I don’t know just how many times I’ve driven past this reservoir and never stopped. Decade after decade of driving past here, always wondering what it’s like. Well finally, with Hawklad, Scaling Dam became the destination. Now I know.
It’s one of those reservoirs that looks natural apart from one side which is a bit too artificial.
I once knew someone who bought a sailing boat here. Apparently he saw an advert for it in a newspaper. Yes that was in the time before THE INTERNET….
He had no interest in sailing, I mean ZERO interest. To my knowledge he never once sailed his craft, it just sat tethered to where he found it. Yet virtually every Sunday he would drive here and spend hours sat on board. He would do nothing apart from eat his packed lunch and just relax. It worked for him. Maybe it saved him. I know that he had suffered from mental health issues for years. I remember at least two breakdowns and one suicide attempt. Nothing seemed to work for him. But suddenly on this boat, he found a place he could relax. A place he could actually enjoy. He talked about finally having something to look forward to, something he could rely on. This made such a difference to him. The last time we spoke he had even started to plan his next unmoving boat purchase. This time somewhere warm, maybe The Mediterranean.
I wonder where his boat is tethered currently.
A Dad trying to cope with the loss of his Partner and becoming a single parent. 
A very uplifting story Gary. Something this is just we need- a safe space
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Safe spaces can make such a difference
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Very right my friend
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A beautiful story, Gary. Your friend is a lucky man to have found his salvation.
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I think he really knew how lucky he was to find something like the boat when he would usually have never given a boat a second thought.
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It looks a relaxing place to be. It feels to me like it’s a hidden place that doesn’t get used. So a chance to have it to yourself moment.
I hope that friend found another safe place to relax at.
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Just a few yards away is a really busy road, yet so few stop.
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Fascinating. Maybe you and Hawklad will find yours
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Let’s hope so Derrick
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That’s a lovely story, Gary. I can envisage the peace of just sitting there. I’ve driven past many times as well, but I think only walked around it once- to see what there is to see! It can be bleak in winter, but sometimes quite lively with sailing craft. I’d like me a boat to just sit on.
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He talked about how rough it bit even when it was moored up.
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I relate to your friend. There is something peaceful just being on the water, whether under sail or anchored.
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Water does me so much good.
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So beautiful, Gary. I’m so glad that you took a different path and explored this with Hawklad.
It is beautiful when a destination, often nature, can bring healing and solace to someone. I’m glad it did for that gentleman. And I hope it brings something new for you two as well! 🙏💕
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We all need need those places, as I’ve got older I value these places more and more ❤️
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The proximity to water has a very soothing effect and that reservoir is beautiful. I’m glad you finally went to see it.
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I miss not have a water feature in the garden
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A place of peace and quiet, sounds like a plan, sounds like those allotments the dutch have to go and escape to at the weekend.
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It does. Maybe we all need some form of this.
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The boat story is a deeply moving one. There’s so much literature out there on the importance of finding our own type of quiet, but this story cuts through with its poignancy. I hope the man will always have his boat.
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Let’s hope so, or maybe it’s served its purpose and he’s flying in life now.
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That’s a nice thought🩵
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