Monday, April 13, 2009

Swimming Hole- The Long Pond

As a country kid, we didn't make it into town to swim at the local pool very often. However, the farm had a great creek running through it. One section of it we called the long pond because it was deeper, wider, and slower, and this was our swimming hole. Spring water feeding into it assured that the water was always cold on hot summer days and frigid on the first days of summer. Mom made sure that we all took swimming lessons in town, so she didn't have to worry so much when we took off for the creek. If we heard the car horn honk while we were down there, we knew we better be making tracks for the house. That was her signal that our presence was needed, and her way to make sure that we were all ok.
My little sister and I spent a lot of time on the shallow end, while my brothers spent more time in deeper water. The only drawback to swimming at the long pond were the leeches. Frequently we would wash our legs at the hydrant when we got home, only to discover "mud" that would not wash off. Yep, leeches. We became experts at pulling them off. You'd think that would discourage us from swimming there, but no chance! Swimming at the long pond was a great way to spend a summer afternoon. This is still one of my favorite places.
My husband remembers night fishing there with my brother. After a short time he heard a splash and then saw my brother come swimming by. I guess the fish weren't biting. It is a little chilly to swim right now, but I'm thinking we might have to plan a fishing trip there soon! And if the fish don't bite, well--swimming might be an option.

3 comments:

Puna said...

Hello Mrs. E, I love the swimming hold story! So nostalgic. We had swimming holes as kids too! Brings back memories.

Gayle said...

That sounds like it was so much fun! I lived in the suburbs as a kid and didn't experience anything like this. It must have been wonderful.

Thank you for participating in Monday Memories!

larkswing said...

Oh fun! I think it would be so neat to have a creek to splash in!

Smiles!