Sandy Supposes....

Summer Recreation

Prompt May 8th Write about your favourite outdoor activities to do in the summer. Are there any that you want to try?

         

         

         

         Wait, is summer on its way? I ask because a day ago I experienced most forms of weather save snowfall. Howling winds slashed me with pelting rain before hail struck. For a few brief minutes, mini ice balls pounded my vehicle. Sunshine burst forth and parted the ominous dark clouds. Then the pouring rain returned. I switched on the windshield wipers and created a steady swish swish only to cease their rhythm because the shy sunbeams shimmered once again. Yes, there was wonky weather...

         So, when and if summer sashays into my neck of the woods bestowing balmy temperatures, I'll be ready.My flip flops are standing by and I've banished my snow boots to the dark recesses of the closet. My socks know their company will not be required for much longer and our days together are limited. Shorts and t-shirts are standing by.I anticipate a smooth transition to summer attire.

         One of my most 'favouritest' summertime activities is lawnchair reading reclining. There's really not much pre-season strength training needed. Cradling weightier novels and rifling through several hundred pages during the winter builds endurance. Pulling on down-filled parkas and shovelling snow creates the required muscles for unfolding and positioning a canvas deck chair. Pretty much balancing / perching on anything will condition the derriere to the necessary sitting posture.

         Besides reading, I also like to swim, but I have learned over the years to not combine the two. Books as a rule are not waterproof. I discovered that even a few drops of moisture will fuse pages together. Unless I am lucky enough to be swimming in the lake alone, I must be aware of others. It's like driving and navigating traffic. Lakes become congested too and splashing about with my nose buried in a book may cause pile ups and collisions. Strangely, dripping wet people are not always cool-headed.

         Is barbecuing considered to be a summer sport? Oh, some will know this time honoured method of cooking as grilling. Charbroiling my food is a summer tradition. There's such a fine line between rendering meat 'unraw' and cremation. It's a challenge. Nerves of steel, patience, and quick reflexes are a must.

         I do enjoy a campfire of an evening. This is my social venue. This is relaxation combined with star-gazing. This is conversation mixed with off-key singing. This is game-time challenges paired with laughter.

         Summertime is for camping.I choose a slower paced lifestyle. I am always outside soaking up the sun and inhaling fresh air.For a few months, I eschew t.v. viewing. I enjoy meeting fellow campers and the camaraderie we share. We stop and smell the smoke from our campfires.

         My days of water skiing are behind me now. My arms thank me and they do not miss being jerked from their sockets. My legs never did like to strain themselves pretending to balance. My style lacked flair of any kind and I teetered and crashed more than I skied.

         Perhaps I shall attempt tubing again. There's nothing to compare to the teeth-rattling, bone-jarring, eye-tearing, and white-knuckle gripping of a water tube ride. Being flung into the air and crashing into the boat's wake is a singular thrill. I anticipate an entire summer to recover.