzzing and patched with zinc.
After You Leave
- BEACH: Sand everywhere. Empty your sandals before departing or entering your house.
- POOL: There will be burning eyes and dry skin. Bring moisturizer.
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