DB: Swimmin' Holes

This weekend I became sunburnt with a dedication that has not occurred since I was a very small child.

I began my Saturday by searching around for anyone that had access to a swimming possibility, for it seems that public opinion advises against dipping oneself in Commencement Bay. Not that there are any swimmer friendly beaches, but when its hot….its hot. Round the bend of Point Defiance and there are some fairly clean watered dock swimming possibilities if you know someone who lives on Salmon Beach. I know several people who live there who could grant me access beyond the coded gate, but Salmon Beach folk are a backwards lot by nature and don’t always care to answer their cellular telephones.

The next obvious option was Chambers Creek, which isn’t exactly close to home but seems to be the popular spot among the younger people. Chambers Creek runs from the hills of University Place and right before it hits the Puget Sound near Steilacoom it flays out into all sorts of shallow flats and pebbly pools. It is an extremely popular skim boarding location, wherein one throws a teardrop shaped piece of plywood at a few inches of standing water and then attempts to run and jump onto it “skimming” for short distances. Some of the children have even made ramps and jumps at the end of the skim, all the better to impress the bikini clad crowds. Having driven by on several scooter explorations of the “back way” to the south, Chambers Creek looks like a crowded MTV spring break special from the late nineties. Not exactly my idea of a relaxing weekend by the water.

Finally I was able to contact a friend who lives in the Sky Terrace on Broadway. The roof top pool has one of the most spectacular views in town and from about noon to three on Saturday, I was able to convince my condo owning compatriot to supervise me and a few buddies while we enjoyed the sun, the view and the chlorinated bath. While enjoyable and elitist, the rooftop pool did not quench my thirst for that elusive “swimmin’ hole” feeling I associate with warm weather and shirking responsibility. I lived in Hood River Oregon for a few years after I graduated and those are the summers that I can’t seem to recreate even for a weekend. The Hood River runs down out of Mount Hood and joins the Columbia river about an hour east of Portland. A plethora of short hikes out of town lead you to endless private beaches, cliffs to jump from, fire pits, picnic spots, and easy going summer loving.

On Sunday, after not sleeping much due to my new lobster skin, Cody drove us up to Seattle to eat some dim sum with our friends that live in the International District. Shortly after we drove to the UW campus and rented canoes from the student center on the shores of Lake Washington. Paddle south for 5 or 10 minutes and head under the 520 bridge (trippy!) to find yourself in a veritable paradise of rowing and fresh water swimming enjoyment. If you don’t mind dragonflies and ducks, and the milfoil brushing your feet as you swim doesn’t make you think of octopus, then this is an acceptable summer swimming adventure. 

There has to be something comparable here in Tacoma. I’ve seen kayaks for rent on Owen’s Beach in Point Defiance but everyone tells me you shouldn’t swim on that side of the peninsula. Short of invading the kiddie-pool in Wright Park, there really isn’t an outdoor downtown public swimming option. So much for the summer of my youth. At least now I have friends in high places.

Oh Sky Terrace, your view of the deathstar port is so Lordly, your deck is so spotless and safe.