Kate, we have a beach shack on the opposite side of the US on Hood Canal. The place has an outdoor shower and indeed outdoor showers have their virtues. My 20 year old son uses it the most because he still runs around in the woods like he did when he was 4 and we first bought the place. He has a million projects like making a brick oven on our bulkhead with beach clay as his mortar. Needless to say, he gets very dirty.
Kate, this lovely piece reminds me of how much I adore our outdoor shower. I feel entirely different--more awake, certainly more free and attuned to the day--when I can see the sky instead of the ceiling of our shower indoors. We turn the water on as soon as freeze danger is past and use the shower daily until freeze danger returns. Don't let those neighbors dissuade you or limit your joy. They might just jealous of all your fun.
I remember you saying you enjoyed your outdoor shower even in low temps. What was your threshold - something like 45 degrees?? No one can keep me from whatever brings me joy, not even the neighbors!
Kate, I am so with you on the outdoor shower. I once wrote almost an entire poem in my head while showering (it was dark and the shower had a perfect view of Jupiter).
Thanks, Elisa! Maybe you can give it a try this year. I was slow to warm to it, but quickly became a huge fan once I figured out the logistics. I cannot wait for the weather to warm enough to get back out there!
Kate, we have a beach shack on the opposite side of the US on Hood Canal. The place has an outdoor shower and indeed outdoor showers have their virtues. My 20 year old son uses it the most because he still runs around in the woods like he did when he was 4 and we first bought the place. He has a million projects like making a brick oven on our bulkhead with beach clay as his mortar. Needless to say, he gets very dirty.
I love picturing the scene you describe. What a lucky young man! A brick oven? Lucky you, too! Wonderful.
What a wonderful way to start the day and what wonderful writing!
Thanks so much, Pam!
OK I'm going to have to give outdoor showers another shot after this gorgeous piece! Why let my husband hog all the fun?
Thanks, Brenda! And, yeah! Make that big boy give you some space :)
Kate, this lovely piece reminds me of how much I adore our outdoor shower. I feel entirely different--more awake, certainly more free and attuned to the day--when I can see the sky instead of the ceiling of our shower indoors. We turn the water on as soon as freeze danger is past and use the shower daily until freeze danger returns. Don't let those neighbors dissuade you or limit your joy. They might just jealous of all your fun.
I remember you saying you enjoyed your outdoor shower even in low temps. What was your threshold - something like 45 degrees?? No one can keep me from whatever brings me joy, not even the neighbors!
Kate, I am so with you on the outdoor shower. I once wrote almost an entire poem in my head while showering (it was dark and the shower had a perfect view of Jupiter).
Oh I’d love to hear that poem!
Maybe one day I’ll post it here.
What a lovely essay, Kate. I am not an outdoor shower person, but maybe I should be!
Thanks, Elisa! Maybe you can give it a try this year. I was slow to warm to it, but quickly became a huge fan once I figured out the logistics. I cannot wait for the weather to warm enough to get back out there!