With all that is going on in Barga and the surrounding area sometimes it is just nice to get away from all of the hustle and bustle and this year was no exception we just haven’t made enough time to just relax. That was until the other day when we stopped and made time in our busy schedule to break away for the afternoon.
We had always know about this little watering hole on the river Serchio but we hadn’t visited it before preferring the larger place that we lovingly call “Barga Beach”. so we were really surprised when we made our way down to this local hot spot.
As we walked along the riverbed, the sound of the waterfall welcoming us to an area of outstanding beauty. Two ladies were meditating as the river washed over their lower bodies, oblivious to our passing. The scene like something that had jumped out off the pages of a glossy travel magazine. So inviting, so beautiful
The children had been busy, carefully piling up the stones to create a pool of water deep enough to swim in, they had carefully placed the plastic lining along the edge so that the water formed the perfect swimming hole. A builders masterpiece.
For now it was just us and two of our dogs, Dolly and Jack. Jack just loves the water and was straight in, Richard was going in first but much to my surprise I jumped into the cool inviting waters first. It was cold, but so invigorating as the cool natural spa washed over me.
I don’t know how long I was swimming and playing in the water, my bones were just starting to chill and we decided it was time to seek out the sun. We then each found our spot amongst the rocks with the warmth of the sun, the music of the river and it wasn’t long before we all dozed off.
It was only when the children arrived that we watched with awe as they played in the water. As they climbed the rope ladder up the edge of the waterfall, stood for a second talking and laughing before the first took a leap. OMG, my heart was in my mouth and I couldn’t believe that he had jumped over the waterfall and into the pool of water.
The one that I had just been swimming in, there is a small area which is over 2 metres deep, but enter the water in the wrong position and who knows, most of the pool was so shallow. I was in awe as one by one they all took their turn and I have to say they made it look so easy. But I knew that it wasn’t something that I was prepared to do.
One of the boys making the sign of the cross across his body, before kissing his necklace, wavering a little before launching himself into the river. Over the period of the next hour the youngsters kept arriving, I loved their bravery, skill and laughter, it brought a new dimension to the riverbanks.
Not so sure what I would have felt if it had been one of mine stood up there though. It was certainly entertaining and they all knew what they were doing, I am sure that they had done it several times before. Oh to be young again, not to have that fear of “what might be!”.
I thank them for the entertainment, and hope to meet them all again if not this year then certainly next, my spot has not been reserved and I have no doubt that during the winter months I will look back on this afternoon with such fond memories.
Until the next time.
Article by Sensone
