the swimming hole in autumn

There is a lake nestled amongst the birch and pine trees very near our house.  As the crow flies it is just a minute away, but on a hot summer day as we drive a couple hilly and curvy dirt roads it seems to take a long 5-10 minutes.  There is no public beach but instead a worn spot on the edge of the road where a car or two can just squeeze in.  In summer we run from the car anticipating that first cool splash of water.  Then we sit on our float tubes and listen to the birds and insects announcing our arrival and how hot it is.  Sometimes I even bring a bar of ivory soap (it floats!) and wash my younger kids. There is a little bridge that they jump off of into the water.  I've done it twice, which is enough for me, don't-you-know.
The swimming days have changed into brisk fall days.  The bright daytime sun and crisp cool nights are magically transforming the landscape.  The leaves are putting on their best and brightest and I am part of their captive audience.