Tales from Gimli (hospital)

Up an hour on highway eight there is a small pool where children used to dive for toys. In that sleepy beach side town were summers spent straight through teenage years. And into twenty-something territory the drive north still offers the same escape.

At Kris’ fish and chips we bought food to eat on boardwalk strolls. We shopped for tees and towels at Tergesen’s, ate ice cream in the evening. Walked along the pier past fishermen out towards the lake. Lay out on the rocky sand, hunted for pretty pebbles.

The sun starts the day at Grand Beach, crosses over to land in western prairie. Clouds puff purple, draw dark blue with wet water dropping, and explode into one last look: bright orange. The day rises to drive again, but wheels turn knowing the beach will always be here.