7/22/08

Swimming heaven on our doorstep

Well I may live in a very small town of just about 400 residents, but we do have one thing larger than anyone else in the state. Our open-air artesian water public swimming pool, which is 2 minutes drive from my home.
Here's my mum enjoying a swim yesterday in the chlorine free mineral rich waters, which are cool but oh so refreshing. It was 104 degrees when I took this picture and so it was just what we needed on such a steaming day.

It's known as 'The Beach' and as you can see the water is filtered and circulated through the pool from the artesian lake in the background. This water is so good for you that in the 1950's they seriously considered building a hospital on this site, so the waters could be used for treatments. Sadly for us the town board at the time vetoed it and the hospital was built in the next town where it became known as the 'Little Mayo of the West'. It also secured that town's economy and population, whereas ours has declined.

We do however have the best swimming facility anywhere closeby, it's just like swimming in the sea as it even has a sandy bottom. On breezy days, which happen often around here, the water has white tops just like the sea and a current to swim against! It's a wonderful peaceful spot to escape to on a hot day and get some refreshment and exercise.

14 comments:

Mmm said...

Ugh that's HOT!!! thank God for water!

Anonymous said...

What a great place to cool off! It looks really big.

Tess Kincaid said...

I would love a chlorine free pool!!

My lovely prize winnings came in the mail! What a fun treat! Thank you very much, Sarah!!! :D

x o Willow

Rhea said...

Oh, that looks good...real good. It's so darn hot lately...I'm almost willing to drive to Oklahoma and jump right in!!! Love it.

Pam said...

Yep, heaven indeed on these hot days and gorgeous at sunset too!

Here's the link to Ants and Dec and hopefully they will get a better show. Maybe I was just tired, but didn't think much of it.

http://www.wannabettv.com/clip.html

Teresa said...

I wonder if Jon, would drive a 3 hour one way commute to work???? I'd love to live in a town of that population and with that wonderful swimming "beach" pool. Sand and mineral water. You are blessed. And your mom seems to be having a great time.

Janet said...

Oh wouldn't it be luverly.

Although our temps only show us at 95F, the heat index puts us at 107F, I'm melting.

Its Just Me - Daring to Dream said...

She seems to be having fun - and you too! What a wonderful refreshing place to be able to visit on heated days as such!

Sherri said...

Looks like you and your Mum had a great time at the swimming pool! The water looks so refreshing!

Linda Jennings said...

That looks like the perfect way to spend a 104 degree day!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Lord, it is so HOT here!!! We hit 103 today. My garden is dying of thirst. I want to swim in that artesian spring pool. Wished we lived closer together, Sarah.~~Dee

Kay said...

Oh Wow! What an incredible place! You are so lucky. Too bad about the hospital. I'll bet your mom is ready to move to OK.

Katrina said...

Oh I am longing for Summer! That pool looks so relaxing. Bring on some warm days!!

Bonnie said...

That is SO cool!!! An artesian pool sounds fabulous, especially with health benefits from the minerals and feeling like your floating in the sea! Thanks for posting about it here and sharing it with us! It sounds like you are having a fabulous time with your mum!!