Lakeside living: my favourite place in Ajax, Ontario

This isn't actually the lake but

it's a nice creek on the Waterfront Trail

Early Sunday morning my parents left me home alone to go to Mexico. I was initially excited to have the house to myself but I quickly learned that I’m much needier than I thought. On the first day I spent all day lying on the couch with my dog and, aside from walking her twice, I had done nothing else. It was pathetic.

Thankfully Carlos came to my rescue and volunteered to move in with me for a few days. After class we came home to do homework but we ended up falling asleep for an hour. We woke up feeling exhausted, pressured and unmotivated so I decided I would show him my favourite place in Ajax, the Ajax Waterfront.

 

Beautiful scenery

Ajax's Waterfront Trail

When I feel overwhelmed it helps me to breathe and focus on my surroundings. Where better to do this than the shoreline of Lake Ontario? There is a long trail surrounded by trees that passes through Ajax, along the shoreline. The trail is full of people taking their kids and dogs for a walk, rollerblading, cycling and jogging. It’s like something out of Body Break

All it takes to get to the lake is to stray from the path and pick a spot. There are big, smooth rocks to sit on and watch the waves crash. The sound is just loud enough to drown out my inner monologue and bring me back to the present.

Kicking back at my favourite spot

Major improvements

The lake wasn’t always this nice. As far back as I can remember the lake has been really smelly and stunk up the neighbourhood in the heat. In fact, I used to avoid going near the lake altogether. However, in recent years the town has made a commitment to make the lake more enjoyable. Thanks to this project there’s now a designated swimming area where the water has been cleaned. It’s very exciting to finally get to be able to step in the lake without worrying about growing a sixth toe.  

The town has preserved a
beautiful, bucolic setting at
the lake 

A calming environment

Once me and Carlos got to the lake we sat on a log and petted my dog, Cheesecake. Carlos tried (and failed) to skip rocks while Cheesecake chased them. We didn’t talk, we just took in the sights and sounds and felt the cool breeze. After a few minutes we decided to head home.

I later asked Carlos what he thought of the lake. He said he felt serene and that for a moment he had no worries. Carlos explained that since he currently lives in residence at school he is constantly reminded of schoolwork. He felt as though he had left the city on a vacation and it was a welcome break from the overwhelming thoughts of midterms. He told me that taking in the scenery and watching Cheesecake’s excitement at something as simple as waves crashing relaxed him and grounded him. I was happy to hear that I could share this special place with a friend and that he would find in it the same pleasure as I do. 

Cheesecake and Carlos enjoyed some bonding time

I’d love to hear from you guys about how you decompress! Do you have a special place you visit when you’re feeling overwhelmed or need a break?