Boise, ID

It hit 98 degrees on Thursday and I suddenly became a lot more interested in that Sandy Point Park I had heard so much about. I swung by Andrew’s and Brendan’s houses told them to pack up swimsuits, sandals, and towels and headed out towards the Highway and the Reservoir.
To get to Sandy Point we took Warm Springs Road out to Highway 21, taking a left onto the highway and turning into the parking lot next to the park. We parked in the lot just outside the gates, unsure of whether or not Sandy Point charged for parking. Grabbing our swimsuits together we clambered down the hill onto the paved walking and cycling path that runs along the reservoir connecting Sandy Point with the park that looks out on the rooster tail. Walking along the path we checked out all the large orb spiders nestled beneath the corners and nooks of the fence. We walked through a gate and into the park area of Sandy Point, heading towards the public restrooms to change.
Outside the restrooms I took time to check out the swimming hot spot I had heard so much about. I believe Sandy Point used to be called rocky point, until a while back when sand was brought in to make it a little bit more foot friendly. The sand its self still remains a bit gravely and thick, meaning its not quite Long Beach in southern California, but it serves its purpose. A large shallow lake area reaches out from the sand towards a rock wall that sits alongside the highway. In the center of the far side of the lake protrudes a huge fountain. Beside the sandy beach is a large grassy area complete with mature trees, picnic tables, and barbeque stands. Towering above the park is a huge green lettered message insisting, “Keep our Forests Green.” People spread out on blankets and towels below enjoying lunch and meandering down to the water to cool off.

We followed suit dropping off our things a ways from the water, and slowly wading into the pool, sucking in our stomachs as the chill shocked our skin. About waste deep in the water the murky bottom of the lake got warm and slightly mossy. Tiny fish swam unafraid between our legs occasionally brushing up against us. There are several good reasons for wearing water shoes at Sandy Point. The sand itself, as previously mentioned, is more grainy then soft between ones toes. Also the algae growing at the bottom can, according to Andrew who waded barefoot, present quite an unusual sensation. In addition, the heavy use of the park leaves behind a lot of debris, including bottle caps and old Capri Sun packets.
Andrew and Brendan allowed themselves to get about neck deep before the got cold enough to get out. On shore we decided to bury each other in the sand. One by one we each took turns getting piled high with sand, then after a picture, exploding out from beneath the weight and submerging ourselves in the lake to rinse the sand off.

We dried off on our way back to the car, having our fill of swimming for the day and ready for a real shower. Sandy Point is a good place for a short visit, picnic, or perhaps a kid’s party. With plenty of space and swimming activities small kids would really enjoy a dip in this shallow lake. For more information check www.visitidaho.org.