Uncertain about what exactly I’d gotten myself into, I placed one foot into the river tentatively. It was cool, but not cold. I was surprised by the salty spray from the waves gently lapping the shore. I hadn’t yet learned that the Miramichi River at this point was salt, that it was an estuary. I’d walked the 3.5km from my house to this beach, after doing a little research on the closest beach to my apartment (read: Googling, scrolling through local Facebook pages, and casual eavesdropping on the bus to and from work). I was very, very warm, and glad for the two bottles of water I’d brought in my backpack, and glad for what seemed like a refreshing swim. The 40 minute walk had me committed to staying here on the beach for a little while, at least before I attempted to make the same walk home. I spread a towel, dropped my backpack, and marched toward the water with purpose. The bottom of the river is silty, a bit slimy and squishy, and the water is more bracing that I expected, but I splashed in and paddled around some, before leaning back into the water and spreading my arms wide, while letting my feet lift off from the bottom. I’ve always been a buoyant person. I tilted my head back and closed my eyes against the sun.
I’ve lived on the banks of the Miramichi River for more than seven years now, and my favourite part of being here is how accessible the water is. Even from my little apartment, I can see a slice of the river from a window. It’s a short stroll down to the waterfront. I drive to work along Water Street, the river at my side to and from the hospital. It is there, wide and constant. And in the summer, I try to spend as much time in it as I can. I don’t have waterfront property, I don’t have a boat, I didn’t even have a car when I moved here. My first several journeys to the beach were by foot, walking the other way up Water Street, past the site of the old generating station (there’s a sign commemorating it; I didn’t just magically glean this in the way Maritimers so often do) and over to Middle Island.
There are plenty of other beaches within easy access. Being on a river, and so close to the bay allows for that. But even now, that I’ve had a car for so long, and thus the freedom to bring myself to any beach in driving distance, I continue to go to Middle Island the most. It’s a five minute drive. It’s not a huge commitment, like another favourite: Kelly’s Beach at Kouchibouguac National Park, which is a 40-minute drive, has the requisite fee to get into the park, and the beach itself is a decent walk from the parking lot. Kelly’s is gorgeous and a beautiful day out, but that is what it is: a planned day out.
At Middle Island, after I’ve made my short drive there, I tumble out of the car with my beach bag (a zippered tote courtesy of my mother-in-law, on Christmas), a beach chair (Walmart, end of season sale one year), and insulated tumbler (a gift from my office neighbour - this one is dishwasher-safe AND keeps everything cold for up to a day). The walk to the beach is maybe 100m. I usually spend more time finding a spot to suit me than I do getting from the car to the sand.
Once I set up my chair, kick off my sandals, and take off the weird beach poncho-coverup-wearable towel thing I got this year, I charge for the water. It’s been so hot this year that even though I’m normally fearless when it comes to water temperature, I’ve become even more so. And sadly, because of the high temperatures, I’ve noticed the water is warmer than it usually is this early in the year. Disappointing, but it still does the trick.
I paddle around for a bit, bouncing around and enjoying the cool water. Once I start to feel a bit cold or otherwise ready to get out of the river, I slowly walk back out and settle on my chair to read in the sun, with whatever snazzy drink I decided on that day (homemade strawberry rhubarb soda, iced tea, perhaps some cranberry ginger ale flavoured sparkling water), and a snack. I will alternate swimming and reading for the next couple of hours, until I’ve soaked up enough sun (read: get tired of reapplying sunscreen). Then I will head home, bringing another small amount of river sand with me.
These days on the river have become some of my favourite, easy summer pleasures. The beach is so close and easy to get to. I finally have all of the things to make me go in a timely manner (chair, cup, cover-up). Splashing around in the river, watching the light play on the water - all of these make me feel more connected to the land I live on, and so appreciative of its beauty.
Last weekend, I spent both Saturday and Sunday afternoon at the beach. Saturday was cut short by a little rain and some distant thunder. I could have stayed, but I was reading a library book and didn’t want to risk it getting heavily rained on. Sunday was clear, sunny, and incredibly hot, leading to a somewhat crowded beach for once, but still plenty of room for me to swim and read, and enjoy the glory of summer on the river.
I love uncrowded beaches I felt myself relaxing just reading this. 😃
Middle Island is a blessing to have here in Miramichi. We used to take our dog there, who loved it just as much as you do. No sunscreen required.