Summer is closed

There aren't many things more iconic of Summertime than lounging around seasonal outdoor swimming pools. We are fortunate to live very close by an outdoor swimming pool. It is a swimming pool that exceeds iconic expectations. Its Art Deco design makes you feel like at any moment the graceful legs of synchronised swimmers wearing daisy shaped swim caps will emerge from the water between the water pistol toting boys. The kids' splash pool is shallow enough that parents can doze on nearby wooden benches without worrying too much of drowning, yet deep enough that creative children can pretend to be submarines looking for lost treasures.  The extensive grounds are complete with cafe, playground, trees, picnic tables, cunning magpies and hidden spots for cavorting. Best of all is the family that runs the pool. It seems more a beloved pet to them than a job and they are always present and constantly revamping to ensure the quintessential Aussie bathing experience. 

Last weekend was the final weekend of the season. Somehow the closure of the pool was a wake up call that Summer was coming to an end. It seemed unjust that the pool was closing down Summer on a weekend that was sunny and 35 degrees. Surely they  could stay open longer. But alas just mere days after the doors to Summer were locked the temperature dropped, the wind picked up and my children's noses dripped with snot. I suppose, though, that after managing to coordinate three summers in a row for ourselves we are ready to introduce Zadie to winter. 

One part swimming, two parts mooching around

 The girls receive swimming instruction, ca. 1956

Any 4 year old who can blaze 15km up and down Mt Tennent like Tova did this weekend deserves to look this badass