You probably won't be visiting Alaska just for a swim. Nor should you be. There are plenty of better places for that. Like, everywhere else, save for Siberia, maybe. Indeed, we -- at least those of us who live in Anchorage -- don't do it often. It rarely gets hot enough. Rarely, but it does happen. There are usually a few days in the summer where the mercury rises past 80 degrees, when the sub-Arctic sun-beams plant dry, burning hot kisses on your skull. When the pull of summer and all of the season's sensual pleasures — sand between toes, the smell of suntan lotion, the vaguely briny taste of lake water as it drips off your hair onto your lips — are irresistible.
Anchorage has two official swimming spots, Jewel and Goose lakes, with supervised swim areas. Lifeguards are on duty from noon to 9 p.m. daily in summer. The lakes have sandy beaches, as well as nearby softball and volleyball courts. They also have vending booths where you can buy a hot dog and a soda, and at Goose Lake at least, you can rent a paddle boat.
I go at least once a year to Goose Lake, right up the road from my house, for a dip. And I love it. The last time I went I brought 10-year-old niece, who was visiting from Iowa. She and I splashed around with fellow Alaskans — many of whom, lacking a bathing suit -- were swimming in jeans and T-shirts. We floated on our backs on a dreamy July day and stared at the Chugach Mountains in the distance, mountains that in about six weeks or so would see the first frosting of snow, called termination dust.
"Swimming in Alaska feels different than swimming in Iowa," said my niece, looking around at all of the lily white bodies.
It does feel different. You should try it.
Contact Amanda Coyne at amanda(at)alaskadispatch.com.