Not Living Near An Ocean Has Felt Like A Piece Of My Soul Is Missing

And I owe it to myself to put the pieces together.

I’ve always loved water. When I was a kid I could swim for hours. I especially loved swimming in the rain, even if it was during a thunderstorm. I liked that this was not a popular time for others to be swimming. I had the serene water all to myself. I would lay back, my ears just under the surface, and feel the raindrops sprinkling down onto my face. I listened to the muffled sounds through the water and felt at peace. Weightless.

Having a swimming pool in my own backyard growing up is what ignited my love affair with being in and near water. But many years ago our dear, weathered pool endured its final hot summer, its sad empty space since reborn into a fire pit. A cozy fire on a cool summer or fall night is nice too, but fire and I just don’t share the same bond. I’ve missed that swimming pool immensely, like the loss of a very close friend.

I grew up in a small city near a lake. But this lake has not quenched my desire (pun intended) for a few reasons. The first is that it’s too far away for quick, easy access — it’s a 10 minute drive, which may not seem like a lot, but when I need the water, I need the water. And sometimes I don’t have a car to get there.

The second is that there aren’t many private or comfortable beachy areas. A crowded lakefront just doesn’t do it for me when I’m looking for that one-on-one time, just me and the water.

Thirdly, the water itself is not overly swimmable. On very hot, humid summer days a warning sign is posted indicating to swim with caution, and on the worst days the sign indicates the water is not safe for swimming at all. This is due to heavy pollution from industrial activity near the waterfront. No thanks!

And finally, lake water just isn’t as wonderful as ocean water, in my opinion. Ocean water is vaster, cleaner, fresher and the salt is amazing for the skin, hair and airways. As someone who has suffered from highly sensitive skin and intense seasonal allergies, ocean water can majorly improve my quality of life.

In all of my adult years I have yearned to be closer to an ocean, and seven days in a tropical destination every one or two years simply hasn’t been cutting it.

So in 55 days I’m leaving the only province I’ve ever lived in — the only place I’ve ever considered home, where nearly all my family and friends are—travelling around 4,500km, with my partner, our cat and all of our things in tow, to indulge in a life near ocean. An indulgent departure.