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MOUNTAINLIFEBLUEMOUNTAINS
SUMMER2016
words :: Nelson Phillips
Sun Tzu said, “Be so subtle that you are invisible.” In
TheArtofWar
, the
ancient Chinese philosopher general waswriting about craftily putting yourself
into an advantageous position so you could quickly dispatch your military
opponents, but the sentiment is universal: Don’t draw attention to yourself.
Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula boasts an impressive number of cataclysmically
good swimming spots, so for locals, there’s a delicate balance involved.
The subtle art here is talking up the Peninsula in order to entice the
seasonal crowd, while keeping a few places secret. We swim and dive
in these places so silently that they elude the tourists’ maps and remain
relatively untouched. These are coveted aquatic gems that we want to
keep for ourselves. If you’re crafty enough to find them based on these
local nicknames and cryptic directions, congratulations, but remember:
Stay subtle. Be invisible.
THEGAP
Perhaps the most well-known spot on the list, this dive spot boasts
crystal depths only a five-minute stroll from downtown Tobermory.
Featuring the occasional view of the
Chi-Cheemaun
leaving the Tub, and a
typically low body-count, The Gap is a local favourite for its accessibility
and proximity to apres-dip beers.
BIGSANDY
Located just north of the Checkerboard, the shallow, greenish, warmwater
is due to twomerging river mouths, andmakes this local spot a favourite
for kicking back and enjoying the white sands of the Peninsula’s Huron
coast. Located within a natural cove carved out by glaciers once upon a
time, this teeny cousin to Sauble Beach is sheltered from the relentless
northwest gales coming off the lake. It’s rarely too busy, has always
featured free parking, and offers up views of pine-topped islands.
LOCALSONLY:GUARDINGTHEBEST
BRUCEPENINSULASWIMSPOTS
GREAT
LAKES
Crystal depths,BrucePen style. ONTARIOTOURISMMARKETINGPARTNERSHIPCORPORATION.
